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accomplish are the tangible expressions of the distinctive purpose and impact of Saint James School. Educating the whole child has been our mission since our founding in 1955. Still true today, “...We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential and preparing them for lives
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of responsibility, service, and achievement.� Visit Saint James School and experience the most complete education offered in Central Alabama.
Saint James School FOR PRE-K3 THROUGH 12TH GRADE ADMISSIONS
334.273.3021
Leading the Way Since 1955 S T J w e b . o r g Ask us about our Financial Assistance Program. Academic support for English Language Learners available. Saint James School admits students of any religion, race, gender, creed, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
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SJ01-39780 Parents Ad March 2018.indd 1
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Schedule our new no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy in March to coincide with March Madness. Have your procedure on a Thursday or Friday and enjoy watching the NCAA tournament while you’re on the rebound. If you’ve been considering a vasectomy as a permanent form of birth control, then now could be the perfect time!
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Join us for worship each Sunday at 8, 9:30 or 11am now through Easter as we explore why Jesus offers so much more than just ordinary life plus a little religion—he offers a life that is truly brand new.
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Stations of the Cross
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12 PM–7 PM Wednesday 9 AM–7 PM Thursday & Friday
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An interactive prayer journey through the last steps of Jesus toward the cross
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Easter Egg Hunt
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FR A ZER P LAYGROUND 10 AM–12 PM Age appropriate egg hunts, games, puppets and more.
Good Friday 7:00 PM Service of Darkness A somber but beautiful remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus
Easter Sunrise Worship BLOU NT CULT URA L PA RK ( AC RO SS F RO M ASF )
6:00 AM with Aldersgate UMC. Bring lawn chair or blanket; rain cancels
Easter Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 and 11AM April 1 You are invited to be our guest as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You’ll find amazing music, exciting children’s programs, and an inspiring message. 6 0 0 0 ATLA N TA HWY MONTGOM E RY WW W. F R A Z ER . C HUR C H FAC EBOOK . C OM/ F RA ZERUMC Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Columns
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8 Living With Children John Rosemond
12 Kids Health Watch sponsored by Professional Pediatrics
How Not to Worry
Self-Determination at Summer Camp
If you are sending your child to overnight camp, discover how to keep your worry at bay.
Ways your child will grow by being off on his own at camp.
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14 Montgomery Education Matters by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent
50 Autauga Education Matters by Superintendent Spence Agee
58 Elmore Education Matters by Superintendent Richard Dennis
68 The College Years by Lee Gonet
70 Growing Up Online Carolyn Jabs
76 A Page in a Book
2018 Summer Camps Refresh Your Home Day, residential, sports camps and more! Our listing starts you planning your kids’ summer!
Give your home a new look on a small budget. Find out how a little can go a long way.
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Gerry Paige Smith
78 Parenting Today’s Teens Mark Gregston
98 Get This! Gerry Paige Smith
On The Cover Students from ASU’s Summer Kids/Youth College Adventure Program, from L to R: Kevin L. Lewis Jr. (age 9) is in 4th grade at MacMillian International Baccalaureate Academy and a three-summer SKYCAP attendee. Robbie Aerin Thornton (age 11) is a 6th grader at Alabama Christian Academy and has attended SKYCAP for six summers. Nancy Hogan (age 10) is in 4th grade at Dannelly Elementary School and has spent three summers in SKYCAP. Find out more about this program held on the campus of Alabama State University in this month’s Summer Camps Guide.
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Departments 10 Bits and Pieces 16 School Bits 104 Calendar/Support Groups 112 Mom to Mom
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Editor’sNote The River Region’s Foremost Parenting Source
The weather is warming, the birds are chirping in the mornings and the days are getting longer! Are you as excited as I am to be heading into spring after a cold and rainy (even snowy) winter in the River Region? We spent a recent warm Saturday taking walks, sitting on the front porch and watching Grace play outside until dark. By the end of the day she had that first sign of
Montgomery Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. Montgomery Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.
Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006)
summer on her cheeks and was totally worn out
Editor DeAnne Watson
(in a good way)! As parents, we love to see our
deanne@montgomeryparents.com
kids run, swim, socialize with their friends and be active. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning how your kids will spend their days, and our always anticipated Summer Camp Issue is here to help! Summer camps come in all shapes and sizes. Overnight, sports, theater and music, dance, equestrian...these are just a few of the options you’ll find in our 2018 Summer Camps Guide, beginning on page 84. Registration for many camps begins this month and spots fill quickly, so sit down with your kids and a highlighter and use our guide to guide your kids into a memorable and engaging summer. If you are considering overnight camp for the first time, be sure to read Heidi Luedtke’s article on page 72. She discusses how we can keep our anxiety and fear of letting go at bay so our children can have an experience of a lifetime.
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Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Spence Agee Richard Dennis Lee Gonet Mark Gregston Carolyn Jabs Heidi Smith Luedtke Pam Molnar Dr. Ann Roy Moore John Rosemond Gerry Paige Smith Allen White, M.D.
Heidi also shares about important character traits camps can build, like autono-
Cover Photography Maria Wiggins
my and competence, in Self-Determination at Summer Camp. So whether your
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children are young or hitting the teen years, summer camp in one form or another can be of great benefit to your family. As always, please support our advertisers! They make each issue of Montgomery Parents possible, and this month many are
Publisher Jason Watson jason@montgomeryparents.com
highlighting their spring break and summer camps. March is sure to be a great month as we “spring forward” on March 11th, spring break with our kids, and spring back into outdoor fun with our families. Take a look at our Bits n Pieces and Family Calendar to find many family-friendly activities happening in the River Region. It’s a wonderful time of year to make memories with our children that will last a lifetime!
Associate Publisher Gena Hill Digital Manager Scott Davis Advertising Opportunities Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 ads@montgomeryparents.com
DeAnne
Ad Design Tim Welch Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
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Editorial Correction: The website for Potty Training with Pinky Bear in last month’s Baby & Toddler Guide was misprinted. The correct website is www.PinkyBear.com. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Member
Montgomery Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. Montgomery Parents is copyrighted 2018 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in Montgomery Parents magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products and services herein.
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LivingWithChildren by John Rosemond
Establish Good Eating Habits Q: Our son is two-and-one-half and for the most part eats very well. We make up his plate for each meal and he has to eat what is on his plate, or at least try each food on the plate before he can get more of something that he really likes. We also make sure that he remains seated during the entire meal. Sometimes he will request fruit before he is finished with his dinner. We tell him he first has to finish what’s on his plate. Should we be forcing him to eat his main meal before being able to have fruit or a cookie?
A: It sounds like he’s doing reasonably to very well as things now stand, which means you’re doing a good job of helping him establish good, pro-social eating habits. You’re obviously not allowing him to dictate what he eats, which is what produces the so-called “picky eater”—really nothing more than a child who has been
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
given power over food choices. Someone recently asked me what the harm is of giving a toddler food he likes and will readily eat at mealtimes. My answer was that a young child is no more capable of making good choices about food than he is of making a good choice of playthings. Given the choice in either category, a child will choose based on what appeals to his tongue or his eyes. As such, he will choose junk, which is why so many of today’s kids (where food is concerned) are overweight and have health issues related to their diets and (where playthings are concerned) have great difficulty entertaining themselves. Simply put, if children made good choices, parents would be unnecessary. It is also good manners to eat what you are served, especially if you are a guest at someone else’s table. Turning up one’s nose at a certain food is insulting to the person who took time to prepare it. My wife and I used to tell our kids that they had
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to eat what was on their plates because they were in training to be good guests in other people’s homes. The only exception to that, of course, is when the child has a food allergy, in which case the host should be informed in advance. “I don’t like it” was not an acceptable excuse at our table. We told our kids that they could eat what they chose when they were old enough to prepare their own meals. Before they had turned double-digits, they were eating sushi. It is not “forcing” to use your son’s fondness for fruit as incentive to eat what you serve as his main meal. It’s obviously time to tell him about the Universal, Intergalactic Rule of Fruit: Fruit is what we eat when we’ve finished what’s on our plate. Or, as Pink Floyd put it, “If you don’t eat yer meat, you can’t have any pudding!” (If you’re familiar with the song “Another Brick in the Wall,” you know that’s as far as the analogy extends.) Family psychologist John Rosemond answers parents’ questions on his website at www.rosemond.com.
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Alabama Dance Theatre Presents The Little Mermaid and More
March 10-11 * 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, inflatables, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com.
March 3-4* Troy University’s Davis Theatre. (School performances March 2) Choreographed by ADT’s resident choreographer Sara Sanford, this performance is for children of all ages and the young at heart. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about a mermaid willing to give up her life under the sea in order to find true love and happiness and gain a human soul. Performances are March 3 at 2:30 p.m.* and 7 p.m. and March 4 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15$30 and can be purchased at www.alabamadancetheatre.com. *Shortened children’s matinee of The Little Mermaid only. After the shortened matinee on March 3, children are invited onstage to meet The Little Mermaid and her friends at an additional charge of $10. Special school performances available March 2 at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Ticket prices: $7. Limited space available. Call Pamela Swan at (334) 625-2590.
