Memphis Parent August 2015

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PLUS: LAST-DITCH GETAWAYS

Our Best Back-toSchool Issue Get Ready Here!

• Teacher tips for every age • Transitioning to middle school • Khan Academy = Smart learning

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CONTENTS

August MEMPHIS PARENT

FE ATU RES

VO I C ES

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Give Your Child a Head Start

5

The Story Behind Khan Academy

D E PA RT ME N TS

by Jennifer Boren

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by Irene Middleman Thomas

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The Middle School Transition

by Jennifer Williams-Fields

20 22 27

Keep an Eye on the Earthworm

Editor’s Note

Back to School

Around Town

Sisterhood Showcase, Meritan Midnight Bike ride, update on the Library’s Teen Learning Lab

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Dear Teacher

The Great Escape: St. Louis

10

Savvy Shopper

The Upside of Social-media Connected Kids

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One Cool Mom

13

Health Matters

by Stephanie Painter

by Jane Schneider

by Christa Melnyk Hines

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Record keeping, perfect planners

How to negotiate a deal

29

Parent to Parent

Tips on how to get organized

31

Family Table

32

Other Voices

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Jennifer Williams-Field has a new book

Take care of baby teeth

Can-do Kids

Local students win national awards

Lunchbox ideas

Letting Go

Early Years

Separation anxiety, breastfeeding after returning to work

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August Calendar and Events

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Our Favorite Moments Kid funnies and pictures of your cute kids

COVER: © Andres Rodriguez | Dreamstime.com

DISCOVER THE BRIGHT HORIZONS DIFFERENCE High quality early education in the Memphis area At Bright Horizons® we provide an exceptional place for children to thrive.

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Our individualized, flexible curriculum and experienced teachers inspire children at every age and stage.

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Highlights

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Back to School

STAFF Editor Jane Schneider

BY JANE SCHNEIDER

Art Director Melissa Ellis Advertising Art Director

Speech Therapy Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Developmental Therapy

Christopher Myers

Graphic Designers

Dominique Pere, Bryan Rollins

Advertising Manager Sheryl Butler Account Executives

March Gates, Ashley Haeger

Production Operations Director Margie Neal

Calendar Editor Meena Viswanathan Copy Editor Marilyn Sadler STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Memphis Parent strives to provide information of value to all who are invested in our children’s future.

Memphis Parent is published by Contemporary Media, Inc. Publisher/CEO Kenneth Neill

Here’s to Another Great School Year!

Chief Financial Officer Jennifer K. Oswalt Director of New Business Development

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Marketing/Communications Manager Kendrea Collins

AROUND TOWN

Calling All Night Owls

T

eens love adventure. And what’s cooler than riding your bike at night?

Start a new family tradition by riding the Meritan’s Midnight Classic Bike Tour and Lunar Festival. This popular 17-mile noncompetitive ride treks through the heart of Midtown, starting from Tiger Lane at the Liberty Bowl.

The Lunar Festival, which begins at 10 p.m., features live music, free bike checkups, and bike demonstrations by local riders doing tricks and stunts. There will also be plenty of eats before cycling starts at midnight. Don’t miss breakfast at the finish line. Proceeds benefit Meritan’s social services.

Midnight Classic Bike Tour • Tiger Lane at the Libery Bowl Saturday, August 29, 10 p.m. Ride begins at midnight. $40/adults, $25/ages 18 & under, register before event. $50/$25, night of event.

Call 766-0658 or go to meritan.org/events MP

RUN FOR FUN

Forrest Spence 5K Sunday, August 29, at Overton Park Race starts at 8 a.m., 100-yd. dash for kids 8 and under, & 1-mile Fun Run for ages 12 and under. Festival includes bounce houses, slides, food, and prizes.

Proceeds benefit Le Bonheur families. • Forrestspencefund.org

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What’s Up with the Library’s Teen Learning Lab?

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t won’t be much longer before teens have a place to call their own at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. The $1.9 million Cloud 901 Teen Learning Lab is wrapping construction later this month. Electronic equipment and furniture is on order and programs are being tweaked as staff gear up for the grand opening in mid-September.

The two-story space replaces the Popular Library, located across from the Children’s Library on the first floor. The learning lab will give teens a chance to explore new technologies and learn how to create mobile apps, videos, music, and more.

“This is part of a growing trend of libraries becoming information creators, not just a place for information consumption,” says Janae Pitts-Murdock, coordinator of teen services for the Memphis Public Library (MPL).

MPL’s decision to focus on teens is in response to a call by the American Library Association which released a study in January 2014 reflecting the severe lack of library services available to teens at libraries nationwide. “We want to help teens develop twenty-first century skills. Our students need to be more prepared for college and careers, so it seemed a sensible, worthwhile investment to invest in them,” says Pitts-Murdock.

“This is part of a growing trend of libraries becoming information creators, not just a place for information consumption,” says Janae Pitts-Murdock, coordinator of teen services.

At graduation, students carry the Bibles they

To that end, MPL has hired 22 teen librarians, one for each of its branches. Teens were previously folded into youth services. Now, the library offers child, teen, and adult services. According to MPL records, 50,000 children between the ages of 13 to 18 hold library cards. New teen programs will explore game design, coding, music recording, and robotics.

Fundraising was led by the Memphis Library Foundation. Project partners include Bridges, the University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, and Rhodes College. MP

were given as seventh graders.

Sisterhood Showcase Returns August 15-16 at Memphis Cook Convention Center

Campus ministers at upper school each day

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Foreign and domestic service opportunities

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Emphasis on community involvement

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Students represent numerous Christian fellowships

Scan the QR code at right to see how Harding students are being mentored in their diverse faith walks.

SISTERHOOD SHOWCASE Memphis Cook Convention Center Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday, August 16, from noon-5 p.m.

Admission: $15/to August 8. $20/week of show.

Thesisterhoodshowcase.com What’s going on behind the scenes? • memphisparent.com

w w w.W hy I L ove H a r d i n g.c o m Harding has three campuses and offers classes for age 2 years–Grade 12. Call 901-767-4494 to schedule a tour.

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hristina Stevison has been very busy lately, trying to pin down the flurry of details that come with throwing a party for 20,000. That’s how many visitors attend the Sisterhood Showcase, a popular two-day event that features dining, shopping, networking, and entertainment for women. It takes place at the Memphis Cook Convention Center August 15th and 16th.

As executive director, Stevison knows every facet of this production. She learned it at the elbow of her mother, entrepreneur Tina Birchett, founder of Grace magazine and the creator of the Sisterhood Showcase.

Over 18 years, the showcase has morphed from a modest affair to an event with celebrity glitz. This year’s big get? Actor Bryshere Yazz Gray, the handsome 22-year-old who plays Hakeem Lyon in the Fox musical drama, Empire “I was so excited when he said yes,” says Stevison.

Yet the show will also stay true to its original aim: Empowering and educating women. In addition to the celebrity stage, three other stages will offer tips on healthy eating, healthy hair, and professional development. There will also be plenty of vendors and food.

The 29-year-old put the showcase on hiatus last year “to regroup and reflect” after losing her mother to breast cancer. Birchett died in August 2014 at age 53.

That’s why Stevison settled on the Twitter hashtag, ThisisforTina, as a tribute to her mother and a reminder to herself that she would insist the show go on. MP

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Records Families Need to Keep Q &A Every year, I get a barrage of information from my kids’ schools. How do I know what paperwork I should keep and what can be tossed?

© BRAD CALKINS | DREAMSTIME.COM

From permission slips and artwork to field trip and sports forms, teachers are constantly sending material home to keep you abreast of your child’s progress. However, schools don’t keep all of the important records related to your child’s education. You should establish a file folder for each child and keep it in a file cabinet or desk drawer. The folders should include the following: • Report cards and transcripts of grades • Copies of letters or emails sent to a teacher or school on significant issues, as well as copies of their communications to you • Standardized test scores • Medical records, such as immunization records, your child’s annual physical, dental check-ups, and medication recommendations Besides keeping these records, it’s also nice to have a portfolio of work completed by each of your children. You certainly won’t want to keep every piece of artwork or paper they’ve written. Be selective. An accordion file folder can keep these papers organized by grade level. You also might want to include an annual school picture of each child. When time permits, these can be transferred to a scrapbook and housed with other family memorabilia.

Choosing the Perfect Planners Q &A

As children advance to later grades, schools may provide planners or require a specific planner. These planners are usually larger and will offer more options. A calendar is definitely necessary so the children can write down the dates when assignments and reports are due, as well as the schedule of family events, extracurricular activities, and appointments.

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1:4 iPad ratio in 2 years–Grade 5

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT “School-age children are much more self-directed and peerfocused than when they were preschoolers. And their behavior and communication style seem to change overnight. There is always a moment when you think, ‘I don’t recognize this child,’ and then you realize, ‘Oh, she’s growing and changing.’”

• Michael Thompson Ph.D., co-author, Raising Cain. Want to read more about talking to kids? Go to PBS.org and click on Parenting

w w w.W hy I L ove H a r d i n g.c o m Harding has three campuses and offers classes for age 2 years–Grade 12. Call 901-767-4494 to schedule a tour.

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© SAM74100 | DREAMSTIME.COM

The type of planners children use depends upon their grade level. The younger the child, the smaller the planner should be. They do not need heavy, bulky planners.

In early elementary school, a planner should have: • Plenty of space to write down assignments, as younger children usually have large handwriting • A front and/or back pocket to bring work home from school and assignments and forms to school • A spiral binding so papers will not fall out and be lost

M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 ww w. m em ph ispa re nt .com

The school wants our young children in elementary school to use planners. However, the teachers have not made very specific recommendations. What should I be looking for?

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SAVVY SHOPPER

Unleash Your Purchasing Power H ow to negotiate a deal

By Malia Jacobson, MBA

W

hat’s sweeter than a new sofa, a new appliance, or a long-awaited vacation? Scoring each, with cash left to spare, using the power of negotiation.

“Negotiating? Asking for discounts?” You think to yourself. “Maybe financial pros can do it, but I never could!” I feel you, the entire subject of negotiation used to make my knees weak, too. Then I became a stay-at-home mom, and felt silly throwing away hard-earned cash on retail prices.

So I gave myself a few pep talks and started small, asking for discounts on Craigslist purchases and car repair bills. With each negotiating win, my confidence grew. This year, I scored major discounts on carpeting, stainless-steel appliances, a minivan, even our new home, When I added up total savings, my knees nearly buckled: I saved enough to cover our family’s food bill for two years.

Why should you take the time to wrangle a better deal? Because a lot is at stake, says Ellie Kay, author of The 60-minute Financial Workout. In today’s economy, parents with growing kids and bills can’t afford to throw money away. “Paying less for purchases gives you more money to do great things like paying down credit card debt and funding your kids’ college.”

So keep these tactics in mind, and you’ll never be far from your next great deal.

MIND OVER MATTER First, get over the misplaced fear of looking or feeling foolish. People all over the world use negotiating tactics every day without a second thought. It’s okay to feel scared, but don’t let that feeling stop you. “Remember,” says Kay, “this is something you are doing to improve your family’s bottom line.”

SAY THE MAGIC WORDS You’ve done your homework, armed yourself with cash, and walked into the store.

Now what? Start the negotiating process with five simple words, “Is that your best price?” This phrase works in nearly every situation by informing the seller that you’re looking for a deal, and putting the ball into their court.

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2 yrs.–Grade 6 October 20 @ 9:00 a.m.

2 yrs.–Grade 6 October 18 @ 2:00 p.m.

Grades 7–12

USE TECHNOLOGY Today’s smartphones and laptops put a world of portable purchasing power at your fingertips, and this can be a valuable asset in the negotiating process. I recently scored my dream minivan at a sizable discount by pulling up prices of comparable cars at neighboring dealerships on my laptop, and showing them to the sales manager.

WALK-AWAY Always remember you can walk away, and find another deal. There are legions of stores eager for your business and bargains waiting to be discovered, so don’t settle for anything less. Keep a light, pleasant attitude, and be prepared to politely thank the salesperson for their time if the negotiation isn’t fruitful.

NEGOTIATE WITH SINCERITY Above all, maintain your integrity throughout the negotiating process. Bargaining is a two-way street, so tell the truth and be ready to hold up your end of the bargain.

Garnering pity with sob stories about your bleak finances won’t help you score a discount — your negotiating prowess will. MP Malia Jacobson is a nationally published journalist and mom of three.

RSVP: www.HardingLions.org/PreviewDay Harding has three campuses and offers classes for age 2 years–Grade 12. Call 901-767-4494 to schedule a tour.

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FLASH CASH Financial author Dave Ramsey counsels bargain hunters to “use the power of cash.” I’ve had sales managers waive sales tax or throw in additional discounts after I tell them, truthfully, that the cash in my hand is all I can spend. So flash a little cash, and watch sellers scramble.

Join us at one of our three locations:

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DO YOUR HOMEWORK Pave the way for successful shopping with advance preparation. The product information available online makes it a snap to find essential facts about the product you’re after.

Come prepared to bargain with a basic idea of what you need and want, including “musthave” and “nice-to-have” features, and exactly how much you can spend.

ONE COOL MOM

The Long Journey Home H ow one mom found the courage to save herself

by Jane Schneider

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photo by Marci Lambert

t was Hurricane Katrina that brought Jennifer Williams-Field and her family to Memphis. Blown into the Bluff City on a dark August night in 2005, she thought their refuge would be temporary. Her marriage was already floundering; she’d even moved the kids up by herself, her husband unavailable as he so often was with his job in the Navy. But the couple had agreed that they needed to work on their marriage, and framed the move as a chance for renewal. Once they realized their house was a loss, there was no turning back.

