Memphis Parent, November 2015

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Fun toys that get kids thinking!

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Managing food allergies during the holidays M E M PH I S PA R ENT.COM

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THIS MONTH O U R C OV E R K I D

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Journeys Near & Far – books by local authors

by Meena Viswanathan

The Ultimate Holiday Toy Guide

by Memphis Parent staff

Tristan Stokes (5), with mom, Tracy Pointer PHOTOS BY: MARCI LAMBERT • Clothes by Tea at Cotton Tails

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A Dream Come True Munford goes to Macy’s

by Lesley Young

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APEX, CLUE, and You

by Ginger Spickler

Favorite food: Doritos & pizza Best fun: Playing with my Spiderman action figures All. Day! At school: Hanging out with my friend, Carlos

DEPARTMENTS 6 Around Town Weddings at IndiaFest, The Sensory Shop turns 2, MythBusters at The Orpheum 7 Dear Teacher How to encourage young learners 8 Savvy Shopper Pigtails & Crewcuts opens in Germantown

Every

HERO needs a

mentor, every mentor needs a GUIDE. MEMPHIS

PARENT memphisparent.com

28 Early Years Teach your child kindness

21 Can-do Kids Memphis Wildcats are national champs

30 November Calendar & Events

24 School Notes West TN’s only inclusive preschool

OUR STAFF Editor Jane Schneider Art Director Bryan Rollins Advertising Art Director Christopher Myers Graphic Designer Dominique Pere Advertising Manager Sheryl Butler Account Executive March Gates Production Operations Director Margie Neal Calendar Editor Meena Viswanathan Copy Editor Shara Clark STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Memphis Parent strives to provide information of value to all who are invested in our children’s future.

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26 Family Table Blue Apron delivers meals in a box

10 Health Matters Tips on managing food allergies during the holidays

38 Our Favorite Moments Kid funnies & photos

Memphis Parent is published by Contemporary Media, Inc. Publisher/CEO Kenneth Neill Director of New Business Development Jeffrey A. Goldberg Editorial Director Bruce VanWyngarden Chief Operating Officer Molly Willmott Events Manager Jackie Sparks-Davila Marketing/Communications Manager Kendrea Collins Email Marketing Manager Britt Ervin Distribution Manager Lynn Sparagowski Controller Ashley Haeger IT Director Joseph Carey 460 Tennessee Street, Suite 200 Memphis, TN 38103 p: 901.521.9000 • f: 901.521.0129 Send advertising queries to: sheryl@memphisparent.com Visit us online at memphisparent.com

EDITOR’S NOTE

GIVING THANKS JANE SCHNEIDER

janes@memphisparent.com Follow me @membelle

I found myself starting to cry the other morning as I scanned my Facebook feed. A friend of mine was celebrating her son’s 21st birthday, and as part of her pictures, she had included one of my son with hers when they were just babies.

A flood of memories came to me as I thought back to that time in my life. As happy as I was to have my first (and what would be my only) child, it was also lonely at times that first year. We hadn’t lived in Memphis very long, and while we had a number of friends, none had young children. So I often spent time alone with my baby as I worked on writing projects at home.

I met Yuko when Evan was just six months old, and her son, Yo, was one. We were both living in the same apartment complex, and I would often see Yuko down at the lake, taking her baby on picnics. She was always so patient and kind with him, though I couldn’t help but notice how she never had any company.

One day, I decided to introduce myself.

I soon learned that this young couple had come to the U.S. from Japan so that her husband, Yas, could train as a manager with Sharp Manufacturing in Memphis. Even though Yuko spoke very little English at first, we became friends, often using sign language or her translation device to help

our fractured conversations along.

What’s interesting is that the language barrier didn’t really hamper our time together. Many of our play dates centered on our boys and helping them master their world. But it meant so much, to both of us, to have another mother to share that time with — we needed the companionship. We needed to be with another mother walking the same path. Our time together brought joy and fulfillment.

More recently, I learned about the Early On program run by SRVS, is aimed at bringing together parents who’ve learned they have a special-needs child. If the early years are challenging, then another layer of complexity is added when you’re having to learn about a special disorder or developmental delay. Such challenges can be isolating as well. When I spoke with parents about Early On, moms told me what a relief it was to meet other parents who were facing similar challenges. Family and friends can be caring, but they can’t get your issues the way another parent who is doing it does. I’m glad SRVS offers this program, and I urge you to attend if you have a special-needs child.

This month, as we prepare for Thanksgiving, I’m going to send notes of thanks to a number of women who have been a part of my journey as a mother.

When we say, “It takes a village,” that village isn’t simply helping to raise our children, it’s helping each other out as parents. The village and those friendships make us stronger and more resilient as women, and as mothers.

I would close by saying the next time you see a mom who is struggling, don’t be shy. Reach out and lend a hand. Your new friend won’t be the only one who benefits.

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AROUND TOWN

THE SENSORY SHOP TURNS TWO Toy stores caters to kids with special needs If you’ve been looking for a one-of-a-kind toy store, check out The Sensory Shop in Southaven.

Owners Ricky and Cassidy Todd opened their toy store in November 2013, catering to children with special needs. Cassidy says they now have the largest selection of special-needs therapy products in the U.S., including many types of fidget s , hanging nest s , spinners , and developmental toys.

“There’s no doubt there’s a huge need out there,” says Cassidy, whose 4-year-old daughter, Carol Anna, is on the autism spectrum.

“We’re trying to bring in items and make these toys more accessible. Parents haven’t seen many of the items we carry, so we help to bridge that gap.” Business has been so good that the Todds recently opened a second store in Jonesboro, Arkansas. (Go to thesensoryshop.com to learn more.)

You’ll also find a wide range of board games, puzzles, and toys suitable for all abilities. There’s even a sensory corner bathed in blue light with beanbags and a bubble tower where kids can chill out. Ask their staff to recommend the best toys for your child. — Jane Schneider The Sensory Shop, 5627 Getwell Road Southaven, MS • (662) 536-6187 and 2727 S. Caraway Rd., Jonesboro, AR • (870) 336-0745 • thesensoryshop.com

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW Discover the rich traditions of Indian weddings at India Fest “It can be easy for Americans to think of India as one culture, but really, it’s many,” says Dr. Manjit Kaur, president of the India Association of Memphis, the organization that presents India Fest each year at the Agricenter International. This year’s festival takes place Saturday, November 7th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“People speak more than 1,000 languages in India, a country with 29 different states, each with its own cultural differences. So many tastes, sounds, people, places, and customs to explore,” says Kaur.

India Fest 2015 features the weddings of India, showcasing the many ways Indians celebrate matrimony. Centuries-old traditions will be explored through clothing, art, traditions, food, dance, and other art forms, representing the cultures and ethnicities of India today.

The event also gives Mid-Southerners a place to experience the diverse culture of Memphis’ Indian-American and Indian immigrant population in one large, joyous setting.

“Our hope is to do our part to teach children from Memphis and the surrounding communities about cultural diversity,” says Kaur. “There’s more in this world, but also in this city, than many kids see every day.”

India Fest has plenty to offer children, too. Arts and culture activities will keep little hands busy creating colorful works and bodies moving mastering the latest Bollywood moves. And exploring the breadth of cuisines found in India may astonish families.

“Every cultural act or object, there’s a story behind it, a reason,” says Kaur. “We want to show people that there’s more to everything than can be seen at first glance.” — Matthew Timberlake India Fest: Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: $5/adult. $1 or 2 cans of food/ages 6-12. Free/up to age 5. Benefits the Mid-South Food Bank. • indiafestmemphis.org

SCIENCE MADE COOL MythBusters comes to The Orpheum

If you or your kids are fans of the Discovery Channel’s MythBusters, listen up. Jamie and Adam are coming to town. The pair is performing MythBusters© Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED, which gives audience members a chance to learn more about their wildly popular program and actually see what it takes to pull off their myth-busting projects.

It promises to be an unexpected evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video, and behind-the-scenes stories. The duo has been performing their live show since 2012. The Memphis stop is part of a 31-date tour across the U.S. and Canada.

Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED: Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35-$125. • orpheum-memphis.com for details.

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DEAR TEACHER

DON’T RUSH TO CORRECT PRESCHOOLER’S MISPRONUNCIATIONS

BY MARIA SCHUERMANN-COLE Self-awareness begins at a very young age, and a child’s ability and desire to express his or her feelings follows shortly thereafter. We are first able to do this through body language and spoken words, but typically starting at age 3 or 4, we must learn how to do this on paper through reading and writing.