Art Museum Presents The Art of Baking Puppet Show
April 11 & 12 * 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 10:45-11:45 a.m. The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts presents The Art of Baking Puppet Show, designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old. Children are engaged as they visit a bakery run by colorful animals from different parts of the world. The characters demonstrate how it takes everyone working together to turn the bakery’s yummy treats into art using color, shape, and line. These performances are open to the public; however, reservations are required. Please contact Jill Byrd at tours@mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4359. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
14th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil
April 7 * Noon-5:30 p.m. Dreamland BBQ, 12 West Jefferson Street, Montgomery. The BEST crawfish boil in the Gump along with live music and cold beverages! All proceeds are donated to assist with autism programs provided by Easter Seals Central Alabama for families in the River Region. Tickets are $35. Ages 3-10 are $10. VIP tickets are $75. For more info, call (334) 262-0080 or visit www.autismmudbugball.org/. 10
Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour!
Friday, March 23 * 6 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Tickets begin at $35. For tickets or more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Baseball Season Opens in April!
Opening Night Thursday, April 5 * 6:35 p.m. Come usher in the new baseball season against the Biloxi Shuckers with a MAX Fireworks Show and a post-game launch of the Human Cannonball. Maxwell Air Force Base Centennial Celebration Friday, April 6 * 6:35 p.m. Join the Biscuits as we wish Maxwell Air Force Base happy 100th birthday with special historical recognitions and honor guests all night long. Check out the celebration across downtown Montgomery Saturday afternoon before heading back to Riverwalk Stadium on Saturday Night. Fantasy Day Saturday, April 7 * 6:35 p.m. Riverwalk Stadium turns into a realm of endless possibilities. Come and meet some of your favorite princesses, see knights and wizards, and enjoy a storybook coming to life. Kids Day Sunday, April 8 * 2:05 p.m. Every Sunday, kids 14 and under can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the final out presented by Coca-Cola. There is also Bark in the Park. Bring your four-legged companion to the game for free and enjoy special dog-themed promotions all game long. One dog per adult. For more info on any of these events, visit www.biscuitsbaseball.com/ or call (334) 323-2255. www.montgomeryparents.com
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Alabama-Themed Theatre at ASF
Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents The Miracle Worker March 3-18. This classic is based on the true story of Anne Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller, who grew up in Tuscumbia, Ala. Trapped in her own world, Helen is unable to communicate. Anne realizes there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark silence, and her success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: “water.” Recommended ages 9+. Bear Country will run March 9-25. The Southern Writers’ Project worldpremiere production returns to the ASF stage for a limited run. Meet the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant as he reminisces about the career that turned him into an icon and dispenses his particular brand of life coaching, which made him a champion to his players on and off the field. Recommended ages 11+. For tickets or more info on these and other ASF plays, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.
Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K
March 10 * 7 a.m. Half Marathon starts; 7:15 a.m. 5K starts. 5K Awards ceremony will take place between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Half Marathon Awards ceremony will take place between 11 and 11:30 a.m. This annual race takes runners through some of Montgomery’s most beautiful neighborhoods and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Featuring live entertainment for both racers and supporters. For more info, visit http:// themontgomeryhalf.com/.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Millbrook’s Alabama Nature Center
Prattville Pops March Madness Concert
March 11 * 3 p.m. Pratt Park Amphitheatre. This concert will feature all marches and is free and open to the public. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the show! For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit prattvilleal.gov.
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March 17 * Activities begin at 10 a.m. for children up through age 12. The Easter bunny is back at the ANC! Bring the family and join us for activities including three different age group egg hunts, egg bocce ball, egg race, bunny pictures, and more! Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. NaturePlex General Admission applies: kids 3 & under FREE; $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event! For more info, call (800) 822-9453 or visit www.alabamawildlife.org/.
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KidsHealthWatch
Sponsored by Professional Pediatrics
Don’t Be Picky, Just Hold Your Nose Perhaps you have had a moment of panic when waking your child and found a scene from “Chain Saw Massacre” on their pillow. We will look into the causes and treatments of this common winter problem. What Causes Nosebleeds? Low humidity and trauma are the culprits. Cold winter air is dry and heating it drives out more moisture causing humidity lower than in the Sahara Desert. Low humidity dries out the sensitive nasal lining making it susceptible to crust over and bleed when rubbed, picked or blown. Colds and allergies also contribute to nose irritation. When I suggest that a cute and precious child may have picked their nose, parents look horrified and immediately say, “No!” If I ask the child which finger they pick their nose with, they proudly display one of their index fingers. Keep fingers out of the nose! Can Nosebleeds be Prevented? In dry weather, use saline nasal spray or drops to moisturize the nasal lining. A water soluble jelly like Ayr Gel can help. Run a humidifier in the bedroom at night or add one to your furnace for the whole house.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Running a vaporizer all day causes mildew in the carpet or bed coverings. Clean your vaporizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid contamination. Do not use Vaseline in noses because it can be inhaled into the lungs and cause lung damage. When a common cold strikes, wiping is easier on your nose. If you blow, do so gently. How to Stop It. I have heard cures from putting ice on the nose or the back of the neck, paper under the lip and press below the nose, or “I dropped my car keys down the back of his shirt.” Tipping your head back allows blood to flow down the throat and get swallowed. Too much blood in your stomach causes vomiting which causes increased pressure in your head that aggravates nose bleeding. Tip your head slightly forward, pinch the soft part of the nose just below the hard bony part and squeeze for 5 minutes to let the blood clot. When the nose is released, do not blow because that will dislodge the clot and start the bleeding again. Tissue or cotton in the nose may adhere to the clot and when pulled out, will restart the bleeding. A few squirts of over-the-counter decongestant sprays (Afrin, Dristan, NeoSynephrine) in the nose, will constrict the
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blood vessels in the nasal lining and help the platelets plug the leak. Another OTC medication is QR For Nosebleeds. Applying this powder, with a special applicator to the inside of the nose, stops the bleeding rapidly. In children, 95% of nosebleeds occur in the soft front of the nose and will be stopped by one or more of these methods. Bleeding further back in the nose is more difficult to stop and may require medical help. When to Seek Help. Most nosebleeds in children are not serious. Blood spreads into the sheet, pillowcase or paper towel and looks to be much more than it actually is. Unusual or unexpected bruises over uninjured parts of the body indicate a more serious problem. If bleeding continues over 15 minutes, you lose a coffee cupful of blood, the nosebleed started after a head or nose injury or the nose is deformed, see a doctor. Dr. Allen White earned his medical degree in 1969 from Kentucky Medical School, Lexington, and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He began his private practice of pediatric medicine with an office in the Goode Medical Building of Jackson Hospital before moving to the Carmichael Road location in 1986. He and his wife, Diana, have 3 sons. For pleasure, Dr. White enjoys reading, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.
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HOLY WEEK OPPORTUNITIES Saturday, March 24 10:00 AM TO NOON SPRING CELEBRATION
Sunday, March 25 8:30 & 11:00 AM
PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP
9:45 AM
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CLASSES
5:00 PM
DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES, VISITATION, CHILDREN’S MISSIONS & YOUTH CHOIRS
6:15 PM
EVENING WORSHIP
Wednesday, March 28 5:00 PM
5:45 PM
NO CHILDREN’S CHOIRS, TUTORING, DISCIPLESHIP OR OTHER ACTIVITIES
6:15 PM
EASTER COMMUNION WORSHIP
Friday, March 30 12:00 PM
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP
Sunday, April 1 8:30 & 11:00 AM
EASTER WORSHIP CELEBRATION
9:45 AM
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CLASSES
5:00 PM
AWAKEN EASTER GATHERING AT RIVERWALK STADIUM
FIRST FAMILY DINNER
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MONTGOMERY
JAY WOLF, PASTOR / 305 S PERRY STREET / MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 334.834.6310 :: MONTGOMERYFBC.ORG 13
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B Windy... March is the month where we traditionally think of the beginning of spring. It is also the month when wind can bring a little fun (kites and watching fast moving clouds and swaying trees) and a little havoc (overturned garbage cans and neighbors leaves in our yard) to our lives. Wind is also often associated with change. Many of us don’t really like change. It is part of our nature. Sometimes even the smallest thing can throw our schedule askew. But change, like the wind, is a part of our lives. It is important that children learn to be flexible at an early age. Kids like
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
routines… even if they don’t admit it. Having a time for bed, a schedule for homework, extra reading, television or game time, is a good thing. Children find comfort in a schedule. But for most of us, life does not come in specific increments. We can’t solve a complex problem like they do in a 30 minute TV sitcom. We often have to break the mold and start over to find solutions to the issues that come our way. Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford is credited with saying, “If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” Think of where we would be today if society had dismissed the idea of assembly line production automobiles and remained in a horse and buggy world? And it certainly would have been easier to just use oil lamps rather than running the more than 5.5 million miles of electrical lines that turn night into day.