She’s attractive and upbeat today, with a broad, easy smile, and I try to imagine Jennifer as the cowed woman she describes during our meeting. We’re at Panera Bread in Cordova, discussing her new book, Creating a Joyful Life: The Lessons I Learned from Yoga and My Mom, one she wrote as she began rebuilding her life following her divorce in March 2013.

Their marriage had started out hopeful. Two college kids from Pennsylvania — she was 20, he 22, embarking on an adventure together as her new husband joined the Navy. Her mother worried that Jennifer was perhaps too young, but she gave her blessing. “My mom made me promise to finish college,” she says. “And to not lose myself.”

Jennifer received a degree in communications and wrote for a local newspaper while living on base in Jacksonville, Florida. Writing was her passion. But as her family grew (her six children are now ages 10 to 20), her writing time diminished.

Each promotion meant moving to a new base and finding new schools and doctors. It wasn’t easy, but she remembered a note her mother had placed in her hand years ago. “Bloom where you are planted,” it said. And so she did.

But her husband was on a different path. Instead of coming home for dinner and watching the kids’ play ball, he walled himself off, and partied with his buddies. He began drinking, too, just as his father had, and his drunkenness led to emotional abuse. He belittled Jennifer, criticized her, made her feel worthless. The abuse increased over time, becoming so severe that a counselor diagnosed her with post traumatic stress disorder.

“I always thought it was my fault that he drank because the kids were too noisy or there were too many toys on the floor but the truth was he was an addict. It wasn’t until I learned about alcoholism that I realized alcoholics blame everyone else but themselves.

“When I would threaten to leave,” she continues, “he’d promise to change and things would improve for a little while and then we’d go back to where we were.” Gradually, the young man she remembered ebbed away, lost to his own demons.

Following the birth of her last child, Jennifer stumbled onto a stepping-stone to salvation. The local Y offered free childcare so parents could exercise. At first she just attended classes, then she began teaching, too. As her body became stronger, her self-confidence grew. Later, yoga, along with counseling, would help her do the inner work she needed to reclaim herself.

Then, her mother became stricken with cancer and she turned to blogging in 2010. It became a productive way to manage the grief unleashed by the loss of her mother, her marriage, herself.

What kept her in an abusive marriage?

“Fear,” she says, a lack of empowerment. “I’d ask myself, ‘What will I do? How will I raise my kids financially?’” In the book she writes, “When my husband and I were in the midst of our marital crisis, I didn’t feel safe telling anyone around me what was happening. I was afraid people would no longer love me if they knew my secrets.”

Today, those secrets are gone. Her honest, positive outlook shines through in this self-help book, where she weaves her personal journey with the positive insights she’s gained from practicing yoga and listening to the practical wisdom of her mother.

Together, her words provide a blueprint for other women who might feel lost in a volatile marriage and are unable to ask for help. This is a lifesaver. MP • Read Jennifer online at yogalifeway@yahoo.com. Her book is available at Booksellers at Laurelwood and on Amazon.

HEALTH MATTERS

Meet e

Baby Teeth Matter H ealthy smiles start now

© OKSUN70 | DREAMSTIME.COM

BY KRISTI COOK

F

irst smile, first giggle, first word. Milestones mark a child’s

development, causing parents to gush with pride. However, one milestone that often appears too late is the first dental checkup. Because baby teeth affect a child’s health through everyday functions, from chewing to speaking, Dr. Timothy Bakelaar of Bartlett Pediatric Dentistry recommends a trip to the dentist when that first tooth erupts, or at the very latest by baby’s first birthday. This visit not only establishes your dental home, but serves to encourage the best practices in caring for baby’s first set of teeth.

BRUSH THAT TOOTH While Bakelaar agrees that brushing a single baby tooth may seem difficult, the importance of establishing a twice daily brushing routine is paramount to dental health. Baby teeth not only affect speech and chewing patterns, they also establish pathways permanent teeth use. He recommends gently wiping the tooth and inside mouth surfaces with a cool, wet washcloth to remove food debris.

As more primary teeth erupt, gradually switch to a soft bristled, infant-sized toothbrush moistened with warm water.

• More than 25 percent of 2- to Introduce small amounts of infant toothpaste as baby becomes accustomed to the new 5-year-olds have one or more routine. However, speak to your dentist before cavities introducing fluoridated toothpaste, as each child’s fluoride needs vary.

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IS YOUR KID CAVITY-FREE?

THE DARK SIDE OF BOTTLES We’ve all been there. A cranky baby fights bedtime, so we soothe her to sleep with a milk or formula-filled bottle. Before long, a habit forms as she expects the sweet treat each night. The problem, Bakelaar says, is baby bottle decay. As children fall asleep, mouth-cleaning saliva production slows, allowing milk sugars (or sugars from any other drink) to collect around teeth, feeding cavity-causing bacteria. The better choice is a water-filled bottle or sippy cup, these still offer the soothing action of sucking that will ease baby to sleep, but without the sugar.

Consider avoiding this practice altogether. Remember, once baby gets attached to something, you’ve got a new challenge on your hands: Retiring the beloved object.

CREATE A GOOD HABIT While pacifiers and bottles can lead to trouble, one good habit worth establishing is twice yearly checkups and cleaning, because tooth decay, which causes cavities, remains one of the most common diseases of childhood.

Catching tooth decay early, fine tuning calcium-rich diets, and building your child’s trust in her dentist during these visits are just as important as proper brushing. So establish a dental home with that first tooth milestone, and let your dentist guide you toward a worry-free smile. MP

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PACIFIERS, THUMBS, AND BUCKED-TEETH Most parents have heard the warning that • Tooth decay affects two-thirds pacifiers and thumb sucking cause ‘bucked’ of 16- to 19-year-olds teeth. Unfortunately, Bakelaar says there is some truth to this. These habits can alter the position of teeth with prolonged or continual use, yet occasional pacifier use or finger sucking usually poses no threat. However, Bakelaar tells parents not to worry. “There’s always a time and place for weaning. We’ll figure out a good time.”

Your dentist will also have several tricks to share once that time comes.

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• Half of teens ages 12 to 15 have one or more cavities

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PAY A VISIT Attending a new school can be an intimidating experience. Cindy Tesreau, principal of Bailey Station Elementary, recommends parents and children tour school grounds before the first day if possible. “It is helpful to know where you are going,” she says. “Let your child ask questions about the school and meet teachers.”

STAY CONNECTED Staying connected with your child’s academic growth is now easier than ever with online grading systems. “Gone are the days of weekly folders, especially in the upper grades,” says Kolleena Perry, sixth grade special education teacher at Bon Lin Middle School. “Parents need to get access to grades early on. Parents can set up notifications each time grades are entered online, and parents should check classroom websites weekly.”

Checking grades early can help avoid gaps in learning and keep students from falling too far behind. (Just remember that online grading generally isn’t 100 percent up-to-date.)

LEVEL THE FIELD Give your child a head start by practicing grade-level skills before the first day of school. Early exposure to basic skills can reap rewards later on, especially in the primary grades. Kim Tunnell, kindergarten teacher at Bailey Station Elementary, recommends parents work on the following skills for entering kindergartners: Printing names with correct capitalization, upper and lowercase letters, numbers 0-10, matching numbers to groups of objects, and counting to 25 and beyond. She adds, “Parents should read everyday with their child!”

FORM HEALTHY HABITS Many parents flounder when trying to find healthy and delicious ideas for school lunches and after school snacks.

Include your child in meal planning the weeks leading up to the start of school. Many websites offer quick ideas for nutritious meals that older children can pack themselves. Taking ownership in preparing school lunches will motivate children to make healthier choices in the cafeteria and at home.

GET PHYSICAL In addition to eating healthy, parents should encourage their children to stay active. “Don’t think your child needs to be in an organized sport to stay active,” explains Cheryl White, Physical Education teacher at Bailey Station Elementary. “Team sports aren’t for everyone.” White recommends families take advantage of the multiple greenways, parks, swimming pools, and splash parks around the city.

Old-fashioned games such as jump rope, hopscotch, and

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Give your child a head start by practicing grade-level skills before the first day of school. Early exposure to basic skills before the first days of school can reap rewards later on, especially in the primary grades.

hide-and-seek can be fun for everyone. Based on her experience, “Parents who are active with their children have the added benefit of social interaction. This time and trust can go a long way when problems arise during the school year.”

MAKE A PLAN How will your child arrive and depart from school each day? Preparing transportation plans early will reduce anxiety for children and parents. If your child will walk or bike home, practice the route ahead of time. Is there a safe house along the way that your child can stop at and ask for help if needed? If your child is a bus rider, make sure he knows the time and location of his stop. Make certain car riders know the adult in charge of picking them up and the car rider procedures for your school. As always, have an emergency back-up plan.

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SET GOALS Students of all ages benefit from setting goals. Help your child set specific, attainable, and positive goals for this school year. Goals should be simple and reflect areas your child wants to grow in: Get up on time, turn in homework, read 20 minutes everyday, or take an honors class. “Be positive and remember that children of all ages pick up on your fears,” advises Tesreau. “It will surprise parents at how quickly children can acclimate to school.” MP

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ESTABLISH A DIALOGUE Parents often want to conference with new teachers before the teacher really knows their child. Parents should understand that classroom rosters and teachers often change the first weeks of school based on enrollment. Kolleena Perry, sixth grade special education teacher at Bon Lin Middle, recommends touching base with new teachers briefly the first days of school, then wait to set up a conπference if there’s no pressing need. “The first week of school is always very busy, but by the second and third week of school, schedules are settled and teachers have learned who your child is. They can then have a meaningful conversation with you about your child.” Establish a dialogue with your child’s teacher early by introducing yourself, writing a brief note, or sending an email.

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PRACTICE ROUTINES Mornings can be hectic and set children up for a rocky start to their day. To avoid arguments, practice routines before the first day of school to help solve logistical problems before they arise. Don’t assume morning routines are just for young children. Teens often need help with scheduling and time management. Getting to bed a little earlier will not only pay off for students, but for you, too.

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THE STORY BEHIND KHAN ACADEMY P utting th e K h an into educ ation, for ev ery abil ity , l ev el , and age

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BY I RENE

MIDDLEMAN THOMAS

“You’re asking ME??” Salman Khan was incredulous.

In 2012, Khan had been invited by his alma mater, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), to give their commencement address. It had only been five years earlier that the then 36-year-old had been a hedge fund analyst — successful, yes, but not a world changer.

The founder of Khan Academy, a nonprofit school dedicated to providing “A free world-class education for anyone, anywhere” is a world changer. M.I.T. chose Khan to inspire its 2012 class to ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL “I always enjoyed learning new things,” he recalls about his own background as change their world.

GLOBAL SCHOOL WAS A SURPRISE

Who better to motivate college grads than Khan? Raised by an immigrant single mother, he founded his “global school” from what began, in 2004, as a simple favor for his 9-year-old cousin Nadia, who needed help in passing a crucial math placement test. From his then home in the Northeast, Khan developed and posted videos on YouTube that used his voice and a virtual ‘blackboard’ upon which he drew to tutor her remotely in her New Orleans suburban home.

To his surprise, he began to receive grateful feedback from virtual strangers who had viewed the videos. By 2008, Khan had enough interest in his growing series of instructional videos that he incorporated Khan Academy as a 501c(3) non profit. A year later, he quit his finance job to devote himself to the tutorials, soon receiving his first outside funding.

Since that time, Khan Academy has become widely recognized, publicized by 60 Minutes, CNN, and famously, Bill Gates, whose own kids use Khan Academy.

With more than 8 million unique users clicking on Khan Academy videos each month, it’s a worldwide phenomenon — and yet, Khan, typically dressed in a V-neck sweater and jeans, is humble about his achievements. “Even now, I kind of imagine that I’m making the videos for a larger collection of cousins.”

a middle-class, public school student in New Orleans, and later on as a college student. “I liked talking to my peers, having direct conversations with teachers, but I was frustrated when being lectured to. College at M.I.T. is about as good as it gets, but still, I felt that much of the time, I got more out of what I did out of class than in.”

“In elementary school, I was lucky enough to be in gifted programs that had enrichment activities and small groups. Also, my mom is a strong-willed woman and has always questioned norms. My older sister was a very advanced student, and interacting with her rubbed off on me, and made teachers push me more,” he says, chuckling.

As Khan says, not everyone has the motivation and support he did. The typical educational system presents the subject matter for a certain period of time, and then moves on, a one-size-fits-all-approach.

An older student, “Leslie,” working towards her teaching certification in junior and senior high school social studies, wrote to Khan Academy calling it “invaluable.” As she explains, “…when I was studying for my teaching exams (Praxis), I knew my math skills were lacking and found the math knowledge map so beneficial! I used the history lessons to help review and was blown away by how clear and concise they were.”

“The old classroom model simply doesn’t fit our changing needs,” writes Khan in his book, The One World Schoolhouse: Education Reimagined. Widespread evidence shows that U.S. students score well below their European and Asian peers in reading and math. The U.S. ranks 24 out of 34 nations in “mathematics literacy,” according to a 2009 program for International Student Assessment. Alarmingly, almost one-quarter of American teens do not finish high school.

“It isn’t clear that this (our educational system) was the best model 100 years ago; it certainly isn’t anymore,” writes Khan.

Meet e

PERSONALIZED LEARNING

“Flipping the classroom” is a basic Khan philosophy, often misunderstood. The philosophy essentially inverts traditional teaching methods, delivering instruction online outside the classroom and moving homework into the classroom. A primary tenet of Khan Academy is that students work at their own pace through technology while the concept engagement happens with the teacher in the classroom.

“There are some people who believe that technology in education diminishes the importance of teachers,” says Shantanu Sinha, Khan’s lifelong chum (and friendly competitor). Since 2009, Sinha has been chief operating officer of Khan Academy.

“In our experience, nothing could be further from the truth. The fantastic teachers we have seen implement Khan Academy are bright, innovative, creative, and they take their classrooms to new heights. Their role is not diminished. Rather, their responsibility is increased.”

