Help Save the Monarch Butterflies

BY LISA S.T. DOSS H e l p S a v e t h e M o n a r c h The miraculous, fragile creature is a sight to behold. It weighs about as much as a paper clip. In the Mexican forests, the branches of fir trees once B u t t e r f l i e s bowed, ever so slightly, from the numbers of hibernating Monarchs. Today, the species is on the verge of extinction. allows a quick spread of self-seeding flowers. Fortunately, seed Populations are down by 90% in the last 20 years. In addition mixes are readily available for our zone, containing the variety of to the lack of its primary food source, milkweed, other factors annual, biannual, and perennial flowers that appeal to pollinators. include the depletion of forests and grasslands. While social The easy solution for a plant like milkweed is to include it in your and government agencies seek the goal of saving the Monarch, wildflower garden! And, welcome the Monarchs, too! you, too, can become an advocate to join the effort. And, through expanding your gardens, you’ll be saving more than one Avoid Using Pesticides essential winged flyer! Warning labels, at times, do not divulge the entire truth. As The Value of Milkweed Plants you start shopping for a potentially safe herbicide or pesticide, it is important not to be rash, and to research the ingredients In nurseries, how often do you see the native plant labeled first. Despite weeds having a multiple herbicide resistance, “Common Milkweed?” A rare find indeed; however, it grows which implies they require more than two or more chemicals to wild in fields, alongside roads, and can be discovered in packets eliminate, plus, perhaps, repeated treatments, the flowers, on the at seed swaps. It once grew alongside agricultural fields until other hand, do not have the same resistance to toxic ingredients, toxic pesticides impacted its ability to flourish, and it did not namely, 1,3-dichloropropene, glyphosate, and pelargonic acid. re-emerge. The Monarch relies on this plant that grows up to six feet tall to eat and lay eggs on its broad leaves. The clusters WARNING: Be wary of purchasing plants that contain of white or purple flowers blooming from June through August Glyphosate herbicides. While it may reduce weeds upon contain nectar for all pollinators. And, ladybugs are just one planting, it can cause the premature death of surrounding plants, beneficial insect that feasts upon the aphids. By late summer, especially the milkweed. pods form and burst to spread seeds and multiply, which makes it difficult to remove, once established. ALTERNATIVE: Try a DIY insecticide combining one cup of Unfortunately, it has a negative reputation. This plant, along with teaspoons into a spray bottle with two cups of warm water. daffodils and daylilies, hydrangea and azaleas, is toxic to dogs Afterward, spray on the leaves to reduce the infestation of and cats. To humans, the milkweed sap can irritate the skin by harmful insects. producing a slight rash. oil with one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid; then, pour four

Calling All Butterflies!

Create a Wildflower Garden When the butterflies come, witness the brilliant colors of orange Unlike a patch of earth with bunches of flowers meticulously and yellow, and white dots on black arrive fluttering through placed to create an appealing the yard. No matter where you live, consider planting native landscape, a sunny location full of milkweed and nectar plants. She’ll come attracted by the sweet wildflowers does not require aroma of the milkweed plant to lay eggs and establish a colony cultivation. The untamed for the future! Join the cause! Advocate for school pollinator nature of pollinating gardens and in local parks. It’s possible to increase the plants growing numbers of Monarchs. It all begins by freely in the wild planting milkweed!

Family Services Launches New Website amid Covid-19 Crisis

For many of us, this year is nothing like we imagined it would be. So many big events, celebrations and even family reunions have been canceled.

Right now, the most privileged of us are safe at home. But that’s not the story for everyone.

For victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault, home can be one of the most dangerous places during the COVID-19 crisis. Increased anxiety and depression are also symptoms of self isolation.

As our community continues to face unprecedented challenges during this pandemic, Family Services has launched a new landing page, strongathome.org, to promote our ongoing services in domestic violence, sexual assault, and counseling.

Our message is simple: • YOU ARE NOT ALONE • WE ARE HERE WHEN YOU NEED US. • THIS IS WHAT WE DO

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

While Family Services has not yet seen a visible uptick in the number of local domestic violence reports, our experts at Safe On Seven say they have reason to believe that cases are, in fact, on the rise.

Despite the fact that the number of crisis line calls and walk-ins is down, Safe on Seven Program Manager Meredith Hooks said she believes the number of domestic violence cases is increasing, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it harder for people to get help.