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We often don’t have much control over change. It happens. And the only thing we can control is how we react to it. We can fight it – and that is sometimes necessary – or we can accept it and make the best of the situation we have been given in order to move forward. The key for children is helping them understand that change is not necessarily bad nor inherently good. It is our job as adults to help teach them how to look at every situation. Look for the advantages and disadvantages and learn to discern the good from the bad. And while we are pondering these philosophical issues, let’s take advantage of one of the good changes that happen in March and head to a park with a kite and learn to dance between the raindrops!
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Montgomery County Schools
Brew Tech Wins Awards at Model UN Event
Eastwood Winners of Handwriting Competition
These Eastwood Christian School students placed in the 2018 National Handwriting School Competition. A sample of the handwriting from each grade’s winner is now entered in the state competition. If a student wins at the state level, his or her handwriting sample is then entered in the national competition. The winners are Kindergarten Caroline Pearson, 1st grade Garland Thomas, 2nd grade Ben Ewald, 3rd grade Will Franklin Mauney and Harper Thomas tied for 1st place, 4th grade Leah Johnson, 5th grade Andrew Ewald and 6th grade Elisabeth Johnson.
Several Brewbaker Technology Magnet High students made their mark in the LAMP Invitational Model United Nations event. Austin Smith won Best Delegate, Rion Chon won Outstanding Delegate, Faisal Hossain won Best Position Paper, Dawson Corwin won Most Promising Freshman, and Jon Sims won a Verbal Commendation. The event at Loveless Magnet Academic Program Magnet annually brings together students from schools within Montgomery and throughout the state. Delegates at the event tackle critical problems of both the modern and historical world, helping the students develop public speaking skills and deepening their global awareness.
Area Schools Host Independent School Expo
100 Days at Halcyon
Halcyon Elementary fifth-grade teacher April Baxter got in on the fun dressing as a 100-year-old for the 100th day of school, along with her students, from left, Justin Hardiman, and Carmone Williams.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Ten area independent schools have come together to offer the River Region a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the participating schools, learn more about the unique mission behind each school, and gather details on the admissions process for the individual schools. Families interested in enrolling in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade for fall 2018 or even fall 2019 should attend Sunday, April 8, from 2-4 p.m. at Auburn University Montgomery, room 230 in the Taylor Center. The River Region Independent School Expo has no admission charge and will feature representatives from these local schools: Alabama Christian Academy, Holy Cross Episcopal School, Hooper Academy, Macon East Academy, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Prattville Christian Academy, Saint James School, The Montgomery Academy, The Rock School and Trinity Presbyterian School. “As the educational opportunities in Montgomery have grown over the last few years, families need time to research the many options available, explore the curriculum offerings at the various schools, and they need a chance to get to know the individuality of the schools,” said Cathy Pearson, dean of admissions at Saint James School. “We are so thrilled that the independent schools in the River Region have come together this year to provide this valuable service to our community. I am so pleased with the interest from the schools and I know our prospective students and their families will greatly benefit from this effort.” As organizations that are self-governing, self-reliant, and self-supporting, independent schools are missiondriven, with distinctive standards that are unique to that school. Independent schools are able to hire professional teachers who teach small classes with an unyielding commitment to education. The schools engage with parents, grandparents, alumni, and others in their community – communities of shared values, vision, and philosophy of learning. “Coordinating the participating schools for the Expo and assigning tasks for each school to manage during our planning was such a smooth process,” said Vicki Dickson, marketing and communications director at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. “We all share a common goal: we want to provide the most valuable information we can about our schools to as many families in the River Region as possible. We want these families to have every question answered so that they are able to make the most informed school decision for their children.” For more info, please visit River-RegionIndependentSchools.com. 16
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Montgomery County Schools
Forest Avenue Students Cross to Boy Scouts
Bobby Price, Rishabh Ristogi and Yash Param, fifth-graders at Forest Avenue Academic Magnet School, have completed their requirements for the Arrow of Light and will “cross over� from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts soon. They have been Scouts since second grade and plan to continue on as Boy Scouts seeking their Eagle rank. Scouting has provided them with opportunities to learn leadership, self reliance and many other achievements. Next year the three will attend Baldwin Academic Magnet Middle School. They are members of Pack 307, which meets at Aldersgate Methodist Church.
The Rock Visits Alabama Shakespeare Festival
High school students from The Rock School took a day trip to Alabama Shakespeare Festival to continue their study of a classic rendition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Afterwards, students enjoyed lunch and a great discussion in the park.
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Academy’s Keefe White Signs with The Citadel On National Signing Day, Montgomery Academy student-athlete Keefe White signed a letter of intent to play football at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.
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Catholic Senior Signs To Play Softball At William Carey
On January 31, the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School athletic department held a signing ceremony for senior Aleigha Walden in the Montgomery Catholic High School campus library. With her parents, Michael and Ashley Walden, looking on, Aleigha signed her letter of intent to play softball at William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss., next year. The event began with prayer, followed by opening remarks and congratulations from school President Anne Ceasar. Montgomery Catholic’s 2017 softball coach and alumna, Abbey Beesley, spoke about Walden’s work ethic on and off the field, especially as she worked to recover from a 2017 injury. Walden came to Montgomery Catholic as a seventh-grader and 2018 will be her fifth season with the Knights, as an infielder. A life-long softball player, Walden is a two-time 1A-4A All-Metro player, a two-time All-Metro Honorable mention and All-State Honorable Mention - Shortstop in 2017. She is a member of young women’s leadership with a 3.6 GPA. She has also played basketball at Montgomery Catholic for five years. She was supported by her extended family and eleven former, current and future coaches including her Montgomery Catholic coaches Britt Taylor (2014), Abby Beesley (2015-2017) and Whitney Toole (2018) and future coach at William Carey University, Craig Fletcher. 19
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Trinity Coach Recognized with Proclamation Trinity Presbyterian School Coach Jack Schweers was recently presented with a Proclamation by the Board of Trustees, recognizing his 400th win and 24 years of being the head coach of Trinity boys’ basketball. Schweers, a native of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was a four-sport star who went on to play college basketball at the College of Charleston. He is now in his 42nd season as a basketball coach, working as a former college assistant at Georgia Southern and Auburn University at Montgomery, where he helped guide the AUM Senators to a 32-3 NAIA National Runner-Up finish. He was a part of nearly 300 wins as a college assistant under Larry Chapman. Schweers later chose to pursue a career in high school basketball and first made stops in Monroe County and Prattville, finally landing at Trinity. He is in his 24th and final season at Trinity. Under the direction of “Captain Jack,” his teams have made eight Regional appearances, seven Elite Eight appearances, two Final
Four births, and one State Championship— the dream team of 1999, who went 31-1. Schweers was named the ASWA Super All-State Coach of the Year for the 1998-99 season. He was selected to coach in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game that same year. He has won 400 career games in his time at Trinity and has coached in more than 1,170 games during his 42-year career. In addition to his distinguished career in basketball, Schweers served as the head coach of the Trinity boys’ tennis team for 20 years. During that time, Trinity boys’ tennis amassed four boys’ tennis state championships in 2000, 2005, 2007 and 2008 under his astute leadership. He led Trinity to the Boys’ Tennis State Tournament for 20 consecutive seasons, six
runner-up finishes, two third-place finishes, and won 31 consecutive matches between 2000-2002. From left are Trinity Assistant Athletic Director Jessica Lassiter, Athletic Director Harold Hilliard, Boys’ Varsity Basketball Head Coach Jack Schweers and Head of School Kerry Palmer.
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MPS Holds 2nd Scavenger Hunt at Mall
The Montgomery Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement held an “I Love Learning” Scavenger Hunt at Eastdale Mall Feb. 10. Students from grades K-8, along with their parents, searched the mall to find answers to clues written in the form of standards-based questions in reading, math and science. The contest started at 10 a.m. and the first student-parent team from each of the grade level groups (K-2; 3-5; and 6-8) to finish with all correct answers won a mall Ice Palace Skate Party for up to 25 people. The event was held to promote family learning beyond the classroom. Prizes were donated by mall general manager David Hagood. Students from the BTW National Honor Society volunteered for the event.
SUA Elects Mr. and Miss Success
Success Unlimited Academy named Mr. and Miss Success for 2017-18 at a student assembly recently. Seniors Aryanna Mays and Jamal Johnson were elected by the student body to represent SUA in these prestigious positions. Mays is a co-captain of the varsity cheerleaders, a member of the Key Club, an SGA Ambassador National Honor Society, and features editor of the yearbook. Johnson is a member of the Key Club, a vocalist for Chosen Generation - SUA’s Praise Band, a member of the yearbook staff, a member of the National Honor Society, senior class president, and student assistant coach for the varsity basketball team. 21
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Hooper Student Wins Citizenship Award
Christopher Allen was selected as the 2018 Good Citizenship student for Hooper Academy. He was honored February 14, along with other recipients from area schools, at a luncheon held by the Anne Phillips Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The award celebrates students who share the attributes of academic success, leadership skills and good citizenship.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Churchill Holds Valentine’s Dance
Churchill Academy’s high school students danced the night away during February’s Valentine’s Dance. From the decor to the DJ, the evening was orchestrated by Churchill’s high school students and teachers. Current high school students also welcomed 8th-graders to the high school community.
