PG SCHOOL 09 PROOF

FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE

Kick the Kindergarten Blues!

Tips to Adjust to School

Keeping Kids Safe

Special Back to School Edition!

Safety Patrol Program

The Secrets Children Carry What Backpacks Say About Kids

www.parentguide.com

2 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Be a n Eco - H e ro

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Where kids teach kids about money and business.

Catch Biz Kid$ Sundays at 9:30 a.m. on Your Primary PBS Station Serving the Florida Suncoast 813.254.9338 • wedu.org WEDU 3.1

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4 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Editor’s Letter Geodie Baxter Padgett

The Real Cost of Back to School Just before the start of my first year in high school, my mother handed me $100 and told me this was all the money I had for school clothes. “Spend it wisely,” she cautioned. Of course, I was dumbstruck, and once she noticed my blank, confused stare, she took a moment to explain a little more.

In the past, we had always had a quite lavish shopping spree before school began, one that included lunch and trips to numerous high-end department stores with shiny new clothes. It was an annual adventure, and one that I looked forward to.

But this year was different. We were remodeling our home. Something at my father’s work had suddenly moved him to give up a very high-paying, prestigious job to start his own law firm. And just for fun, the economy had landed in another recession. In other words, our life had changed.

I remember looking at the money in my hand and wondering if I could get enough clothes to start the school year off right, to look chic and cool like all my friends. I’d never had to be responsible for “budgeting” my money. And as we drove to the mall, I found myself heading to stores I normally didn’t shop at in order to stretch my dollars.

At first, it felt a little awkward. I really didn’t know how to spend my money (or where

Quote: Too many people spend money they

items were in these strange stores). So, I took a minute and thought about it. I knew I would be most comfortable in pants, and that I could get more pants than dresses for the same amount of money.

With those thoughts, I concluded that it made sense to shop for pants and tops. I headed

haven’t earned,

to the nearest sales person and asked where I would find pants in my size, and in just 10

to buy things they

minutes had made my first purchase. In the end, I had successfully purchased four pairs of

don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.

pants, four tops to mix and match with the pants and a pair of shoes. I think I even had a couple dollars left over.

Now granted, that was a few years ago (okay, quite a few years ago), and we all know the likelihood of getting that many clothes for $100 today isn’t very high. Nonetheless, this exercise in budgeting was a good one for me. It taught me a lot about the value of a dollar,

- Will Rogers

something I had never known before.

This year, I’m going to do something similar with my own children as we begin the process of back-to-school shopping. They’re not quite ready to be given money outright to spend. (I can still see my youngest son insisting that a baseball cap is an essential school clothing item.) But I plan to include them closely in the process of knowing what our budget is and the cost of items we’re purchasing. I also intend to let them make more of the choices regarding how their money is spent (this shirt versus that shirt, etc.). My hope is that through this process, and similar experiences where they’re taught the value of money, my boys will be far better budgeters than I was when they enter high school. After all, learning to manage money is just as important as learning to read.

Geodie Baxter Padgett PARENTGUIDE.COM

5

EASIER.

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Shopping to suit your life.

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www.UniversityMallTampa.com If you haven’t visited University Mall recently, you’re missing the new pirate themed children’s play area, expanded restrooms, nursing rooms, FREE Wi-Fi and so much more. Get ready for Back-To-School with great values on school uniforms, the perfect outfit for the 1st day of school and even a great haircut. University Mall has it all!

A change you can see.

Aeropostale • The Children’s Place • Dillard’s Clearance Center • Forever XXI • Old Navy

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING EVENT nd Saturday, August 22

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

■ Meet Maya & Miguel from PBS Kids ■ Back To School Fashion Show

■ Baby Loves Disco Activities ■ Make & Take Cra�s & More

6 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ParentGuide®

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 2009-10

Vol. 13 No. 3 TAMPA BAY

® FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE

Celebrating 12 years of excellence in family publishing!

Publisher SC Media Group info@sc-mediagroup.com Executive Editor Geodie Baxter Padgett editor@parentguide.com Web Editor Pamela Ray webeditor@parentguide.com Contributing Writers Jacqueline Bodnar, Jessica Brady, Ruth Broadwater Jessica Fisher, Sandra Gordon, Leticia Messam and Gina Roberts-Grey Financial Director Marnie Maxwell marnie@parentguide.com Creative Director Carolyn L. Orr edc@parentguide.com VP of National Marketing Mike Menster mike@parentguide.com Marketing Consultants Tiffany Moncada tiffany@parentguide.com Sheila Kilpatrick sheila@parentguide.com Jennifer Harvey jen@parentguide.com Karen Allen karena@parentguide.com Events Director Andrea Mitchell andrea@parentguide.com Web Host Karen Houlding web@parentguide.com The ParentGuide® 120 East State Street, Suite 105-A Oldsmar, FL 34677 1-866-784-8433 Pinellas 727-724-8433 Hillsborough 813-749-8215 fax: 813-855-3158 info@sc-mediagroup.com sc-mediagroup.com For Advertising Opportunities Call 1-866-784-8433 The Back to School Guide is a publication of the ParentGuide® and Spectrum Communications Media Group, Inc. It is distributed to readers at no charge. To have it mailed directly to your home contact us at parentguide.com. It is available at exclusive locations such as Shapes Total Fitness, Crispers restaurants and all ParentGuide® event locations. Select locations include pediatrician offices, hospitals, retailers, libraries and more.

ParentGuide® is available through digital media. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork, designs and editorials printed in the ParentGuide® are the sole property of the ParentGuide® and SC Media Group, Inc. and may not be duplicated or reproduced without the permission of the ParentGuide® or SC Media Group, Inc. ParentGuide® and SC Media Group, Inc. are not responsible for typographical errors, the accuracy of information provided or the actions of the advertisers. Readers should verify the advertising information with advertisers. Unless otherwise specified, all advertising specials are only valid until the publication of the next guide or expiration date of the advertiser. ParentGuide® and Spectrum Communications Media Group, Inc. reserves the right to designate one company per advertisement and to refuse any advertising for any reason. The views expressed in the guide are not necessarily those of the publisher. The ParentGuide® and SC Media Group, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the outcome arising from the contents of the publication.

5

Editor’s Letter 12 What a Backpack Says About Your Child Gina Roberts-Grey explores a child’s connection to his backpack.

16 Clothing Your Kids Without Losing Your Shirt Great tips to outfit your child in style for school.

18 Kick the Kindergarten Blues

Going off to kindergarten impacts the whole family. Learn how to help every family member handle the adjustment.

24 Be a Champion of Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here’s what you can do to make it the easiest and most fun!

26 Lunches Kids will Love

Sandra Gordon examines why lunch is more important than we think for kids at school and how we can make it taste even better.

30 2009-10 Guide to Schools

Here’s a list of Tampa Bay Schools to assist you in making placement choices for your children.

38 School Safety Patrol Program Still Going Strong The AAA School Safety Program has been keeping kids safe for decades.

40 Help Us Reduce Childhood Injuries

Schools open, so make sure you know what to do to help keep kids safe.

54 Excelling in Education

Ruth Broadwater offers some great tips to get teens started off on the right foot this school year—and how to keep them headed in the right direction.

56 Improving Handwriting

So many kids are dealing with fine motor skill issues that handwriting may be suffering. Learn how to improve your child’s handwriting with these fun, easy tips.

Events Calendar FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE

Kick the Kindergarten Blues!

Tips to Adjust to School

Special Back to School Edition!

Keeping Kids Safe Safety Patrol Program

The Secrets Children Carry What Backpacks Say About Kids

www.parentguide.com

Visit www.ParentGuide.com

On the Cover

Back to school is the most wonderful time of the year as our cover model, Cody, shows us with the his backpack and school clothes. Photographer is Shannon Livingston at shannonlivingston.com.

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8 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

KIDS FIRST! Family Flicks Free Fun for the Whole Family

Bring your blanket and pillow. Jammies allowed!

Movies on the Waterfront

Movies in the Park

On the downtown St.Petersburg waterfront- Facing Tampa Bay Every3rd Saturday at dusk September 19 October 17 November 21 December 19

Downtown Gazebo on Main Street At the John Wilson Park

The St. Pete Pier

Safety Harbor

Every 4th Friday at nightfall September 25 October 23 November 27 December 25

Family Flicks

Dunedin Fine Art Center Every 2nd Sunday, Starts at 1:30pm September 13 October 11 November 8 December 13 Log on to parentguide.com for movie schedule and event details Sponsored in part by:

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Four Days & Nights of FREE Jazz!

Boney James The Neville Brothers

Chris Botti & More!

OCTOBER 15 - 18, 2009 COACHMAN PARK In cooperation with

TAMPA BAY’S ORIGINAL AND MOST COMPLETE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

TAMPA BAY

®

Visit www.ClearwaterJazz.com This project was funded in part by the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program.

10 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

, don t miss The SeCONd Annual

$ 5000 In Award Prizes!

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This project was funded in part by the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program. 11 PARENTGUIDE.COM Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

What a Backpack Says About Your Child By Gina Roberts-Grey At first glance, a child’s backpack appears to be nothing more than an efficient means of transporting homework, school correspondence or report cards to and from school. Every year, thousands of bags made of durable cloth, heavy duty zippers and waterproof canvas are carefully scrutinized by children who diligently select the backpack whose features are most suited to their needs. Whether a backpack’s ergonomic gel straps attract your child’s eye, or he finds the brightly colored piping and embellishments appealing, every child has their own requirements for what his backpack must offer.

Unsuspecting parents don’t realize that by purchasing a backpack, they’re bringing home a potential barometer of their child’s mood, a security item, source of comfort or predictor of what happens on the bus. Take a closer look at his backpack, and you’ll realize that it tells a great deal about your child and provides great insight into his personality traits and characteristics.