“We’re trying to move the passivity out of the classroom,” explained Khan in a 2011 60 Minutes segment. “We believe teachers are coaches and mentors, not just lecturers.” Khan responds to detractors who criticize Khan Academy. “We’re not a ‘silver bullet,” he agrees. “Yes, of course, education is a systematic thing. We can certainly help move the dial.” How? By personalizing learning so that students can move at their own pace.

At St. George’s Independent School, Associate Head Will Bladt says one of their science teacher flips his classroom using MyMathLab, a Pearson Education product that is set up very similarly to Kahn Academy. In addition to video demonstrations, there are practice problems with instant feedback for students and assessment messaging so that the teacher can see who has mastery, who is struggling, and who doesn’t understand it at all. “It’s working well,” notes Bladt.

As for Elizondo, she now has her fourth graders watching Khan videos in the evenings at home (or before and after school in the computer lab for those without home computers) and then has Khan time in school three times a week.

“I want my students to take risks and ‘walk the talk.’ I don’t feel very tech-savvy, but Khan Academy is so user-friendly that it has made us successful. Anyone could learn to use it by themselves.”

Maddy Markham, 14, entering high school in Aurora, Colorado, used Khan Academy videos in her eighth-grade math class at the Challenge School, a public school for advanced and motivated students. She says she is a visual learner, and found Khan videos quite beneficial, commenting that “I don’t love math, but once I get the hang of it, I am good at it. Khan has helped to break it down step by step.

Alison Elizondo is so excited about Khan Academy she has contributed to a teacher blog on its site, urging others to think beyond the status quo.

“As educators we must prepare our students for college and career. I believe our future innovators will need to collaborate with peers, communicate effectively, think critically, and demonstrate creativity … Khan Academy lends itself as a diverse tool for achieving preparing students for their exciting future.” MP

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FLIPPING THE CLASSROOM

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Despite holding an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was the president of his class, and three degrees from M.I.T., including a Masters in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Khan is no effete intellectual, nor “geeky” nerd. Rather, he comes across as a sort of folksy mix of Jerry Seinfeld and Ray Romano. His casual demeanor, quips, and enthusiastic presentations engage and entice millions of Khan Academy users from more than 216 countries.

“I didn’t like math time before,” says Fernando Hernandez, 9, a fourth-grader in Alison Elizondo’s 33-child classroom at William Burnett Elementary School, a Title 1 school with a highly diverse population, in Milpitas, California.

“But now, with Khan Academy, math is like a workplace. I don’t have to sit at a desk. I can lie down on the floor, I can talk, I can work with friends.” In fact, Elizondo says, “Fernando asks me when we will ‘get’ to do Khan each day. He has gained great confidence in himself and his math ability.”

She explains that Khan Academy has been an “incredible journey” for her professionally. She began to use it regularly as part of her class day two years ago, when her school got the computers it needed for laptop use in class. “We’ve ‘flipped’ our classroom,” Elizondo says with excitement. She’s especially enthused about the real-time data Khan provides teachers.

“I think all teachers would love this. The kids work on their own, and I get data in my ‘teacher tool kit.’ I see what they get wrong, how long it takes for them to solve problems, who is struggling and who isn’t. I can then determine how to help each student according to their exact needs.”

Creating A Smooth Middle School Transition While tweens are pushing to gain more independence, they still need help adjusting to the expectations and dynamics of middle school

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The one “first” that hasn’t gotten easier is the first year of middle school. Each of my children have entered sixth grade the same sweet child they were in fifth grade.

But by the end of that first year of middle school, some of their naivete’ is lost and they suddenly look and act more mature. They are no longer little kids.

“Middle school kids are stuck in the middle of adolescence and the teen years.

They are torn between the silliness of childhood and the maturity of a teen,” says Rebecca Stacy, a Tipton County middle school teacher. “The difference in the rate that the students mature only compounds this issue.”

Stricter academic standards, more personal responsibility, hormonal changes, and the beginnings of social awareness can combine to make the middle school years a difficult time in a child’s life.

Transitioning to middle school can cause challenges for students in three areas: logistics, academics, and social skills.

“Middle school kids are stuck in the middle of adolescence and the teen years. They are torn between the silliness of childhood and the maturity of a teen,” says Rebecca Stacy, a Tipton County middle school teacher.

children no longer are given a set homework schedule each night. In elementary school, teachers send home a daily folder with homework clearly labeled. However, each middle school teacher has his or her own homework plans and makes it the responsibility of the student to be sure it is completed on time.

Although preteens are struggling to earn their independence, parents still must ask ‘Did you do your homework?’ And even more importantly, follow up and review the homework assignments.

Starnes says although a parent may not see as much nightly homework, “a child needs FINDING THEIR WAY repetitive practice and exposure to material to Heather Starnes says in her 11 years of teaching middle school for Tipton County, retain it long term.” the kids always have the same fears: Changing classes, using a locker, getting to class She says even at this age, parents need to take an active role in helping their children on time, using the restroom, and managing multiple teachers. learn efficient study skills.

Middle school kids can still benefit from making flash cards, Middle school campuses are larger than most elementary schools and students reworking math problems, and utilizing online resources for to reinforce skills. fear they won’t find their classrooms. Tipton County schools eases some of those “The reality is most children will not take this initiative on their own, they are fears by offering a Fifth Grade Orientation program. children and studying is work. Parents must set standards Each fifth grade class takes a field trip to the middle and expectations of what studying for school looks like Signs your child might be having school at the end of the year. They meet teachers and when there is no homework to reinforce skills learned that have eighth grade honors students lead them on tours difficulties adapting day,” says Starnes. of the school.

Joey Cox, fifth-grade teacher at Munford Elementary, Shelby County Schools leaves it up to the individual • New behavioral issues at home and at says parents and teachers can make the mistake of elementary schools to schedule field trips. However, babying students in the elementary years, leaving them school parents can call their middle school and ask to bring a unprepared for the stricter standards of middle school. child in for a tour before the school year starts.

Cox tries to add more discipline and responsibility in • Excessive anger and frustration while his fifth grade classroom to better prepare students for completing school work LEARNING HOW TO STUDY middle school.

Academic struggles are usually due to two factors; poor Amy Bradshaw, fifth grade teacher at Briarcrest study habits and lack of organizational skills.

• Anxiety about school work Christian School, agrees that fifth graders need to be “I have taught more than 1,000 students in my prepared for the academic rigors of middle school. career in multiple subjects, and a common theme with • Attempting to stay home from school or Bradshaw says she teaches her students the importance the majority of those students has been the stance that leave school due to fake illness of using a planner to keep track of all upcoming participating in classwork should be enough to pass assignments. the class and nothing more should be required,” says • Tween begins to isolate himself from “They have to learn to work ahead on Starnes. “But this is far from accurate.” projects. Studying for tests and quizzes often takes several peers and family Middle school is the first time students must learn minutes or several days compared to studying the night to adapt to different teachers, different classrooms, and before in elementary school,” says Bradshaw.

• Hiding grades or notes from the teacher multiple subjects. Without good organizational skills, With 16 years of teaching experience, Stacy says she students can lose assignments and quickly fall behind. would like to see elementary school teachers require In my own experience, middle school is the time my

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ith six kids, I’ve been through my fair share of school-related firsts; first day of kindergarten, first school field trip, first high school graduation.

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Meet Bebe Tips for helping your child transition to a new school: • Visit the school first. If an official tour isn’t offered in your district, call and ask to bring your child to see the building and meet the teachers.

• Beginning in fourth or fifth grade, add more structure to at-home study time. Be sure your child has everything necessary to study; a quiet work area, computer access, and additional help when necessary.

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• Help your child stay organized. Make sure they have the required school supplies for each class.

• Attend your school’s Open House night to meet the teachers and see the school for yourself.

• Be sure your child’s teacher has your email address and phone number to be able to call you to discuss any issues she may be seeing in the classroom.

• Ask your school about its parent contact system. Some schools offer text messaging or automated calls for upcoming event reminders.

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Unlike in elementary school, peer pressure is now becoming a stronger influence than the family unit. The desire to fit in with a specific social group is intense.

“Difference and uniqueness are not always tolerated by other students,” notes Stacy “which can make it difficult for a child to feel they belong.”

In fact, the social struggle to adapt can sometimes be harder than the academic ones.

“The academic struggles are concrete standards that the teachers and parents are constantly reinforcing,’ Starnes says. “Socially, this is the beginning of social awareness and is a very delicate time because the kids are hyper sensitive to the opinion of their peers.” Starnes recommends parents keep two key factors in mind when helping their children adjust to middle school.

“First your child is growing up which means changes are going on with his or her body. Talk to your child regularly about hygiene and provide them with the toiletries necessary to maintain good hygiene.”

Second, don’t just ask your child about grades and upcoming assignments. Ask about the social aspects of school. However, Starnes cautions parents to remember, “This age is learning to express themselves, so just like a gossip column, things are always exaggerated, and slightly enhanced to make the story more interesting.”

Bradshaw also says learning to navigate the social structure of middle school is challenging. “What is minor to us often tends to be major to middle schoolers,” she says. “Many times you just need to listen and the kids will work it out themselves.”

Those successful middle school years are vital for a successful transition to high school. There is even less communication between the school and parents in high school and even more personal responsibility placed on the student to prepare them for college. Middle school is the time to learn time management skills, study skills and the social awareness necessary for the rest of their life.

Each of the teachers agreed that parental involvement is key to helping your child transition to middle school.

“Let them have their independence, but still monitor them,” said Stacy. MP

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their students to write more to better prepare them for middle school. “Not write spelling words three times each,” she says. “Write out their ideas, write answers to questions that have to make them think, and add more creative writing.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE

Earthworm

T

One mom discovers the unexpected glory of Yosemite National Park Vernal Falls (above); El Capitan (below).

BY

STEPHANIE PAINTER

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he plan to visit one of our nation’s westernmost national parks came as an afterthought — an afterthought as in anticlimactic following our tour of glorious southern California. But while in the Golden State, shouldn’t we venture on and view the storied sequoias of Yosemite National Park?

The stray idea took root like a hardy seed. As my husband mapped the route north from San Diego, I tried to wean my thoughts from Balboa Park’s museums and L.A. movie sets and prepare instead for a different sort of experience. There was an upside to our off-road jaunt: I’d enjoy standing before those imposing trees.

But like the widow described in the Old Testament, I glean with low expectations. By custom, she forages in the corners of the field, taking just enough fruit to meet basic needs. Never daring to imagine an invitation to savor the freshest, richest fruits.

A DAY OF DISCOVERY

It is past lunchtime on a clear June day when we reach the park entrance.

For an hour, we twist along a road shaded by fir trees before entering a tunnel that leads to Tunnel View overlook. In the bright light, I look up.

A generous portion of untamed Yosemite stretches before us. There are massive granite walls, plunging waterfalls, and evergreens as far as the eye can see. Soon, I will match a stunning monolith to the name El Capitan, and learn that those gorgeously etched cliffs are called Royal Arches. Now I see a grand, delirious whole.

The four of us stroll through the valley’s lush meadow, then start the Mist Trail hike that leads up to Vernal Falls. Rookie hikers, our daughters soon encounter 600 steep granite steps. But they rally, later laughing as chilly waterfall spray splashes their faces.

I am richly surprised by this wildness and thankful my daughters feel equally stirred.

This is an inviting feast for the spirit, so virtually unexpected.

As the sun sets, shadows lengthen and a bird’s evensong streams through the valley. Before long, a full moon lights the sheer sides of El Capitan. After meeting

PHOTOS BY K ARA PAINTER

rangers and climbing daredevils, we are attuned to the throbbing wonderland of the night. According to lore, a pair of bear cubs slumbered at El Capitan’s summit, awash in clouds; below, climbers dream of their ascent to the summit. At Yosemite Falls, moonlight transforms water. There is widespread awe as seasoned park employees and tourists alike relish the holy gift of a white moonbow.

I drift to sleep, knowing we’ll soon find those giant sequoias. I have a habit now of gazing upward, looking down only to navigate a challenging trail. But the next day, I meet one young boy who prefers to keep his eye on the earthworm.

SEEING BEYOND THE BEAUTY

After breakfast, we visit El Capitan Bridge to watch climbers as they inch towards the summit. While a man peers through the spotting scope, his son, a boy with twinkling blue eyes, skips to the park ranger’s side. Eagerly, he files his first citizen scientist’s report. “I saw a bird digging. It got a worm.”

The ranger encourages his curiosity.

“What color were its feathers?” she asks.

“Red,” he replies. “Orangish-red.” They chat, building a description and considering various identifications. The boy is intrigued by the mechanics of a magnificent system, a bird that swallowed a worm to gather energy to fly. For my part, I prefer watching a mountain bluebird soar. Already, I care deeply about the park, the sort of love shaped by powerful impressions of sublime beauty.

Yet drought haunts this land. Last winter marked the lowest Sierra snowpack on record for the Tuolumne River watershed, which means wildlife habitat and food sources will suffer. There are other signs of trouble, too. Along the roadside, we see red markers flagging spots where bears have been struck. Driven by a strong sense of smell, they come down from the mountains to forage for food. When they lose their fear of humans, they can become aggressive, forcing rangers to relocate or kill the animals.

We need to acknowledge those who want to learn more about the mechanics of these ecosystems and the battles faced by all that call Yosemite home. When the young birdwatcher grows older, he can participate in one of the park’s citizen science projects. This summer, volunteers sampled dragonfly nymphs to record their mercury levels. The larvae eat smaller insects, accumulating mercury from

The author with her husband, Eric, Below, the famed sequoia, and photographer Kara.

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their prey as they grow. A dark invader, mercury comes from coal-burning power plants. This data collection will help to define threats to food webs and ecosystems.