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Saint James Artists Earn Two Gold Keys, Seven Silver Keys, Nine Honorable Mentions
The 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing, Southeast Art Region-at-Large program awards were announced on January 30. Saint James School students received several nods from the judges including two Gold Keys, seven Silver Keys, and nine Honorable Mentions. The two Gold Key works will advance to the National competition and those results will be released in the spring. “As a cornerstone of the complete education offered at Saint James, the fine and performing arts programs at our school are unparalleled in the area,” said Evelyn Shoults, Visual Art/AP Studio Art/AP 2D De-sign/Graphic Design teacher at Saint James. “I so enjoy watching my students flourish as they learn skills and techniques to embrace and elevate their individual talents.” The Saint James recipients of the 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing, Southeast Art Region-at-Large pro-gram awards include: Michelle Lee: Gold Key for Drawing, and Gold Key for Painting; Lee also won two Silver Keys for two Painting pieces, two Honorable Mentions for two Drawing entries, and one Honorable Mention for an additional Painting piece. Amanda Grate was awarded a Silver Key for Mixed Media; Jake Hastings won a Silver Key for Painting; Anna Kreischer earned a Silver Key for Drawing; Amari Simmons won a Silver Key for Digital Art; and Ella Skier won a Silver Key for Printmaking. Honorable Mention recognition was awarded to Kylie Eng for Drawing, Sam Prickett for Drawing, Amari Simmons for two Digital Art pieces, and to Ella Skier for two Drawing pieces. Established in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s largest, longest-running, most prestigious visual and literary arts programs recognizing creative accomplishments of students in grades 7–12. Shown, one of Michelle Lee’s Silver Key pieces.
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Holy Cross Buddies Create Parrots for Amazon Rainforest
Holy Cross Episcopal School kindergartners, along with their 6th-grade buddies, got to see colorful parrots in their natural habitat on a virtual field trip recently. On a regular basis, 6th-grade students visit with their “buddies” in the kindergarten class and help them with special studies and projects. After returning from their “field trip,” they were ready to sit down together and create the most beautiful parrots with stunning colorful feathers and place them proudly on display in the Rainforest recently constructed at Holy Cross. The Global Studies project spans grades K4 through 6th grade and is held annually.
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Merrill Named National Merit Finalist
Trinity Presbyterian School senior Will Merrill was named a National Merit Finalist in the 2018 National Merit Scholar-ship Program. Merrill’s National Merit Finalist distinction places him among an elite group that represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. He is an intelligent and gifted student with a cumulative gradepoint average of 4.05 that includes some of the most advanced courses offered at Trinity. In addition to being named a National Merit Finalist, he was recently selected as an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Speech and Debate Honor Society, the National Forensics League, and a Silver Medal recipient for the National Latin Exam. Even though Merrill maintains a heavy workload, he continues to be an invaluable member of the Trinity varsity football and baseball teams. Merrill has distinguished himself by the quality of his work and intensity of his effort. He has excelled in Trinity School’s rigorous college-preparatory environment by selecting courses that include honors and advanced placement courses, including being selected as a junior to Trinity’s Head of School Leadership Class. He is very active at Frazer United Methodist Church serving on the Youth Leadership Team. In addition, he was one of the founding members of Trinity’s school-wide mission program, Change 4 Change, where he has contributed many hours of service with this outstanding program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)—which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.6 million entrants each year—and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
MPACT Preps Montgomery Students for Tech Training
MPACT is the career technical training center for Montgomery Public Schools. Students from 10th through 12th grades come to MPACT for one of 11 programs: Building Science & Construction, Welding & Metal Fabrication, Electrical Technologies, Industrial Maintenance, HVAC, Fire Science, Public Safety, Advertising & Design, Information Technology, Introduction to Computer Coding, and Health Science. Selected students spend 90 minutes a day developing work and career specific skills to prepare them to enter the workforce at a competitive wage. Students earn credentials in various aspects of each career field. Students have opportunities to learn additional skills such as forklift operation, pipe threading, mills operations, iron working machines, plasma table operation, and CPR procedures. The instructors at MPACT are industry professionals who bring real-life work experience and skills to the classroom. Through hands-on practical work, students develop the skills they need to leave high school and enter the work force or to attend follow-up training.
Montgomery Academy Students Participate in Recorder Festival
Ten third-grade Montgomery Academy students participated in the Second Annual Recorder Festival at Jacksonville State University. They joined 40 students from other area schools to learn three songs to present in a performance that afternoon. Lower School music teacher Cliff Huckabee was the festival clinician. Participants were Martha Armstrong, Lillian Cameron, Will Franco, Sydney Haynes, Rehmat Sidhu, Anne Kingsley Shaul, William Marks, Tara Samant, William Wakefield and Avery Williford. 24
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Flowers Students Make Black History Month Banner
Fifth-grade students at Flowers Elementary worked together to create a banner honoring influential African Americans for a Black History Month project.
STJ Students Named National Merit Finalists
Saint James seniors Declan Fitzpatrick and Eric Rice were named National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists on February 12. After being named Semifinalists in the fall, Fitzpatrick and Rice were reviewed and evaluated based on their academic record, information about Saint James School’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, school recommendations, information about their activities and leadership, and an essay each wrote. Upon completion of these requirements, 15,000 students nationwide were notified that they had been named a National Merit Finalist. During the spring and early summer, approximately 7,500 of these students will be notified that they have been awarded scholarships specifically designated for National Merit Finalists.
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Catholic Middle School Students Recognized at YMCA Junior Youth Legislature Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School middle school students were recognized for their efforts at the YMCA’s Junior Youth Legislature Program on January 26. A busy day, all four Montgomery Catholic students that ran for a 2018 office were elected. They were Julienne Pharrams as Pro Temp, Titus Franklin elected Floor Leader, Grant Eady elected Clerk and Zach Izer as Chaplain. Of the twelve bills that were introduced to the floor for debate, five of those were presented by Montgomery Catholic. Out of the ten outstanding delegates chosen for the day by YMCA staff and Advisors, six Montgomery Catholic students were chosen. The outstanding delegates from Catholic were: Julienne Pharrams, Zach Izer, Catherine Aaron, Angeles Gonzalez Ansaldi, Max Barranco and Aniya Lowery. The students who participated in the Junior Youth Legislature Program were:
r Catherine Aaron, Cannon Bach, Max Barranco, Cecelia Crawford, Jacob Downes, Grant Eady, Titus Franklin, Teresa Gancayco, Ailish Gilbert, Angeles Gonzalez, Mallory Hildebrand, Henry Holzimmer, Zach Izer, Christopher
Lathram, Aniya Lowery, Ella Newell, Julienne Pharrams, Maggie Stewart, Jordan Stokes, Jake Talbot, Audrey Trant, Alex Wieser and not pictured: Auburn Wilcoxson. Faculty sponsors were Sarah Rech and Michelle Newell.
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Macon East Drama Students Shine at District Competition
Three Macon East Academy students were awarded for their outstanding performances at the AISA District Drama Competition. Savannah Clemons and Hannah Johnson placed 1st in Duet, and Lane Johnson placed 2nd in Monologue. They will advance to the AISA State Drama Competition.
ASU Students Visit Several MPS Elementary Schools
Alabama State University students brightened up Montgomery Public Schools classrooms recently by reading to elementary school students. Members of the Read and Rise Initiative visited several schools to read to students in grades kindergarten through fifth. The ASU students, whose majors range from business to nursing, donated their time, devoting 45 minutes to read to students. Pictured is one of the ASU volunteers along with some students at Peter Crump Elementary. At Morningview Elementary, Principal Kenyetta Miller showed her appreciation by presenting the ASU students with certificates of appreciation in the school library.
Chapel • Art • Music • Spanish • STEM • Librar y • Spor ts Theatre • 21 st Centur y Computing • Accelerated Reader
Holy Cross has it all!
K4 - 6th GrAde
Now Enrolling! Call Us Today! ESL AvAilAble | eSl 강좌 개설 We accept the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship and Scholarships for Kids. Ask us about financial aid opportunities.