Ages 3 to 6 are arguably the most crucial for building a solid vocabulary foundation and developing a healthy appetite for reading.

Reading and writing are sophisticated forms of personal expression and should always be encouraged. However, as with any learned skill, it takes time, practice, and most importantly, the desire to get better. This is where you can help the most. Maintaining an encouraging attitude toward your child’s reading and writing practice is paramount to his or her success.

Children can sense disengagement and frustration from you if they are not meeting your expectations, and this is a proven way to delay or permanently affect their progress in a negative way.

Patience and understanding are also key. Self-correction is an important part of the learning process, as children can become easily discouraged if chided regularly. While you may shake your head at the thought of limiting your reactions to misspelled or mispronounced words, you’ll likely be surprised by how inquisitive children are during this time.

Many boys and girls will say and spell words and turn to ask for your approval. This is your opportunity to correct them if warranted. However, keep the explanation short and simple, using analogies if possible, i.e., “Cat is spelled with a C, just like camera.” Long explanations, even with the best intentions, can be interpreted as admonishing and discouraging.

Exploration and self-correction are proven processes that aid children in learning to read and spell at progressively higher levels. And sometimes this means holding your tongue as a parent when your child is struggling through the pronunciation or spelling of a word. While those few moments may be tough to swallow, rest assured that your opportunity to correct and teach is not far behind.

Additionally, look for ways to indirectly teach your child, i.e., “What letter does the word fish or frog start with?”

Finally, children, like adults, learn from their mistakes. If you don’t allow them to misspell or mispronounce words along the way, you risk not only discouraging their innate desire to learn, but you also impede their ability to develop self-correction skills and, ultimately, to retain the correct information. So, the next time your child spells a word wrong or botches the pronunciation of a word, smile knowing you have been presented with a great learning opportunity.

MAINTAINING AN ENCOURAGING ATTITUDE TOWARD YOUR CHILD’S READING AND WRITING PRACTICE IS PARAMOUNT TO HIS OR HER SUCCESS. Most importantly, pay attention to the gratification they experience when they spell or say that word correctly the next time. You will know then that you both have succeeded.

Headmistress Maria Schuermann-Cole is the founder of The Maria Montessori School.

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All-School Admission Open House November 8, 2015 1:00-2:00 p.m. PK (age 3) - 4th grade 1:30-2:30 p.m. 5th-8th grade 2:00-3:00 p.m. 9th-11th grade Outdoor Discovery Center Now Open

Monthly Admission Previews at Lausanne

ABOVE: SITTING IN THE FIRE TRUCK FOR A HAIR CUT. BELOW, OWNERS MAURA & ADAM PARKS

November 18 - Lower School Preview November 19 - International Baccalaureate Experience November 20 - Middle School Preview

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. Help your child start ahead, come visit Lausanne as soon as you can! Please RSVP for the above events using the Admission Calendar, www.lausanneschool.com/admissioncalendar.

Individual tours are also available!

Early Explorer Experiences First Wednesday of the Month September – May, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

November 4 - Art December 2 - Engineering

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. Sign up for an upcoming event: www.lausanneschool.com/EEE

Lausanne, where we empo wer indi viduals to be The Rea l Me”!

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NEW KIDS’ SALON OPENS IN GERMANTOWN Pigtails & Crewcuts • 3108 Village Shops Dr. #19, Germantown • 468-5322 THE GOODS: A colorful hair salon just for kids. Services include cuts, styling, braids, up-dos, and pedicures. Moms and dads are welcome, too.

THE BACKSTORY: Owners Maura and Adam Parks have three children under the age of 6, but it’s son Aiden who hated getting his hair cut. Then they discovered Pigtails & Crewcuts, an Atlanta-based salon chain that caters to kids. After talking it over, Adam quit his job in the commercial roofing business, and the couple became franchise owners instead. Now, Adam manages the shop, which opened in October in Village Shops of Forest Hill, while Maura sells paper products for Georgia-Pacific. Both feel it’s a positive move for their young family. “It’s a unique place where parents can come and it’s okay if their kid screams,” says Maura. “The shop makes kids feel like they’re important.”

This is Pigtails & Crewcuts’ third location in Tennessee, but the Parks plan to open several more locations in Memphis.

WHAT KIDS LIKE: Ringing the bell on the fire engine chair, watching movies on the monitors, choosing a goodie from the treasure box.

THE PARTY SCENE: Cute party room, perfect for birthday celebrations. $275/for a 2-hour, themed party with crafts, games, even costumes.

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HEALTH MATTERS

REGARDLESS OF VIGILANT PLANNING, FOODCENTERED ACTIVITIES CAN STILL OCCUR IN YOUR ABSENCE. TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE, TALK WITH HER AHEAD OF TIME SO SHE KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION.

ANOTHER PARTY, ANOTHER DILEMMA Managing food allergies during the holidays

illustration by maggie russell wellworn.com

By Kristi Cook Living with a food allergy is an everyday challenge for many families. In fact, one in 13 children have some kind of food allergy, and common allergens, such as peanuts and dairy, are present in countless foods. “It’s peanut butter, chocolate, cupcakes, candy, the list goes on,” says Jill Connell, mom to Andrew and Aubrey, both of whom have food allergies. “We have to be careful where we go and what we touch.” Add the festivities that swirl during the holiday season and keeping kids from eating what they shouldn’t is tough. We spoke with Dr. Betty Mirro of East Memphis Allergy and Asthma in Germantown and several local moms to get their best advice on this ticklish time of year.

SLOW DOWN With the holidays stretching to the New Year, busy schedules create not only stress but prime opportunities for mistakes. “When you’re rushing around, you might not check that ingredient list as closely as you might another time, or you rush out of the house and forget that Epi-pen,” says Cher Bork, whose 5-year-old daughter, Ella, has allergies to nuts and legumes.

To keep commitments at a comfortable level, discuss which events are ‘must- attends’ and send apologies for the rest. Not only will you enjoy the less frantic pace, you’ll reduce the likelihood of oversights.

PLAN AHEAD & PACK EXTRA Starting with Halloween, schools come alive with classroom parties and goodie bag exchanges.

Even though parents are often alerted ahead of time, food allergy moms must get creative and plan ahead for those unexpected events.

“I have a freezer full of cupcakes, because I want to have something for a last minute school party,” says Jennifer Lofton, whose 4-year-old daughter, Charlotte, helps decorate treats to make them special. “I try to take something that’s similar to what the others are going to have.” Many moms take enough cupcakes to share with the entire classroom whenever possible.

In addition to frozen cupcakes, our moms recommend leaving a box of safe snacks with teachers to be pulled from any time treats are offered. “That way,” says Connell, “the teacher doesn’t even have to decide if it’s safe for him or not.” Marla Reiser has learned that this often continues into middle school. “It’s surprising how many teachers still use candy as rewards in middle school, so I still leave Tess a bag of safe snacks with each of her teachers.”

Even when your child is not at school, planning is necessary. Jill makes it a habit to always have a safe meal option and snacks on hand regardless of the situation. “And all of my friends’ kids know it. They’ll ask, ‘Do you have snacks for me, too?’” Her advice: Pack extra.

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PREPARE YOUR OLDER CHILD Regardless of vigilant planning, food-centered activities can still occur in your absence. To keep your child safe, talk with her ahead of time so she knows how to handle the situation. “If it’s not a possibility to be there, Ella’s option is to not have anything off of the table,” explains Bork. “It’s not fun to face, but her safety? It comes first.”

Mirro reminds parents to continue these discussions even into the teen years. “We worry about our preschool and elementary school children and tend to decrease our worry as kids get older.” However, she says, “The majority of the fatalities from food allergies are teenagers.”

Factors such as increased risk-taking, peer pressure, and a desire to fit in may be to blame.

In addition to reminding your teen to avoid unsafe foods, Mirro says to be frank about the possibility of death if wrong choices are made.

Create a plan with your teen to ensure the Epipen injector always goes with him or her, whether carrying it in a backpack or a purse.

PARENT HACK Skip dishing candy in goodie bags and try these instead: play jewelry, toy cars, crayons, activity books, fun pencils, or stickers.