Exteriors…

Adorned with stickers, key chains and pins, the outside of a child’s backpack provides the first and most blatant clues about him. Often, the accoutrements that your child delicately removes from his old backpack, and carefully selects a new location to place on his new bag, are seen as nothing more than useless trinkets to us.

In reality, these accessories represent various passages and rituals that have taken place in your child’s life. You see a plastic keychain he won at a local carnival or a trophy he proudly collected for successfully ringing a bottle with a plastic hoop. The torn and tattered stickers you are badges of honor he collected after feeding countless quarters to a relentless vending machine at the grocery store in pursuit of the exact stickers he needed to complete his collection.

Whatever your child uses to dress-up his backpack, the decorations he selects also send the message that he’s proud of who he is and what he’s accomplished. Sports lovers may proudly carry a backpack emblazoned with the logo of a favorite team, while princesses opt for bags with unicorns, uplifting character descriptions such as “Diva,” “Kitten” and the obvious, but appropriate, “Princess.”

12 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Your child’s backpack can also deliver messages and aide in teaching him lessons of everyday life.

Interestingly, many children who have never played baseball select a backpack featuring a favorite local team, or the team favored by their friends and parents in an attempt to fit in.

Children wanting to be noticed or stand out in a playground crowd may chose an outrageous color or unusually shaped bag.

Organized and patient children tend to neatly slide papers and books into their backpack, while children who are impetuous and preoccupied with coming home or after school activities often have the contents of their backpack spilling out.

If your child’s backpack manages to remain reasonably clean throughout the year, chances are you’re raising a meticulous person with high regard for his possessions and personal space. A bag filled with crumbs or that touts the stains and traces of yesterday’s lunch doesn’t necessarily mean your child is messy or uninterested in hygiene. Looking past the stains, his crumbs and messy bag explain your child is a social individual who is as comfortable sharing snacks with friends on the bus as he is with himself as a person. It can also indicate your child draws security from taking his backpack with him to lunch and on fieldtrips or sees his backpack as an extension of his life at home.

Tossing a backpack on the foyer floor is quite different than dutifully hanging it on the back of a chair at the kitchen table.

How your child handles and treats his backpack in the first moments of arriving home grants great insight into how his day progressed at school. A bag dragged along the sidewalk shows feelings of exhaustion, disgust or dejection. A bag that’s carried in front of him indicates your child may be excited or anxious to show you its contents or feels he’s carrying something he must protect. Happy to present you with a newly graded report or his report card, a child may carry his bag with him all the way to you while a child who had a bad day in school may dismiss his bag at the front door hoping to sever ties with his day at school.

Interiors…

Overloaded with spelling tests and social studies books, many backpacks serve as travel-sized mobile homes. Linking his two worlds together, a backpack travels with your child as he crosses in and out of the realms of home and school. Often times, items found at school or treasured at home make the daily pilgrimage with your child, secretly tucked away in his backpack. Cleaning out his backpack you may learn your child transports a few favorite trading cards or pint-sized doll accessories inside one of the many inner compartments. With these items are close at hand, the backpack serves as a private haven for security items a child may rely on when away from home.

Pack rats tend to instinctively select bags with several compartments and storage options, while minimalists prefer one or two main pockets. Collectors of playground rocks, pencil erasers and notes passed in class relish backpacks with at least one easy to access pocket on the outside, while children craving privacy gravitate to backpacks with flaps that conceal their contents.

Gina Roberts-Grey

And more...

Your child’s backpack can also deliver messages and aide in teaching him lessons of everyday life. If your child tends to frequently forget to bring home his daily planner, tying a small piece of colored yarn to the zipper’s pull can trigger a reminder to check for his planner. Tucking a picture of your child’s pet or a note of encouragement on an upcoming math test inside a “secret” compartment can teach him to look through his entire backpack to locate homework assignments that may be misplaced.

Online Resources Tired of visiting several stores in search of the perfect backpack?

Check out these on-line options for stress free shopping from home: www.ebags.com – Features functional name- brand bags often at discounted prices. Also offers laptop style backpacks and bags on wheels. www.evertize.com/backpacks – Provide clear and mesh seethrough backpacks that offer added element of security and the Mochi-Pak which is a newly designed saddlebag style backpack for kids that provides even load distribution. www.youtrek-backpacks.com – Featuring unique looks such as camelback, split and lumbar packs for the student who is looking for a backpack that doubles as a suitcase or camping accessory.

Gina Roberts-Grey is a mom and regular contributor to regional and national parenting magazines. She can be reached via her website, www.ginaroberts-grey.com.

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13

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Coffee Talk with Cafe Moms Support, Education and Encouragement There when you Need it!

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15

CLOTHING YOUR KIDS WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SHIRT Back to School Shopping That Fits the Budget

By Jessica Fisher It seems every time I turn around one of my boys is sporting “high waters” because he’s outgrown his pants.

And the girls? Well, it’s just the same. (That’s not really a crop top she’s wearing; her shirt’s just too small.)

Sound familiar? Children outgrow their clothes rather quickly. And if it’s not the size they’ve outgrown, it must be the style. What’s a parent to do? Go shopping, of course.

But, before you spend a small fortune on back to school clothes, consider a few of these money saving tips.

Get the family on board There’s nothing more frustrating that to search for a

good deal and to have your child refuse to wear the shirt you scored at a great price. Instead, talk with your children about your budget. Explain to them exactly what needs to happen–purchase clothing for a limited amount of money. Together, go through the dressers and closets and discuss what they need, what they want and what’s most important to them. Be firm on your budget, but flexible on how it’s spent. Make your expectations clear, but get their input and work it into your decisions.

Sell What You Have While you’re all knee deep in the closet, pull out the

items that your child no longer wears, likes or that no longer fit. Pass these on to a younger sibling. Whatever doesn’t pass muster with him can be sold at a garage sale, a consignment shop, or on eBay. Use the funds that this generates to purchase replacement garments. Increasing the clothing budget this way can be a great motivation for a child to downsize.

16 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Communicate to your kids the value of stretching your dollar and teach them that excess is not the best way to go.

Buy Used Though you or your children may balk at the idea of someone

else’s “hand-me-downs,” the reality is that you can find gently used, if not practically brand new clothes second-hand. Check out yard sales, thrift stores, consignment stores and Ebay for good deals on clothing, shoes and accessories that someone else no longer wants.

Buy Online If you prefer to buy retail, there are still ways to save a pretty penny. Making your purchases through the Internet can save you more than just the gas money to go shopping in town.

Depending on where you live, you can avoid paying sales tax, and certain vendors regularly offer reduced or free shipping.

Sign up with Ebates.com, an online rebate program that gives you cash back on all your purchases. Check their database of over 1000 online stores before you shop. Retailmenot. com provides a database of online coupon codes that can be redeemed when you make an internet purchase. Shops like OldNavy.com and LandsEnd.com regularly host great clearance sales and online specials. Their shipping prices are reasonable, and if you need to return something, you can walk it into your local store rather than having to mail it back. (Lands End purchases can be returned at Sears.)

Buy On Sale/Clearance You want it in your hot little hands right now? No problem.

Brick and mortar stores offer frequent turnover, oftentimes reducing the prices after something has been on the rack a mere six weeks. Check out the clearance section before you even look at the newest arrivals. Chances are you’ll find just what your child needs at a fraction of the price. Prepare a list of your child’s clothing needs before you hit the mall. Stick to the list and don’t be swayed by the sales clerk who wants to sell you more.

Buy Classic Purchasing trendy clothing isn’t generally the biggest bang

for your buck. Discuss the pros and cons with your kids and do some savvy negotiating. Consider building a classic wardrobe of basics, such as jeans, tennis shoes and shirts, as well as working in some more hip garments and accessories. Communicate to your kids the value of stretching your dollar.

Buy Less It may seem scandalous to reduce their stock of shoes, T-shirts, and hoodies, but debt and bailouts are pretty scandalous, too.

Let’s teach our kids that excess is really not the best way to go.

Younger children really don’t need more than 6 outfits if you do laundry on a regular basis. Your older children may want more variety. If that’s the case, lean toward garments that will mix and match so that they can make limitless combinations.

Online helps: Ebates.com eBay.com Oldnavy.com LandsEnd.com Retailmenot.com

Jessica Fisher Jessica Fisher is a wife, mother, and freelance writer, making her home near San Diego. She regularly writes about fun, frugality, and the pursuit of a clean house at www.lifeasmom.com.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

17

Kick the Kindergarten

Blues

A Guide for the Whole Family

by Gina Roberts-Grey

As the lazy days of summer start to disappear, a familiar buzz of activity begins to occur at shopping centers and department stores. Children sharpen their pencils and eagerly anticipate the start of the new school year. To a child going off to kindergarten, this experience is often filled with great trepidation.

He grows anxious wondering what his new teacher will be like and skillfully persuades you to search for the best and brightest school supplies.

This year, you and your future kindergartener will join the ranks of parents flipping through folders searching for a favorite color and stocking up on glue sticks, all to support your child’s transition into his first day of school.

Whether he’s set on finding the coolest backpack or worried about where to sit on the bus, every child experiences a bit of anxiety about his first day of school. Even the most confident of children wonder if the kids in the class like him, if they’ll get lost on the playground or receive a lot of homework. As the big day draws near, you focus on ensuring your child is ready to go to school. You attempt to answer his questions in a way that combines honesty and reassurance.

One source of tension that is easily overlooked is the changes that kindergarten brings for the rest of the family. Many parents don’t realize that the focused effort on transitioning a child to kindergarten affects the entire household in a variety of ways.

These unexpected effects, coupled with your new kindergartner’s apprehension, can leave a parent feeling lost in the sandbox without a shovel!

Knowing what to expect makes this new adventure easier for the whole family. Understanding that parents, kids going to kindergarten and siblings remaining at home all need to adjust to the is the first step to a smooth transition for everyone.