4400 Bell Road | Montgomery, AL 36116 | 334-395-8222 | holycrossmontgomery.org
Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (formerly SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools Holy Cross is a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools
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Four Montgomery Catholic Seniors Sign to Play Football on National Signing Day
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held a signing ceremony for seniors Parker Dennis, Gregory Ellis, Tyler Price and Charlie Ryan on National Signing Day. The event was held at the Montgomery Catholic high school campus February 7 in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center. All four Catholic Knight athletes committed to play football at the college level. Parker Dennis signed his National Letter of Intent to play football with the Austin Peay University Governors. A two- time All-Metro and two-time All-CCC linebacker, he has attended Catholic for six years and had five college offers. Dennis is the son of Michael and Leigh Dennis of Mathews, Ala. Tyler Price made his commitment to play football for the University of North Alabama Lions, after 13 Division I offers. A two-time All-Metro and two-time AllCCC Running Back for the Knights, he is the son of Terri Price of Montgomery. Both Gregory Ellis, Jr. and Charlie Ryan signed letters of intent with the Georgia Military College Bulldogs. Ellis is also a two-time All Metro and two-time All-CCC defensive back for the Knights. He is the son of Tina Ellis and Greg Ellis of Montgomery. Ryan was recognized as an All-Metro and All-CCC defensive lineman this year and had 11 college offers. He is the son of Sally Hodges of Montgomery and John Ryan of Greenwood Village, Colorado. Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar, Principal Justin Castanza, Athletic Director Daniel Veres and Head Football Coach Aubrey Blackwell, along with all of the team assistant coaches, welcomed students, parents and friends to campus to celebrate the accomplishments of these young men. From left, Tyler Price, Greg Ellis, Parker Dennis and Charlie Ryan. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Trinity K4 Celebrates Donuts with Dad!
K4 students at Trinity recently enjoyed “Donuts with Dads” as part of learning the letter “D.” Each student introduced his/ her dad to the class, including a fun fact about him! The class sang songs and recited poems as they all enjoyed a delicious breakfast! Students are already looking forward to “Muffins with Mom,” later this spring. Tensley Marshall is shown with her dad, Paul Tensley.
Saint James Students Solve AMP’d Puzzle Challenge
Two Saint James School varsity teams competed at AMP’d (Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge) in late January among 14 varsity teams from west Georgia and east central Alabama. Although half of the Saint James competitors were underclassmen, their extraordinary competition performance placed them among the best of the best! One of the Saint James varsity teams won second place with a total of 1,182 points and the other Saint James team placed close behind as third with a total of 1,175 points. Both STJ teams solved all 12 puzzles in the competition which included scavenger hunts, mazes, code breaking, arranging pentominoes, logic problems, palindromes, and a host of other mathematical challenges. Each puzzle had multiple layers: solve one part of the puzzle and then receive the second component to be solved. “Our students had a blast at AMP’d this year!” said Vicky Eichelberg, STJ mathematical department chair. “They faced very worthy opponents in the competition and rose to the occasion with determination, focus and confidence in their abilities.” Saint James team members who placed second at AMP’d included Minji Kim, Jake Hastings, Janice Cho, Nayoon Kang, Andrew Kellum, Andrew Nam and Eric Rice. The team winning the third place award included Jin Kim, Edward Kim, Riley Pugh, Sarah Rice, Luke Kim, Gracie Sullivan and Katie Leigh Smith. The Auburn Mathematical Puzzle Challenge (AMP’d) is a competition designed by Dr. Eric Harshbarger, a mathematician and professor at Auburn University, and is sponsored by Auburn University’s COSAM (the College of Sciences and Mathematics). Front row from left are Sarah Rice, Nayoon Kang, Katie Leigh Smith, Gracie Sullivan. Minji Kim, Janice Cho and Luke Kim; back, Riley Pugh, Andrew Kellum, Eric Rice, Jin Kim, Jake Hastings, Edward Kim and Andrew Nam. 29
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Lowndes Academy Rebel Run 5K/ Fun Run
The Lowndes Academy Rebel Run is a 5K through the historic town of Lowndesboro, on the morning of March 31. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. A kids’ one-mile dirt road dash will begin at 9:30 a.m. following the 5K. All proceeds from the race will benefit Lowndes Academy. Race packet pick-up will be the morning of the race from 7-7:45 am. Same-day registration will be available. Shirts are guaranteed for participants registering before March 24 and some extras may be available on race day. After the race, head on down to the historic Will Stone Store, an 1830s structure that was once an Indian trading post, for some antique and collectibles shopping. The store will open at 9 a.m. (cash and checks only) and all proceeds go toward the care and upkeep of historic structures in Lowndesboro. Fourth- graders may want to take pictures of the dome from Alabama’s first capitol at Cahaba, which is now on top of the CME Church. Sign up at runsignup.com. For more info, e-mail lowndesacademyrebelrun@gmail.com.
Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate Success At State!
Montgomery Academy Speech & Debate students had a strong showing at the Alabama State Speech & Debate tournament held at Auburn High School in Auburn. Team Awards included: Congress - 1st place; Individual Events - 3rd place; Debate 3rd place; and Overall - 2nd place. In Individual Awards, Montgomery Academy students won five individual state titles! Winners included: Senate: James Torbert - State Champion; and Martha Ernest - 3rd place; House: Sofie Behr - State Champion; Carter Chandler - 2nd place; and Cyprian Dumas - 4th place; Poetry Interpretation: Catherine Updegraff - State Champion; Prose Interpretation: Catherine Updegraff - 3rd place; Program Oral Interpretation: Mary Elizabeth Bullard - 3rd place; Dramatic Interpretation: James Chambers - 2nd place; Mary Elizabeth Bullard - 3rd place; and Max Zink - 6th place; Humorous Interpretation: Catherine Updegraff - 2nd place; and Bradley Ludington - 4th place; Duo Interpretation: James Chambers & Max Zink - 3rd place; Original Oratory: James Torbert - 5th place; After Dinner Speaking: Cyprian Dumas - 3rd place; and Sofie Behr - 6th place; United States Extemp: Cyprian Dumas - 5th place; International Extemp: James Torbert - State Champion; and Sofie Behr - 4th place; Varsity Public Forum Debate: Austin Bradshaw & Jack Mozingo - 5th place; Varsity LD Debate: James Torbert - 3rd place; Junior Varsity LD Debate: Cyprian Dumas - State Champion; and Carter Chandler - 3rd place; and Novice LD Debate: Ellie Gilmore - 3rd place.
MEA Softball Player Signs with Faulkner
Macon East senior Madison McKee signed to play softball with the Faulkner University Eagles. McKee transferred last year from Wetumpka High School and also plays with Bama Xtreme Fastpitch. She is a dynamic player at 3rd and behind the plate and will be a major part of the Knights’ program this spring as they seek to reclaim the state title.
Scholarship @ The Rock
An advanced, college preparatory curriculum, along with an elevated grading scale, were no problem for these Rock School scholars. During an honors assembly, these students were recognized for achieving and being listed on the second semester “A/B” Honor Roll. The Rock School is an affordable, private, K-12, Christian school. It is NPSAG “Class-A” accredited, educating via A-Beka, Bob Jones and Saxon curricula. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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ECA Student Places in District Spelling Bee
The Alabama Independent School Association recently held the annual District Five Spelling Bee. Several students from fourth through eighth grades competed from various schools. Ferron Spear from Evangel Christian Academy placed second in her division.
ACA Forensic Science Class Visits Alabama State
Send Your School News to: editor@montgomery parents.com.
Alabama Christian Academy offers an introductory course to forensics as an elective. Course topics include looking at how to secure and protect crime scenes, different methods and ways to collect physical evidence, forensic toxicology and serology tests, trace evidence, fingerprinting, and careers in the field of forensics. The Forensic Science Class visited Alabama State University to tour the Forensic Science Department. Students visited the Robert Clinton Hatch Hall Forensic Science Building, which is shared by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and Alabama State University. Students had comprehensive lab exposure and learned what takes place in both a forensic chemistry and forensic biology lab on a day-to-day basis. After touring the labs, a mock crime scene was set up and each student had the opportunity to work. They gained knowledge of what it’s like to obtain and process evidence at the scene of a crime. Students also did an activity on their own fingerprints, where they were dusted for prints and looked more deeply at the characteristics and types of fingerprints they had. Lastly, several of the students were picked for a mock trial. Students were given the roles of jury members, attorneys, a judge and suspects. They questioned each other on the evidence that was collected in the mock court case and had the jury vote on whether they thought the suspect was guilty based on the evidence obtained in court.
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ACA Celebrates Grandparents’ Day
Alabama Christian Academy’s elementary school opened its doors to hundreds of grandparents in celebration of Grandparents’ Day! The celebration of ACA’s 75th anniversary inspired students to travel back in time and learn about different decades. Each grade level entertained the audience by performing songs from a specific decade including “Stayin’ Alive” by the BeeGees and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson. Grandparents are a special part of the ACA family!