TOP 8 FOOD ALLERGENS Peanut Tree nuts Milk Soybean Egg

Fish Crustacean Shellfish Wheat

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MEDIA NOTES

JOURNEYS NEAR & FAR Local authors weave imaginative tales for young readers SUMMER’S BLISS

BEACH HOUSE BY DEANNA CASWELL ILLUSTRATED BY AMY JUNE BATES

$16.99, CHRONICLEKIDS.COM Beach House is a heart-warming tale brought to life through poetic language and captivating imagery. This is the third picture book by Collierville mom Deanna Caswell, who is known for writing about her sustainable life on her blog, Little House in the Suburbs.

A book by the same name was published in 2012.

Unlike Caswell’s first two books (First Ballet and Train Trip), this new picture book celebrates a family’s love for the ocean, as they spend summer vacation at the beach house. The story, which uses short, funny verses and clever word play, is adequately supported by charming illustrations. Children can easily relate to a day at the beach slowly unfolding with a multitude of ways of enjoying the sea. It’s perfect read-aloud book that will delight young listeners. — MEENA VISWANATHAN

HIGH-SEAS ADVENTURE

THE CHRONICLES OF THE BLACK TULIP VOL. 1: THE VANISHING ISLAND

BY BARRY WOLVERTON | ILLUSTRATED BY DAVE STEVENSON $16.99, BOOKSELLERS AT LAURELWOOD Local children’s author Barry Wolverton has written his first book in a new adventure trilogy for middle-grade readers. The Chronicles of the Black Tulip Vol. 1: The Vanishing Island was released in September.

At his book signing at The Booksellers at Laurelwood, Wolverton read before the standingroom-only crowd that turned out to celebrate.

“I get lots of fulfillment out of the act of writing a book,” he says. “Fiction is the ultimate expression for your imagination.”

Wolverton’s adventure spans oceans and cultures, bringing together the folklore of East and West. Readers journey back to Britannia in 1599, the Age of Discovery, where 12-year-old Bren Owen is enticed by sailors’ tales of faraway lands. The young boy is hungry to set sail but after several failed attempts at stowing away on sailing ships, he instead meets a dying sailor who gives him a gift that contains a hidden message.

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He sets out to crack the code and pursue a fabled lost treasure. What ensues can be violent and scary at times, but exciting, too.

What was Wolverton’s inspiration?

“Animal fantasies were my first love — Uncle Wiggily, The Jungle Book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle — and then adventure fantasies, like those of Piers Anthony and Edgar Rice Burroughs, rekindled my love of reading when I was a bit older. In The Vanishing Island, I wanted to take a classic adventure story like Treasure Island and put my own spin on it. It’s both an adventure novel and detective novel with a different thrust than your typical sea-faring adventure.”

— STEPHANIE PAINTER

Read more of our interview with Wolverton at memphisparent.com

Meet Jessica

Class of 2021

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The Ultimate

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FEATURE 22

GREAT DRAGON & DRAGON TOURNAMENT KNIGHT BY PLAYMOBIL $34.99 & $12.99 / Playmobil.com With moveable legs, tail, and wings, this dragon will capture kids’ imaginations.

Knights come with a horse, armor, and other dress up items. Knights battle online, too!

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CHUGGINGTON WOODEN RAILWAY TRAIN SET • $59.99 / Village Toymaker

A wooden train set is a gift that grows with your child. Start with a basic figure eight and add parts with each birthday and holiday.

Good for developing fine motor skills.

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$24.99 / Village Toymaker This soft, cuddly, and lovey blanket has cool fasteners and sounds.

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MELISSA & DOUG GIDDY-UP & PLAY • $79.99 / Village Toymaker

This perfectly sized activity horse is durable and just right for babies and toddlers — lots for chubby hands to grasp and pull.

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MELISSA & DOUG TEDDY WEAR

$19.99 / Village Toymaker Teddy Wear gets your toddler ready for preschool by working on self-help skills, from basic buttoning to trickier shoe tying. Tuck this into your diaper bag and take Teddy out for on-the-go educational entertainment.

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• Dual-enrollment courses with Christian Brothers University and University of Memphis • AP and honors classes • Digital Arts and 3-D classes • Campus ministers at upper school each day • 1:1 iPad ratio in grades 6–12 • 1:4 iPad ratio in 2 years–Grade 5

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FEATURE

A DREAM COME TRUE Munford High’s marching band to perform in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Text & Photo By LESLEY YOUNG It’s Wednesday morning, and Munford High School students have come to school wearing doctors’ scrubs, prisoner black and whites, tutus, and even large homemade dice. Band leader Barry Trobaugh herds three boys into the gym to test a microphone while he tweaks sound for an upcoming talent show.

It’s homecoming week, and there’s an air of controlled chaos to the school’s errant festivities.

That is until 10:30 a.m. sharp, when 225 teens line up on the field behind the school. They hurry into position, instruments cocked, eyes straight ahead, waiting through the sweat for Trobaugh’s first command. Gone is the chaos. Present, instead, is precision.

But the students — playing trumpets and snares and waving flags — aren’t practicing for Friday night’s game. The Munford High School band is working toward bringing home yet another first place trophy — to add to the hallway case full of and the band room walls lined with and the entire section of room jammed with trophies.

Yet even Wednesday’s industry and the nearthousand awards can’t touch what Trobaugh and his band anticipate celebrating this month. They beat out nearly 200 other high school bands to win the crown of all trophies: playing in the 2015 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Munford teens will join the colorful throng of floats, giant character balloons, and nine other marching bands as they make their way through midtown Manhattan.

“We get to participate in what is one of the greatest spectacles for a high school band. It’s a tremendous inclusion,” say Trobaugh, a Memphis “Band kids are my favorite students to teach. native. “We get to represent all the band alumni They are the most disciplined and involved since it started in 1949, and all the players for the students you will ever meet,” says English teacher upcoming years. We get to spotlight Munford Jen Tyler. pride.”

“Band has really changed my life for the better,” says senior Emily Howard (17), a trumpet player. “It teaches me responsibility and how to PRACTICE AND DEDICATION get along with a group and how to be a part of a Sit in on a practice and it’s no surprise that this team and give it everything I have.” dedicated group made the highly competitive cut And sometimes, giving it everything you on their first try. Trobaugh runs a tight ship. have pays big dividends.

“You have to sacrifice hanging out with your family or going to events or hanging out with TOURING THE BIG APPLE your friends. But it’s worth it,” says senior Janel The band, accompanied by a few band parents, Benton (17), a member of the color guard. will travel by bus from Munford to spend a week During practice, assistant directors Gary Fite in the Big Apple. Their trip includes a harbor and Doug Young stand atop the field observation cruise, a Broadway show, the opportunity to play tower while Trobaugh gets up close and personal a two-hour concert in Central Park, and all the on the field. All three wear headsets with sightseeing 225 teens can stand. microphones, dropping insider terms while the The trip costs $1,200 per student. Trobaugh students start and stop on a dime. remained tight-lipped for months until Macy’s “Yes, sir!” the teens bark in unison to officials arrived in March for the big reveal. As of Trobaugh’s ever-present sentence-ender, “Yes?” late September, the Munford High School Band Since July, band members have been practicing, Boosters, as well as the local and surrounding going to competitions, or playing during games communities, had raised $120,000 toward the almost daily. Most rehearsals open with ballet and $300,000 total. yoga moves. This type of dedication yields holistic “They made the announcement early to give returns for the students. us time to raise the money,” Trobaugh says. “I

“BAND HAS REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE FOR THE BETTER,” SAYS SENIOR EMILY HOWARD.

20 MEMPH IS PARE NT NOV E MBER 2015 20 MEMPH IS PARE NT NOV E MBER 2015

could not do any of this without the incredible support that this amazing community in south Tipton and north Shelby counties has provided.”

While his students look forward to seeing the sights and being in the middle of the city that never sleeps, they remain focused — even in their excitement.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work, but it will be fun while we’re doing it. I’m looking forward to marching down the street,” says Fabian Ulloa (16), a sophomore who plays tuba.

“I’ve always watched the parade, but I never saw myself as a person performing in it,” adds Janel Benton. “Marching down the street with my band family, that will be an unforgettable memory.”

As for what they’ll perform? That’s easy.

“What better way to represent our region of the world than with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Trobaugh says. “Elvis always opened his shows with ‘C.C. Rider.’ Then we’ll go into ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ because that was one of his earliest important hits. And we’ll close with ‘Blue Suede Shoes.’”

What will they wear? Well, band uniforms, and, of course, blue suede shoes.

