5 minute read
questions answered
CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND EDITORIAL MANAGER
Laura Byrne
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Anu Varma Panchal
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Sarah Rigby
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Nicholas Rodriguez Diana Blinkhorn Sheriss Crosskey Anna Tataris DeJesus Leslie Thomas Jasmin Valentino Laura Cross Tara Payor, PhD Anu Varma Panchal Lou Romig, MD, FA AP, FACEP Rachel Dawkins, MD Kelli Biandudi Julie Tingley Sarah Cole Maggie Rodriguez Laura Byrne
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Ralf Gonzalez Craig Collins
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Nicole Barolo of Page Four Creative Sarah Rigby
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Howie Mac Photo Andi Diamond Photography Ashlee Hamon Photography
BOOKKEEPING
Employee of the Month, LLC
INTERN
Emily Banaitis
TAMPA BAY PARENTING MAGAZINE
320 W. Kennedy Blvd. Ste. 220 Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone 813-949-4400 Fax 813-315-6688 info@tbparenting.com editor@tbparenting.com
BECOME A FAN
tampabayparentingmagazine @tampabayparenting @TBParenting
GUEST EDITOR:
BACK TO SCHOOL IN THE NEW NORMAL
The first day of school is always an exciting time, and this year, I have the additional anticipation of returning to a school I love as its new head of school.
I last worked for Corbett Prep during the 2011-12 school year before moving to leadership positions at Carrollwood Day School and Brandon Academy. Now, as I come back to Corbett Prep, I look forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new people, getting to know the students and embracing the challenges and opportunities that go along with this particular school year.
The best educational environment for young people is one that nurtures self-esteem, resilience and personal and academic growth in students, reassuring them that they are cared for while being safe and respected.
Establishing this type of environment is more important now than ever before.
After months of remote learning in the spring, the 2020-21 school year offers us a chance to create a new approach to learning for the fall. We need to balance academic challenge with abundant support for our students’ wellbeing and make practical adjustments to classrooms and routines that will keep both students and teachers physically healthy.
It’s a large undertaking but also an exciting opportunity. I look forward to meeting these challenges head on, knowing I have an amazing parent and faculty community surrounding me. With a focus on students first, I am confident we will forge meaningful relationships as we build consensus toward our shared vision for 2020-21.
Rodriguez with his wife Melanie, daughter Sloane, 8, and son Xavier, 13.
Tampa Bay Parenting is published twelve times per year and distributed throughout the Tampa Bay community. Tampa Bay Parenting is not responsible for any errors, inaccuracies, omissions or incorrect information (or the consequences related thereto) contained within the magazine or online; readers should not rely on any information contained in the magazine and they should always consult with an appropriate professional for guidance. Tampa Bay Parenting accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any loss or damage suffered by users of any of the information or materials provided by Tampa Bay Parenting. Some content published by Tampa Bay Parenting is sponsored or paid for advertising content, and some individuals quoted or cited in articles have paid for advertising or sponsorships; this content or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Tampa Bay Parenting.
Turn to page 12 to read more from Rodriguez about how Corbett Prep keeps students' well-being at the forefront.
Nicholas Rodriguez is a father of two and the new head of school at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, a private PreK3-8 school in North Tampa. He has spent the past 19 years in private and independent schools, serving in nearly all roles throughout an institution, including head of school, assistant head of school, administrator, coach, volunteer and teacher.
thank you to our advertisers and sponsors Because of them, we are able to provide this family-friendly resource to you for FREE.
ANU VARMA PANCHAL
Anu Varma Panchal has written and edited for area publications for nearly 20 years. She’s active on her children’s PTA boards, loves theatre, concerts, the local brewery scene and travel, and spends way too much time schlepping her 12- and 15-year olds around in her minivan. She never leaves home without her library card. You can find her at youreditingsolutions.com.
TARA PAYOR, PH.D.
Tara Payor, Ph.D. has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She is a contributing faculty member for Walden University, where she guides doctoral students through their dissertations. She is also a language arts educator. Reach her at tpayor@gmail.com.
JULIE TINGLEY
Julie Tingley is an 8-year Tampa transplant who has found her way through numerous professional and parenting transitions by maintaining focus on her daily inspirations: Ella, 6, and Kate, 3. With a vision of a better future for her girls, she has introduced the KNOW Book + Tribe, a women’s publication and community, to Tampa Bay.
SARAH RIGBY
TBPM Editorial Assistant Sarah Rigby has a degree in vocal performance musical theatre, as well as minors in business and entrepreneurship. When not keeping Tampa Bay Parenting organized behind the scenes, you may see her portraying many of your favorite princesses with Parties with Character or dancing around Tampa Bay.
Story idea?
Are you a local blogger or writer? If you have a content idea or a story to tell, tell us.
editor@tbparenting.com
JASMIN VALENTINO
KELLI BIANDUDI
Kelli Biandudi is the communications manager for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast. Biandudi worked her way up in local TV news before segueing into public relations at both a private PreK-8 school and a government agency for the State of Florida. When Biandudi is not telling the Y’s story, she’s busy playing cars with her 4-year-old son, Koa.
RACHEL DAWKINS, M.D., F.A.A.P
Rachel Dawkins, M.D., F.A.A.P, is medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Clinics in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Department of Pediatric Medicine, seeing patients as a pediatrician in St. Petersburg. She also is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Dawkins is active nationally with the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatrics. Her research and teaching interests are in childhood resilience, advocacy, resident education and obesity. Jasmin Valentino works in Community Engagement for Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Library and Information Science. Jasmin is a dedicated life-long learner and is passionate about the library’s ability to transform lives.
MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ
Maggie Rodriguez is a former network news anchor who now lives in South Tampa with her husband and their two children. She is best known as the host of the nationally-televised morning news program, "The Early Show on CBS," as well as a substitute anchor on "The CBS Evening News" with Katie Couric. Since relocating to Tampa Bay, Rodriguez has been busy rekindling her love for writing, volunteering and enjoying weekend adventures.