Montgomery Academy Middle School Boys’ Basketball CCC Champs
The Montgomery Academy Middle School boys’ basketball team recently won the CCC Championship.
childhood are short seasons... & Make them count at Expedition Lanark Day Camp! beginning May 29th-August 3rd
SEARCH for tadpoles, frogs, fish, salamanders and other aquatic insects during the Aquatic Roundup. EXAMINE game camera pictures to see what type of wildlife call Lanark home. CAST molds from onsite wildlife track stations. SAMPLE our creek and see what type of fish live there during the Fishes of Alabama activity. EXPLORE our interactive, hands-on Discovery Hall where you will delve into the different habitats and ecosystems Alabama has to offer. GET HANDS ON with some of our educational animals, such as our baby alligator, eastern indigo snake, or gopher tortoise during our animal encounter.
should be filled with CHECK US OUT:
adventures & friendships!
www.alabamawildlife .org
We also offer 3 Spring Break Camps Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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TEA Christian Academy Attends School Choice Rally
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BTW Student Debuts at Cloverdale Playhouse
The Cloverdale Playhouse, a communitybased, volunteer-driven performing arts center, held its production of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House February 8-18. One member of the small cast was Trini-ty Ross, an 11th-grade musical theatre student from BTW Magnet. Ross has been on stage since kindergarten at Carver Arts Magnet. She was uncertain about auditioning for the role of Helene, which was likely scripted for an adult. However, director Caroline Reddick Lawson, who is also one of the founding artistic directors of Nora’s Playhouse in Brooklyn, NY, indicated that Ross truly earned the role by putting so much into the reading of two simple lines during the audition.
Talent, Education and Art (TEA) Christian Academy students, faculty and parents were among the approximately 1,000 people who rallied on the lawn of the Alabama State Capitol January 25 in observance of National School Choice Week. Yellow School Choice scarves were provided for everyone to wear as a symbol of unity by those impacted by this movement. School Choice advocates from around the state spoke to the crowd about public school options and reminded parents that students do have a choice outside traditional public schools. TEA Christian Academy students were inspired by the remarks made by student Zoe Champion of her humility and the many accomplishments she has achieved since leaving her traditional school. They also enjoyed being entertained by bands, choirs, cheerleader teams, majorette teams, and step teams from area private schools. TEA Christian Academy recognizes the importance of a good, wholesome education and is a supporter of School Choice options. TEA’s students take pride in their school and were honored to have the opportunity to attend this rally.
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MPS Students Win DAR Citizenship Awards
Lee High student Tamia Nobles and Carver High student Breonsya White both won Good Citizenship Awards from the Daughters of the American Revolution recently.
Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Montgomery Catholic MathCounts Team Advances to State
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Middle School MathCounts Team advances to the state competition following its performance at the district level. Eight middle school students from Montgomery Catholic competed at the MathCounts District competition recently held at Faulkner University, where the team placed second overall. Montgomery Catholic’s MathCounts team members are, back row from left, Will Noell, Julienne Pharrams, Zach Izer and James Bender; front, Kayley Holmes, Sadie Bartels, Aniya Lowery and Michael Algarin. The MCPS team that placed second at the competition was eighth-grade student Sadie Bartels, who placed 12th; seventh- grade student Michael Algarin, who placed 7th; and eighth-grade students Will Noell, who placed 14th and Zach Izer, who placed 15th place for the MCPS chapter competition. Montgomery Catholic’s MathCounts team is sponsored by Middle School math teacher Julie Flowers. The team is excited to advance to the state competition which will be held on March 17 at Auburn University Montgomery.
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EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS trinitywildcats.com
Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. Our extraordinary educators at Trinity strike the perfect balance as they encourage students to strive for excellence, while emphasizing Christ-like character above all else. “The Trinity Experience” produces leaders who possess mental, physical and spiritual strength. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Director of Admission, Jenny McClinton, at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com. Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to our military families. Trinity admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origins to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Trinity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origins in any of the educational policies, scholarship programs and athletics, and other school-administered programs.
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Montgomery County Schools
Montgomery Academy Photography Students Display Work at MMFA
Photography from Montgomery Academy Lower and Upper School students, Mary Elizabeth Bullard, Mary Kathryn Cook, Francie Hill, Carson Roth, Martha Glen Sease, Fred Tippett, Emily Ingram, Anna Brown and Lulu Espy, was selected by the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for its exhibition, “The Southern Lens: Photographs from the South.” The students’ work will be on display until March 5. For this exhibit, photography students were invited to capture their interpretations of the South. What does it mean to be Southern, or what images do we, as Alabamians, connect with our Southern roots? Whether photographers interpret the South as a geographic location, a historical period, or a culture in flux, the images are sure to convey a powerful idea of what it means in the eyes of young artists to be not only a Southerner but an Alabamian.
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ACA Helps Senior Citizens at Christmas
Members of the Alabama Christian Academy community helped the congregation of Unity Worship Center to honor, recognize and serve almost 100 deserving senior citizens a delicious and nutritious Christmas meal. Through food, fun and fellowship, this very special group was celebrated for all their hard and selfless work. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Holy Cross Launches Schoolwide Global Study of Rainforests
Holy Cross Episcopal School has been venturing deep into the rainforests across the globe on the school’s annual journey of discovery. Upper grades did extensive research on topics they wanted to explore and then produced a PowerPoint presentation to showcase their findings. Lower grades studied specific animals found in the various four layers of the Rainforest, and the environment in which they live. Topics grades four through six explored ranged from rainforest preservation to tourist attractions of the rainforest, and medicines the rainforest produces to cure such diseases such as cancer and even medicinal contributions to curing bronchitis and glaucoma. A special feature of the schoolwide study was the creation of a 20-foot anaconda snake in art classes under the direction of Kathy Albree. It was fashioned out of plastic and metal tubing, wire, plaster of Paris cloth, paper mache and paint. Students also learned that anacondas can be as long as 20 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds. They are the largest creatures residing in the lowest layer and live predominately in shallow water, where they are very quiet and hidden. The purpose of these projects was to teach proper research skills online, distinguish the difference in reliable and non-reliable sources, and learn valuable basic skills with Microsoft Power-Point. Additionally, technology, art, music, Spanish, STEM Lab and P.E. classes all researched and studied why the rainforest is vital to the planet, the layers of the rainforest along with the many animals and creatures who inhabit it, making it one of the most vital ecosystems our planet and its creatures rely on and is essential to their survival.
GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME
Evangel Christian Academy Evangel Christian Academy exists to partner with Christian parents to provide their child with a Christ-centered education. Our desire is to help each child achieve their God-given potential through providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic and social growth.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11
Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA 3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882
For a FREE Educational Success Consultation please contact the school office
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STJ Student Creates Brand For New Arts Event
Saint James Graphic Design student Eric Lee submitted an event name and logo design for Teen TBD 2018 at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University. Lee’s work was selected to brand this year’s workshop and exhibition. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (JCSM) hosted its first Teen TBD event on February 22 in partnership with the Auburn Arts Association, Auburn Area Community Theater, and the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The open design competition to name and create a logo for this event included entries from Auburn, Montgomery, Opelika, Smiths Station, and Valley high school students. Lee’s winning design, “Boundless,” was selected as the name and logo for this year’s event. He was recognized on February 22 at the JCSM reception as well as Saint James junior Amari Simmons, who was recognized for placing third in the design competition for her work entitled “Opus.” For more information on the Teen TBD design competition and exhibition, please visit http://jcsm. auburn.edu/teens/.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Churchill Students Attend ASF Presentation of Fly
During the month of February, Churchill Academy’s 11th- and 12th-grade students attended the Alabama Shakespeare Festival presentation of Fly. Fly tells the story of the first AfricanAmerican pilots in the United States military, who would be part of the 332nd Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Corps. Churchill Academy students were honored by the opportunity to learn how history in Alabama impacted not only their state but their nation.
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21 Montgomery Catholic Band Members Chosen For All State and All District Honor Band
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School proudly announces 21 Band members who were selected as part of the Alabama Bandmasters Association District VI All-District Honor Band, and 10 Band members selected for a place in the Alabama All-State Honor Bands. Auditions were held on January 27 in Opelika. Band Directors Alex and Kristine Johnson are proud to announce the Montgomery Catholic band members accepted to the All-State and District Honor Bands. Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School All-State Honor Band members are: Middle School: Hart Yost - Alternate for All-State. High School: Ashley Hayes All-State Red Band; Henry Petters - All-State Unassigned; Victoria Hall - All-State Red Band; Hannah Vaccaro - All-State Blue Band; Angela Gier - Alternate for AllState; Jackson Penso - All-State Unassigned; Ricky Treloar - All-State Blue Band; Bobby Crawford - All-State Red Band; and Chris Waring - Alternate for All-State. Montgomery Catholic students chosen as All-District Honor Band members are: Middle School students Hart Yost - 3rd Chair Flute, Cecelia Crawford - 13th Chair Clarinet, Danielle Willcox - 17th Chair Clarinet, Angeles Gonzalez - 4th Chair Alto Sax, Shawn Sponsler - 7th Chair Trumpet, Brandon Hinkley - 3rd Chair Tuba and Cade Corbin - 3rd Chair Percussion. High School students are: Ashley Hayes - 1st Chair Piccolo and 2nd Chair Flute; Chloe Smith - 12th Chair Flute; Henry Petters - 1st Chair Bassoon; Victoria Hall - 1st Chair Clarinet; Hannah Vaccaro - 9th Chair Clarinet; Angela Gier - 14th Chair Clarinet; Mai Ellington - 18th Chair Clarinet; Jackson Penso - 1st Chair Bari Sax; Ricky Treloar - 6th Chair Trumpet; Bobby Crawford - 2nd Chair Trombone; Chris Waring - 7th Chair Trombone; Jonathan Guevara - 10th Chair Trombone; and Nick Bowden - 7th Chair Percussion.