CAN-DO KIDS

NATIONAL CHAMPS The Memphis Wildcats finish on top

By JANE SCHNEIDER

kneeling , l to r: kevion guy, desmond bratcher, tadarius jacobs

standing: tony moore , jelani willis , darius waterford,

marquon dean , jonathan lawson , jalen brown , omari robinson, & jacob roberts

As the Memphis Grizzlies’ season gets underway, we want to introduce you to another basketball team with grit and grind: the Memphis Wildcats.

These talented 12-year-olds won the PrimeTime Sports 2015 National Basketball Championship last summer, beating out 70 other teams for the prestigious title.

If you’re familiar with the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) competitive basketball league, then you’ve likely heard of the Wildcats, led by head coach Dedra Lawson and assistant coach Jeremiah Brown.

On the way to nationals last summer, they competed in six tournaments and won them all.

What does it take to be a champion? Hard work, determination, and plenty of practice.

“I push my boys pretty hard. It builds their confidence and helps them realize they can accomplish something if they work hard,” says head coach Dedra Lawson.

The nucleus of this 11-man team — Jalen Brown, Jonathan Lawson, Tadarius Jacobs, and Jacob Roberts — have played together since second grade. In 2009, the Wildcats won the AAU National Championship for players ages 8 and under. This year, Dedra’s son, Jonathan, and Jeremiah’s son, Jalen, have been noticed by coaches who scout for promising young athletes.

“They play the game the right way and they won every single tournament this past summer,” notes Brown with pride. “We’re trying to keep them active and guide them — give them an alternative to being on the street.”

Today I watch as several Wildcats practice at American Way Middle School, where they play on their school’s team. (Others students play for Bellevue, White Station, and Colonial Middle.)

Sneakers squeak, elbows fly, defenders block, then a quick pass and the ball arcs skyward.

Swoosh! All net.

“Kids come out of her program polished,” says American Way assistant basketball coach Rodney Jones. “They know where to be in relation to the ball.”

In the bleachers sits a sprinkling of fathers; a few determined to correct each missed opportunity, the rest content to let the coaches earn their keep. The boys race up and down the court, their eyes focused, intense.

“One thing that makes our team unique is that every kid has their dad. That’s why they play with such intensity,” says Brown. “Dads attend the games. That level of support goes a long, long way.”

Once the season ends, the kids will get a break before suiting up again as Memphis Wildcats to play league ball through the spring and summer months.

“I try not to pressure them at a young age,” says Lawson. “I don’t want to ruin their confidence.” Instead, much of Lawson’s coaching is about helping her players learn what they can achieve with teamwork. “We stress the importance of academics as well. If they’re not successful in the classroom, then they won’t be recruited.

“The parents want their kids to get better at basketball and all the kids want to get a college scholarship. Not too many parents in my neighborhood have $50,000 for college. If we can get it through athletics, we’ll do that,” she says.

Back on the court, the boys continue the day’s drills under the watchful guidance of their coaches. Each practice takes them one step closer to sharpening skills and working as a team, one step closer to a future bright with promise.

Play

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LEARN

SRVS Kids & Families Preschool Open House

Open House Tours November 18 2015

9:00 am - 11:00 am 4738 Walnut Grove Rd. Memphis, TN 38117

901-288-8819 901-312-9915

(Located inside Independent Presbyterian Church) www.srvs.org/kidsandfamilies

Brings children with special needs together

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FEATURED

APEX, CLUE, & YOU

Reaching bright learners through gifted education

By GINGER SPICKLER

It’s 1981, and 6-year-old me is tearing through the Nancy Drew series at my local public library. I stretch on tiptoes for the faded yellow spines of my favorite books, just a little out of my physical reach, but well within my mental grasp.

who lived in poverty, never would’ve gotten to experience without the program.”

And for Louise Claney, Collierville Schools’ director of curriculum and accountability, providing special services for gifted students is all about potential.

“We want to help every kid achieve his highest potential. Where can we take them?”

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

While there are no official state standards for gifted services, there are a number of common themes in local programs, including teaching Two years later, my parents, frustrated by creative and critical thinking, encouraging the lack of challenge I’m receiving in the fluency (also known as brainstorming), and classroom, advocate successfully for the ultimately, pushing students to apply their creation of a gifted program in our local school knowledge. district in Kentucky. Had I been a student in “Many of these kids already know a lot of Memphis, I might not have had to wait. what’s being taught in the regular classroom. The pull-out program allows them to learn skills and WHY GIFTED EDUCATION? strategies to actually use what they know,” says In 1970, local educator Jo Patterson launched Grahamwood Elementary CLUE teacher Laura the Cooperative Leadership for Urban Education Wilons, whose class is currently studying (CLUE) program, making it one of the country’s sustainability in preparation for a field trip to first gifted programs. Today, the acronym stands Heifer International in Little Rock. for Creative Learning in a Unique Environment, In Shelby County Schools (SCS), CLUE starts and it’s those last two words that Shelby County for some students as early as preschool, where Schools’ CLUE director Tommie Yelvington 4-year-old CLUEsters come to one of three believes is at the heart of the gifted program she elementary school sites for two and a half hours leads. twice a week to explore different topics. The “Kids need to be with their gifted peers,” she model is similar for elementary students, who says, bristling at the notion that high-ability are pulled out of their regular classrooms five students will do just fine on their own. She points hours a week. In middle and high school (CLUE to an athlete like Michael Jordan. “Certainly he goes through 9th grade), the program takes the had natural talent, but without honing his skills in form of an advanced language arts class, which a setting where he was matched up against other helps prepare students for Advanced Placement strong players, he would never have had the courses, according to Yelvington. success he did.”

The Collierville School system has spent the Paula Peyton, a former CLUE student, now past year tinkering with how it delivers more studying creative writing at the University of individualized education to all of its elementaryMemphis says, “CLUE offered me an opportunity aged students, including the gifted students in to grow academically in ways that I, as a child its APEX program. An hour of each school day is 22 2 2

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now devoted to all pull-out services (for students with learning differences on both ends of the spectrum), while students who remain in the classrooms during that period receive more targeted instruction in small groups.

Collierville is also blazing new trails this year with its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Scholars Program, which is taking 24 students each in Collierville Middle and Schilling Farms Middle through an intensive, three-year STEM-focused curriculum. While not officially a part of the APEX program, many students in the cohort have come from that background, a result of the STEM program’s stringent application process.

WHO IS GIFTED?

Jessica Orians, who teaches in both the Breakthrough program, for students with learning disabilities, and the S.P.A.R.K. program for gifted students at Woodland Presbyterian School, knows that some see gifted programs as elitist, but she pushes back against that idea.

“Kids in these two programs actually have a lot in common. Their brains are just wired a little differently than more typical students.”

Grahamwood CLUE teacher Laura Wilons says while smart students may work hard and know a lot, “Gifted kids have problem-solving brains. They ask a lot of questions and see more possibilities. Some love to debate and play devil’s advocate — they want to prove they can prove a point, even if it’s not a belief they actually hold.”

The state requires public schools to screen all students for special education needs at least once, and in Tennessee, gifted falls under the special needs or “exceptional children” umbrella.

This universal screening process also helps to ensure more equitable access for students from racial and socioeconomic groups that have historically been underrepresented in gifted programs.

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Through a commitment to academic excellence and a dedication to Study, Prayer, Community and Service — we prepare boys to be leaders who will make the world a better place.

Districts start by looking for students with high scores on their second-grade achievement tests. These students are referred, with parental permission, for a more comprehensive screening, which includes forms that both a child’s parent and teacher fill out on the student’s creativity, interests, and habits. School psychologists score the forms, and eligible students receive one of several IQ tests. In both Shelby County Schools and Collierville Schools, the minimum IQ for acceptance to the gifted programs is 118. Once a student is deemed eligible, an individualized education program (IEP) is created that specifies the services the student will receive.

Gifted identification can happen earlier than third grade if either a teacher or parent thinks the child would benefit from gifted services.

SCS uses a more informal admittance process for students in kindergarten through second grade, in which students reading at least two grade levels above their actual grade are eligible to participate in CLUE. (For more on eligibility requirements for different districts’ gifted programs, visit memphisschoolguide.org)

WHAT ABOUT MY KID?

I (and most others) use the term “gifted” here to refer to the academically gifted, but it’s certainly true that not every child’s gift lies in the intellectual realm. When choosing a school, it pays to look for specific curricular and extracurricular programming offered that fit well with your child’s strengths, but don’t stop there. Numerous community-based organizations seek to nurture coders, dancers, chess players, and more.