Yosemite deserves such care and respect. For 8,000 years, humans have revered this spiritual place. Some, like nineteenth-century profiteers interested in commercialization, were unwelcome. But those who care about the land multiply its marvels through their devotion: The ranger who started as a young summer volunteer, staying on as his hair greys, and the weekend artist who works to capture early morning light on canvas.

Both the ranger and the artist belong. Many of us identify with the artist seeking the richest, most flavorful fruit. But this magnificent system needs new eyes to be trained on conservation issues. I’m thankful someone wants to keep an eye on the earthworm. One day, the junior citizen scientist just might return to Yosemite as an ecologist, eager to focus on the desperate stories unfolding in nature. At times, it may seem like a grinding responsibility. If he’s accustomed to bare vines in the corners of the field, he must grant himself a reprieve from the work and instead, seize the chance to view the land as one grand, delirious whole. MP

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I am richly surprised by this wildness and thankful my daughters feel equally stirred. This is an inviting feast for the spirit, so virtually unexpected.

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Grant’s Farm

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St. Louis

hether it’s a last-ditch summer vacation or a fallbreak fling, put St. Louis on your to-do list. Though only a four-hour drive from Memphis, the Gateway City feels decidedly different, thanks to its handsome brick neighborhoods, sizeable downtown, and the iconic Arch. Oh, did I mention how much is free? I think you’ll like that.

Friday, 3 p.m. - St. Louis Zoo or Grant’s Farm Stretch your legs with a walk around the St. Louis Zoo at Forest Park. The zoo covers 90 acres (Memphis Zoo is 70) but it’s not overwhelming and you can see thousands of animals from across the globe. Take a chill in the newly opened Penguin and Puffin Coast. The 45 degree temps keep these four species of penguins happy and their playful antics are entertaining. Just steps away is the new polar bear plunge pool, where wooly Ursus maritimus morph into graceful mermaids. Ready for a break? Catch the Zooline Train for a 20-minute narrated tour.

All aboard! • Zoo admission is free. Safari pass: $12 (entrance to some fee exhibits). $15/parking.

Another outdoor option is Grant’s Farm, the AnheuserBusch family estate and a popular local outing since 1955. A brief tram ride through the front of the property gives you a peek at ostriches and elk that graze, but the real draw here is the petting zoo, where kids can feed pygmy goats with baby bottles or take a pony ride. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful, Bavarian-style barn where the family’s riding trophies and wild game is on display. • Admission is free. $12/parking.

Friday, 5 p.m. - Eats • Are you a pasta lover? Head to the Hill, just a short drive from Forest Park. This Italian neighborhood boasts a bevy of

restaurants that will cater to your every whim. I’m partial to Zia’s toasted ravioli but others are yummy, too.

Saturday, 9 a.m. - Soulard Farmers Market • Saturdays are made for exploring the Soulard Farmers Market, just south of downtown. This St. Louis tradition — the market has run since 1841 — offers stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, specialty items like alligator meat and spices, even live chickens and rabbits. It’s a perfect place to people-watch while introducing your kids to new foods. Don’t miss the playground on the east side of the Grand Hall, the perfect play break for little ones. • Admission is free.

St. Louis Zoo To get the feel for this vibrant neighborhood, stroll down 9th Street. The sturdy brick houses date from the mid- to late-1800s; a few are pre-Civil War. A few urban pioneers began restoring homes here in the 1980s, back when many buildings were boarded up. Today, that resurgence is flourishing and the neighborhood is home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Food options: If you’re partial to seafood, put Peacemaker Lobster and Crab on your list. Located in neighboring Benton Park (about five minutes from Soulard), it reminds me of the seafood houses of Boston. Bulging po’boys, buttery clam chowder, and meaty lobster boils, you’ll dine under the handsome, oversized photos of the actual fishermen who supply the catch. The food is excellent and the assistant manager tells me they serve more lobster than any place outside of Chicago.

11 a.m. - Gateway Arch • From Soulard, you’re just a short drive from the Arch. This elegant, lyrical icon is a reminder that St. Louis was

Our NEW 9-week sessions kick off this August and are open to the entire community.

Affordable classes for all ages include: • Yoga • Pilates • Ballet • Restorative Bodywork • Urban Fusion Dance

For more information, call 901-701-2239 or visit churchhealthcenter.org/forchildren.

COLLIERVILLE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

REV.Memparent.Wellness. 7.22.15.indd 1

5 p.m. - Missouri Botanical China Lite Garden or Forest Park • After the City Museum, trust me, you’ll want a place that’s more serene. Lush and expansive, the botanic gardens fill the bill. A special treat this summer is the Lantern Festival that features huge, fanciful Chinese sculptures made of silk, steel, and porcelain that are illuminated at sunset. August 1-23. • Admission: $8/adults, free 0-12. Lantern Exhibit: $26/adults, $10/ages 3-12.

Another option is to head back to Forest Park to explore, bike, or even paddle along the waterways created during the $100 million park renovation. Here you’ll also find the excellent St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum, with a cool hands-on display for kids that examines the history of the city and a wonderful collection of memorabilia from the 1904 World’s Fair, a defining moment in the life of St. Louis. • Admission to park and museums is free.

Sunday, 10 a.m. - St. Charles • If you want to explore something smaller in scale, the city of St. Charles, just northwest of St. Louis, is a charming daytrip. From stepping into Missouri’s first capitol on historic Main Street to riding the Katy Trail, a rail-to-trail bike path that winds alongside the Missouri River, it’s a relaxing way to learn more about this state’s early history. Don’t miss the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, St. Charles where you can learn how the Corps of Discovery started their journey here. The Katy Trail is wide and shaded, easy for little pedalers. Rent your ride at the Bike Stop Café, and stop by afterwards to sample their delicious vegetarian fare. • Admission to Missouri’s state capitol is free. Boat House: $5/adults, $2/ages 3-17. Bike rentals vary. MP

LET’S GO!

Explorestlouis.com • The Convention and Visitors Commission for the city of St. Louis Historicstcharles.com • St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau

FITNESS FAITH FUN

2 p.m. - City Museum • Kids will gladly leave behind the history of the Arch to come here, though I remember my 9-year-old son grousing about having to visit yet another museum. Until he stepped inside, that is. A fantastical five-story funhouse filled with climbing structures, caves, slides, a Ferris wheel (atop the 10-story roof), art space for making stuff — it’s a museum you’ve got to see to believe. Architect Robert Cassilly enlisted a band of artisans to transform this former shoe factory using recycled materials and salvaged architectural treasures, and today his vision endures.

During my visit, a worker plasters oyster shells around a column; in another room teens twirl on mod chairs near huge architectural friezes by the architect Louis Sullivan.

In fact, sculptures and inventive art are slipped in on every floor amidst the fun. Just go, it’s awesome. • Admission: $12. $10/after 5 p.m. Rooftop: $5 per person.

Family fitness is fun at the Church Health Center Wellness Creative Movement Studio!

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honoring proven traditions

modeling entrepreneurial resolve

so our children advance as problem-solving scholars

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1 p.m. - Eats • You’ll find lots of cool restaurants and affordable eateries along Washington Street as you head towards the City Museum.

Church Health Center Wellness

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once the gateway to the west. Conceived in the 1930s and completed in 1965, it revitalized the St. Louis riverfront and remains the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. The museum at the base of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is currently under renovation until 2017, but you can still board the tiny trams that transport you, one click at a time, to the top of the Arch. From the enclosed observation deck, downtown sprawls west, the Mississippi and neighboring Illinois is east.

Go to the historic Old Courthouse at the top of the mall to purchase tram tickets and view temporary exhibits on the nation’s Westward Expansion. • Admission to Old Courthouse is free. Tram packages vary.

Practice Pays Off CAN-DO KIDS

T weens and teens bring h om e national h onors

BY JANE SCHNEIDER Richard Murray and his mom, Samira Murray.

S

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ixteen students from across Shelby County soared to great heights over the summer, receiving national recognition for their work in art, theatre, and science and traveling to places like New York City to attend award ceremonies.

ART AWARDS The National Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (NSAWA) honored 11 middle and high school students from the Mid-South. All were Gold & Silver Key winners of the Mid-South Scholastic Awards, an annual juried art exhibition presented by the Brooks Museum League and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. White Station High School Senior Richard Murray says he was surprised when he unexpectedly received a congratulatory text from a friend, “I went to the website and that’s how I found out I’d won.” Murray received a Silver Medal for drawing.

Student submissions are judged based on the program’s three criteria: Originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice.

Richard, his mother, Samira Murray, and family flew to New York to attend the awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall, which featured Whoopie Goldberg, Chelsea Clinton, and YouTube personality JennXPenn.

“It’s humbling, there’s so much incredible art and so many good artists,” says Murray. “I also liked that the judges have a respect for all art styles and I respect them for bringing YouTube into the equation.”

Additional NSAWA winners include: Sara Abdelfattah, Silver Medal, fashion, Bolton High Megan Cox • Gold Medal, drawing • White Station High Ian Kago • Silver Medal, drawing • Cordova High Laura Lester • Silver Medal, painting • Collierville High Aylen Mercado • Gold Medal, art portfolio • White Station High

Richard Murray • Silver Medal, drawing • White Station High Emma Rudd • Gold Medal, mixed media • Lausanne Collegiate Zach Smith • Silver Medal, digital art • Houston High Sarah Stobbe • Silver Medal, drawing • Bon Lin Middle Suzie Wilder • American Visions Medal, fashion • Briarcrest Christian High Jennifer Xiao • Silver Medal, painting • White Station High THEATRE AWARDS Also gathering in New York were the top actors and actresses from the National High School Musical Theatre Awards competition. Representing the Orpheum Theatre were Best Actor Maclean Mayers of Germantown High and Best Actress Erica Peninger of Hernando High. The two spent a week in rehearsal with theater professionals, preparing music and dance numbers for the eighth annual Jimmie Awards show.

Maclean Mayers was among the three finalists for Best Actor. As a runner-up, he received a $2,500 scholarship. In addition, Mayers received the Spirit of the Jimmy Awards, a special commendation given to one teen each year who personifies the positive spirit of musical theatre program. • To learn more, go to memphisparent.com.

STEM AWARDS Finally, art and theatre kids weren’t the only winners. Three sixth-grade students from White Station Middle School traveled to Hunt Valley, Maryland as national finalists in the U.S. Army-sponsored eCYBERMISSION competition.

Students Sophia Floyd, Audrey Lambert and Ayrika Anderson — aka Supernova 8 — were one of 20 teams that made it to nationals to compete in this web-based STEM program. Teams proposed solutions to real community problems and presented to judges at state, regional, and national levels. Led by science teacher Janice Brown, Supernova 8 developed a prototype called SWISH (Storm Water In Sewers Helper). Its purpose is to keep trash, debris and hazardous liquids out of the water supply.

While at the competition, the girls also participated in STEM challenges, worked out with Army non-coms and toured the U.S. Capitol. The girls also won $3,000 in U.S. savings bonds as state and southeast region winners.

Over 7,000 teams in grades 6 to 9 entered this year’s competition, with just 20 teams going to nationals. White Station High School also had a team at the national finalist level.

— Does your kid have talent? Email janes@memphisparent.com with Can-do Kid in the subject line. We’ll consider him/her for an upcoming column. MP

d School

An International Baccalaureate Worl

OPENING AUGUST 2015

Outdoor Discovery Center

Monthly Admission

Play Zone!

Kids, check out the

Previews at Lausanne

Beginning in September 2015

Be sure to visit Lausanne’s website for a schedule of our monthly admission previews. Each month you’ll find division-specific presentations designed to help you learn how Lausanne can empower your child as an individual and prepare him or her for college and for life in a global environment. Our curriculum is specially designed for children age 3 (by June 1) through 12th grade to provide each child with a joyful and challenging learning environment and provide opportunities to succeed.Help your child start ahead, come visit Lausanne as soon as you can!

Individual tours are also available!

The Academy

Est. 1994

Where Learning Begins and Scholars Attend…

Infant, Toddler, Preschool & After school programs

1639 & 1643 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 Office: 901-276-8781 www.academychildcare.com Center Hours: 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Advanced Preschool Curriculum Christian Education High Quality Infant/Toddler Program Preschool Reading Program We Offer Gymnastics, Music, and Ballet

Early Explorer Experiences

HIGH QUALITY CHILDCARE CENTER AND PRESCHOOL

First Wednesday of the Month September – May 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Make plans to bring your little ones to a special hands-on experience each month in the Lausanne library and explore how enhanced literature, language, art, music and science studies in early childhood and lower school create greater connections for students in the classroom and a stronger knowledge base for success in upper levels of study. Activities will include story time and a special activity followed by time playing in Lausanne’s new Outdoor Discovery Center.

Lausanne, whe re we emp owe r indi viduals to be The Rea l Me”!

Watch how! “

admission@lausanneschool.com | 901.474.1030 | www.lausanneschool.com | Memphis, TN

fostering careful reflection

encouraging healthy risks

so our children mature into insightful thinkers

ST. GEORGE’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PK—Grade 12 sgis.org

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Open House for prospective parents every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. & Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

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Private Pay & DHS Certificates Welcome

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School

S oli d F ou nd at i on S t rong F u t u re

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C hallenging classes and programs for advanced students S pecialize d programs to support students with learning differences

2 1 0 0 N . G ermantown P k wy.

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How well does your child see at school? If you’ve noticed a change in academic performance, an eye exam can help rule out undiagnosed problems with your child’s vision.

Make an appointment today with the Pediatric Service at The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry or learn more at eyecentermemphis.com.

Courtesy of the Pediatric Primary Care Service of

1225 Madison Ave., in the Midtown Medical District

901-722-3250 www.eyecentermemphis.com

The Upside of Social Media-connected Kids

BY CHRISTA M ELNYK HINES

• Create comic strips at MakeBeliefsComix.com.