Talking openly about the fears, questions and preconceived ideas of going to school will help your soon-to-be kindergartener transition from a world where he chooses when to play with legos and when to read a book, to a classroom filled with structure. Knowing his worries are normal gives him the added confidence to accept this new challenge. Having your supportive and sympathetic ear to listen to him ask five times a day which

18 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

line to get into to go to his classroom gives him the security to successfully make the leap toward independence.

If he’s experiencing a great deal of anxiety about being away from home, consider taping a few small favorite photos inside his backpack. Having pictures of his family or pets available to sneak a quick last look at can help provide additional comfort.

Establishing a consistent routine for school pick-up and drop-off lends additional comfort for kids struggling to adjust.

It is also important to not set unrealistic expectations for the first days of school. Avoid telling him school “is only an hour” or “there’s no such thing as homework in kindergarten” in an attempt to ease his separation anxiety or stress. Be careful not to establish a routine for getting him off to school that will be difficult to maintain. If you set a precedent by driving him to school instead of him taking the bus, it may be more difficult to ease him into taking the bus later in the school year.

The first day of school opens the door to an exciting new world of opportunities for your family.

School is a family affair

Younger siblings often experience a sense of loss or displacement during the first days of kindergarten. They do not always understand that the big brother or sister who is typically around to wrestle, fight or read with is no longer at their disposal. They may feel jealous over the attention shown to their kindergarten sibling and may regress in behavior as a means of dealing with their sorrow.

Creating a diversion for your younger children helps them cope with the sudden change. Take your 3-year-old on an adventure walk for just the two of you after dropping your older child at school. Plan to spend a portion of the time at home without your kindergartener focusing on the interests and development of your younger kids. Playing dress-up, building forts and sharing a routine grilled cheese sandwich lets younger children know their security is not in jeopardy. Enlist your younger child’s assistance to create a special lunch all of you can share before or after school in order to help your children maintain their bond during this transition.

While you’re busy taking care of your children’s concerns surrounding kindergarten it is easy to forget to indulge your emotions. Whether this is your first child to go to school, or the last, you’ll greet this day with mixed emotions. From resisting the compelling urge to follow the bus in route to school or sitting on your ‘baby’s’ bed to have a cleansing cry, you’re sure to notice the immediate difference in the activity at home.

Although the maturity and independence of our children is something every parent expects, it is not always easy to welcome this new stage.

If your emotions seem to be getting the best of you as you mark this milestone, make plans to go to coffee or for a walk with a friend. Just as your kindergartener needs a support system to muster the courage to get on the bus, parents sometimes rely on the strength of friends to supply the two-ply tissues after the bus pulls away.

Just because it may not seem like the typical reason to plan a celebration, consider making the first day of school a new family “holiday.” Plan a party or special meal to celebrate everyone’s day. Use the time back at home to reconnect as a family and for everyone to share the details of their day. You’ll ease everyone into this new phase and create a memorable family tradition at the same time.

The first day of school opens the door to an exciting new world of opportunities for your family. While meeting new friends, encountering bullies and winning spelling contests will be memorable, the very first day of school is a memory he’ll keep with him for many years. Knowing how to help everyone prepare for the big day will assist in creating a pleasant and smooth experience for your family.

Gina Roberts-Grey Gina Roberts-Grey is a mom and regular contributor to regional and national parenting magazines. She can be reached via her website, www.ginaroberts-grey.com.

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19

Presented by Hillsborough Kids, Inc.

Fostering Love Some days the responsibilities seem almost unmanageable, but it’s the other days that foster parents cling to – the days of easy smiles and milestones met, like a foster child’s improved report card or better behavior at home. These are the joys of foster parenthood. You see the changes you have made in the life of children who came to you with next to nothing, except perhaps their anger and distrust, children who need your patience as they slowly open up.

This is the life of Karen Joiner. Over the years, she and her husband Terry have fostered no less than 60 children, including, in one case, a foster girl’s newborn baby. At the moment they have four foster children, as well as three they adopted out of care, and another biological child. It’s quite the brood: the Joiners spend $400 every week for groceries.

The family lives in a four bedroom house on seven acres of land. They have almost as many pets as children–parrots, ducks, horses, dogs and cats. “Some of the city kids are like, ‘Oh, boy, I’m out in the boonies,’” but that wears off fast, says Karen. “It’s just a really good environment.”

She even has the kids participating in 4-H. Karen Joiner succeeds at foster parenting because she never stops talking to the kids. She keeps the lines of communication open. “I want my kids to be happy,” says Karen. “I want them to succeed.”

There are many people who believe that foster care is too much work, that foster kids are bad kids who can’t be helped, that dealing with the social services and court bureaucracy will mean constant frustration.

But they don’t know what Karen Joiner knows: foster children love you back. They fill her heart as much as she seeks to fill theirs. With every one, Karen tries to make a difference. Every time she succeeds, she gets a satisfaction like none other. The proof is in the foster kids who still call her after they have turned 18 and are on their own.

There are always more children in need than foster parents available to care for them. This is an occupation where the “Help Wanted” sign is always up. Is the job challenging? Yes. Rewarding? You bet. Interested?

We hope so.

For more information, call Hillsborough Kids, Inc., at 813-643-KIDS.

20 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Foster parents can change the world

one family at a time.

Nurture children.

Mentor families.

Become a foster parent.

Call 813-643-KIDS or visit www.hillsboroughkids.org to learn more.

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21

Exactly What You Didn’t Expect We are not your typical history museum.

We are “hands on,” offering fun and interactive exhibits for grown-ups and kids alike.

Hop in the saddle and ride

along on a cattle drive. Dress up in period clothes in the kid-sized Cracker Cabin.

Row a crewing scull up the Hillsborough River.

Guide trains on the Tiny Tampa

play table. So, come and create memories while reflecting on the past.

801 Old Water Street • Tampa, Florida 33602 813.228.0097 • www.tampabayhistorycenter.org

22 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

2 0 0 9

Meeting the Needs of Young Children and Families “Every Moment matters”

Early Childhood Council in collaboration with Florida Association for Infant Mental Health

November 18, 19 & 20, 2009 Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay 2900 Bayport Drive Tampa, Florida 33607 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc. Florida Association for Infant Mental Health The Florida Center for Child & Family Development Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County Sarasota Partnership for Children’s Mental Health Children’s Future Hillsborough Success 4 Kids and Families Infants & Young Children of West Central Florida Lakeshore Learning Center Parent Guide Children’s Board of Hillsborough County PARENTGUIDE.COM

23

Be a Champion of Breakfast!

Help Your Family Start the Day Right

By Jessica Fisher Certainly you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After abstaining from food all night, the morning meal is to “break the fast” and reload your body with the energy it needs to get through the day. Without fuel in the tank, you will soon be running on empty.

But there are more reasons to make breakfast a priority for your family. Children who eat a good breakfast every morning tend to concentrate better at school, and therefore, are apt to learn better.

Some have even claimed that breakfast can contribute to better attendance, fewer tardies and higher test scores.

Studies have also suggested that there is a lower chance of childhood obesity in kids who eat breakfast. By making sure your children have a morning meal, you will help them spread out their caloric intake throughout the day, thereby reducing the likelihood of overeating later in the day.

24 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

However, managing to get food on the table in the wee hours of the morning can be a challenge for the parent who needs to get the team moving in time for the morning dash to school and work. But, don’t throw in the towel! With determination and a little creative organization, you can make mornings and healthy meals a winning combination at your house every day.

Have a plan. While some kids may like a favorite cereal seven days a week, the same- old-same-old can get a little boring. Make a list of different food items you could make for each day of the week. With a plan, you’ll avoid having to think creatively at 7:00 a.m., and your kids can know what to look forward to. Ask for their input so that they have some ownership in the process as well.

Studies have also suggested that there is a lower chance of childhood obesity in kids who eat breakfast.

SOME GREAT BREAKFAST FOODS fruit and yogurt smoothies yogurt cottage cheese and fruit oatmeal or other hot cereal cold cereal pancakes waffles French toast toast and cheese bagels English muffin with peanut butter muffins scones applesauce hard-boiled eggs scrambled eggs egg casserole omelets quiche breakfast burrito breakfast sandwich (egg, sausage or ham, cheese on toast or an English muffin) coffee cake

Cook ahead. There are lots of breakfast foods that can be

made ahead of time to save you precious morning minutes.

Bake up a double batch of waffles or pancakes and freeze them between layers of waxed paper in a zip-top bag. They can easily be reheated in the microwave or toaster. Egg dishes or coffee cake can be mixed up the night before and popped in the oven before you head to the shower in the morning. Even oatmeal or applesauce ingredients can be placed in the crockpot to cook overnight.

Blend it. Smoothies are a nutritious and delicious option.

Start with 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit. Blueberries, bananas and strawberries all work well. Blend until smooth. Adjust ingredients to suit your personal preferences.

Often you can blend in high protein items (like tofu or wheat germ) without changing the flavor.

Stick with whole grains. Breakfast will not pack as big a punch or have staying power if it is composed of highly processed ingredients, like white bread and flours. Choose whole grain cereals and breads. When making pancakes or waffles, use half white flour and half whole wheat flour in the recipe. Make oats a regular part of your family’s diet.

These changes may take some getting used to, but it will pay off in increased nutrition and energy for your family.

Avoid highly sugared foods. Better to let the kids

sprinkle some granulated sugar on plain cereal than to buy Sugar Coated Candy Bombs for breakfast. They’ll have energy, all right, enough to send them to the moon. Save the sweets for dessert and limit your kids’ sugar intake in the morning. Their teachers will thank you for it.

Think outside the box. Don’t hesitate to serve “non-

traditional” foods for breakfast, such as your child’s favorite leftovers, a burrito or a turkey sandwich. It doesn’t have to be a grand-slam special to be a good day-starter.