We give a few ideas in the box below, but you can also search on the Internet for the unique program that will play to your child’s strengths.

Who knows, with the right support, your video game-obsessed tween could end up as the next PewDiePie. (Ask your kids.)

PROGRAMS FOR OTHER STRENGTHS: DESTINATION IMAGINATION • tennesseedi.org Teams of students solve hands-on, project-based challenges for regional and state competitions.

CODECREW • code-crew.org Empowers kids to be tech innovators and leaders through practical, hands-on computer science training.

VISIBLE COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL • visiblecommunitymusicschool.com Provides affordable and accessible music instruction.

LITE MEMPHIS • litememphis.com Empowers low-income students to build real-world skills through social entrepreneurship.

PREVIEW DATES 5th-8th Grade Preview NOVEMBER 4 2K-4th Grade Preview NOVEMBER 10 For more information contact us at 901-767-1356 or Admissions@saa-sds.org.

ST. AGNES ACADEMY-ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL 4830 Walnut Grove Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38117

WWW.SAA-SDS.ORG

LEARNERS TO LEADERS A Catholic tradition since 1851

ST. AGNES ACADEMY 2K-12

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SCHOOL NOTES

KIDS LEARN ABOUT DIVERSITY HERE, THAT NOT EVERYONE WALKS AND TALKS THE SAME WAY. EXPOSURE IS THE KEY. THE BENEFITS OF INCLUSIVE PRESCHOOL At Play Do Learn Preschool, special needs and typical children gain new skills by exploring the world together

By JANE SCHNEIDER Children gather for circle time and listen as the story of Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear is read. As they look on at the colorful drawings and repeat the familiar phrases, the teacher asks questions about each picture.

“What does the bear say?” she says, as several children call out their answers.

At first glance, it looks like your typical preschool. And maybe, someday, it will be.

But currently, SRVS Kids & Families Play Do Learn is West Tennessee’s only totally inclusive preschool program. Both typical and specialneeds children ages 15 months to 5 years come to classrooms housed at Independent Presbyterian Church each morning to learn their ABCs. The students get the kind of social and academic preparedness they need as they work toward kindergarten readiness.

However, in addition to the play-based preschool curriculum, children receive behavioral therapy, one-on-one instruction, and ongoing assessments to ensure that each child is meeting established goals. The preschool is run by SRVS, Tennessee’s largest provider of services for people with disabilities, as part of SRVS Kids & Families programs.

LESSONS IN FRIENDSHIP What parents discover is that the lessons their children learn here go beyond academics. For Lily Russell, whose three typical children have attended the preschool, encounters have opened doors to conversations they might not have otherwise had.

“The sensitivity they’ve developed toward kids who don’t look or talk or grow like them; that’s been important to us as parents,” says Russell, whose youngest daughter, 3-year-old Hazel, now attends the program.

“It’s fostered great conversations in our family about being thankful for healthy bodies, as well as kindness and patience with others.”

Marcus Washington, whose 4-year-old daughter, McKenzie, started with the program at age 16 months, feels it’s made a huge difference for their family.

“What made us fall in love with the place was that our daughter couldn’t talk when she started M EE M M PP H H II SS PPA A RR EE N N TT N NO O VV EE M M BB EE RR 22 00 11 55 12 44 M

at 16 months, but by 18 months, she was crawling and learning sign language,” he says of McKenzie, who was born with Down syndrome.

“Now, at age 4, she knows the alphabet and counts. It’s also been important for me to see her personal skills develop. She’s become more adventurous and outgoing,” he says.

Parents say their children learn social skills, like sharing and how to get along with others.

“One mom had a 6-year-old who was delayed and attended here and now the mom sends her typical 2-year-old,” says Lorraine Ford, preschool manager and a therapist.

“Kids learn about diversity here, that not everyone walks and talks the same way. Exposure is the key.”

Families also appreciate the teachers who are dedicated to helping each child do his or her best.

“The teachers love what they do and have boundless energy,” says Russell. Some have been with the program more than 10 years.

SRVS BROADENS ITS SERVICES Special Kids & Families, which operated independently for nearly 30 years, merged with SRVS last year. “SRVS was in a growth mode, and it gave Special Kids the opportunity to grow as well,” says Diane Fedinec, SRVS public relations manager. It also gives the program long-term stability.

The inclusive nature of this preschool reflects a push nationally to try to better serve specialneeds students in regular classrooms, since the way special-needs children are served today has changed, too. Once, young children were brought to hospitals or clinics for therapy. Now, therapists from SRVS go into family homes where parents receive training with their child. Therapists use implements the family has on hand to help the child work on fine and gross motor skills.

“It’s more costly to provide the service,” says Ford, “but inclusion and more family focus is the best practice.”

SRVS Kids & Families Play Do Learn Preschool 4738 Walnut Grove Road • srvs.org (Located at Independent Presbyterian Church) 288-8819

SRVS KIDS & FAMILIES EARLY ON PROGRAM On Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30, moms with babies and toddlers gather to talk about what’s going on in their world. SRVS Early On program is geared towards nurturing parents who are learning what it means to care for a special-needs child. Guest speakers might discuss feeding issues or behavior questions, but often, it’s being with others parents on a similar journey that nurtures. The program is free. Professionals on hand to help include physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as a registered nurse.

For details, call Lorraine Ford at 288-8819.

art SAT. NOV. 21

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FAMILY TABLE

EVER TRIED A MEAL IN A BOX?

Blue Apron deliver to your door; you cook fresh, interesting recipes

By LIZ PHILLIPS

A few of the podcasts I listen to while running errands and shelving books at the library where I work have been sponsored by Blue Apron, a meal-in-a-box service that claims to deliver high-quality, fresh ingredients, perfectly measured, ready to cook into delicious gourmet meals. Skeptical, but intrigued, I decided to give it a try. (Full disclosure: Blue Apron provided me with two weeks worth of complimentary meals, so I could try a range of products and report on my experience.)

Was the food really that good? And how was the pricing? It would be expensive to ship all that nice food fast enough to keep it fresh. I had lots of questions. But it also seemed like the kind of thing some families would enjoy and benefit from.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS You register at blueapron.com, selecting dietary preferences (they warn that all boxes are assembled in a shared facility, making their product potentially unsafe for people with serious food allergies), delivery day (in Memphis, only Thursday and Friday were available), and frequency (families can choose either two or four times per week).

When my first pair of boxes arrived, I’ll admit, I panicked. They’re big. But most of that bulk is ice packs and insulation to keep the food fresh. In fact, the food, because it’s measured and portioned, fit better into my fridge than my normal load of groceries. I was able to limit my shopping the next day to breakfast and lunch needs.

My kids thought Santa had made an out-of-season visit. They had a ball unpacking the little bags of herbs, seasonings, and vegetables. Most everything was in good shape. Some of the greens looked a little wilted, but I could pick them out, leaving plenty of fresh leaves behind.

SEASONAL MENUS WITH YOUR PREFERENCES Each week, you select from a menu that changes to reflect what’s in season. As their titles imply, some meals are more ambitious. From the late-summer options available to me, I chose dishes including Pesto Meatballs and Fresh Corn Polenta with Marinated Sungold Tomatoes and Basil, and Za’atar-spiced Eggplant and Squash Pitas with Cucumber-yogurt Sauce and Tabbouleh. Predictably, my kids preferred the meatballs. But they also loved a parmesan-crusted chicken dish, eating its arugula salad accompaniment with no complaints about the peppery greens. And the savory eggplant pitas were yummy.

Each set of ingredients comes with a snazzy, full-page sized recipe card. The directions are easy to follow and accompanied by helpful photos. It’s a little like a recipe with good visuals on the internet, except that you don’t have to keep waking up your phone or laptop with a buttery index finger. Each recipe includes a calorie count, which gives the illusion of virtue.

The cards also provide prep and cook times. This is where my only major reservation arose. I’m not a fast cook, but I’m competent and experienced. So when a recipe indicates that it should be ready in 35 minutes, but it takes me an hour, there’s something a little off in the estimation. Most recipes have this flaw, though.

They’re written by professionals whose training enables them to do in 10 minutes what the rest of us — slower to begin with, and interrupted by children, laundry, and phone calls — need 30 to accomplish.