• Interview and collect family stories with the StoryCorps.me app.

• Check out YouTubeKids, a free app offered by YouTube featuring videos, channels, and playlists for younger children.

• Unsure if an app, game, movie, or website is a good fit for your child? Check out CommonSenseMedia.org.

ensuring academic mastery

developing intellectual acuity

so our children bravely embrace challenge

ST. GEORGE’S INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PK—Grade 12 sgis.org

M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 www. me m ph isp aren t .co m

Some interactive sites and apps that promote creativity, learning, and sharing:

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Invite creative expression. Kids who have a passion for photography, art, video production, music, or writing can use applications like blogs, YouTube and Instagram to express themselves.

Tip: Discuss how your child will respond to any negativity that might come her way from Internet trolls to cyberbullies. Remove geo-locator tags from photographs and overly specific profile information. Establish privacy settings and remind your kids to make positive choices online.

Foster purposeful mindfulness. “You start developing your personal brand identity as soon as you go online,” says Linda Buchner, president and co-founder of MindDrive, a nonprofit workforce development organization that recruits students from urban Kansas City schools. The teens, ages 13 to 19, choose to enroll in contemporary communications or automotive design.

The communications team works in tandem with the automotive team sharing the MindDrive brand through video production, marketing materials, and social media.

In 2013, the students gained national attention when they programmed their futuristic-looking electric car to recognize social media connections. Fueled by social media “likes,” shares, and hashtags, they successfully drove the car from Kansas City to Washington D.C. This year, the students will attend a car race in Wisconsin. To learn more visit MindDrive.org.

Tip: Encourage your child to practice her public speaking and presentation skills by creating video interviews, podcasts, and SlideShare presentations on topics that interest her.

Channel the entrepreneurial spirit. Sandra Perez, 18, created her own YouTube channel featuring fashion and makeup demos. Perez, who plans to pursue a degree in communication in the fall, now has over 1,000 followers and has been approached by corporate sponsors.

“It’s something she wanted to do anyway to practice public speaking skills and now she has a professional site,” says Buchner, who hired Perez to work as her marketing intern.

Tip: Whether your children like to watch Minecraft videos or pin craft ideas on Pinterest, monitor what they watch and post. Even if they delete their viewing history, you can see the types of videos they’ve been watching by reviewing YouTube’s recommendations.

Connect with friends. Social media can give kids the opportunity to meet peers who share their interests, and Buchner believes it can boost their confidence in face-to-face interactions.

“Sometimes really shy kids or kids who don’t have a lot of friends are more comfortable finding friends through social media,” Buchner points out. “It’s an opportunity to tread lightly and put yourself out there a little bit.”

Tip: Balance your child’s tech use with actual playdates and activities.

Role-model responsible device use, set consistent boundaries, and establish digital citizenship rules.

Promote awareness. “Students will constantly post different things that are going on that they are involved in. Maybe they got an award or won a sporting event,” says Kim Urenda, a high school counselor. Social media also allows for a deeper understanding of various cultures and world issues.

“Positive uses of social media by our young people supports social justice and advocacy for humanity, and it gives them an understanding of world issues in a very relevant way,” says Deb Woodard, University of Missouri-Kansas City School Counseling Coordinator.

Tip: Show your kids sites that other young people have started like FairED that are healthy examples of positive social media use. Altruistic kids can complement tweets and posts about their campaign with video interviews and short informational clips to educate and share with their audiences.

Raise critical thinkers. More educators are integrating social media into the classroom beginning in elementary school.

“Our biggest push is media literacy, educating students to question the motive behind what’s being posted,” Urenda says.

Teachers also role-model how to use platforms like YouTube, Skype and Twitter to connect with experts and bring textbook materials to life.

“If you can see an ice castle in Siberia, then it makes it really interesting when you are reading about it,” says Sarah Pike, an elementary school principal. Pike finds that interactive technology motivates students and makes learning relevant.

Schools, she says, must stay current.

“We are training kids for jobs that we can’t even foresee because information is changing so fast. They have got to be able to use these tools to communicate and collaborate.”

Tip: After your next family vacation, invite your kids to make an iMovie with their favorite photos and videos, create a digital photo album, post a review of their vacation on a family blog, and/or post pictures on Instagram. MP

© RAWPIXELIMAGES | DREAMSTIME.COM

A

s parents, we often hear stories about the shadowy side of social media. While problems can crop up, the networking tool can be instrumental in helping kids learn, connect, and grow into more mindful communicators.

ST. AGNES ACADEMY - ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL 2K-12

2K-8

FOR M A R PROG AR OLDS 2-YE INNING BEG T 2015 S AUGU

Through award-winning innovation in technology, a commitment to academic excellence, and a dedication to Prayer, Study, Community and Service - we prepare students to be leaders who will make the world a better place. As a Catholic independent school with a tradition that spans over 160 years, this has always been our focus, and will always be our promise.

To schedule a tour, contact 901-435-5819 or Admissions@saa-sds.org.

LEARNERS TO LEADERS A Catholic tradition since 1851.

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4830 Walnut Grove Road

Memphis, Tennessee 38117

901-435-5819

www.saa-sds.org

PARENT TO PARENT

Need Help Getting Organized?

P rofessional organiz ers c an get y ou on trac k

BY M EENA VISWANATHAN

PLAN A SCHEDULE Weekly family meetings are great way to keep everyone informed and on the same page.

Choose a set day/time and discuss the next week’s activities.

What’s the best way to avoid morning madness? Plan ahead, do ahead, and allow extra time. Do those tasks that can done the night before (you’ll thank yourself).

Check the weather forecast (allowing for extra time if rainy), lay out clothes, take a shower or bath, pack backpacks and work bags, lay out breakfast items (bowl, cup, silverware), or have a grab-and-go container of quick breakfast foods. If you find you’re running tight on time, set your alarm 10 minutes earlier. Give count-down reminders: We’re leaving in 15 minutes, five minutes. Use a Time Timer for a visual representation and understanding of time.

A dry-erase wall calendar in a central location like the kitchen or entry hall makes it easy to know who goes where. Commitments can be color-coded by family member.

Remember to add items to the calendar as soon as you know about them. Clipboards on hooks or Post-it Pockets are great for holding schedules, phone lists, or paperwork for parents to complete.

DEVELOP A SYSTEM It takes 21 days to form a habit. The more routine a task becomes, the easier it is to practice.

Create new routines or systems for the school year.

Have your child unpack his backpack when he arrives home. Learn of homework assignments and any paperwork or project needs.

Create a homework hub where you keep scissors, pencils, erasers, sharpener, markers, glue stick, calculator, and anything else needed for completing homework. Some students enjoy doing homework at the kitchen table or at their bedroom desk – just make sure the space is free of distractions.

Have a bag for each afterschool activity. All items for each sport or activity stay together in one bag, so there’s no hunt for a ball glove or dance shoes as you’re trying to leave.

Have everyone help pick up clutter before bedtime; assign weekly chores or tasks for each family member.

DOES ONE APPROACH WORK FOR ALL? “Basic organizing and time management principles should work for all families,” concludes Tuggle. “With that said, find the structure and system that works best for your family dynamics and learning style, such as visual cues, auditory or kinesthetic or a combination. Organizing habits will become second nature and serve your child as they grow.” • For more tips, visit stayorganizedwithus.com or call 651-0432. MP

GET YOUR STUFF TOGETHER! Books Absolutely Organized – A Mom’s Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home by Debbie Lillard Where’s My Stuff? – The Ultimate Teen Organizing Guide by Samantha Moss with Professional Teen Organizer Lesley Schwartz Free Apps Calendar • Cozi & Hub Family Calendar Organizer Homework • myHomework & Evernote Products Time Timer • timetimer.com

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© L AURENTIU IORDACHE | DREAMSTIME.COM

SORT STUFF Make sure all stuff has a home. Clutter happens when an item doesn’t have an assigned space or is too hard to put away.

Clothes • August is the ideal time to go through children’s clothes, shoes, and outerwear. Check to see what no longer fits or get rid of those items your child doesn’t like.

Save them for hand-me downs, donation to Goodwill, or take to a consignment store. Places like Once Upon a Child or Plato’s Closet are good for resale. To store clothing, consider using Ziploc Flexible Totes, Big Bags or Space Bags, and clear plastic containers.

Label each container so you know clothing sizes and seasons.

Meals • As you plan your weekly menu, also plan for lunches and snacks. Have labeled bins for lunch items in the pantry or cabinet and refrigerator. A caddy or tote in the fridge with lunch prep items is a quick way to grab one container and return it when finished. A good place to look for these items is the Dollar Tree and The Container Store.

Paper • A pile of paper is a pile of decisions. Basically all paperwork in your home falls into one of two categories: action or reference. Have a command center with labeled files for “to do,” “to file,” and “to pay.”

When it comes to after-school activities, be careful not to over-schedule your kids.

Remember that each activity comes with extra commitments (paperwork, practice, and preparation). You want activities to be enriching, enjoyable, and fun rather than a burden that requires rushing from one event to the next.

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ith the arrival of a new school year comes a never-ending to-do list — from organizing materials and planning activities to being prepared to tackle the next nine months of assignments. “Back-to-school month is the season of the Mother Olympics,” notes author Gretchen Rubin in her book Happier at Home.

So where do you start? Memphis Parent sought the help of professional organizer Amy Tuggle, who runs Stay Organized With Us with her mom, Fran Cutshall.

Tuggle’s advice is simple: “Start with a transition time and focus on the three S’s: Stuff, Schedule, and System.”

“Best Private School”

2014 Memphis Parent Magazine Family Choice Awards

Coed Pre-K3 – 8th grade

Open House

Sunday, October 11, 2015 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

4841 Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38117 901.685.1231

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www.holyrosarymemphis.org

A: The most important reason to use Travelennium is to have someone in your corner. We have established strong relationships with our suppliers, which equates to purchasing power and leverage for your special requests or assistance when something goes awry. We can help with that coveted restaurant reservation, adjoining room requests and access to one-of-a-kind experiences that are not available on the internet! We monitor every aspect of your trip and serve as your advocate. You’ll love the perks and being treated like a VIP! Call Travelennium today.

FAMILY TABLE

Think Outside the Lunchbox Easy food choices make lunch a snap

by Liz Phillips

I

love summer break — road trips, long twilights, sneaking bites from my kids’ popsicles. By now, though, I’m okay with seeing the kids head back to school.

What I hate is returning to the morning rush. In particular, I dread the return of the lunchbox.

Division of labor helps. My older son packs the lunches every morning, so I do the behind-the-scenes work of supplying healthy, filling foods my kids will actually eat when I’m not watching.

Of course, sandwiches and quesadillas with cheese or cold cuts and whole-grain bread or tortillas can provide good protein and complex carbs. Throw in some grapes and carrots and you’re all set. But mixing it up provides nutritional variety and stretches young palates. So I try to keep a selection my kids can mix and match in a lunchbox with compartments or in small, reusable containers. My son knows to aim for at least one food in each category. Here are some of our standbys, which shift with the seasons. MP

This salad borrows from tabouli, panzanella, and pasta salads. I’m giving you rough proportions you can adjust to suit your preferences. Resist the temptation to use bottled salad dressing. Your own vinaigrette will cost less and taste better!

Tasty Lunch Box Options

Ingredients • A cup or two of cold cooked grains, such as quinoa, brown or white rice, bulgur, couscous, or as much as a loaf of hearty country, French, or Italian bread, sliced and toasted or grilled, then rubbed with peeled cloves of garlic and torn or cut into bite-sized chunks

Fruits/dried fruits: Grapes, apple or pear slices, clementines, sliced oranges, trimmed strawberries, chunks of melon or mango, cherries; in a pinch, raisins or dried apricots

• Onions: either coarsely chopped white and light green parts of scallions, or a sweet red or white onion sliced and chopped, then soaked in salted ice water while you prepare the other vegetables

Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, carrot sticks, sliced cucumbers, sugar snap peas, steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli

• A couple of tomatoes, any kind, cut into bite-sized pieces (or up to a pint of cherry tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise), tossed with a generous pinch of salt and set aside

Proteins: Chunks or thin slices of leftover chicken, beef, or pork; chickpeas, edamame; drained canned tuna, cubes of ham; yogurt; cheese An attractive array of finger foods like these is especially good for younger kids who don’t like mixing. Older kids might appreciate a big salad, though, since they can put a good-sized serving of it into a container, add some yogurt or a piece of fruit, and be done with it. Make it for supper the night before, and then have your kid pack an extra container. It’s grown-up enough for you, too.

The trick here is to taste, taste, taste, as you go. Don’t be afraid of salt. Invite the kids to help you — they just might love it. © MARILYN GOULD | DREAMSTIME.COM

• Cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized pieces • Chopped herbs, such as fresh mint or parsley in large quantities, and/or fresh or dried oregano or thyme in smaller amounts • Additional vegetables: roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower; chopped radishes or bell peppers; grilled or roasted eggplant or zucchini • Proteins (optional): Sliced leftover steak, shredded or cubed chicken, ham, or pork roast; cubed, crumbled, or grated cheese (feta and mozzarella are great here); chickpeas; canned tuna or sardines • Half a cup of hearty vinaigrette (see below) to start; you may need more Assembly Once you’ve got the onion soaking and the tomatoes sitting with salt, mix up a vinaigrette in a small bowl. Start by whisking together 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, a generous pinch of salt, and up to a heaping teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Whisk in 6 tablespoons of olive oil and either minced garlic or shallots. You’re going to add salt, pepper, more vinegar or lemon juice, and/or oil to taste once you start assembling the salad.

