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Back to School
This is the time of year when we get to start over. We head out to buy school clothes and supplies. We start setting our alarms to get ready for those early mornings, and we start gathering information on the best products and services for our kids. Our Do South® experts have done a lot of the work for you! In
Perfect. This group accepts 20 students, led by Mollie Armour.
this section, they'll show you several educational opportunities,
Rehearsals begin this fall on Mondays. "We are expecting to have
great after-school programs, facilities designed to help your kids
a banner year as we celebrate our 10th season!"
when they need it most, and even a series of lessons that will teach your children social skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Friddle Dentistry has two main locations, one in Fort Smith and one in Van Buren. There are also two school-based clinics inside the Lavaca
Dr. Rosilee Russell, Executive Director of the UAFS Academy of
and Mansfield Schools. All four locations treat adults and children.
the Arts, is excited about the upcoming school year. They have some big productions planned, such as The Addams Family,
Dr. Cody Friddle says the top three habits of kids with good
Mulan, Alice in Wonderland, the Youth Symphony Orchestra,
checkups include:
Broadway our Way ( musical theatre follies presented by Academy faculty). "Those are just a few great shows coming
1. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks. If a child is going
this season to celebrate our 10th anniversary," Rosilee says.
to drink something with sugar in it, it's best to do so during a
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meal. It's not always the amount of sugar that causes decay, it's "The academy offers after-school group classes. The Youth
the amount of time that sugar stays on the teeth that leads to
Orchestra rehearses every Monday evening from 6-8 pm,
the most destruction of tooth structure.
while the teen theatre company rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9pm. Children’s groups from art classes to
2. Brushing at least twice daily and preferably after meals.
musical theatre to show choir rehearse after school on various
Especially when children are in active orthodontic treatment, it is
afternoons at 4pm.
important to brush teeth after lunch, even if that means taking a toothbrush to school.
"One new offering is the Teen A Cappella—an auditioned group of teens grades 7-12 who love to sing, based on the hit movie Pitch
3. Flossing before brushing teeth at night. Many children come
Fort Smith Public Schools fast facts: There are 26 schools,
between their teeth there is a large cavity. This is many times
approximately 1,200 educators and educational administrators,
only detectable with an x-ray. Flossing helps remove the food
and last year there were 14,707 students including Pre-K.
particles that get trapped between teeth when eating. Even good brushing habits will be ineffective at removing these
Lori Griffin, AR Master Principal, Ballman Elementary, Sharla
particles and preventing tooth decay.
Whitson, Principal Bonneville Elementary, and Peggy Walter, Principal Fairview Elementary, have this advice for helping your
Delanna Taylor, owner of Inscriptions, says her customers love
child get ready for kindergarten:
monogrammed backpacks for every age, from the Mother's Day Out crowd on up. There are also lunch bags. "Having the ability
1. Read with your child, practice counting objects up to 100, writing
to pick out an item that you love, and having your name or
name, zipping and buttoning clothes, as well as tying shoes.
monogram on it, makes it truly yours," Delanna says.
2. Let them have creative play and time to make things out of everyday household items, such as paper towel rolls, cotton
The Jon Hart line is trending for the high school and
balls, etc. It will help prepare them for STEM activities.
college set. Customers can pick out the color they want
3. Because there could be up to 20 children in a kindergarten
and have it personalized. Also big with this crowd are
classroom, talk about sharing, taking turns, listening to the
personalized bathroom/vanity storage items, laundry bags,
teacher and doing what they're asked to do.
cosmetic and storage bags, throws, pillows, towels, and
4. Show enthusiasm when your child talks about the school day.
umbrellas. Delanna says everyone loves that each product
Children pick up on their parents' feelings and emotions.
can be personalized — making it unique. Tailgating items
5. Spend time each day talking to their student about their school
with U of A, OU and OSU logos are big sellers. Once you
day. Ask more open ended questions such as, “What did you learn
have everything you need for your kids, don't forget those
today? What was your favorite part of the day and why?”
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to my office with healthy looking teeth, only to find out that
back-to-school gifts for teachers.
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Sharon Blentlinger, Principal at Immaculate Conception
message of Jesus Christ. This is coupled with a strong academic
School, couldn't be prouder of their school, where 46% of
program. We teach our students to model after Jesus by serving
the instructional staff have advanced degrees and average
others. We demonstrate that by setting aside days where all our
more than 17 years of service. "We're a Blue Ribbon School
students serve in some way. It culminates in a ‘U-Serve’ week
as recognized by the Department of Education, the only
just before spring break where our older students serve in a
elementary school in Fort Smith, public or non-public, to have
regional, national and international location."
this distinction, and the first Catholic school in Arkansas to have received this recognition," Sharon says. "IC is a Leader
Last year, 300 students attended Union Christian Academy.
in Me School, which integrates the 7 Habits of Highly Effective
"The graduation rate is 100%, and many students will graduate
People by Steven Covey, into our school community. This
with college credits thanks to an agreement with UAFS that
program teaches leadership, self-responsibility, and many
allows Union high school students, beginning in tenth grade,
other important lifelong skills for successful people."
to take concurrent college classes at a greatly reduced cost, earning both high school and college credit. These credits are
IC has a preschool beginning with 18-month-old toddlers. The
transferable to nearly any four-year institution."
elementary program has approximately 17 students in each class, and they have two classes at each grade level, from
Arkansas Virtual Academy is a tuition-free, public school. Those
kindergarten through 6th grade. "Our school also has an after-
who are eligible also receive a loaner computer and subsidized
school care program and a summer program for both preschool
Internet access.
and elementary students."