WHO IS THIS BEST FOR? Blue Apron is not for absolute beginners. The recipes call for knife skills and stovetop competence at least. Nor should the ill-equipped assume everything they need is in the box; you’ll need pans, prep bowls, strainers, spatulas, tongs, and more. It is great for people who like to cook but don’t want to plan meals or shop. There’s no waste, except occasional leftovers, and it’s convenient to leave the measuring cups and spoons in the drawer.

In many ways, Blue Apron is a dream come true for career-oriented young couples who want to cook recreationally a couple times a week. It would be a fantastic wedding gift. Likewise, it might be best for busy families who want to cook family meals together with minimal hassle. During the holidays, having a few dinners that don’t take up much fridge or mental space would be a bonus. As for the cost, it’s competitive with eating out: Two meals a week for a family of four run about $70. Would I do it again, on my own dollar? I might, when I have enough dollars.

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EARLY YEARS

IF EVERYONE CARED Teach your child how to respond with kindness

BY MATTHEW TIMBERLAKE for The Urban Child Institute When babies are first born, their needs are paramount. In the animal kingdom, looking out for number one is the key to staying alive. But for our success as individuals — be it socially, emotionally, academically, or professionally — that infant ego needs a big-time parental intervention.

In the first years of our children’s lives, parents must ensure kids understand their priorities and how they fit in among family and peers. This means parents face a two-part challenge. First, we must actively nurture Older kids respond well to a narrative, making storytelling useful in empathy. Then, we have to teach children what to do with that emotional empathy building. Book time presents opportunities for characters to intelligence. We have to teach them how to respond to others with kindness. model behavior that can then be discussed by you and your child in a playspace free of real-world high-octane emotion. “That boy was mean to BUILDING EMPATHY BEGINS NOW the other kids, wasn’t he? Why do you think that was?”

Though an infant is oblivious to the world around them at first, their Allow your child time to answer. Then give your response, “I think it’s only senses soon begin feeding them information and they become aware of because the boy was sad. What could the other kids have done or said when those closest to them. The behaviors they see in their family play a role in the boy was mean that would have made him feel better?” how their brains grow.

Their stories about school days and playdates present rich opportunities, To nurture empathy, it’s important to practice it yourself. With very too. Ask questions about motivation when they tell you about the sad boy young kids, a simple game of peek-a-boo can be one way to demonstrate or mean girl. “What did you do to cheer him up? What could you do next your empathetic prowess. Notice how baby’s attention shifts away from time to make him smile? Think about a time you were mad and a mean way you periodically. Think of this as a processing pause, a little ‘me’ time you behaved. Do you think your sister liked it?” between the gleeful squealing. Let them zone out for a moment, and when With these last exercises, we’ve moved into the second phase of our their attention turns back to you, say something like, parenting challenge, turning emotional intelligence into kindness. By asking “Well, hello again, you, welcome back.” By engaging your baby on her questions about the cause of the disruptive behavior, and creating a story terms, and backing off when she disengages, you are demonstrating a keen of what led there, we let our kids observe emotions from a distance. When ability to offer what another person wants and needs from you. we make this a regular part of our communication, we practice behaviors that can become habits as our children mature.

You can teach self-control when he’s 4, or you can let Juvenile Court do it at Age 14.

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

MG-13

OPEN HOUSE

inspiration

November 10th 9:00 a.m. www.cmdsmemphis.org 901.261.2157 2 28 8

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CALENDAR

NOVEMBER CALENDAR 1 • SUNDAY

Dia de Muertos Celebration. El Mercadito de Memphis (3766 Ridgeway Rd.) 1-7 p.m.

Festivities include folkloric dance and musical performances, photos, and art vendors selling original artwork inspired by Day of the Dead themes. Free. • facebook.com/ events/144904062516316/

Kiwanis Club of Germantown presents Rising Stars. Germantown Performing Arts Centre (GPAC). 4 p.m. The 18th annual Rising Stars concert features local children and adults singing, playing instruments, and performing classical and contemporary dance. $10/person.

751-7500.

3 • TUESDAY

Midtown Music! Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM). Through November 24.

Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Midtown Music explores different activities each week.

Nov. 3: Musical Basics. Nov. 10: Rhythm. Nov. 17: Musical Fun. Nov. 24: Science of Music.

Free with admission. 458-2678.

Mini Masters. Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

Tuesdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Parent-child workshop designed for toddlers features a story time, art activity, and snack. $8. Call 761-5250 to register and pre-pay by noon the day before the class.

4 • WEDNESDAY

Art a la Carte. CMOM. Through November 25.

Choose Wednesday or Thursday session, 10-11 a.m. or 3-4 p.m. Children are invited to come explore different art activities each week. Nov. 4 & 5: Art exploration. Nov. 11 & 12: Watercolors.

Nov. 18 & 19: Acrylics. Nov. 25: Tempera.

Free with admission. 458-2678.

6 • FRIDAY

Professor Beeswax and Silly Science. CMOM. Through November 27. Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m. or 3-3:45 a.m. Join their new science teacher and explore various concepts each week. Nov. 6: Science World. Nov. 13: Newton’s First Law. Nov. 20: Newton’s Second Law. Nov. 27: Newton’s Third Law. Free with admission.

458-2678.

Fall Tram Tours. Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG). Also on November 13, 10 a.m.-noon.

Docent-guided trams depart every 20 minutes for garden tours. Free with admission.

636-4100.

Mini Maker Faire. Barnes & Noble Wolfchase.

Through November 8, 11-11:30 a.m. This firstever Mini Maker Faire features hands-on activities during Make & Collaborate sessions, demos of newest technology during Make Workspace sessions, and discussion by local makers during Meet the Maker sessions. Free.

386-2468.

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7 • SATURDAY

Memphis Farmers Market. Central Station.

Saturdays, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Features music, crafts, pet adoption, and more, with different themes each week. Nov. 7: Hearth & Home. Nov. 14: Savor the Season. Nov. 21: Bountiful Blessings.

Free. • memphisfarmersmarket.org

Peanut Butter & Jam: Big Trouble for Little Wizards. GPAC. 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Children ages 8 and under discover the magical music of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Berlioz, and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in this original Babu Press musical storybook. $8/child with two adults. 751-7500.

Orion Starry Nights.

Shelby Farms Park.

8 • SUNDAY

Germantown Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Concert. GPAC. 7 p.m. Winners of the Germantown Symphony Orchestra (GSO) 2015 Concerto Competition take the stage for a performance of a major work with GSO. $12/adult. $3/student. 751-7500.

10 • TUESDAY

Caterpillar Club: Crickets Chirp, Chipmunks Snore. MBG. Also on Wednesday, from 10-11 a.m. Choose Tuesday or Wednesday session.

Children ages 2-5 are invited to join for stories, music & movement, nature-inspired art, and adventure hikes in My Big Backyard. Semester theme: The Music of the Garden-The Rhythm of Life. Six-class semester fee: $75. Call 636-4122 to register.

13th Annual India Fest. Agricenter International. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 2015 theme: “Weddings of India.” This annual celebration of Indian culture and traditions features music and dance performances, cultural displays, cooking demos, a Kid’s Corner, food, and vendors.

SHINE Family Education Series: Music for $5/adult. $1/child ages 4-12. Free entry for kids Aardvarks. Davis Early Childhood Center at with two cans of food for Mid-South Food Bank. St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School. 10 a.m. indiafestmemphis.org Toddlers come for a morning of music making, story time, and snacks. Free. Reservations Trash to Treasure: A Stax-Inspired Art required. 435-5818.

Workshop. Stax Museum of American Soul Music. 10 a.m. until noon. Explore the connection between art, music, and social justice in this interactive workshop geared Arc Attack. The Orpheum. 6:30 p.m. Arc toward families. Free. For details, go to Attack is part rock concert, part science staxmuseum.com experiment where you explore the concepts of electricity, voltage and current, magnetism, Family Studio. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. robotics, and lightning through a unique 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Drop in at the Dixon to performance. $15. VIP/$30. 525-3000. create works of art, open studio-style. Outdoor program (weather permitting). Free. 761-5250.

11 • WEDNESDAY

13 • FRIDAY

Family Tunes & Tales. At area libraries including Central, Bartlett, & Germantown Library.

11 a.m.-noon. Children are invited to join the musical families of Memphis Symphony Orchestra as they present a story set to music.

Free. 537-2500 National Story Time: Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect. Barnes & Noble Wolfchase. 11-11:30 a.m. In honor of the Mini Maker Faire, listen to the stories of Rosie Revere, an engineer, and Iggy Peck, an architect. Free. 386-2468.