Place the grains or bread chunks in a large bowl. Drain the tomatoes, reserving the salty juice, and add them to the bowl. Drain the onions and add them, followed by the cucumbers and herbs. Toss with about half the vinaigrette, and taste, adding more liquid as needed. (This is why you saved the tomato water, especially if you used toasted bread, which will soak up much more liquid than grains.) Add any other vegetables or proteins you’re using, then taste again. If you find you still need more flavor, moisture, or tartness, add salt, oil, or either lemon juice, tomato water, or vinegar and repeat the toss/taste cycle as needed.

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Carbs: Cooked and chilled brown rice, quinoa, pasta, or Asian noodles; whole-grain bread, tortillas, rice cakes, crackers, granola

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© SVETLANA KOLPAKOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

BIG, CRAZY TASTY LUNCHRUTBUSTING SALAD

OTHER VOICES

Did y ou k id accom p l is h s om eth ing b ig th is s um m er?

One dad reflects on the challenge of loosening the reins

BY

PATRICK HEMPFING

SO THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE.

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I

’m standing inside the screened porch watching my 7-year-old daughter, Jessie, and a younger man as they walk toward the lake for an afternoon float. My little girl is wearing her life jacket with a whistle attached. She looks so grown up. The young man beside her (who’s actually not all that young) is my wife’s brother, Gary. For the past two days, he’s been taking Jessie out on the lake, teaching her how to paddle a kayak.

It’s great that Jessie has her mom, Mattie, and Uncle Gary, to assist her with water sports as I don’t swim well and am not comfortable around water. For the past two days, I’ve waited on the dock and taken lots of pictures of their kayak rides together. Today, Gary has a different plan. He’ll stand on the shore and watch as Jessie kayaks across the lake by herself.

“She needs to build confidence,” he assures me. He Together, we’ll strive to promises if she gets into trouble, he’ll jump into his boat and save her. I’m not the least bit excited about find the right balance between allowing her to this plan but here we are.

Don’t get me wrong; I realize the importance of grow into an independent teaching children to be independent — perhaps just young woman and keeping not at age 7. So I choose to stay on Gary’s porch her close and safe. rather than watch. He assures me the lake is down and that Jessie could stand up at just about every spot. There are no motorboats around, she’s wearing a life vest and has had plenty of swimming lessons.

I tell myself she is safe. But still, I’m nervous.

Jessie is 50 yards out when I finally join Gary and Mattie on the shore. If she got into trouble, I reason I could run in and save my baby. Steadily, she paddles to the other end of the lake. I hold my breath as she makes her return. With 50 yards to go, I’m cheering louder than Mattie and Gary combined. Finally, she makes it!

I’m so proud of my girl. I’m excited that she’s learned a new skill, and discovered that when you set a goal and work at a task, you can accomplish it.

I’ve learned a few things, too. I need to shelter her less, so Jessie can experience more independence and grow. I’ve also discovered that when a boy comes to the door for my daughter’s first date, I’ll feel like running after the car as it pulls from the drive.

Fortunately, I have many years to come up with a plan for that, but an arrangement similar to the kayak situation might work. We adults could attach a whistle to Jessie’s clothing and jump in to assist her if we noticed any signs of trouble.

But for now, I’ll hold Jessie’s hand as I walk her to her classroom for the first day of school. I know she won’t let me do that for many more years. So I plan to stay in the moment and cherish life as a dad to a third-grader. I’ll cheer her on as she masters her multiplication tables. We’ll do high fives after she completes a challenging assignment. I’ll remind her that it’s “i” before “e” except after “c” as she prepares for her weekly spelling test.

Just as there are exceptions to this rule, I realize that parenting decisions won’t always be clear cut either. My opinions will differ from her mother’s at times, like whether to allow Jessie to kayak solo across the lake. Together, we’ll strive to find the right balance between allowing her to grow into an independent young woman and keeping her close and safe.

For now, I’m holding on to summer. Too soon it will be time to let go. MP

© MNSTUDIO | DREAMSTIME.COM

LETTING GO

MORE THAN FINDING THE KEY, IT’S FINDING YOURSELF. At Briarcrest, we believe in the journey of discovery. The stops and starts. The challenges and the breakthroughs. Whether it’s academics, athletics, fine arts or missions, we are with your student all of the way. To schedule a tour, call 901.765.4600 or visit www.briarcrest.com.

LEARNING ACADEMY

Three Star Child care at an affordable Price!

Let us educate, enrich & enlighten your child!

OPEN mon / fri

6:30 am - 6:00 pm

Before and after school care available

for more information 901-323-2677

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FIRST STAR

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F I N M Di n dY . O BUo Rd y .B AS Lp iA r Ni tC. E

EARLY YEARS

Cue the Screaming W ay s to ease sep aration anx iety B Y M AT THEW TIMBERLAKE

FOR THE

N

U RBAN C HILD I NSTITUTE

ew classes. New classmates and teachers. New schools. They come with the end of every summer, and for some children, they bring new opportunities to experience the weird discomfort of leaving their caregivers behind to begin something strange and unknown.

Plenty of kids jump into new settings with squealing enthusiasm, but parents shouldn’t be surprised to find themselves prying open tiny fingers desperately clutching their pant leg now and again. This behavior could be caused by a number of triggers, from a simple bad day to a remembered trauma, but is often traced back to separation anxiety.

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While a range of factors could set off an episode of separation anxiety, the causes can be boiled down to a primitive fear that the child won’t survive without their parent or caregiver. Cue the screaming.

While these hysterics are typically brief, they can be unpleasant, delivered with all the howling, collapsing, and finger-sucking they can throw at us. They’ll flail against the temporary caregiver, writhing from their embrace to make a mad dive for the closing classroom door, and press their snotty nose against the window.

Most prevalent between 8 to 18 months, separation anxiety can bubble to the surface unexpectedly in children of all ages, and can even affect adults.

A typically stalwart child might be diminished by an illness, bummed about a lost barrette, or otherwise troubled to the point of disintegrating into a wet heap of tears and hair at the idea of being left somewhere, even a familiar place, by their parents.

Similarly, these fits could be ignited by change.

When they move from junior to senior preschool, or kindergarten to first grade. When a new teacher joins the class. After

THE PARENTING

Debbie Kallaher, executive director of Calvary Place Childcare Center and an early childhood development specialist with three decades of experience in the trenches, says the best approach for dealing with separation anxiety might not be what parents want to hear.

“The longer the parent stays in the situation, the worse it is,” says Kallaher.

“The best thing to do is make a routine out of saying goodbye and that you love them and you hope they learn a lot, giving them a kiss and making your exit.”

The urge to see your child through the mania is a strong one, but parents’ lingering presence can keep the child locked in anxiety.

“Stand out of sight and listen if you need to hear it resolved, but parents need to know sticking around compounds the trouble,” says Kallaher. She offers other tips that will help soften the blow of separation for the kids — and parents.

• Teachers have training in dealing with this. Let the experts do their thing and trust them. The same goes for grandmothers, uncles, family friends, and babysitters.

• Divert their attention before the emotions erupt. If your child is prone to outbursts, stay a step ahead with distractions. Make a big deal of the teacher’s cool new shirt. Point out how the friends are playing a super fun game.

• Involve kids in your exit. Have your child take some agency in the split, showing you to the door, or even pushing you through it. They’ll own the act, and be proud rather than sad. MP

Learning to wait patiently for the second cookie teaches self control.

Go to TUCI.org for a copy of the Parents Guide to Kindergarten Readiness.

MG-9

© YUNULI123 | DREAMSTIME.COM

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THE PSYCHOLOGY

a key friend has moved on. More profound changes are even more likely to cause anxiety: moving to a new community and school, emerging from a divorce, the death of a loved one.

It all begins in Little Hive, an Early Childhood program designed especially for your two year-old.

It leads anywhere she can imagine. Call 901.762.6672 to schedule a personal tour.

Hutchison welcomes qualified students regardless of race, religion, or ethnic origin.

1740 Ridgeway Road | Memphis, TN 38119 | 901.762.6672 | PK2-12 | www.hutchisonschool.org

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At Hutchison, values, leadership development, and commitment to service are at the very heart of learning. Outstanding academics, competitive athletics, and a wide array of arts programs open worlds of opportunity. World-class teachers cultivate young women with a passion for achievement and the confidence to think for themselves. Graduates develop the resilience to meet life’s challenges and the determination to realize their dreams.

M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 w ww.m e m phi spa re nt .com

When learning begins at Hutchison, there is no limit to where a girl can go.

EARLY YEARS

Back to Work After Baby?

Your breastfeeding questions answered B Y VICTORIA R OSELLI

M

any moms know they must prepare to return to work within months after having their newborn. But they also want to continue providing baby the best nourishment they can by breastfeeding. So how do you successfully switch between pumping and nursing once you’re back at the office? Here are some helpful recommendations from lactation consultant, Victoria Roselli. © DAVID PEREIRAS VILLAGRÁ | DREAMSTIME.COM

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO START PUMPING TO ESTAB LISH A MILK SUPPLY BEFORE RETURNING TO WORK?

As long as your baby is at least 4 weeks of age, and successful breastfeeding has been established, you can start pumping three to four weeks prior to returning to work. Single pump first, then double pump once you’re comfortable, as double pumping saves time.

Ensure that the flange or breast shield that attaches to your breast is comfortable and not tight or too big as this can affect your supply. Remember: If you have a pump malfunction, contact the pump company. If you forget parts to your pump at work or home, you can hand express: Newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html

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WHAT TIME OF THE DAY IS BEST TO PUMP?

The best time to pump is when you are rested. The morning is a good time if baby is sleeping longer at night and you are rested. Feed baby and pump about an hour after resting. Repeating this in the afternoon after feeding baby and resting will produce more milk. Pumping consistently at these times can increase your supply.

If you are tired or stressed, your milk production can decrease. Pumping more often when not resting can also decrease your supply. To determine how much your body is producing you can pump before feeding and baby can breastfeed after the pumping. This stimulation can increase your milk supply.

Skin to skin stimulates the hormones that relax you and allow your milk to letdown and increase your production. So incorporating 15-30 minutes of skin to skin before a feeding or pumping allows this process to work for you, allowing you to get the rest you need to maintain your supply and enjoy bonding time with your baby.

HOW MUCH MILK WILL I HAVE TO PUMP AND DOES THAT AMOUNT CHANGE?

The answer depends on the age, weight, activity level, and health of your baby.

The amount can range from 3 oz.-4 oz. per feeding per day to 5 oz.-6 oz. feeding. To prevent wasting your breast milk, start conservatively at 3 oz. and increase as needed. Ensure that baby is using a slow-flow nipple and angle the bottle so it’s not upright, increasing the flow, but more parallel with baby’s body, so baby is sucking effectively without swallowing air.

WHAT IF BABY REFUSES THE BOTTLE?

Have someone other than you feed the baby. This will help train her to feed from the bottle and get comfortable with another caretaker. Using one of the expressed bottles of breast milk daily will allow baby to adjust to bottlefeeding. Starting this process after the first month will help make the adjustment easier.

HOW DO I STORE PUMPED BREASTMILK? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

While at work, it is recommended you label and date your milk and place it in an insulated cooler bag. As long as your baby is healthy and full-term, follow these recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website:

Location Countertop, table Containers should be covered and kept as cool as possible (at room temperature); covering the container with a cool towel may keep milk cooler.

Insulated cooler bag Keep ice packs in contact with milk containers at all times; limit opening cooler bag. Keep at a temperature between 5-39°F. Refrigerator Store milk in the back of the main body of the refrigerator at 39°F. Freezer Store milk toward the back of the freezer, where temperature is most constant. Milk stored for longer durations in the ranges listed is safe, but some of the lipids in the milk undergo degradation resulting in lower quality. Temperature at 5°F for 2 weeks or 0°F for 3-6 months.

Duration 6–8 hours

24 hours

5 days

Source: cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm

NEED BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT? Call the Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline • (855) 423-6667 Counselors and lactation consultants answer calls 24/7.

LITERACY TUTORING Looking for someone to help enhance

HOW DO I SAFELY THAW BREAST MILK?

Thaw frozen breast milk by transferring it to the refrigerator or by swirling it in a bowl of warm water. Avoid using the microwave oven. These do not heat liquids evenly and uneven heating can scald or damage milk. Bottles may also explode if left in the microwave too long. Do not re-freeze breast milk once it has been thawed.

Once thawed, test it on your wrist; the milk should feel lukewarm. Do not feed baby cold milk, as she will expend more calories. Milk that is too warm can cause irritation or burn your baby.

your child’s reading abilities?

The University of Memphis Center for Literacy Research and Practice is offering tutoring for children in grades 1- 6. Your child will be tutored by UofM graduate students under the supervision of a literacy faculty member.

When: Monday 5 pm-6 pm, September 21- November 30, 2015 Where: University Literacy Center, Park Avenue Campus, Cost:

WHAT DO I DO WITH A BOTTLE OF BREASTMILK IF MY BABY DOES NOT FINISH IT?

976 West Park Loop, Memphis, TN 38152 $200 per semester

Tutoring application deadline: August 18, 2015 Please email us for an application:

literacy_center@memphis.edu 901.678.2378

This depends upon a number of factors because once the baby begins feeding, bacteria enters the bottle from the baby’s saliva.

Center for Literacy Research and Practice

WHAT IF I AM HAVING TROUBLE PRODUCING ENOUGH MILK WHEN PUMPING?

When pumping, you don’t have the natural emotions, bonding, and touch of your baby, which may cause a decrease in milk supply. I recommend you try imagining the breast pump as your baby — and imagine the baby latched to your breast. This includes imagining the sounds, sight, and scent of your baby. What may help is having the blanket with you that you normally use when feeding. You can also record the baby with your smartphone, and play back your video as you pump. Try your best to relax, be comfortable, and listen to soothing music. You want to replicate (as much as possible) your normal breastfeeding environment.