Send Your School News by the 12th of the month to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
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MA Track Team Success
The Montgomery Academy indoor track teams had a successful trip to the state meet! Both the girls and the boys finished 5th in the state. Senior Keefe White, above, won two individual state titles, in the 60m Dash and the 60m Hurdles. Individual results: Keefe White: 1st 60m Dash, 1st 60m Hurdles, 5th 4x200 Relay; Isabella Rowland: 3rd 3200m, 3rd 1600m, 5th 800m, 2nd 4x800m relay; Mattie Freeman: 7th 800m, 2nd 4x800m relay, 2nd 4x400m relay, 5th 4x200m relay; Sarah Payne: 8th 60m Hurdles, 8th Triple Jump; AC Sylvest: 2nd Pole Vault; Isabella Baker: 5th Pole Vault; Will Franklin: 8th 1600m, 8th 3200m, 4th 4x800m; Jason Strickland: 5th pole vault; Lawson Pemberton: 7th Pole Vault, 4th 4x800m Relay, 5th 4x200m Relay; Andrew Harris: 4th 5x800m Relay, 5th 4x200m Relay; and Aubrey McGlaun: 4th 4x800m Relay, 5th 4x200m Relay.
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Catholic Senior Named National Merit Finalist
Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School senior Henry Petters as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He is one of more than 15,000 scholastically talented high school seniors to have an opportunity to continue in the competition for thousands of Merit Scholarship awards, worth millions of dollars. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, students must fulfill several requirements and about one-half of the Finalists are selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar title. As a finalist, Petters has maintained outstanding academic records throughout his high school years, has been endorsed and recommended by his school principal, and has earned SAT scores that confirm his qualifying test performance. Petters also had to submit a detailed scholarship application, including a self-descriptive essay and information regarding his participation and leadership in both school and community activities. Petters is currently a member of the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Mu Alpha Theta, Concert Band and Marching Band Drum Major. He is the son of Brian and Vicki Petters of Montgomery.
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Senior Night @ The Rock
On February 5, seniors of The Rock Kingdom Warriors basketball and volleyball teams were celebrated for both their academic and athletic achievements. Standing from left are JD Nathan, Kyndle McWilliams and Kentre Brown. Kneeling from left are Destinee Gray, Roy Lassiter and Dana Logan. The Kingdom Warriors basketball team finished fourth this regular season as amember of the Alabama Christian Sports Conference. Both Logan and McWilliams were all conference selections to their respective all conference teams. Rock School alums have been accepted to more than 30 colleges/universities nationwide.
Hooper Drama Team Wins State Competition Awards
The Hooper Academy Drama Team won Runner-Up Ensemble Acting and 1st-Place Duet Acting at the State Drama Competition held at Faulkner University February 9. Four students selected for the All-State Drama Cast were Madison Baker, Ann Ware Knockemus, Trae Seithalil and Grant Tyson. Thanks to our participating students and teachers.
Trinity’s Mooneyham Signs with ASU
Macon East Scholars Bowl Competition
Trinity Presbyterian School senior Mary Martin Mooneyham signed a national letter of intent to play soccer at Alabama State University. Mooneyham is a fifth-year player for Trinity’s varsity soccer team and has been the leading scorer for two consecutive seasons, averaging 21 goals each season. She was selected to the AHSAA All-Star team in 2017 and was selected for the The Montgomery Advertiser All-Metro team in 2016 and Honorable Mention in 2015. She is shown with ASU’s soccer coaches.
The Macon East Academy junior high Scholars Bowl team finished in 2nd place at the AISA District competition hosted by Chambers Academy. McKinnon Hammonds, center, was the team high scorer. The 8th grade scholars bowl team consisted of team members, from left, Ali Churchwell, Jay Moore, McKinnon Hammonds, Luke Noffsinger and Trey Matthews. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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STJ Speakers Take Top Honors at State Speech & Debate Tournament Saint James School is home to five new State Champions after the State Speech & Debate Tournament in Auburn, February 15-17. From Novice Public Forum Debate to Speaker of the Year, the Saint James Speech & Debate Team performed at the highest levels and received individual state titles, debate partner titles, and well-deserved team recognition. Saint James senior Nathan Ashner was named State Champion in Original Oratory, State Champion in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, and was named State Speaker of the Year. Ashner also placed 4th in Impromptu Speaking, 4th in Varsity Congress, and was a semifinalist with his partner, STJ junior Will Moore, in Junior Varsity Public Forum Debate. The State Champion title for Novice Public Forum Debate was awarded to STJ sophomores Jack Branham and Alex Whisenhunt. Branham also received 4th place in Novice Congress, and 6th place in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Whisenhunt also received 5th place in Novice Congress. Freshman Paige Hemmer was named State Champion of Dramatic Interpretation and received 4th place in Program Oral Interpretation. From freshmen to seniors, Saint James team members took high hon-
ors across all divisions, placing their team 3rd in State Overall, 2nd place in Congressional Debate, 4th place in Individual Events, and 5th place in Debate. Moore received 3rd place in International Extemporaneous Speaking, 6th place in Impromptu Speaking, and was a semifinalist in Junior Varsity Public Forum Debate. Sophomores Joey Etheredge and Trevor Otis received 2nd place in Junior Varsity Public Forum Debate. Otis also received 6th place in Varsity Congress and 3rd place in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Freshman Sarah Woessner received 4th place in Poetry and 2nd place in Prose. Juniors Matthew Klinger and Griffin Allred received 4th place in Duo Interpretation and Allred also received 3rd place in Humorous Interpretation. Senior JB Ramsey received 5th place in
Humorous Interpretation and 4th place in Original Oratory. Freshman Sidnee Beavers received 2nd place in Novice Congress. And junior Lauren Sullivan received 6th place in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. The District Speech & Debate Tournament will be held this spring to qualify students for the National Tournament held in June. And students who received
bids based on their performance at select tournaments this season will be attending the Tournament of Champions at the University of Kentucky the end of April. The Saint James team is directed by Coach Dr. Ian Turnipseed.
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Montgomery Academy Middle School Students at Junior Youth Legislature Fifty-one Montgomery Academy seventh- and eighth-graders participated in the Alabama YMCA Youth in Government (ALYIG) Junior Youth Legislature program. A number of students were noted as Outstanding Delegates: Ruston Bassett, Carlyle Chandler, Tristan Dumas, Lily Shores, Ellie Stevens, Gabe Watrous and Brett Westhauser. Sarah Stone, a second-year Junior Youth Legislature participant, served as Pro Tempore in her chamber. Gabe Watrous was Floor Leader, and Lily Shores was the Assistant Clerk. Of the twelve bills debated on the floor, Montgomery Academy students authored six. Stone and Stevens authored a “No Photo? No Vote? No Way!” bill about getting rid of the photo ID voting requirement. Kenneth Heumann, Whit Davis, Nico McIntyre and McRae Foshee argued in favor of their “Driver’s Permit at 14” bill. Charlie Hill, Braxton
Welch and Breland Burnham wanted to convert abandoned “Railroads into Parks and Trails.” Claire Moore and Anne Layton Lee’s bill, “Completing Community Service Hours Before High School” was one of only two bills to pass in the chamber. The second bill to pass was Carlyle Chandler, Tom Main
and Westhauser’s “Concussion Protocol” bill. The final MA bill debated on the floor was authored by Jane Abbie Alford, Frannie Brazil, Caroline Heck and Holden Habermacher, and titled, “Every Educator Should be Trained in Basic Health Techniques.”
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Montgomery Catholic Student-Athlete Named Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Cross Country Runner of the Year
In its 33 years of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company announced Amaris Tyynismaa of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School as its 2017-18 Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Cross Country Runner of the Year. Tyynismaa was the first Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Cross Country Runner of the Year to be chosen from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School when she won the award her freshman year (2015-16). The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the racecourse, distinguishes Tyynismaa as Alabama’s best high school girls’ cross country runner. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award to be announced in January, Tyynismaa joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports. The 5-foot-7 junior raced to the Class 4A individual state championship this past season with a time of 17:14.37, leading the Knights to second place as a team. Tyynismaa also won the Jesse Owens Classic, the Section 1 championship, the Warhawk Challenge and the Spain Park Invitational. A religious education instructor at her church, Tyynismaa has volunteered locally on behalf of Meals on Wheels and the Humane Society. “Beyond Amaris’ ability on the course or track, she’s the most dedicated athlete I’ve coached in 35 years,” said Montgomery Catholic Coach Ed Wright. “She leads by example and encourages all her teammates to be the best they can be.” Tyynismaa has maintained a 3.70 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her senior year of high school this fall. Two-time winner Tyynismaa stands with other Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Cross Country Runners of the Year, including Kaitlin York (2014-15, American Christian Academy) as athletes who have won the cross country award since its inception in 2007.