Crockpot Oatmeal and Apples serves1-2

If you prefer your oatmeal to have a thin consistency, add more water. For thicker, chewier oatmeal, use the smaller amount of water.

1-2 cups water 1 cup old-fashioned, toasted rolled oats 1 small apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 1 T. butter 1 T. brown sugar Pour water into small crockpot (1 QT size). Add oats. Place apple slices on top of oats. Top with butter and sugar. Cook on low overnight. Serve with a little fresh cream on top.

Jessica Fisher Jessica Fisher is a wife, mother of six, and freelance writer, making her home in San Diego. She regularly writes about delicious ways to feed a family at www.goodcheapeats.com.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

25

Lunches Kids Will Love

By Sandra Gordon

You probably know that kids shouldn’t leave the house without having a healthy breakfast. But lunch is just as important. Eating every four hours or so helps children perform at their peak, whether they’re taking a test in science or running a race at recess.

Although most kids can buy lunch at the school cafeteria, bringing lunch from home can be a healthy and fun alternative.

Here are some hints to help you make nutritious lunches that your child will eat and ask for again and again.

PYRAMID POWER “The healthiest lunches follow the USDA Food Guide Pyramid,” says Kathleen Zelman, R.D., of the American Dietetic Association, based in Atlanta. That is, your child’s lunch should include a serving from each of the major food groups: grains like rice or whole-wheat bread; fruits; vegetables; skim or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese; and a protein food such as beans, peanut butter or turkey. Packing a sandwich is a simple way to get many of the food groups into one quick meal. For more information about the Food Pyramid, visit www.mypyramid.gov.

26 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

THINK VARIETY Vary the foods your child eats every day so that he stays interested. If you make sandwiches, alternate the type of bread you use. Instead of white bread, try English muffins, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat tortillas, pita pockets or whole-grain bagels or crackers. Then change the fillings. One day, put peanut butter on the sandwich, and the next day make it tuna or sliced chicken or turkey. If your child eats lunch meat, get the lower fat, lower sodium versions of deli and pre-packaged cold cuts. To make it easy on yourself, use dinner leftovers for your child’s lunch entrees too, such as pasta, soup or chili.

MAKE MILK A PRIORITY Milk is an excellent source of bone-building calcium and should be part of your child’s lunch. With the exception of infants and young toddlers, most kids don’t get the daily recommended levels of calcium: 500 milligrams (mg) from age 1 to 3; 800 mg from 4 to 8; and 1300 mg for ages 9 through 18. In fact, only 55 percent of kids ages 3 to 5 and 40 percent of 6- to 11-year olds meet their calcium quota.

Eating every four hours or so helps children perform at their peak, whether they’re taking a test in science or running a race at recess.

DON’T FORGET A TREAT For fun, toss in some healthful treats such as low-fat pudding, unsalted pretzels, baked chips, trail mix, no-sugar-added applesauce, unbuttered popcorn, graham crackers, gingersnaps or whole-grain cereal. Pound for pound, kids need more energy than adults. So if your child eats moderately and is active, those extras will not add unwanted weight.

BE WELL EQUIPPED For safety’s sake, get the right equipment for packing your child’s lunch. Use polyethylene plastic containers that are designed for carrying foods and are safe for the microwave.

Take note—using margarine or cottage cheese containers is not a good idea. “They’re designed for onetime use and may contain chemicals that may leach into the food,” says Felicia Busch, a registered dietitian in St. Paul, Minnesota. Make sure to wash your hands before preparing your child’s school lunch and remind your child to wash her hands before she eats.

For foods that need refrigeration and those that contain perishable ingredients such as mayonnaise, always include a cold pack. Freeze a cold food or beverage, and pack it frozen into your child’s lunchbox so that it will still be chilled at lunchtime. For soups and other foods that your child should eat heated, preheat an insulated, tightly sealed container such as unbreakable thermos that’s designated for hot foods, by pouring in hot water. When packing perishables, choose an insulated lunchbox or bag rather than paper. Remind your kids not to store their lunch in warm spots such as near the classroom window or near the radiator during the colder months.

LET’S EAT How can you make sure that your child eats the lunch you pack and doesn’t toss it or trade it for a classmate’s lunch? Here are a few tips: Let your child help you choose the lunch foods while you’re shopping or when you’re making a shopping list. Then prepare the food and pack lunch together. Children tend to be more interested in a project if they have a hand in it, and lunch is no exception.

Since most kids love to eat with their hands, they’ll be more likely to devour fruits and vegetables (and other foods they might otherwise pass up) if you cut them into bite-size pieces or strips. Pieces of fruit look even more appealing if you make them into kebabs by spearing them with a straw. Add low-fat cheese cubes for a calcium boost. Pack a low-fat yogurt dip for fruits or a low-fat ranch dip for carrot and celery sticks and radishes.

When you see your child in the afternoon or evening, ask if he ate lunch that day and how it was. Your interest will send the message that you believe lunch is an important part of your child’s day.

For some great menu ideas for nutritious, delicious lunches, visit parentguide.com.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

27

Summer Vacation This year, more than ever, you need to

THE ORIGINAL

PIRATE CRUISE An easy-on-the-wallet family beach vacation is right in your own backyard!

GREAT FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Discover incredible deals midweek this summer at the ultimate beach playground! The kids will never be bored with RedBeard the Pirate, a treasure trove of activities and crafts, and the giant High Tide Slide.

You can relax and sway in a beachside hammock and toast the sunset with a tropical cooler.

Discover the tropical island hideaway … that’s not so far away. It’s time to

Call 888.565.7900 or visit www.JustLetGo.com/Kids for spectacular savings on Summer rates.

28 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

• Available for Kids Parties •

10:00 a.m. + 2:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m. + 7:p.m. (call for seasonal schedule)

• Music • • Games • • Dolphin Watching • • Friendly Pirates •

PARENTGUIDE.COM

29

‘s

®

2009 School Guide Getting off to a great start in school is always a parent's first concern once the school year begins.

But sometimes, things don't work out quite as planned, and parents may decide that they need another option for their child's education.

That's why ParentGuide has put together a complete school guide featuring pertinent information about some of Tampa Bay's finest schools. Keep the listing handy in case you need to refer to it. It may provide with some educational options this year or in future years.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Name

Address

City

Phone

Grades

Enrollment

Academy of the Holy Names

3319 Bayshore Blvd.

Tampa

813-839-5371

PreK-12

850

Academy Prep Center for Education

1407 E Columbus Dr.

Tampa

813-248-5600

5th-8th

112

Bayshore Christian School

3909 S. MacDill Avenue

Tampa

813-839-4297

K2-12th

235

Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

2102 Bell Shoals Rd.

Tampa

813-689-9183

PreS-8th

526

Berean Academy

10948 Central Avenue

Tampa

813-221-1711

K-12

155

Berkeley Preparatory

4811 Kelly Rd.

Tampa

813-885-1673

PreK-12

1200

Bowman Academy

3407 Latania Dr.

Tampa

813-961-1822

PreK2-5yo

94

Brookwood Academy

3820 Coconut Palm Dr.

Tampa

813-628-4114

6wks-VPK

100

Cambridge Christian School

6101 N. Habana Ave.

Tampa

813-872-6744 x271

Preschool - 12th

520

Carrollwood Day School

2606 Casey Rd.

Tampa

813-963-2388

PreK2-K

146

Carrollwood Day School

1515 Bearss Avenue

Tampa

813-920-2288

1st-12th

600

Center Academy

11520 Land O'Lakes Blvd.

Lutz

813-931-1012

4th-12th

75

Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School

304 Druid Hills Rd.

Temple Terrace

813-985-7145

PreK3-8th

131

Christ the King Catholic School

3809 Morrison Avenue

Tampa

813-876-8770

PreK4-8th

480

Citrus Park Christian School

7705 Gunn Hwy.

Tampa

813-920-3960

K3-12th

360

Corpus Christi Catholic School

9715 56th St. N.

Temple Terrace

813-988-1722

PreK-8th

227

Faith Outreach Academy

7607 Sheldon Rd.

Tampa

813-887-5546

K3-12th

145

Family of Christ Christian School

16190 Bruce B.Downs Blvd.

Tampa

813-558-9343

PreK-8th

250

Florida College Academy

7032 Temple Terrace Hwy.

Tampa

813-899-6800

PreK-9th

150

Grace Christian School

1425 N. Valrico Rd.

Valrico

813-689-8815

K4-8th

0

Hebrew Academy of Tampa Bay

14908 Pennington Rd.

Tampa

813-963-0706

PreK-8th

1:06

Hillel School of Tampa

2020 Fletcher Avenue W

Tampa

813-963-2242

K-8th

176

Hillsborough County Magnet Schools

Various locations

Tampa

813-272-4692

K-12th

varies per school

Holy Trinity Lutheran School

3712 El Prado Blvd.

Tampa

813-839-0665

PreK3 - 5th

80

30 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

“Education is not received.