Saturday, August 29th 8:00am-12:00 noon Many items half price on Saturday ACCEPTED

Gently Used Name Brand Fall Clothing Children’s Shoes - Baby Equipment & Furniture Infant/Toddler Toys & Outdoor Toys

WHAT IS MY EMPLOYER REQUIRED TO OFFER WOMEN WHO CHOOSE TO PUMP AT WORK?

Tennessee’s Public Breastfeed Law states that companies are to provide a room that is private, secure, and flexible, with adequate, comfortable seating (and not a bathroom stall). An employer shall also provide reasonable unpaid break time each day to an employee who needs to express breast milk. Talk with your employer about your expectations prior to returning to work. • breastfeedinglaw. com/state-laws/tennessee.

— Victoria Roselli is a certified lactation consultant, Lamaze instructor, and newborn care specialist. Learn more at maternalblessings.com MP Peace on Earth Begins at Birth

Trillium WomanCare

prenatal care ~ home birth ~ water birth www.trilliumbirth.com 901-292-5354

Certified Professional Midwife services licensed by NARM and The State of Tennessee

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Many moms worry about this. I recommend preparing your baby for breastfeeding by doing skin-to-skin prior to nursing cues and burping baby just before feeding.

Also, stimulating your milk ejection reflex (let-down) prior to and during breastfeeding should help keep your baby latched. As always, try to nurse when your baby is in a calm, alert state — rather than showing late hunger cues and acting frantic.

Don’t grow concerned if it takes several attempts to latch, this happens. Simply go back to skin-to-skin between attempts and remain patient and calm.

8:00am-7:00pm

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WILL MY BABY BE OKAY GOING BACK AND FORTH FROM BOTTLE TO BREAST?

Friday, August 28th

CALENDAR

Happenings in August Memphis-area activities and events for families

BY MEENA VISWANATHAN

1 • SATURDAY

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Memphis Farmers Market. G. E. Patterson & S. Front. Saturdays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Features music, crafts, pet adoption, and more with different themes each week. August 1: Roll Into Watermelons. August 7: The Cream of the Crop — National Farmers Market Week. August 15: Hot! Hot! Hot! August 22: Baked to Perfection. August 29: Hitting the Sauce.

Free. • memphisfarmersmarket.org Family Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Drop in at the Dixon to create works of art, open-studio style. Outdoor program (weather permitting). Free. 761-5250.

Wild Lunch at Lichterman. Lichterman Nature Center. Tuesday through Saturday at noon. Watch the Backyard Wildlife Center’s animal keepers feed the animals. Tuesday, Thursday, & Saturday: Box Turtle.

Wednesday: Red Tailed Hawk. Friday: Snakes. Free with admission. 636-2211.

Reelfoot Lake Scenic Boat Cruises. Visitor Center/ Ellington Assembly Hall at Reelfoot Lake State Park, Tiptonville. Through September 30. Three-hour cruises offered daily at 9 a.m. One-hour cruises offered weekends and holidays at 1:30 & 3 p.m. Sunset cruises offered Friday & Saturday at 6 p.m. Special afternoon cruises available for 10 or more, Monday through Friday between 1:30 p.m. and sunset. Take the Scenic Pontoon Boat Tour to see cypress trees, aquatic plants and flowers, blue herons, ducks, and an occasional bald eagle. Bring soft drinks and snacks.

Three-hour & Sunset Cruise: $10/adult. $6/children

Open Auditions for the Memphis BoyChoir, GirlChoir, & Chamber Choir.

under 16. 1-hour cruise: $6/person. For reservations, call (731) 253-9652 • tnstateparks.com/parks/about/ reelfoot-lake

Mini Masters. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. $8. Pre-register/pre-pay by noon the day before class. 761-5250.

The Incredibles in 2D. Pink Palace Museum.

Saturdays at 4 p.m. Catch the movie in CTI 3D Giant Theater at the Pink Palace. $9/adult. $7/child (ages 3-12). 636-2362

Breastfeeding Boot Camp. The Pavilion at Methodist Germantown, Classroom 2. 3-5 p.m. Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week with a special event. Drop in and visit stations to learn about topics such as correct positioning, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, as well as pumping, storage, and preparing to return to work. Expectant and current breastfeeding moms are welcome. Lactation consultants are available to answer questions. Free. Registration required. Visit MethodistHealth.org/Pavilion and click on class registration link.

All Children’s Theatre presents Inherit the Wind.

Germantown Community Theatre. Through August 9. Friday & Saturday at 7 p.m. Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Based on the Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925, this play follows Ben Cates as he is put on a trial for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution to his high school science class. $10/adult. $7/child ages 18 and under.

937-3023.

3 • MONDAY

Mudpie Mondays. Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). Through August 31. Mondays from 10 a.m.noon. Free with admission. 636-4100.

4 • TUESDAY

Farmers Market. The Church Health Center.

Through October 27. Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free. 259-4673 x 2228.

My First Book Club. Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM). Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Children ages 4 and unde listen to a story and make a craft.

August 4: Clifford the Firehouse Dog. August 11: Llama Llama Misses Mama. August 18: The Hungry Otter.

August 25: Dr. Duck. Free with admission. 458-2678.

Twilight Tuesday: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (PG-13). Roof of Beale Street Landing.

8:30 p.m. Bring a blanket to enjoy a classic movie under the stars by the Mississippi River. Free. • memphisriverfront.com/event/twilight-tuesday/all/

5 • WEDNESDAY

Silly Science. CMOM. Children ages 4 and up are invited to come explore science through experiments on select Wednesdays in August (except August 19).

August 5 from 11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: Make Your Own Sundials. August 12 at 1 p.m.: Lava Lamps.

August 26 at 1 p.m.: Egg Drop. Free with admission.

458-2678.

Farmers’ Market at the Garden. MBG. Through October 28. Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. Free. 636-4100.

The Pool School’s UNDER THREE SWIMBOREE A NEW SELF-PACED, INTERACTIVE APPROACH TO PARENT/TOT SWIM LESSONS BEGIN YOUR CHILDS WATER EDUCATION IN A FUN, NONTHREATENING ATMOSPHERE WATER TEMPERATURE 90 DEGREES YEAR AROUND CLASSES SATURDAY MORNINGS TO ENROLL, GO TO: WWW.SWIMPOOLSCHOOL.COM, CLICK ON ENROLL HERE CLASSES BEGIN MONTHLY

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CALL: 901-386-1999

Funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

Bo T rn R ran bl iv sp um er o d r Je ale t a v w is Ele aila h Co me ble m n t fr m ar om un y ity or Sc ho ol !

J-Club

The perfect place for kids to get help with their homework, have free time in our newly renovated game room, participate in staff-led activities, make new friends and enjoy the chance to run around in a safe environment.

A snack is served each day, and staff will escort your child to and from their after-school activities at the MJCC like dance, swim team, or taekwondo.

Register for five days a week, just one, or anything in between!

Call (901) 761-0810 or register in person at the Member Services Desk in the lobby.

Memphis Jewish Community Center

6560 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38138 (901) 761-0810 • jccmemphis.org

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Grades K–6 • Mon–Fri 3–6pm • 8/10/2015–5/27/2016

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After-School Program at the MJCC

August Calendar Food Truck Fridays. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Through September.

Fridays from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Prices vary. 761-5250.

3rd Annual Bridge Builders YOUnified 2015. Tiger Lane at Liberty Bowl Stadium. 5-9 p.m. The festival is open to all 6th- to 12th-graders from across the Mid-South. YOUnified will include musical entertainment, community organization booths, diversity and cultural workshops, teambuilding games, food trucks, special prizes, T-shirts, and giveaways.

Free. Register for the event at bridgesusa.org or call 452-5600.

6 • THURSDAY

Mini Maestros. CMOM. 10:30 a.m.

Children ages 4 and under can explore instruments and make one on select Thursdays in August (except August 13). August 6: Harmonicas. August 20: Tambourines. August 27: Rain Stick.

Free with admission. 458-2678.

Tickets On Sale Now! SEPT. – 27NOW! TICKETS ON25 SALE FedExForum

Sept. 25 - 27

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#DisneyOnIce

Whet Thursday. Metal Museum.

5:30-8 p.m. Visitors can enjoy the Metal Museum after hours for free.

Participate in the foundry class, explore the galleries, listen to live music by Idle&Wild, do a hands-on activity, and enjoy food truck refreshments.

Admission is free. Fee for hands-on activity. 774-6380.

Movie Mania at Carriage Crossing.

Carriage Crossing Mall in Collierville.

Movies begin at dusk in Central Park alternate Fridays. August 7: 101 Dalmations (G). August 21: Big Hero 6 (G). Free. 854-8240.

8 • SATURDAY

Hickory Hill Back 2 School Bash.

August 8th event at New Direction Christian Church from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

August 9th event at New Hickory Hill Missionary Baptist Church from noon-5 p.m. This two-day event begins Saturday with a Health & Wellness Fair where parents receive vouchers for ALL youth to receive a free haircut, hair styling (free to first 500 children), uniforms, backpacks, school supplies, and shoes.

Vouchers are turned in on Sunday to receive the supplies. Free. For details, call 797-9323.

Tickets On Sale Now DisneyOnIce.com

FedExForum

7 • FRIDAY

buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000

Venue Box Office

Mid-South Hunting & Fishing Extravaganza. The Agricenter.

Through August 9 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Kids can fish at the live Trout Pond. Other activities include the Big Buck Contest, Duck Calling Contest; Taxidermy Contest, seminars, and vendors. $7/person (ages 13 & up). • memphishuntshow.com or call 867-7007

SEPT. 25 – 27 11 • TUESDAY

FedExForum

Fun Fridays. MBG. Through August 28. Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon. $3/ child plus garden admission. 636-4100.

Food Truck Garden Party. MBG. 5-8 p.m. Families are invited to join for dinner al fresco, featuring live music

by Josh Cosby and Jeremy Stanfill.

Kids can enjoy the Memphis Parent Play Zone, with themed activities every month. $10/adult. $5/child. 636-4100.

DisneyOnline.com Carriage Crossing Farmer’s Market.

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Of 326495

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326495

Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com • 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office

Farm Park Farmers Market. Bobby Lanier Farm Park in Germantown.

Through August 27. Thursdays from 4-7:30 p.m. Free. Parking near Germantown Elementary School.

Shuttles available. Contact: Joni Roberts, 757-7378.

Firefly Glow Party. MBG. 7-9 p.m.

Families are invited to come make yourself glow at the Illumination Station, create shining crafts to take home, experiment with luminescence in the St. George’s Glow Lab, and bring your light-up toys to our dance party. Features live kids music by The Friendzies and an LED hoop performance. Concessions available. $15. Reservations required. Buy tickets online at memphisbotanicgarden. com or call 636-4131.

#DisneyOnIce

Central Park at Carriage Crossing.

Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

In case of inclement weather, check facebook.com/shopcarriagecrossing for event updates

DisneyOnIce.com14Miss• FRIDAY Princess Special Needs Beauty Pageant 2015. Hope Presbyterian Church. 7-8:30 p.m. The Pageant has

The most meaningful race you’ll ever run.

©2015 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (21746)

Saturday, December 5

Guarantee your spot: stjudemarathon.org

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FAMILY FUN RUN & KIDS MARATHON 1:30 PM

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ST. JUDE MEMPHIS 5K 7:15 AM

Dancers, Inc.

August Calendar

Fall Registration

July 31-Aug 7 & Aug 24-31st Trinity’s Educational Center

Program Starts Monday, August 24th

Courses:

Classical Ballet Jazz Hip Hop Modern Dance

Scholarships Available Yearly Program: Performances & International Ballet Examinations Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance

173 8 Galloway Ave, Memphis, TN 3 8112 9 01-301-3262(danc) • w w w.dancersinc.us

‘‘Leading Provider of Inflatable FUN!‘‘

As little as $100 for all day FUN! Call Us Today! 901-360-9000

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“Beauty is the abstract of the present, Wisdom is the promise of the future.”

two portions, beauty and talent. During beauty portion of the show, each princess is walked across stage with her escort while the emcee announces the princess and escort’s biography. The talent portion includes singing, dancing, and more. All princesses receive a pageant sash, tiara, and rose. All escorts receive a certificate. Free. To RSVP, go to MissPrincessPageant.org 2015 Summer Movie Series: Young Frankenstein (PG-13). The Orpheum. 7 p.m. Pre-movie activities include movie trivia contests, costume parades, a “selfie station,” special guest appearances, and pre-show performances on The Orpheum’s Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. $7/adult. $5/ child under 12. Package and group discounts available. 525-3000.

15 • SATURDAY

Sisterhood Showcase. Memphis Cook Convention Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Come to the 19th annual showcase featuring entertainment, food, and fun for women of all ages. Advance tickets: $15 until August 8. $20 week of event. • Sisterhoodshowcase.com Calling All Avengers for a Day with Iron Man! CMOM. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wear your favorite costume and meet Iron Man as he stops for pictures and autographs. Activities include face painting, a scavenger hunt, and a Marvel craft table for maskmaking and coloring. First 100 children receive a Marvel comic book. $15. Includes museum admission. 458-2678.

Free Scarecrow Building Seminar.

Lichterman Nature Center. 10 a.m.

Families, garden clubs, and other groups are invited to come learn how to build a scarecrow and then enter Lichterman’s Scarecrow Contest in September. Free admission and parking. 636-2211.

Requirements:

Registration Dates:

Ages

August 8th & 15th

12-17 GPA: Minimum 3.0

August 9th & 16th

(12PM-2PM) (2PM-4PM)

Additional registration available upon request Charm School Curriculum • Weekly Guest Speakers Brains and Beauty Pageant • Elegance Ball

Contact Crystal - Etiquette Coach 901-800-7401

Email: eleganceacademycharmschool@gmail.com

Splash Time at the Dixon. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. 2-4 p.m. Come cool off at the Dixon sprinklers; enjoy popsicles and games. Free with admission. Outdoor program (weather permitting). 761-5250.