Dia de los Muertos Community Day. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Noon-3 p.m. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with live performances by Cazateatro and Los Cantadores, art of Papel Picado, demo by Yancy Villa-Calvo, and a Day of the Dead-themed story time by the Cordova Branch Library. Free. 544-6200.

14 • SATURDAY

The Sugar Run 5k. W.C. Johnson Park in Collierville. This 9th annual event features a Kids Run at 10 a.m., 5k at 10:30 a.m., moon bounces, pizza, and cash prizes. Preregistration: $20. Race day registration: $25.

Benefits Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Register online at racesonline.com STEM Challenge: Build a Car. Knowledge Tree in Cordova. 1-3 p.m. Students in grades 4 to 8 are invited to participate in a STEM challenge workshop with the University of Memphis STEM Hub ambassadors. Design and build a K’NEX racecar. Free. Space limited to 50 students. Register at theknowledgetree.com/ memphis-stem-challenge-registration-page/

15 • SUNDAY

SCRABBLE FUNdraiser Tournament. St. George’s Independent School. 1-4:30 p.m.

Teams of three compete for prizes. Also includes a silent auction and food. $40/person. $100 for a team of three. Benefits Collierville Literacy Council. 854-0288.

Enter the 2015 MLGW Student Poster Contest Grab your paints, brushes, colored pencils, crayons, glue and glitter!

Think about ways to conserve water then create your masterpiece!

Win $125 prize

ALL K –12 Students attending school within Shelby County are eligible to participate.

Sponsored by:

Rules and entry form: www.mlgw.com/artcontest Submission Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2015 Information: 901-528-4820 (Monday - Friday)

M E M PH I S PA R ENT.COM

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Memphis Jewish Community Center

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Guided by Jewish values and traditions, students of all faiths learn to appreciate our diverse world.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Lindsey Chase, Early Childhood Director, at (901) 259-9205 or lchase@jccmemphis.org.

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Mary J. Blige The Orpheum

17 • TUESDAY

Pippin. The Orpheum. Through November 22. This Broadway musical features Bob Fosse-style choreography and acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the creative force behind the contemporary circus show, Traces. $25-$125. For details, 525-3000.

19 • THURSDAY

Daddy-Daughter Date Night.

Memphis Zoo. Dads and daughters celebrate a night of fun at the zoo.

The evening includes entrance to SunTrust Zoo Lights, ice skating, Chick-fil-A dinner and dessert, discounted Ferris wheel rides, arts & crafts, magic show, and more. $17/person. Benefits Make-A-Wish Mid-South. For details, go to chickfilamemphis.com

20 • FRIDAY

SunTrust Zoo Lights. Memphis Zoo. Through December 30. On select nights from 5:30-9:30 p.m. A wild winter wonderland awaits, with snow at Snow Alley, Santa in his shop, reindeer, and thousands of holiday lights. $8. 333-6500.

Orion Starry Nights. Shelby Farms Park. Through December 27.

Sunday through Thursday, 6-9 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, 6-10 p.m. The park is transformed into a wonderland filled with lighted displays. At the Mistletoe Village, take photos with Santa, ride camels, and do holiday shopping. $20/car. Benefits Shelby Farms. shelbyfarmspark.org/starrynights Campfire Party in My Big Backyard. MBG. 6-8 p.m. This after-hours event includes craft making, a night hike, and roasting hot dogs and s’mores around the campfire. $12. Call 636-4131 to register.

Nut ReMix. The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Through November 22. Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at 2:30 p.m. In this modern day ballet set on Beale Street, the traditional Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker leaps into the 21st century, reconfigured with ballet, hip-hop, authentic African dance, flamenco, and a score that honors the classical element. $15-$50. • newballet.org/events/ nut-remix Polar Express Train Rides.

Batesville, MS. Through December 27. November: Friday-Sunday, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. December: TuesdaysSundays, 11 a.m. & 1, 3, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a ride to Christmastown while your family revisits the story of The Polar Express, complete with dancing elves and other characters.

Kids can wear footie pajamas. $40/adult, $30/ages 2-12. grenadapolarexpressride.com

21 • SATURDAY

Mommy’s Secret Consignment Toy/Holiday Sale. Pleasant Hill Elementary, Olive Branch.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Half-price sale on Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Holiday décor & attire, furniture, and toys.

Free admission and parking. • mommysSecret.com or call 606-8434

Art Family Day. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate Southern Impressionism with art activities, live music, snacks, and games inspired by the “Scenic Impressions: Southern Interpretations from the Johnson Collection” exhibit. Free. 761-5250

MORE THAN FINDING THE ANSWER , 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 901.765.4605 or visit www.briarcrest.com.

F I N D

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Open Houses: Houston Levee Elementary–Thurs. Nov. 5 @ 9:30 a.m.

High School–Thurs. Nov. 5 @ 6:30 p.m.

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CALENDAR

13th Annual India Fest Agricenter International

27 • FRIDAY

Holiday Tree Lighting. Municipal Park Lake in Germantown.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Families are invited to gather in Municipal Square to sing holiday songs, visit with Santa inside City Hall, and enjoy refreshments. Free.

757-7375.

ONGOING EVENTS

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MUSEUMS & EVENTS Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

“Scenic Impressions: Southern Interpretations from the Johnson Collection.” November 1 through January 3. The exhibit highlights the influence of the Impressionist movement on art in the American South through landscapes and genre scenes created between 1880 and 1940. “My Own Places: Paintings and Prints by Martha Kelly.” November 1 through January 3. Memphis native Martha Kelly’s work celebrates the Southern landscape, particularly the Mid-South. Jun Kaneko.

Through November 22. 761-5250.

Living in the Age of Airplanes in 2D. Through January 8. Prehistoric Planet: Walking with Dinosaurs 3D. Through November 13. Humpback Whales 3D. Through November 13.

636-2362.

Sharpe Planetarium - Wonders of the Universe. Through November 29. 636-2362.

Lichterman Nature Center Scarecrow Contest Exhibit.

Through November 20. 636-2210.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS and Mom & Baby Classes can be found under Resources & Guides at memphisparent.com

OTHER PROGRAMS

Mallory-Neely House Tour.

Mallory-Neely House, 652 Adams.

Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $7/adult. $5/child (ages 3-12).

523-1484.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Kaleidoscope Club. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.

Memphis Pink Palace Museum.

Ages 5-9. This after-school Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees. program explores a project November 14 through December involving horticulture, art, or 31. This Memphis holiday literature. $8. Snack provided. Call tradition features animated 761-5250 to register. characters set in a magical, snowy setting with miniature trains Down Syndrome Education chugging through Gingerbread Connection: “Keys to Enhancing Village, Penguin Pals in the Penguin Behavior & Academic Outcomes Pond, and a meet-and-greet photo for Students with Down session with Santa. Santa lands on Syndrome.” Baptist Memorial the lawn of the Pink Palace on Hospital for Women’s Training grand opening day at 9 a.m.

Room. Friday, November 13, courtesy of Pedi-Flite. $6/adult.

6:15-8:15 p.m. Dr. Kathleen Feeley, $5/child ages 3-12. Pictures with Sr., editor of the journal Down Santa: $10 (available until Syndrome Research & Practice, December 24). Benefits Le provides information on how to Bonheur Children’s Hospital. include the Down Syndrome 636-2362. student in a general education classroom. Childcare and light CTI 3D Giant Theater. Polar refreshments provided. Free. Call Express 3D. November 14 through 547-7588 to RSVP. December 31. A young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. The Light Before Christmas 3D. November 14-December 31.

An animated holiday film about two young children learning about the night before Christmas.

NUTCRACKER

I found my True North .

with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra

1 2 / 04-06 / 1 5 The Orpheum

TICKETS START AT $7 AT BALLETMEMPHIS.ORG

TAKE PHOTOS WITH YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTERS AFTER EACH PERFORMANCE

Activities for you and your children

• Cooking Classes • Yoga, Pilates, Dance • Personal Training • Sports Court with cardio, weights, walking track, and group exercise

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

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Maybe it’s math. Or art. Or reading.

Whatever your child’s passion and inspiration, we will help them to discover and develop it. All in a Christcentered, nurturing environment that prepares them for their unique future.

M E M PH I S PA R ENT.COM

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CALENDAR

Germantown Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Concert.