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"At ARVA, your child has the benefit of a powerfully effective Paul Bridges, Superintendent of Union Christian Academy,
student team—a collaboration between curriculum experts,
is honored to lead this private school. "Students at Union
teachers, counselors, senior school leadership, the school
Christian learn about God, our reliance on prayer and the gospel
community, and you," Scott Sides, Head of School, says.
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"In fact, as a parent (or the responsible adult), you have a role
Law and Gospel are used to enable each student to reach their
that is so important we call you the 'Learning Coach' or 'Mentor.'
potential and become responsible and productive adults. It is a very loving and forgiving place to be each and every day.
"The student team works hand in hand, providing support,
Smiles are everywhere!
encouragement, and a gentle push, when needed. Together, we inspire your child to believe in his or her own abilities—removing
"We also provide a well-rounded education in the context of
barriers to reaching the potential within."
a Christian worldview. Students master fundamental skills in reading and math while exploring interests and skills in history,
The difference is “dramatic,” says Laurel Barrette, Director
science, music and art and lifetime fitness and health.
of School Counseling Programs. “Too many kids get put in a box. Students may be tracked into one group with one level of
"All students receive both art and choral music instruction
courses, even if their strengths vary by subject.
each week. Every fifth and sixth grade student plays a band instrument. We have a drama club for grades 4 – 6 that is
“A really important thing we’re able to do is look at the individual
involved in producing two musical performances each year as
student in an accepting, open-minded way. We’re able to put
well as a group of one-act plays."
together a customized plan and meet kids’ needs, without them having to worry what other people think.”
Fort Smith Montessori School serves those from PK3 through
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the 6th grade. Jessica Hayes, head of the school, says they're Dr. Philip Frusti, Principal of First Lutheran School, which serves
branching out in the near future. "We are making plans to
preschool through 6th grade, says education is a team effort.
expand through at least 8th grade beginning in the fall of 2017,
"Our teachers and support staff, our parents, and our students
with the potential for 9th as well. We are not a pre-school or
all work together for the benefit of each child whom God has
daycare, though. The school day for our 3-and 4-year-olds is
created with unique gifts and abilities. It is a place where both
very similar to that of our elementary students.
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The school is even offering free lunches to all students. "We
lessons. Therefore, we can give them the time they need
are very excited to be the first school to offer free lunch for
independent of the other children in the class. Children who
all attending students. Our hot lunches are cooked fresh daily
are quick learners have the ability to continue moving in the
with whole and organic ingredients, whenever possible. This is a
curriculum without waiting on others to catch up. Children who
$500-600 annual value to our families."
need more time can take that time without feeling rushed or like everyone is waiting on them. There is a lot of fluidity between
If you'd like to tour the school, call 479.646.6003 to make an
the classrooms as well for quick learners or students who need
appointment. htacademy.net
that extra time." University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Chancellor Paul B. Beran is Harvest Time Academy is open to those 3 months through the
excited about the start of the fall session. Students will have
6th grade. Rev. Sean Sloan, Teaching Pastor-Harvest Time, says
access to the new Windgate Art and Design building, a 100
he's happy to be part of such a great organization. There were 160
percent privately funded, 58,000-square-foot building that
children in their preschool last year. This is the first year for the
houses educational programs that were previously spread across
academy to offer elementary classes.
five buildings. Inside is a film theater, numerous art galleries for
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"Our goal for our students is mastery of the materials and
both professional and student artwork, and professional-quality Rev. Sloan and the Harvest Time congregation see the program as
photography and video facilities.
a ministry. "Believing our students deserve more and our society is experiencing a deficit in quality leaders, we have opened this
"In fall 2016 we plan to open our new Recreation and Wellness
ministry with the full backing of Harvest Time to develop this
Center," Chancellor Beran says. "The 47,000-square-foot
generation of Christ followers and future leaders. We are providing
building will feature a rock climbing wall, two basketball
Christian education as close to cost as possible without additional
courts, four volleyball courts, and additional space for
fees for books, registration, etc. The tuition you pay is all you pay."
multipurpose use.