18 • TUESDAY

Ballet Memphis School Fall Open Houses. Ballet Memphis. 5-7 p.m.

Also on Saturday, August 22, from 9 a.m. until noon. Check out classes in session and talk to staff and parents.

Any new student registering receives an extra 10 percent discount on tuition. • balletmemphis.org/school

Information Night. Community Music School. 7-8:30 p.m. Faculty discuss specifics of Suzuki programs, private lessons, group classes, and ensembles followed by a mini-recital by current students. Free. 678-4244.

19 • WEDNESDAY

Mandalas of MBG. MBG. 10-11 a.m.

Gather materials to make small nature mandalas as well as one group mandala. $2 plus garden admission. 636-4119.

Toddler Time — Space Playdough.

CMOM. 1 p.m. Children ages 4 and under are invited to learn about space with the help of a special playdough.

Free with admission. 458-2678.

21 • FRIDAY

Park + Pajamas Family Sleepover.

Shelby Farms Park. 6 p.m.-9 a.m.

Family sleepover features a nocturnal nature hike, stargazing with Memphis Astronomical Society, science activities, a campout in the Woodland Discovery Playground, family entertainment, snacks, breakfast with the buffalo, and more. $10/person. Reservations required.

Visit shelbyfarmspark.org/familyprograms to register by August 17.

28 • FRIDAY

2015 Summer Movie Series: Gone With the Wind (PG). The Orpheum. 7 p.m. $7/adult. $5/child under 12. Package and group discounts available. 525-3000.

29 • SATURDAY

8th Annual Forrest Spence 5K. Pavilion on East Parkway at Overton Park. 8 a.m. Features a 5K, one-mile fun run, 100-yard dash, children’s activity area, door prizes, music, and food. Strollers welcome. Proceeds help families with nonmedical needs for critically or chronically ill children.

Register online at forrestspencefund.org 16th Annual Meritan Midnight Classic Bike Tour and Lunar Festival. Tiger Lane in Midtown Memphis. 10 p.m. Lunar festival at 10 p.m. features a live band, free bike checkups by bike shops, biking demos, and food. At midnight, enjoy a 17-mile noncompetitive bike tour along the streets of Midtown escorted

by Memphis Police Department.

Registration on the night of bike tour: $50/adult. $35/child under 18. Benefits the programs of Meritan. For early registration discounts, go to meritan. org/events or call 766-0658.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS | COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL Park Avenue Campus | 935 West Park Loop, Building 2 | 901-678-4244 |memphis.edu/cms

INFORMATION NIGHT | TUESDAY, AUG UST 18, 2015 @ 7 PM Discover how the world of music can help make your life more enjoyable and interesting. Learn about our different programs. Hear our students perform. Question and answer session will follow. Refreshments will be served.

BE INSPIRED THIS FALL at

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Adults can learn too!

New adult classes forming NOW!

Amro has instruments in almost every school in Shelby County.

“When students are involved in music programs, [they are] engaged in making music and building character[...]”

-Dr. Dru Davidson, Shelby County Schools Fine Arts Advisor

2918 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111

(901) 323-8888

amromusic.com/back-to-school

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FREE TEACHER REFERRALS

M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 www. me m phi spa re nt .com

AMRO MUSIC

Every

HERO needs a

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Ongoing Events Museums and Exhibits

Dixon Gallery and Gardens. “Jun Kaneko.” Through November 1. This outdoor exhibit offers an opportunity for adults and children to discover the beauty of Dixon’s gardens through Kaneko’s sculptures. Pick a map for a guided tour. 761-5250.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. “The Art of Video Games.”Through September 13. Exhibit explores the 40year evolution of video games from an artistic perspective through interactive games, still images, videos, historic gaming consoles, and interviews with 20 developers and artists. 544-6200.

Memphis Zoo. “Memphis Zoo Takes Flight.” Through October 31. Bird show times during the week: 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Show times during weekends and holidays: 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. 333-6500.

Memphis Pink Palace Museum.

“Wicked Plants.” Through September 7.

Inspired by Amy Stewart’s book Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln’s Mother and other Botanical Atrocities, this family-friendly exhibit gives visitors hands-on experience with some of the world’s most diabolical botanicals. 6362362.

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 www. me m ph isp are nt . com

CTI 3D Giant Theater. Prehistoric Planet: Walking with Dinosaurs 3D. Through March 4. Humpback Whales 3D. Through November 13. Hidden Universe 3D. Through November 13.

636-2362.

Sharpe Planetarium. Wonders of the Universe. TBD. A flat screen tour through the current night skies offered in the Mansion Theater or the Discovery Theater, while planetarium is being renovated. 636-2362.

Parent Support Groups and Mom and Baby Classes can be found under Resources & Guides at memphisparent.com Other Programs

Mallory-Neely House Tour. MalloryNeely House, 652 Adams Avenue.

Fridays & Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7/adult. $5/ages 3-12. 523-1484.

MEMPHIS

PARENT memphisparent.com

Magevney House Tour. Magevney House, 198 Adams Avenue. Saturday, August 1, from 1-4 p.m. Free. 523-1484.

Classes & Workshops Prenatal Yoga Classes. Evergreen Yoga Center. Through August 22. Meets on Saturdays from 1-2:15 p.m. Prenatal

yoga classes open to pregnant women at least 11 weeks along. Learn how to use mental focus to calm and relax your body. Beginners welcome. $16/class. • evergreenyogamemphis.com Open Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Fridays from 4-5 p.m. Ages 15 and up. This summer, Dixon offers open studio time in the gardens. Bring your sketchbook and pencils and get advice from an art instructor on how to advance your skills. Folding stools available. Walk-in program. Free with admission. 761-5250.

Homeschool Classes

Homeschool PE. YMCA at Schilling Farms. August 26 through October 7.

Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. Ages 5-12.

This seven-week program is held in the gym and indoor pool. Participants take part in basketball, soccer, wallyball, and kids water fitness ending with a water obstacle course and pool party. $50 for first child. $25 for additional child.

Call 850-9622 to register by August 21.

Auditions

Tiger Youth Wind Enzemble Audition. Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at University of Memphis.

Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Grades 9-12. Offers master classes and sections with University of Memphis faculty and graduate students. The experience culminates in shared concerts with U of M Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Cost: $150 plus $25 Registration fee. Contact the Community Music School at 678-4244 to schedule an audition.

Auditions for A Christmas Carol.

Theatre Memphis. August 15 & 16. Show requires two casts: A cast for regular evening and weekend performances (full version) and a cast for weekday school matinee performances (truncated version).

Regular performances on the Lohrey Stage run from December 4-23.

Weekday school matinee performances (two per day at 9:30 & 11 a.m.) run on the Lohrey Stage from December 2-17. For details, go to theatrememphis. org/a-christmas-carol-audition Open Auditions for the Memphis BoyChoir, GirlChoir, & Chamber Choir. Saint John’s Episcopal Church.

August 17 through September 8.

Auditions to join this after-school program are open to elementary-aged boys and girls. Financial assistance available. Call 323-8597 to make an appointment.

Ongoing Events

Dragonball Z: Resurrection F. Malco Paradiso. August 4, 6, & 11 at 7 p.m.

August 8, at noon. The second film personally supervised by the series creator, Akira Toriyama, showcases the return of Frieza. • malco.com DCI 2015: Big, Loud, & Live 12.

Malco Paradiso. Thursday, August 6, at 5:30 p.m. Broadcast LIVE from the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, the show gives viewers an opportunity to get up close and personal with 15 of Drum Corps International’s best corps as they compete for the 2015 World Champion! $19/person. 682-1754.

Story Time at Area Bookstores Barnes & Noble Booksellers The Avenue Carriage Crossing Mall, 853-3264 Mondays at 11 a.m. Ages 1-6.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers 2774 N. Germantown Pkwy. 386-2468 Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Ages pre K-6.

National Story Time. Saturday, August 15 from 11-11:30 a.m. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the children’s book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie with a special story time and activities. Free.

Character Story Time: Clifford the Big Red Dog. Sunday, August 16, from 3-3:30 p.m. Drop in to catch Clifford when he visits for this special story time. Free.

The Booksellers at Laurelwood 387 Perkins Rd. Ext. 683-9801 Story time with Miss Marjorie every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m.

Germantown Community Library Events For a complete listing, visit facebook. com/GermantownCommunityLibrary

Story Times: Book Babies and Wonderful 1s. Meet on select Mondays (August 24 & 31) and Tuesday (August 25) at 10 and 11 a.m. respectively.

Terrific 2s and 3s. Meet on August 26, 27, & 29. Wednesday at 10 & 11 a.m.

Thursday, at 10 a.m. Saturday, at 10 a.m.

Fantastic 4s and 5s. Meet on Thursday, August 27 & Saturday, August 29, at 11 a.m.

Memphis Library Events For a complete listing of library events, stop by your local branch and pick up “Infodates,” the library’s monthly calendar, or go to memphislibrary.org Central 3030 Poplar Ave., 415-2700 · Gadget Lab for Kids: a Technology Learning Lab. On select Mondays (August 10 & 24), from 4-5 p.m.

Children ages 6-12 invited to learn through play on the library-owned Kindle Fires, iPad Minis, and iPad Airs.

Cordova 8457 Trinity Road 754-8443 · Made in the Shade! Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. until noon. Decorate some cool sunglasses and hat. · Healthy After-school Snacks.

Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Learn to make easy, healthy afterschool snacks. No cooking needed. · Calligraphy for Kids! Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. until noon.

Discover the art of calligraphy. Pencils, ink, and paper provided.

North 1192 Vollintine 276-6631 · Teen Creation Thursday. Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. Series teaches teens how to make different types of craft projects.

Poplar-White Station 5094 Poplar 682-1616 · Bullying Prevention Campaign.

Tuesday, August 18, from 3-4 p.m. The Shelby County Sheriff ’s Department discusses anti-bullying tactics for school children and their parents.

Raleigh 3157 Powers 386-5333 · Creative Loafing. On select Wednesdays (August 19 & 26) from 4:30-5:15 p.m. STEAM activity for children ages 6-11.

Discover Your Unique Design and Thrive in it!

• Educational & Occupational Assessments available • Find more satisfaction in life by choosing the right career • Avoid wasting time and money in a job or college major that is not for you

Donna W. Walker

Certified Career Direct Consultant

(901) 577-0929

email: ruwalking@yahoo.com https://careerdirect-ge.org

Can you imagine... a world without children?

Mid-South Book Festival

We Can’t.

Call 1-800-996-4100 to help.

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September 9-13, 2015

AT PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE AND CIRCUIT PLAYHOUSE

GO TO MIDSOUTHBOOKFEST.ORG FOR MORE INFO

THE TOTAL BODY 30-MINUTE WORKOUT Ask about childcare option Kids play while you train!

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Theatre Performances

Building Blocks Story Time. Saturday, August 22, at 3:30 p.m. This sensory story time is for children ages 2-7 with special needs and developmental abilities on a preschool level. Siblings welcome.

Must be accompanied by an adult. Free.

Registration begins August 15. 757-7323

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All Children’s Theatre presents Inherit the Wind.

Our Favorite Moments

KID FUNNIES

My daughter, Natalie, was putting her three little boys to bed the other night when a funny thing happened. The chatter in their bedrooms had finally grown quiet when one lone voice chirped up, “Mom,” he says. “I meant to tell you; I think I’m nocturnal.” ~ Thanks to Nonni

al. ance recit

Alexa

rst d for her fi y d a re is (4)

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M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 w ww.m e m phisp aren t .co m

CJ Lusk f rom the Q Mo daughte r Amelia rning Show says loves ava cados.

Cameron (3) loves riding the Greenline with his daddy.

Robyn (10 mos.) has no idea how little handprints show up on Gram’s coffee table.

My 6-year-old was watching television when a Victoria Secrets commercial came on, with models strutting in bras and panties. Wondering about his thoughts, I turned to my son and asked, “What are they selling?” He pulled his thumb from his mouth, and replied, “Sex.” OMG! I gasped. “So what does that mean?” I held my breath as he replied, “I have no idea.” ~ Thanks to Marley

Mackenzie & Madison at Germantown Library. They think Harriet Tubman would be a good choice for the $10 bill.

Isa (9) looking handsome.

Your Child Should Be Here!

Send us your kid funnies, photos, or artwork via email with Favorite Moments in subject line to janes@memphisparent.com

Kenneth (3) loves play McDona ld’s playg ing at round.

Tayden (2) smiles big in the bright sunlight.

S AV E

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• Stunning indoor gardens and waterfalls • Unique dining options, relaxing spa treatments and 3 refreshing pools • Steps away from the world famous Grand Ole Opry, General Jackson Showboat, Gaylord Springs Golf Links & Opry Mills Mall • Shuttle service to downtown Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and Wildhorse Saloon • Exclusive discounts to family-friendly Nashville attractions

Book your summer getaway today for exclusive discounts to Nashville’s most popular attractions.

GaylordOpryland.com/Summer

| (888) 677-9872

Photos Clockwise: General Jackson Showboat; Flamingo Lagoon at Nashville Zoo, by David Bailey; The Delta Riverboat; Delta Atrium at Gaylord Opryland; Atrium at Gaylord Opryland; Grand Ole Opry

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It’s the best of Nashville from one spectacular resort.

M E M P H I S PA R E N T A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 www.m e m ph isp arent . co m

VAC AT I O N

Listening to kids is important.

Before Lee Ann Cox could even ask questions at her newborn daughter’s checkup, their pediatrician noticed that baby Ariann was making strange noises. The unusual sounds concerned the doctor enough to refer the family to Le Bonheur specialists. Once at Le Bonheur, Ariann was diagnosed with a previously undetected heart problem. Thanks to an attentive pediatrician and successful heart surgery, baby Ariann will soon be talking – and much more. lebonheur.org

Where Every Child Matters

The Cox family of Lakeland