It is achieved.� unknown source

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

18

1881

Catholic

www.holynamestba.org

varies

17

1998

non-denominational

www.academyprep.org

varies

7 - 20

1971

non-denominational

www.bayshorechristianschool.org

6780-8085

varies

1965

Baptist

www.bsbacademy.com

varies

13-18

1995

non-denominational

www.bereanacademy.com

7200-9400

16-20

1960

Episcopal

www.berkeleyprep.org

15260-18360

1:16

early 1960's

none

www.thebowmanacademy.com

varies

varies

1987

none

n/a

varies

15

1964

non denom Christian

www.cambridge-christian.com

5171 - 11300

1:16

1984

non-denominational

www.carrollwooddayschool.org

varies

1:10

1981

non-denominational

www.carrolwooddayschool.org

varies

1:10

1968

none

www.centeracademy.com

varies

7 - 17

1970

Lutheran

www.corlutheran.org

2956-5099

22-25

1949

Catholic

www.cks-school.org

varies

18

1983

non-denominational

www.citruspark.org

3600-6000

25-30

1964

Catholic

www.corpuschristicatholicschool.org

5107

varies

1984

non-denominational

www.faithoutreachacademy.org

varies

1:20

1999

Lutheran

www.foc-knights.com

5360

1:13

1958

non-denominational

www.floridacollegeacademy.net

varies

varies

1975

non-denominational

www.gracechristiansschool.com

varies

varies

1986

Jewish

www.hebrewacademyoftampa.com

5900-6800

10 - 12

1971

Jewish

www.hillelschool.com

5000-11007

varies per school

varies per school

none

www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet

n/a

varies

1958

Lutheran

www.htls.org

varies

Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!

PARENTGUIDE.COM

31

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Cont’d)

2009 School Guide Name

Address

City

Phone

Grades

Enrollment

Immanuel Lutheran School

2913 S John Moore Rd

Brandon

813-685-1978

PreK4-8th

160

Incarnation Catholic Church and School

511 Webb Rd.

Tampa

813-884-4502

PreK-8th

400

Independent Day School

12015 Orange Grove Dr.

Tampa

813-961-3087

PreK3-8th

500

Jesuit High School

4701 N Himes Avenue

Tampa

813-877-5344

9th-12th

680

Kings Avenue Baptist Church

2602 S Kings Avenue

Brandon

813-685-3095

PreK3-5th

70

Land O' Lakes Christian School

5105 School Road

Land O'Lakes

813-995-9040

K4-12th

200

Lee Academy for Gifted Education

8613 Twin Lakes Blvd.

Tampa

813-931-3316

PreK-12

82

Lowry Park Zoo

1101 W Sligh Avenue

Tampa

813-935-8552

PreS-PreK

88

Northdale Lutheran School

15709 Mapledale Blvd.

Tampa

813-961-9195

K-12th

30

Oak Grove United Methodist School

2707 Waters Avenue W

Tampa

813-935-4956

PreK-5th

80

Odessa Christian School

19521 Michigan Ave.

Odessa

813-792-1825

Kindergarten - 10th

85

Philip Shore Elementary School of the Arts

1908 2nd Avenue

Tampa

813-276-5712

K-5

350

Providence Christian School

5416 Providence Rd.

Riverview

813-689-7127

K3-12

180

R' Club Early Learning Academy

12420 Telcom Dr.

Temple Terrace

813-979-0002

PreK-5th

51

Seffner Christian Academy

11605 US Hwy 92E

Tampa

813-626-0001

K2-12th

610

St. Lawrence Catholic School

5223 N. Himes Ave.

Tampa

813-879-5090

PreK - 8th

560

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School

2101 S.Hubert Avenue

Tampa

813-258-5508

PreK4-8th

425

St. Peter Clavers School

1401 N Governor

Tampa

813-224-0865

PreK3-8th

85

Tampa Adventist Academy

3205 N. Blvd.

Tampa

813-228-7950

PreK-10th

108

Tampa Catholic High School

4630 N Rome Avenue

Tampa

813-870-0860

9th-12th

735

Tampa Preparatory School

727 W Cass St.

Tampa

813-251-8481

6th-12th

580

The Goddard School

13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd.

Tampa

813-978-8100

Infant - PK

132

Tropical Acres Christian Academy

12107 Rhodine Road

Riverview

813-677-8036

6 wks-12th

35

United Methodist Church-Early Childhood Center

2902 Fletcher Avenue W

Tampa

813-963-0356

1yo-K

180

West Gate Christian Preparatory School

5121 Kelly Road

Tampa

813-884-5147

K3-12th

195

PASCO COUNTY Name

Address

City

Phone

Grades

Enrollment

Faith Christian Academy

175 Springtime St.

Spring Hill

352-686-9350

prek, k-5

48

Genesis Preparatory School

7710 Osteen Rd.

New Port Richey

727-846-8407

6th-12th

110

Longleaf Learning Center

3035 Alachua Place

New Port Richey

727-375-2664

2yo-5th

180

Notre Dame Interparochial School

1117 Suzanne Dr.

Spring Hill

352-683-0755

prek-8th

varies

Pasco County School System

7227 Land O'Lakes Blvd.

Land O'Lakes Lakes

813-794-2000

K-12

62,530

Spring Hill Christian Academy

3140 Mariner Blvd.

Spring Hill

352-683-8485

prek3-12

241

The Genesis School-East Campus

6609 River Rd.

New Port Richey

727-845-1111

2yo-5th

100

The Genesis School-East Campus

8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd.

New Port Richey

727-372-9333

2yo-5th

150

West Hernando Christian School

2250 Isiwaw Blvd.

Spring Hill

352-688-9918

k3-12

241

Wider Horizons School

4060 Castle Ave.

Spring Hill

352-686-1934

prek-12

160

Holiday

727-934-3028

18m - 8th

95

World of Knowledge Montessori Sch 1935 Abacus Rd. 32 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Cont’d)

2009 School Guide Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

20

1980

Lutheran

www.ilsbrandon.com

varies

20-25

early 1960's

Catholic

www.icstampa.org

varies

varies

1968

non-denominational

www.idsyes.com

varies

1:12

1899

Catholic

www.jesuittampa.org

varies

15

1985

Baptist

www.kacs.us

2300-3900

15

1978

Baptist

www.fbclol.org

varies

1:10

1983

none

www.leegiftedacademy.com

8700-9500

11

2000

none

www.lowryparkzoo.com

1:10

2000

WELS Lutheran

www.northdalelutheran.org

varies

15

early 1960's

Methodist

www.ogumsschools.officelive.com

3420-4320

16 - 20

2006

Independent Interdenominational Christian

www.odessachristinaschool.org

5850 - 6500

18

1922

public

http://shore.mysdhc.org

n/a

25

1965

Baptist

www.providencechristianschool.net

varies

10 - 15

2005

non-denominational

www.rclub.net

varies

varies

1983

non-denominational

www.seacrusaders.com

varies

varies

1959

Catholic

www.stlawrencecatholicschool.org

varies

varies

1953

Episcopal

www.smeds.org

107000

varies

1894

Catholic

n/a

scholarships

varies

1919

Seventh Day Adventist

www.taacademy.com

varies

varies

1962

Catholic

www.tampacatholic.org

16

1974

non-denominational

www.tampaprep.org

varies

varies

2008

none

www.goddardschool.com

varies

varies

1986

Baptist

n/a

varies

12 - 18

1970

Methodist

www.lmumc.org

varies

15

1972

Baptist

www.westgate.org

varies

Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!

Class Size

Year Established Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

varies

1990

non denominational Christian

n/a

varies

15

1993

non denominational

www.genesisprep.com

12000

varies

2002

none

www.longleaflearningcenter.com

varies

18

1985

Catholic

www.ndischool.com

varies

varies

early 1900's

public

www.pasco.k12.fl.us

n/a

15

1994

non denominational/Christian

www.springhillchristianacademy.com

varies

varies

1977

none

www.genesiselementary.com

varies

varies

1977

none

www.genesiselementary.com

varies

varies

1996

non denominational Christian

www.whcs.net

varies

20-25

1981

none

www.widehorizonsschool.com

varies

varies

1981

none

www.flwokmontessori.com

varies PARENTGUIDE.COM

33

2009 School Guide

PINELLAS COUNTY Name

Address

City

Phone

Grades

Academy Prep Center for Education

2301 22nd Avenue S.

St. Petersburg

727-322-0800

5h-8th

Admiral Farrigut Academy

501 Park St. N.

St. Petersburg

727-384-5505

PreK-12th

Bay Pines Lutheran School

7589 113th Lane N.

Seminole

727-397-3204

K-8th

Bellair Montessori Academy

905 Ponce de Leon Blvd.

Clearwater

727-584-2867

2yo-12yo

Blossom Montessori Schl for the Deaf

5990 142nd Avenue N

Clearwater

727-539-7627

2.5yo-15yo

Broach School

4500 43rd Street N.

Clearwater

727-526-5700

1st-12th

Calvary Christian High School

110 A. N. McMullen Booth Road

Clearwater

727-449-2247

9th - 12th

Camelot School

6751 Ulmerton Rd.

Largo

727-536-9911

2nd-5th

Canterbury School of Florida

1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE

St. Petersburg

727-525-1419

PreK - 4th

Canterbury School of Florida

990 62nd Avenue NE

St. Petersburg

727-525-1419

5th - 12th

Center Academy

2104 Palm Harbor Blvd.

Palm Harbor

727-781-2986

4th-12th

THROUGHOUT TAMPA BAY Name

Address

Creative World

City

Phone

Grades

Various locations

1-800-362-5940

Infants-PreK

Discovery Point

Various locations

770-622-2112

Infants - Toddlers

Kindercare

Various locations

1-800-kindercare

6 weeks to 12 years of age

LaPetite Academy

Various locations

877-861-5078

Infants-K

Primrose Schools

Various locations

770-529-4100

Infants-PreK

TUTORING SERVICE Name

Address

Huntington Learning Center

Phone

Grades

Various locations

800-Can Learn

K-12 Tutoring Services

Sylvan Learning

Various locations

888-Educate

PreK-College Prep Tutoring Serv

The Tutors

30750 US Hwy 19 N.

34 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

City

Palm Harbor

727-786-8887

2009 School Guide

Enrollment

Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

126

15

1997

none

www.academyprep.org

varies

400

varies

1933

none

www.farrigut.org

varies

115

varies

1973

WELS Lutheran

www.bpwels.com

3456

68

18-20

1944

none

www.bmakids.com

varies

varies

10

2003

none

www.blossomschool.org

varies

70

10

late 1980's

none

www.broachschool.com

varies

220

varies

2000

Christian

www.cchs.us

8850

120

varies

1982

none

www.mycamelotschool.com

varies

430

18

1968

Episcopal

www.canterbury-fl.org

10130 -15020

430

18

1968

Episcopal

www.canterbury-fl.org

10130 -15020

75

1:10 ratio

1968

none

www.centeracademy.com

varies

Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.creativeworldschools.com

varies per center

varies per center

20 years in business

none

www.discoverypoint.com

varies per center

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.kindercare.com

varies per center

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.lapetite.com

varies per center

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.primroseschools.com

varies per center

Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.huntingtonlearning.com

varies

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com

varies

varies per center

varies per center

none

www.thetutors.net

varies

Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!