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"Whether you’ve already landed your dream job or are hoping
"Eighty-seven percent of graduates from the spring 2014 semester
to advance in your career, earning your Bachelor of Science in
have either found employment or are continuing their education
Organizational Management will set you apart in the job market.
in graduate school. Additionally, many of our academic programs
With an OM degree from JBU, you’ll be equipped with the key
boast 100 percent graduate and job placement rates. Those
skills that so many employers seek when hiring managers: critical
numbers validate the work we do here at UAFS and reinforce that
thinking, effective communication and rational decision-making."
we prepare students for the next step of their lives." Jennifer Kistler, Executive Director of The Gregory Kistler Kelly DeWitt, Admissions Counselor at John Brown University,
Treatment Center, says their mission is to provide support and
says their one-class-at-a-time approach to earning a bachelor's
learning opportunities in the community for children and adults
degree is perfect for those already in the workforce. "If you want
with developmental disabilities and to provide all individuals an
a classroom experience but don't have time in your schedule
opportunity for a full and productive life through therapy services.
for taking classes during the day or multiple nights per week, consider John Brown University's Organizational Management
One of those services is helping young children with
program," Kelly says. "Designed for working professionals,
developmental issues get ready for school. "Children who
you can finish your bachelor's degree in about 20 months by
have any type of developmental concerns are at risk for falling
attending class just one night per week in Fort Smith (across
behind in their education potential. With the help of physical,
from Central Mall, on Waldron Road).
occupational, and speech-language therapists, the Kistler Center
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While the buildings are impressive, so is the university's record.
can help a child acquire essential prerequisites for school.” "With our accelerated program, you can utilize the college credit and skills you've already acquired to finish your bachelor's
If you believe your child is having difficulties playing, learning,
degree faster. You take one class at a time, allowing you to
communicating, or moving, speak with your doctor. The doctor can
focus on one subject before moving on to another.
assess the situation, and can refer your child to Kistler Center, if needed.
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Dan Beam, who co-owns Flame Gymnastics with Laura Beam,
Shirley Skulman, Director of the Fort Smith Junior Cotillion, is
offers classes for kids from 12 months to 18 years. Besides
on a mission to help kids feel confident in every social situation.
the physical benefits, gymnastics also teaches confidence,
"We are consumed with the obvious things for our children’s
patience, mental toughness and time management. "Most
progress such as sports, musical training, entertainment, etc.,"
all skills learned during gymnastics training are beneficial
Shirley says. "The thing being missed is that manners, etiquette
when children participate in a wide variety of other sports,
and the other social things that cotillion teaches our children, is
including baseball, softball, football and swimming, just to
the glue that can help them in all of the above things. It helps
name a few," Dan says.
them bond, get along and progress with more ease in all of their endeavors because everything comes down to dealing and
Flame is part of the USA Gymnastics Member Club, which means
interacting with people. When they know how to treat other
they are required to do background checks on coaches, staff
kids and adults with respect and confidence, it compounds their
is trained through the USA Gymnastics Educational University,
development into adulthood.
and they maintain both accident and general liability insurance, which covers their students.
"Fort Smith Junior Cotillion eases your children into social situations, interactions with their peers, and subtly teaches them
"August 5, 2015 marks our 30th anniversary," Dan says.
manners, not to mention some fun and classic forms of dancing.
"In that time we have earned the reputation as being the
So, as the slogan says, "Just Do It", and enroll them in cotillion.
premiere facility in the River Valley for parents wanting
You and your children will not regret it!"
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the finest for their children in gymnastics and tumbling instruction, on either the recreational or competitive level.
Brandon Morrison, owner of BodyTailors Personal Training, can
We are very proud to not only produce high-caliber athletes,
help you get back in shape after a summer of vacations and
but also to help develop high-caliber young men and women
parties. They offer 30-minute classes, limited to 24 people. There
who go on to be successful in life."
are several classes that can accommodate almost any schedule.
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"We use a combination of weight-bearing, suspension and
grade, as well as course work for students that are pursuing
bodyweight training, along with good old-fashioned cardio,"
a GED. When a student comes to Valley, we contact their
Brandon says. "We start everyone in a foundations class
school and get a course schedule so we can design their
where they must demonstrate they are capable of performing
course work here to match what they will be going back
basic exercises with correct form before moving into a more
to. When the student returns to their school, we send a
advanced class. This will ensure that we don’t overwhelm
report card with grades that are factored into their grades.
new clients just starting and that we don’t slow down
This allows the school to use grades for work completed
more advanced clients. Each class is a safe but challenging
while the student was at Valley, rather than loading them
workout in a team setting. With 23 years of helping hundreds
down with missed assignments.”
of people get in shape, I have found that most people have a tendency to achieve greater results when held accountable in a fun, energetic atmosphere in a group of their peers." If you
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER
would like to set up an appointment for a fitness assessment, call Brandon at 479.310.6820.
We had such a great time putting our Back to School section together. And we're already working on our Fall Fun Special
Valley Behavioral Health System staff is trained to work
Advertising Section for September! It will include fall festivals,
with children who are having a wide array of issues. If a
vacation destinations, hunting and fishing locales, outdoor fun,
child needs to stay at Valley, they don't have to worry about
and a ton of information from our experts that will make you
missing school. Kasey Loyd, the Director of Education, says
want to get out and explore.
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their teachers take pride in being part of the team that cares for their patients. "Valley Behavioral Health has a
If you're a business owner looking to advertise, give Do South a
team of teachers that hold Arkansas Teachers Licenses. We
call at 479.782.1500 or 479.459.6672. We'd love to talk to you
offer classes for students from Pre-School through 12th
about how we can help you grow your business.
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