GPAC. Origami Workshop. Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Saturday, November 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Ages 10-14. Learn basic folds and how to combine them to make sculptures and designs. $20. Call 761-5250 to register.

U-CAN Volunteer to Make an Impact! Poplar-White Station Branch Library. Tuesday, November 17, 3-4 p.m. Ages 12-17. Leshundra Robinson with U-CAN of Memphis talks to teens about the benefits of volunteering. Free. 682-1616.

Project WET Teacher Workshop.

Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG).

Tuesday, November 24, 8:30 a.m.3 p.m. All participants receive the Project WET Curriculum Guide for grades K-12 and participate in engaging activities. Free. Contact Cathy Justis at education@ wolfriver.org or call 219-7323 to register.

HOMESCHOOL CLASSES

HOMESTEAD Outdoor Woodcrafts Your destination for all your swing set needs!

We Build FUN in Your Backyard! homesteadoutdoor.com

8390 Hwy 64 Bolivar, TN 38008 • For more info, call 731-658-4906

Homeschool Days - Fall Colors.

MBG. Wednesday, November 4, 2-3:30 p.m. Ages 5 and up.

Children collect leaves from the arboretum and make a “stained glass” hanging and funny leaf friend. $5/child. Garden admission not included. Call 636-4100 to register and pre-pay.

Homeschool Drop-in Days. The Pink Palace Museum. Gallery drop-in event takes place second Thursday of the month, 1-2 p.m.

Nov. 12: Journey to the Poles. Free with admission. Parents are required to attend. 636-2389.

FUND-RAISERS 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

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THEATRE PERFORMANCES

Mary J. Blige. The Orpheum.

Wednesday, November 4, 8 p.m.

Watch iconic Grammy Awardwinning singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist Mary Blige perform at The Orpheum. $67.50$113. For tickets, call 525-3000.

Find Me Documentary. Malco Paradiso Theater. Thursday, November 5, 6:30 pm. All Blessings International, a Tennessee adoption and humanitarian aid agency, presents Find Me, a documentary about Chinese adoption. Tickets available at tugg.com/ events/44668

Sound Fuzion. Harris Concert Hall.

Thursday, November 5, 7:30 p.m.

U of M students perform pop, rock, and country music. $15/person.

678-2541.

Imba Means Sing. The Orpheum.

Wednesday, November 11, 7 p.m.

The film follows Angel, Moses, and Nina from the slums of Kampala, Uganda, through a world tour with the Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir. $10/person.

525-3000.

MythBusters Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED! The Orpheum.

Saturday, November 14, 8 p.m.

The live stage show starring Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage promises an evening filled with on-stage experiments, audience participation, rocking video, and behind-the-scenes stories. $35$80. VIP: $125. For tickets, call 525-3000.

Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra.

Harris Concert Hall. Tuesday, November 24, 7:30 p.m. University of Memphis presents this jazz ensemble. $15/person. 678-2541.

37th Annual Auction. The Orpheum. Saturday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. Be a part of the Orpheum Auction by sponsoring, donating, bidding online, or Story Time at Area Bookstores attending the event. $125. Contact: Barnes & Noble Booksellers Michelle Goldkamp at 529-4280.

The Avenue Carriage Crossing Mall, 853-3264 Mondays, 11 a.m. Ages 1-6.

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

National Story Time: Little Kids Table by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle. Saturday, November 21, 11-11:30 a.m. Ages 2-8. Celebrate Thanksgiving with story time. Free.

Tuesday Toddler Story Time: Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes. Tuesday, November 24, 11-11:30 a.m. Ages 2-8. Discover the reasons to be thankful at this special Thanksgiving 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 1925 Exeter Rd. 757-7323 Wild, Wild Wednesday. On select Wednesdays (Nov. 4 & 18), 1 and 4:30 p.m. Ages 6-12.

Participants exercise STEM skills, learn basic home economic practices, and enjoy fun literary experiences. Free.

Puppets on the Loose with Community Leaders. Tuesday, November 10, 4:30 p.m.

Ages 6-12. Puppets introduce community leaders as they read stories, answer questions, and sing silly songs.

Coffee House Night. Tuesday, November 24, 6 p.m. Ages 13-18. Chill out coffeehouse-style with food, music, and chat with friends. Free.

MEMPHIS LIBRARY EVENTS

CORDOVA

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 (November 2 & 30), 4-5:30 p.m. Children ages 6-12 are invited to learn through play on one of the library-owned Kindle Fires, iPad Minis, and iPad Airs.

8457 Trinity Rd., 754-8443 International Story Time. Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Celebrate the country and culture of Indonesia with a story, crafts, and food.

NORTH

1192 Vollintine, 276-6631 Teen Creation Thursday. On select Thursdays (November 5, 12 & 19), 3-4 p.m. Series teaches teens how to make different types of crafts projects.

PARKWAY VILLAGE

Crafternoon. On select Mondays (November 9 & 23), 4-5 p.m. Stories and crafts for children ages 6-12.

4655 Knight Arnold, 363-8923 Thanksgiving Crafts. Thursday, November 12, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Children will make a Thanksgiving craft and have a snack.

International Story Time. Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Ms. Phyllis as we celebrate diversity through stories, crafts, and music of Poland.

3752 Given, 452-1068 Teen Cooking. Tuesday, November 17, 4-5 p.m.

Come learn how to make pizza.

Read with Me, Sign with Me Family Story Time.

Saturday, November 21, 11 a.m. until noon.

Family story time for deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing families in collaboration with Deaf Family Literacy Mid-South.

RANDOLPH

Tween Craft: DIY Bouncing Balls. Tuesday, November 24, 4-5 p.m.

BARTLETT

5884 Stage Rd., 386-8968 R.E.A.D. to Tootsie. Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m. until noon. Children ages 5-11 read stories to a therapy dog. Registration required.

No ve m

ber 14 • 10AM - 4

Join us for Memphis' newest curated exhibition and sale of original art, handmade goods, and craft, speciality, & local beers

PM

Crosstown

Autumn Ave and N . Watkins Street in the parking lot behind Crosstown Arts.

food trucks!

40+ fun for the Free admission! whole family! local vendors!

supporting

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OUR FAVORITE

MOMENTS Kyndall (12) is dancing with Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable tour.

Brothers Jhan-Gabriel (18 mos.) & Jameson (5) — off to school on a sunny morning.

Kingman (2) loves the camera.

Dakota (4) peeks out from the pumpkin patch

Lawree (2) enjoys the sunshine.

Tatianna (6) a cute look for a Friday.

Ready for school are Jalen (9), Devin (6), Serenity (5), & Kenedi (8).

KID FUNNIES

My 3-year-old nephew loves all animals. He especially adores tigers.

My sister allows him to watch TV shows on Animal Planet. So as a result, he occasionally forgets that he’s a little boy and morphs into a tiger. In fact, this transformation occurred recently while attending a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Apparently, he mistook Chuck E. for a wild bear and attacked him, growling all the while. Horrified, his parents and relatives rushed to save the beloved, over-sized mouse/rat from the ferocious little tiger cub! The moral to this true story? Be careful what you allow your children to watch on TV, since you never know when they might transform into what they see! Lord have mercy! ~ Thanks to Shawn 3 48 6

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Marvin & Cormac relax at Rock-n-Romp. The final romp took place on Halloween.

My 8-year-old daughter, Lena recently said to me: “Mama, today I imagined I did a huge back flip and landed on the ceiling and everyone clapped for me.” She paused, and after a moment of selfreflection, added “Maybe that’s why I don’t remember all of my vocabulary words.” ~ Thanks to Beth

the magic of comes to life

featuring

Nov. 20, 2015 - Jan. 2, 2016 • More than 2 million lights and 9 acres of stunning décor • ICE! featuring The Nutcracker - 2 million pounds of colorful, hand-carved ice sculptures and slides • NEW - Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical • NEW - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Christmas Dinner Show • NEW - The Elf on the Shelf® Scavenger Hunt • Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by PEEPS® • Carriage rides, snow tubing, outdoor ice skating and more NASHVILLE, TN

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Make a pediatrician part of your family.

Pediatricians are skilled at diagnosing and treating childhood issues. They’re also experts on child development. The more they see your child and get to know your family, the better they can serve each of you. At Le Bonheur we believe every child matters, and it matters to have a pediatrician involved at every step in your child’s health. lebonheur.org

Where Every Child Matters

Dr. Scott Kloek Memphis Children’s Clinic