PARENTGUIDE.COM

35

PINELLAS COUNTY (Cont’d)

2009 School Guide

Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!

Name

Address

City

Phone

Grades

Center Academy

6710 86th Avenue N

Pinellas Park

727-541-5716

4th-12th

Christ the Lord Christian School

2045 N. Hercules Avenue Clearwater

727-441-8239

k-k - 8th

Clearwater Academy

801 Drew St.

Clearwater

727-446-1722

PreK-12th

Clearwater Central Catholic High School

2750 Haines Bayshore Rd.

Clearwater

727-531-1449

9th-12th

Coti Community Christian School

206 23rd Ave.

Indian Rocks Beach

727-517-0775

age 2 - K /after school

Countryside Christian Academy

1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd.

Clearwater

727-799-1618

PreK2-8th

Delphi Academy of Florida

1831 Drew St.

Clearwater

727-447-6385

Preschool - 8th

Dunedin Academy

1408 County Road 1

Dunedin

727-580-2042

Preschool - 12th

First Evangelical Lutheran School

1644 Nursery Rd.

Clearwater

727-461-34444 PK3-8th

Great Explorations

1925 Fourth St. N

St. Petersburg

727-821-8992

2yo-VPK

Gulf Coast Seventh Day Adventist School

6001 7th Avenue S.

St. Petersburg

727-345-2141

K-8th

Holy Family Catholic Church School

250 78th Avenue NE

St. Petersburg

727-526-8194

PreK2-8th

Indian Rocks Christian Schools

12685 Ulmerton Rd.

Largo

727-596-7192

PreK2-12th

Keswick Christian School

10101 54th Avenue N.

St. Petersburg

727-393-9100

PK2-12

Lakeside Christian School

1897 Sunset Pt. Rd.

Clearwater

727-461-3311

K5-12th

New Horizons Country Day School

2060 Nebraska Ave.

Palm Harbor

727-786-1854

12m-5th

Northbay Christian

1625 Union St.

Clearwater

727-462-0134

PreK-8th

Northside Christian School

7777 62nd Avenue N.

St. Petersburg

727-541-7593

PK-12

Oldsmar Christian School

650 Burbank Road

Oldsmar

813-855-5746

K4-12

Our Lady of Lourdes School

730 San Salvador Dr.

Dunedin

727-733-3776

VPK-8th

Our Savior Lutheran School

5843 Fourth Avenue S.

St. Petersburg

727-344-1026

PK3-8th

Palm Harbor Montessori-East Lake

1961 East Lake Rd.

Palm Harbor

727-781-8980

Primary 2-5

Palm Harbor Montessori

2355 Nebraska Avenue

Palm Harbor

727-786-1854

12m-8th

Pinellas County School System

301 Fourth St. SW

Largo

727-588-6000

k-12

Safety Harbor Montessori Academy

2669 McMullen Booth Rd.

Clearwater

727-724-1767

PreK-8th

Santina Bay Academy

32820 US Hwy 19 North

Palm Harbor

727-216-9738

6th - 12th

Shady Creek Montessori

2095 Bellair Rd.

Clearwater

727-535-8512

Preschool-2-4yo

Shorecrest Preparatory School

5101 1st Street NE

St. Petersburg

727-522-2111

K-12

Skycrest Christian School

129 Belcher Rd.N.

Clearwater

727-797-1186

k-8

Spring Valley School

2109 Nebraska Ave.

Palm Harbor

727-781-1234

4-19yo

St. Patricks Catholic Church

1507 Trotter Rd.

Clearwater

727-581-4865

PreK-8th

St. Paul's School

1600 St. Paul's Drive

Clearwater

727-536-2756

PreK3-8th

St. Pete Christian School

2021 62nd Ave. N.

St. Petersburg

727-522-3000

PreK - 4th

St. Pete Prep Learning Center

6030 1st Street N.

St. Petersburg

727-522-7879

1-4yo

St. Raphael Church School

1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE

St. Petersburg

727-736-5082

k-8th

St. Jude Cathedral School

600 58th St. N.

St. Petersburg

727-347-8622

ec3-8th

Suncoast Waldorf School

1857 Curlew Rd.

Palm Harbor

727-786-8311

Preschool - 8th

Transfiguration Parish School

4000 43rd St. N.

St. Petersburg

727-527-2880

2yo-5yo

St. Petersburg

727-321-7441

6th-8th

Palm Harbor

727-781-3808

k-8

Walden A Private Middle School 2728 53rd Street S. 36 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide Westlake Christian School 1551 Belcher Road

PINELLAS COUNTY (Cont’d)

2009 School Guide Enrollment

Class Size

Year Established

Affiliation

Web Address

Tuition

75

1:10 ratio

1969

none

www.centeracademy.com

varies

26

varies

1984

Wells Lutheran

www.christthelordlutheranchurch.org

varies

260

varies

1984

none

www.clearwateracademy.org

9996

700

varies

1962

Catholic

www.ccchs.com

varies

54

varies

2004

Christian

www.cotischool.org

varies

197

8-15

2000

non-denominational

www.myccacademy.org

varies

130

varies

1983

none

www.delphi.org

6480-9610

250

1:18

1964

non denom

www.dunedinacademy.com

varies

250

22

1975

Lutheran

www.flccclearwater.org

varies

1:7

varies

2007

none

www.greatexplorations.org

15

varies

early 1950's

Seventh Day Adventist

n/a

varies

270

varies

1956

Catholic

www.holyfamily-school.com

4466

862

varies

1984

Baptist

www.ircs.org

varies

540

15

1953

non denominational

www.keswickchristian.org

2580-8632

266

varies

1975

non-denominational

www.lakesidechristianschool.org

6400-7900

180

varies

1983

none

www.newhorizonsprivateschool.com

varies

69

16

1999

non-denominational

www.northbaychristian.com

varies

700

16

1971

Baptist

www.nck12.com

7500-10000

205

varies

1981

Baptist

www.oldsmarchristianschool.net

varies

288

18-30

1962

Catholic

www.myoll.com

4900

155

8 - 20

1982

Lutheran

www.osls.net

varies

52

varies

1999

none

www.floridamontessori.com

varies

200

varies

1983

none

www.floridamontessori.com

varies

105,000

varies

early 1900's

none

www.pinellas.k12.fl.us

n/a

210

1:6-1:12 ratio

1995

none

www.shma.us

starts 6450

15

10

2008

non denominational

www.santinabayacedemy.com

varies

40

varies

1982

none

www.shadycreekpreschool.com

varies

950

varies

1923

non-denominational

www.shorecrest.org

7500-18830

380

19

1971

non denominational Christian www.skycrestchristianschool.org

5895-6005

20

open

1997

none

www.springvalleyschool.com

varies

254

varies

1959

Catholic

www.stpatrick-lago.org

varies

478

15-18

1968

Episcopal

www.st.pauls.edu

varies

430

varies

1971

Interdenominational

www.stpetechristian.org

5895 - 6895

104

varies

1989

none

www.stpeteprep.com

varies

264

20

1969

Catholic

www.st_raphaels.com

varies

varies

varies

1954

Catholic

www.cathedralofstjude.org

varies

80

15 - 20

1998

none

www.suncoastwaldorf.org

2850 - 9750

69

varies

2006

Catholic

www.transfigparish.org

varies

11

combined

1997

none

310

20

1996

www.waldenmiddleschool.org 5000 PARENTGUIDE.COM non denominational Christian www.westlakechristianschool.org varies

37

School Safety Patrol Program Still Going Strong

By Leticia Messam Many people fondly remember the color of the belt or the shiny badge they proudly wore as a safety patroller. There’s a certain sense of pride and prestige synonymous with the coveted belt and badge. While the color of the belt has evolved over the years, the core principles and leadership skills that are acquired from being a AAA School Safety Patrol remain unchanged.

Now, the program is the largest safety program in the world with more than 500,000 children participating at over 50,000 schools throughout the country. To continue the program’s success, AAA provides the necessary tools to participating school to train their patrols, keep them safe and recognize their achievements.

The AAA School Safety Patrol program was born out of the desire to keep students on foot safe during their commute to and from school. So in 1920, AAA enlisted the help of elementary and middle school-aged children in higher grades to do just that.

Those who serve in this capacity are hand-picked by a designated safety patrol advisor at their school. Their responsibilities range from getting children on and off school buses safely, guiding them through parking lots and helping them avoid general traffic hazards.

“We truly believe in the capabilities of each patroller and their ability to save lives and become traffic safety advocates and in the potential this program has to create responsible leaders,” said Yoli Buss, Director, Driver Improvement Programs at AAA Auto Club South.

Eleven-year-old Toni Morrison, spent her last year at Mitchell Elementary in Tampa as a safety patroller.

“Being a patrol taught me how to be a leader by watching out for kids and showing them how to be safe,” she said. Toni’s duties at the car line at Mitchell involved greeting the students and their parents as they were dropped off. “I really enjoyed helping people start their day with a smile.”