“Often that crisis line call will be made when the abuser is at work or when she’s taking the children to school; none of that is happening right now. People are working from home or they’ve lost their jobs,” Hooks said.

If you are experiencing a crisis involving domestic violence, please call the 24-hour crisis line. Help is just a phone call away.

336-723-8125

SEXUAL ASSAULT

The truth is, at times like these, victims and survivors of sexual assault could be isolated and confined in or near their homes, where sexual abuse may be taking place.

We also know that because of the potential close proximity of perpetrators, coming forward to report incidents of sexual assault can sometimes be challenging at times like this. • Based on 2018-19 data, nearly 2,500

North Carolina children under the age of 18, and more than 6.700 adults were sexually assaulted. • 28 percent of those victims were assaulted by a relative. • Another 28 percent were assaulted by an acquaintance. • 8 out of 10 perpetrators in sexual assault cases are known to the victim. • 83 percent of sexual assaults occur in or near a victim’s home.

That’s why Family Services domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines stand ready to assist and support.

If you have been violated—in some way— by someone, whether you were assaulted minutes ago, days ago or years ago, Family Services is here to help.

336-722-4457

COUNSELING

As a result of living day after day of this crisis, our friends and neighbors are experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety and depression. Mental health is really taking center stage in the invisible injuries suffered during this pandemic, as people look for new ways to deal with stress, frustration, and even anger.

In such times it can be very helpful to have someone compassionately listen and help you sort through issues in a confidential manner. Family Services is open for video-based counseling sessions, and we are accepting new referrals.

We provide an array of outpatient therapy, counseling support and educational programs to help children, adults and families cope with challenges in their lives.

Our therapists address common concerns, including: • Anxiety and depression • Stress or anger management • Relationship difficulties • Separation and divorce • Adjustment/transitional issues • Domestic violence • Physical and sexual abuse • Grief and loss • Parenting/child behavioral concerns • Trauma • Workplace issues

To request telehealth (video-based) counseling service, you will be able to leave a message and our Intake Specialist will return your call as soon as possible.

336-722-8173

Calvary Day School Adds Transitional Kindergarten Program

BY GENNIE TAYLOR

Calvary Day School is committed to meeting the needs of all of our students and families. In an effort to reach all of our students where they are in their development journey, Calvary has identified the need for the addition of a full-day Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. This program is specifically tailored to provide students with an opportunity to ease into Kindergarten with the introduction of Transitional Kindergarten.

“Transitional Kindergarten gives students another year to experience life and explore the world around them before jumping on the ‘formal’ school train,” explained CDS Lower School Principal Mary Jane Morgan. “Some students need the extra year to mature socially and emotionally, while others need the ‘gift of time’ to develop their academic skills in a playbased environment.”

Also, Morgan noted, in a world where focus and distractibility issues are growing, some research has shown a decrease in inattention and hyperactivity ratings at the ages of 7 and 11 for students who delayed starting kindergarten.

“Transitional Kindergarten classes will provide opportunities for positive socialization, hands-on learning, and emergent literacy,” Morgan added. Transitional Kindergarten is an all-day program that provides an opportunity to ease the transition from preschool to Kindergarten while experiencing a longer day, lunch at school, and designated rest time. While academic objectives are similar to traditional Kindergarten, with small class size and more individualized instruction, Transitional Kindergarten provides an environment conducive to social and emotional growth and maturity. This allows students time for development without repeating a grade and/ or curriculum.

As CDS Preschool Coordinator Mary Lynn England summed up, “Transitional Kindergarten is perfect for any child who needs a little more time before entering a formal Kindergarten room, but needs more challenging objectives than a traditional four-year-old program.”

CDS also offers a variety of weekly special classes to develop students in all areas. The specials offered include Chapel, Art, Media Center, P.E., and Music. With the Transitional Kindergarten program, students will begin attending weekly specials midyear as they become more acquainted with the all-day program atmosphere.

To be eligible for this class, the student must turn five years old by August 1, 2020, or must have completed a fouryear-old program.

CDS Admissions Director Becky Wood said, “We are always excited to share new educational options with our prospective CDS families. The addition of the new TK program in preschool will give them one more choice to fit the needs of older students who may not be ready for traditional Kindergarten.”

Students in the new program will also be able to participate in the Calvary Before & After School Care Program, allowing flexibility for their family, if needed.

For more information, please visit www.calvaryday.school/page/3837, e-mail admissions@calvaryday.school, or call 336-765-5546.