Each year, AAA honors its finest safety patrols across the country with the AAA National Patroller of the Year Awards—an accomplishment bestowed on patrollers who best exemplify leadership qualities and perform their duties beyond the expected.

The AAA School Safety Patrol Lifesaving Award is the highest award given to patrollers. Recipients are select patrol members who, while on duty, have saved the life of a person in imminent danger.

Winners, their parents and safety patrol advisor are rewarded with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. that boasts a distinguished award ceremony and a fun-filled agenda.

The electric lime green belt and shiny silver badge are symbols that bear significance all across the country. They are striking reminders that the students who wear them lend their time, energy and dedication to making each school day and each child a little bit safer.

For more information about the AAA School Safety Patrol program, please visit aaa.com/safetypatrol.

38 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Safety Patrol Fun Facts: Famous past patrollers include: Past Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton Baseball Hall of Famer Tom Seaver The new color of the patrol belt is electric lime. It used to be orange.

The AAA Lifesaving Medal has been presented by U.S. Presidents Ford, Johnson, Kennedy and Eisenhower; Vice Presidents Mondale, Humphrey, Nixon and Barkley; First Lady Mamie Eisenhower; justices of the U.S. Supreme Court; cabinet officials; and other dignitaries.

Leticia Messam Leticia Messam is a new mom and the manager of traffic safety programs for AAA Auto Club South in Tampa, Florida.

The New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club Presents:

The Mistletoe Market A Holiday Boutique!

Saturday December 5 10:00 am-4:00 pm 5/3 Bank, Wesley Chapel at the Shops at Wiregrass Food! Fabulous Drawings! Fun! To be a vendor or for information: mandylmanno@yahoo.com www.NTJWC.org

PARENTGUIDE.COM

39

Help Us Reduce

Child Injuries

By Jessica Brady

SCHOOL’S OPEN!

School is starting, school is starting! That’s the proclamation we overjoyed parents make every year in late August when we know our children will be going back to school.

Seriously though, we all want our children to be safe, and backto-school season can be a pretty hectic time of year. That’s why AAA has launched it’s annual Schools Open-Drive Carefully! campaign every year since 1946.

Loads of children will be walking our neighborhood streets and, sometimes, not so cautiously. As motorists we need to be responsible, and we are held responsible, for watching out for pedestrians. Make sure you come to a complete stop when a school bus driver pulls out the large red stop sign from the side of the bus. Children may be crossing the street in front of the bus where it’s hard to see them. Any lapse of judgment on your part could cause a fatal accident.

We should also teach our children how to stay safe while traveling to and from school. Tell your kids to be aware of their surroundings at all times. They should wait for the bus as far back from the street as possible and not attempt to get on the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver signals for them to approach.

If your children walk to school, tell them to cross only at the corners of the street and, of course, to look both ways at least twice before they cross if a crossing guard is not available. If you can’t walk with them, try to buddy up your child with another child in your neighborhood who walks to school. For safety tips to go over with your child visit: Pedestrian Safety, Bicycle Safety and Bus Safety.

Going back to school can be very exciting for our kids. We want it to be a pleasant experience for them, and for us. So teach your children how to stay safe and make sure you take all necessary precautions before that first day approaches.

40 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

As motorists we need to be responsible, and we are held responsible, for watching out for pedestrians.

Other Info: The greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. Whether on foot, bike, or as a passenger in a car, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older. The problem escalates during the months kids are in school. Kids are vulnerable for several reasons.

• They are small and less visible to motorists.

• It is more difficult for children to judge traffic

situations, because their peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult’s.

• Children do not always possess the capability to make sound judgments.

• Children can be easily distracted, especially when around other kids.

In short, kids are not adults— and it’s up to drivers to compensate for these differences.

School’s Open Campaign Used widely by schools and communities across the nation, AAA’s annual School’s Open - Drive Carefully! program uses colorful graphics and a wide variety of products and publications to deliver this important safety message. Since AAA began School’s Open - Drive Carefully! in 1946, the program has successfully contributed to lowering school-related pedestrian fatalities.

To help protect children, AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:

• Slow down near schools and in residential areas.

• Drive with your headlights on—even during the day so children and other drivers can see you.

• Look for clues such as AAA School Safety Patrollers,

bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children.

• Practice extra caution in bad weather.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

41

Real Kids Real Parents Real Answers

Dr. Felicia the ParentCoach

Your Reality Check on Parenting Dr. Felicia on Call for your family questions Log on to parentguide.com drfelicia@parentguide.com

F. Felicia Ferrara, Ph.D. is the ParentCoach. She has over 25 years experience as a evaluator involved in child care, family and developmental needs.

Dr. Ferrara provides psychological evaluations and assessments for adults and special needs children.

She maintains a a private practice in Tampa, Florida.

42 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Family time is making a big comeback here in Tampa Bay. If you’ve been looking for a reason to spend more quality time with your family, we’re giving you 8 days of it. Free special events and discounted admission tickets to some of your fun-favorite

K i c k - O f f E ve n t N o v. 1 s t 9 A M - 6 P M

F re e A d m i s s i o n

destinations. You’re sure to find something to please everyone.

It all starts Nov. 1 at the: Museum Of Science and Industry 4801 E Fowler Ave # 100 Tampa, FL (813) 987-6315

Complete details at: w w w. w e e ko f t h e f a m i l y t a m p a b a y. o rg

A Time to Bond NOVEMBER 1–8, 2009

PARENTGUIDE.COM

43

Why Hire a Coach?

We help create success in your home Coaching provides individuals and/or families with the tools, support and structure to accomplish their goals.

Coaching can occur in home, over the phone or in our office.

Let the coaches of Family Directions help you start living an extraordinary life.

8019 N. Himes Ave, Suite 311, Tampa

813-915-1600

www.yourfamilydirections.com Ami rAcademy.com 2700 22nd St. N St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Since 1985

Academy Of Martial Arts

20% OFF

The Largest Martial Arts Facility in the Nation at 15,000 sq feet

44 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

MEMBERSHIP NO CONTRACTS • NO REGISTRATION FEES

CALL 727.821.4097

Must present this ad to be valid. New students only.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

45

Susan Blankenship, DMD Pediatric Dentistry 8686 131ST ST. N. (Vonn Rd.) Seminole, FL 33776

We Put Big Smiles

(727) 392-5700

on Little Faces

1433 Court Street Clearwater, FL 33756

(727) 446-4699 The Fountains 35036 U.S. Highway 19 N. Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Child Friendly

(727) 781-8755

www.my2frontteeth.net

ALL CHILDREN CAN HAVE A QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT IS ESSENTIAL IN BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County is your first resource for information on early childhood care and education services and programs in Hillsborough County.

• • •

Voluntary Prekindergarten Program (VPK) School Readiness Programs and Services Child Care Resource & Referral Services

www.elchc.org 1002 E. Palm Avenue, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33605 Ph (813) 202-1000 Fax (813) 204-1711

46 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

HillsborougH County HealtH Department tHe leaDer in proteCting tHe publiC’s HealtH

Students Working Against Tobacco We fight against manipulative tobacco efforts that lures new smokers.

We stop tobacco companies from infiltrating our culture.

In 1997, the late Governor Lawton Chiles and the State of Florida sued the tobacco industry due to increasing Medicaid costs caused by diseases related to tobacco. A direct result of the lawsuit was the development of the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) program. SWAT is Florida’s statewide youth organization that mobilizes, educates, and equips Florida youth to stand up against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. The goal is to empower youth to work towards a tobacco free future. SWAT provides leadership-building opportunity for middle school and high school students through training in tobacco issues, confidence building, media literacy, advocacy, public speaking, presentation skills, and policy development. SWAT youth develop skills that will benefit them for life.

The Hillsborough County Health Department – Tobacco Control Program would like to thank all SWAT advisors in Hillsborough County Schools for assisting SWAT students in their battle to prevent big tobacco from marketing and targeting them as REPLACEMENT smokers.

Source: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Tobacco/SWAT.html

Hillsborough County Health Department www.hillscountyhealth.org The mission of the Hillsborough County Health Department: Promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Florida.

Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public47 and PARENTGUIDE.COM media upon request. Your e-mail communications are being archived for at least three years and may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

48 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

Raising little hands little eyes little voices expectations big rewards.

When children feel loved, they feel freer to discover. More comfortable in their surroundings.

More confident in themselves. You feel better, too, about their safety and their growth. Which is why we’re sure you’ll appreciate the Discovery Point approach.

We center each child’s experience around attention, affection, and approval –then guide them as they blossom into active, curious explorers. To tour one of our 57 Discovery Point Child Development Centers today, visit discoverypoint.com for a location near you.

800-622-7599

PARENTGUIDE.COM

49

K12 gets kids thinking big.

It’s what happens when they find fractions in the kitchen. Combine ingredients to make compounds.

See that science makes cookies.

That’s thanks to K12 and our award-winning curriculum, individualized to bring learning alive, one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on activities, plus books and support from expert teachers.

when kids get into learning, learning gets into them.

Options include: • Full-time, tuition-free public schooling in many states • An accredited online private school available worldwide • Over 150 individual courses including foreign languages, AP, and electives available for direct purchase We’re America’s largest online curriculum provider for grades K through 12. Because we give every student a chance to think big.

Learn more at

K12.com.

Interested in full-time online public school option? K12, the leader in online education for grades K-12, is now available, tuition free, in many Florida school districts for the 2009-2010 school year!

Visit us online for enrollment information and a complete list of upcoming events near you.

K12.com/fl 904.721.0035

They Deserve To Be In A Safe Learning Environment Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, Inc

Can Help You With Child Care Resource & Referral:

Primavera Preschool 13601 W. Hillsborough Ave 813-855-6718 Infants to Kindergarten • VPK provider Hours 7:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

www.primaverapreschool.com •Highly qualified staff •Nurturing and fun environment •Traditional education with qualified curriculum •Nutritional lunches and snacks provided •Clean, spacious & colorful facility •Indoor and outdoor playgrounds •Security cameras and secure access •Family owned and operated

50 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

• Free customized child care provider lists based on the needs of your child(ren), in terms of age, location, hours of care, curriculum, & other preferences • Offer education and information to assist parents in seeking quality care, promoting age appropriate development and preparing your child for kindergarten • Child care scholarship applications • Information on how to register your 4 year old for Free Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK)

A FREE Child Care List Can Be

Requested By Calling: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm

727-547-5750 Toll Free 866-764-0436 www.childcarepinellas.org Sponsorship by Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County, Inc., State of Florida, Agency for Workforce Innovation. Go to www.childcarepinellas.org for the percentage of federal funds.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

51

DUNEDIN ACADEMY

"Where Leaders of tomorrow are developed today" Pre-school, Elementary, Middle School, and High School • Nationally recognized, safe school environment • Small school/individualized instruction • Fully accredited/non-denominational • Scholarships available • Certified, degreed teachers, computers, foreign language & character education • Pre-school hours: 6:30-6:00 pm • As seen in Better Homes & Gardens and Town & Country magazine • #1 private school in Pinellas • Private tutoring

1408 County Road 1, Dunedin 727-580-2042 727-733-9148

www.dunedinacademy.com 52 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

LIC # C920745

Explore Magnet Options...

• Smaller schools • Cutting-edge technology • Video Conferencing • Distance Learning

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

• Theme-based instruction •

Advanced Course Scholars Programs

•

Advanced Placement Programs

•

Animal Science

•

Environmental Science

•

Health Explorations

•

International Baccalaureate

•

Math and Science

•

Performing Arts Visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet or call (813) 272-4692 for details.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

53

Excelling in Education Parent tips for helping their teen succeed in school

By Ruth Broadwater

School is your child’s work. From kindergarten through high school, children need to put the bulk of their energies into successfully completing their education. Of course, some of this responsibility falls on parents, and often times, parents have opposing viewpoints on academic performance, whether or not a child should be rewarded for her grades and just how “involved” the parents should be in their child’s education.

Here is some info for concerned parents to you help decide what motivating methods to employ with your teen.

 Using financial incentives does not take away from your child’s innate drive to achieve—it gives them muchneeded compensation for a “job well done.” Teenagers are very money-conscious and are beginning to assume responsibilities for vehicles for transportation and for cell phones for communication. They need some source of income.  Teenagers who work during high school get seduced by easy cash flow without real-life expenses.

This has been shown to reduce academic performance rather than to teach responsibility. (This does not apply to all adolescents. Some, who are very motivated for academic achievement remain so while holding a job; others don’t, however, and end up dropping out.)

 Studies have indicated that students who are compensated for their grades do perform better academically. The “pass or fail” approach to grading was a dismal failure as achievement-oriented teens get intrinsic rewards from the higher grades. So, why not compensate them accordingly?  A suggested system of incentives

for academic achievement is: A = $20; B =$15; C = $10; D = -$15; F = -$20. But adjust the system to your child and their ability. A student capable of straight A’s may not benefit from receiving awards for C’s because that level of performance is below their capacity. Other children, however, with average IQs should be compensated for “average” performance, provided they performed to capacity.

 Students get paycheck every six weeks

make it special, and take them clothes shopping or on another outing to spend their rewards. If you can, match the amount earned and put in savings for them.

 Cell phones are great incentives, but

the texting epidemic has been shown to distract students from engaging fully in class; cell phones should be off during class time. Use care if this is what you choose to motivate your child’s academic performance.

54 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide

But families can create a culture of academic achievement by emphasizing education, even if the parents in the family don’t have any.

To assist young adults with homework, the family first must value education, stressing the importance of school above all else, including involvement in extracurricular activities.

One family I counseled was the son was a football jock, but the son’s grades were falling to average or below when his capacity was much higher. Football was removed from his agenda until his grades came back up—he was not pleased, but he learned that tackling learning was more important than tackling opponents.

Americans apparently rank 10th in the world for education—our population is not the highest in academic achievement, and America has one of the highest dropout rates (not to mention teenage pregnancies) out of the developed countries.

But families can create a culture of academic achievement by emphasizing education, even if the parents in the family don’t have any. I’m working with a family from Haiti whose second-oldest daughter plays cello and is attending Julliard with her school orchestra. This family stresses the importance of education and developing the talents of its members, despite the parents coming from poverty with no formal education themselves. If a child is told that education is important for her or his success from the time he or she first enters preschool, they will adopt an attitude of academic achievement. The oldest female child from this same family bypasses boyfriends to succeed in school!

Remember: emphasize “homework before playtime” as

a two-fold plan to inculcate self-discipline and educational achievement. Read to your children daily, and as they become readers themselves, encourage “reading” time before bedtime to sustain the habit.

Balance is Key

Children should have a wellbalanced agenda of physical (including healthy eating and exercise), mental, spiritual, social (including charitable work) and leisure activities.

Ideally, the parents should role-model this lifestyle themselves and encourage involvement with their children as soon as they are old enough to participate.

A happy, successful and ultimately healthy human being develops good habits, interests, hobbies and a social conscience that endures over time.

PARENTGUIDE.COM

55

Improving Your Child’s Handwriting

By Jacqueline Bodnar

When Michelle Groover, a Chandler, Ariz. mother, noticed that her 8-year-old son could use some improvement on his handwriting, she asked his teacher for suggestions.

Along with writing exercises, the teacher suggested that he do things like play with Lego’s. That’s probably not something that parents think of when they want their child to write better. But it does help because improving your child’s handwriting is about more than just putting pencil to paper.

Starting Young

“When children are 3 and 4 years old you can introduce letter formation,” explains Margaret Pierson, a licensed occupational therapist and co-owner of Scribble 2 Script™, a Scottsdale-based company that offers classes and camps for children to help develop their fine motor skills. “However, their little hands are typically not developmentally ready to hold and control a crayon or pencil to write.”

Pierson suggests that to get children this age started you can have them practice the letters using things like finger paints, shaving cream or sand. Make sure they are forming their letters correctly by starting the letters at the top. To start developing the grasp for pencil holding, have them work with small pieces of chalk, mini markers and broken crayons.

Skill Building

“Help children develop fine motor skills through activities such as cutting out coupons, puzzles and etch-a-sketch, before expecting fine control in handwriting,” says Dr. Cory Hansen, an assistant professor in elementary education at Arizona State University. Other activities that can help to build fine motor skills include playing with play dough, art projects, using tweezers to pick objects up, using a spray bottle to spray plants, turning over cards and coins, using scissors and lacing things like cards or macaroni.

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As important as fine motor skills are for writing, they aren’t the only thing that a child needs. Children need to be developed in other areas as well. They need to have good visual perception in order to be able to recognize numbers and letters. Having poor trunk control or upper body strength can affect the fine motor skill development. To increase trunk control and strengthen the upper body, encourage activities where the child will be laying on their tummy, such as playing with blocks or coloring.

There are some additional things you can do to try to help your child learn to write better:

Write. “We recommend spending only five minutes a day practicing,” suggests Megan Eldridge, a licensed occupational therapist and co-owner of Scribble 2 Script™.

“It is best for parents to supervise this time to insure that their child is forming the letters correctly.” Try to also create a relaxed atmosphere for their daily writing.

Make it Fun. “Have your 7-year-old practice writing the names of his favorite Pokemon characters and your 10-year-old write a paragraph describing her dream room,” says Eldridge. Having them write on something that is relevant and fun will keep them interested longer.

We recommend spending only five minutes a day practicing. Children learn more when something is fun!

Equipment. Make it more fun by letting children

write with smelly markers, glitter glue and metallic crayons.

There are eye-catching colored pencils, pens and markers that most kids love to use. Using a pencil grip can also help some children master the tripod grasp of the pencil.

Purpose. Dr. Hansen suggests that you give your child purposeful goals like scrapbooking or making birthday cards and place settings at a table. Other meaningful activities include journal writing, preparing the grocery list and filling out thank-you cards.

Classes. “Practicing handwriting shouldn’t involve lines and lines of rote letter practices,” says Pierson. “One of our primary goals with all our services is to make sure our kids have fun.” Children learn more when something is fun and most enjoy taking a class or attending a summer camp. These classes give children the chance to play games to enhance their fine motor skills and explore fun ways of practicing their letters, like writing in instant snow and with exploding paint.

Importance of Improvement

Try a variety of ways to work with your child to improve their handwriting. Keep at it until you find something that works and that they take an interest in. “It is important to remember that children with poor handwriting often struggle with low self-esteem,” says Eldrige. “Instead of assuming that your child is lazy or that they just don’t care about their handwriting, it is necessary to understand why your child is struggling.”

Online Resources

ABC Teach www.abcteach.com They offer free worksheets including some that are left-handed friendly.

EdHelper www.edhelper.com Daily writing prompts, worksheets and customizable options. Registration fee is $19.99 per year.

Handwriting for Kids www.handwritingforkids.com This site has free worksheets with no registration required.

Handwriting Help for Kids www.handwritinghelpforkids.com They have a variety of free worksheets and offer workbooks for a fee.

Learning Page www.learningpage.com This site offers free registration and worksheets.

Got a left-handed writer?

When a child writes with their left hand they cover up their writing making it difficult to see what they’re doing. Having good posture and proper paper placement is especially important. They can pick up some bad habits like bending the wrist forward and holding the pencil between the thumb and all four fingers. To help your lefty improve their handwriting skills, align the paper to the left of their midline. The paper should be titled so the arm is at a right angle and the upper right corner of the paper is toward the child. The child’s wrist should be straight and the hand should remain below the line they are writing on.

Jacqueline Bodnar Jacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla. with her husband and two children.

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