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ACA Basketball Season Highlights
Despite the season ending a little sooner than anticipated, the Alabama Christian Academy Lady Eagles can be proud of their accomplishments and improvements during the season. Coach Poole and her squad won 12 games this year, compared to three in 2016-17, and finished first in the area in the regular season with a 7-1 record. The future looks bright for the Lady Eagles even with the loss of four key seniors. Lucy Crosby, AK Palmer, Courtney Pruitt and Carli Schofield were leaders on the team and will be missed. This year, Josie Barlow set the record for best free throw percentage for a season, hitting 76.5% of her free throws. Her career mark of 70.5% ranks second in school history. Barlow also finished the season ranked 15th all time with 39 career three-pointers made. This year’s season leaders were: Scoring – Josie Barlow - 11.1, Lindsey Glass - 7.3, AK Palmer - 6.0; Rebounds – Mary Hall- 8.3, AK Palmer - 5.8, Lindsey Glass - 3.9; Assists - Lindsey Glass - 2.4, Josie Barlow - 1.4, Lucy Crosby - 1.1; Free Throw % – Josie Barlow - 76.5%, Jill Taggart 51.5%, AK Palmer - 50.8%; and Three-Pointers – Josie Barlow - 22, Lindsey Glass - 5, Jill Taggart and Michaelyn Manning - 3. The Boys’ ACA Eagles continued to make improvements in Coach Scott Galloway’s second season. ACA played much of the year with a six-man rotation and despite not having all of its players at the start of the season, due to the success of the football team, the Eagles increased their win total from the 2016-17 season and finished 4-4 in the area. The Eagles were led by three seniors, Grayson Evans, Ford Hilyer and Colby Rives, who combined for more than 60% of the Eagles offense. Hilyer finished his career ranked sixth in school history with 117 three pointers made. Hilyer’s 69 three-pointers made this season rank as the 7th most in school history in a season. Evans finished his career ranked 12th in school history in free throws made with 172. This year’s season leaders were: Scoring – Grayson Evans - 14.7, Ford Hilyer - 13.7, Reece Solar - 7.4; Rebounds – Reece Solar - 7.8, Colby Rives - 5.7, Grayson Evans - 3.6; Assists –Grayson Evans - 2.7, Jalen Clark - 2.2, Ford Hilyer - 1.5; Free Throw % – Ford Hilyer - 70.5%, Colby Rives - 67.7%, Grayson Evans - 64.7%; and Three-Pointers – Ford Hilyer - 69, Grayson Evans - 23, Reece Solar - 18. The senior basketball players and cheerleaders are shown. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Holy Cross Performs Much Ado About Nothing Holy Cross Episcopal School recently presented one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, Much Ado About Nothing, as a much-anticipated annual production of 4th-, 5th- and 6th-grade classes. Proud families and guests gathered on the Holy Cross campus to celebrate the performance. The version of the play is an adaptation written by Lois Burdett. Written in rhyming couplets, the plot is unveiled when the first scene opens by Mr. Shakespeare himself (Camille Campbell). The briskly progressing plot features lots of verbal sparring, scheming friends, and one very evil character, Don John, played by Turner Clements. Don John plots unsuccessfully to tear apart the wedding plans of Hero (Michael Ann Williams) and Claudio (Chloe Campbell). The first scene opens with nobleman Messina resident Leonato (Aidan Blum), along with his brother Antonio (Sam Roberts) and his delightfully feisty daughter Beatrice (Izzy Priori), welcoming friends home from war Don Pedro (Gabe Krause), Claudio and witty jokester Benedick (Will Alexander), Claudio falls in love with Hero, while Benedick and Beatrice continue to exchange witty insults which keeps the audience laughing and actively engaged. Don John continues his
reign of terror, bringing rumors and lies to the forefront tormenting all the town’s residents. Part of a plot he concocted, Brorachio (Sam Stough) brags about a crime he proudly committed, causing Dogberry (Olivia Smith) and Conrade (Steadman Meadows) to be arrested by First Watchman (Sanai Burton) and Second Watchman (Andrew Peavy). Reluctantly love is declared between unlikely couple Benedick and Beatrice with Friar Francis (Charlie Evans) officiating.
A PRIVATE PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR GRADES K3 - 12 www.maconeast.net We are located just a few minutes east of Chantilly Parkway. You are always welcome, so please get in touch with our Admissions Office and come for a campus tour. We would love to show you around!
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Narrators were played by the entire 4th-grade class. Other delightful characters interspersed along the way were played by Ava Stuart, Nancy Addy and Carsyn Hawkins. Props Manager Hunter Dailey kept everything moving forward and organized. Directors and producers included: fifth-grade teacher Connie MacDonald, fourth-grade Nancy Stankard, and sixthgrade teacher Patricia Bye.
THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ARE A WINNING PART OF A COMPLETE EDUCATION.
Athletics play a big part on campus at Macon East with over 80% of upper school students participating in one or more inter-scholastic team sports. Team sports at Macon East Academy include: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Beginning in 3rd grade, elementary boys may participate in interscholastic football, and all elementary girls K3 - 6 may participate in cheerleading. Macon East has won numerous regional and state championships, and our coaches have received local and state recognition for excellence in coaching. We pride ourselves with an athletic program with a long-standing tradition of championship-level teams. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
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Trinity Track Team Brings Home Gold!
Trinity’s Indoor Track Team competed in the 4A-5A State Championship at the Crossplex in Birmingham and came away with several medals, including Gold for the 4x800m! Relay team members Dawson Oliver, Gray Rutland, Wells Rutland and Charlie Lott set a school record as they brought home the 4A-5A State Championship in the 4x800 Relay. Oliver won the Bronze medal in the State for the 800m Run, sprinting two minutes flat, while setting a school record. Chandler Ford won Bronze in the State, breaking 10 seconds with a 9.90 school record. Other results from the weekend include: 4x200m Relay: Jay Tymes, Nexton Marshall, Coleman Morris, Ben Martin: School Record; 60m Dash: Tymes: 6th in State & a School Record, #6 in the Nation among Freshmen; 400m Dash: Gray Rutland: Personal Record; 800m Run (half mile): Tim Hornsby: lowered the Nation’s best 7th Grade mark to 2:12 (2 minutes & 12 seconds); 1600m Run (one mile): Hornsby: 3rd best 7th grade time in the Nation: 4:58; Oliver, #5 in the State; 3200m Run (two miles): Wells Rutland, Personal Record; Long Jump: Morris: School Record, 10th in the State; Girls 4x200 Relay: Courtney Stevenson, Amanda Meadows, Annabelle Brown, & Chandler Ford: School Record; Girls 4x400 Relay: Stevenson, Meadows, Mary Liz Hill, & Ford: School Indoor Record; 4x800 Relay: Mary Renner, Brown, Hill, & Mackenzie LeGrand: School Record, 4th in the State; 800m Run: LeGrand: School Record; 1600m Run: Renner: Indoor School Record; Wells Rutland, Gray Rutland, Charlie Lott and Dawson Oliver are shown accepting their gold medals for the 4x800m relay.
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
STJ Defends Spelling Bee Title
Saint James 7th-grade student Selina Sun competed against 21 other students from Montgomery County for the title of 2018 Montgomery County Spelling Bee Champion. After 12 rounds, the field was narrowed to just Sun and one other student. The two competitors battled through another 34 rounds and Sun took the title with her 46th word, defending her win from 2017! Sun advances to the State Spelling Bee scheduled in Alabaster this spring. Although she was tired at the end of the county competition, when asked how she felt about her repeat title win, Sun replied, “I wish we could have gotten to the challenge words!”
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Alumnus holding MIT Degree \ Science Olympiad \ Character Building Programs \ Music and Art
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PRES Celebrates 100 Days of School
Learners from all over the Town of Pike Road recently celebrated the 100th day of school. This learner, from The Waters neighborhood, dressed up as a 100-year-old!
Governor Kay Ivey Visits Pike Road Elementary
PRHS Math Learners Participate in AMP’d
Mrs. Taylor and her 7th- and 8th-grade math learners participated in the AMP’d Math Challenge at Auburn University. The event is a problem-solving challenge in which teams of 6-8 middle school students work together to complete their mission by answering real mathematical puzzles. The focus of Middle School AMP’d is for students of all math ability levels to engage in math in a way that is fun, interesting and different from a traditional math class.
The Town of Pike Road was proud to welcome Governor Kay Ivey as she recognized the creative work of the teachers and administrators of the Pike Road Schools system. “As the Governor’s visit indicates, the Pike Road Schools System continues to emphasize the importance of reading,” said Town of Pike Road Mayor Gordon Stone. “We thank Governor Ivey for helping us celebrate our teachers and students’ commitment to excellence.” Governor Ivey said, “It is exciting to see teachers encouraging reading in creative ways. Grade-level reading skills are an important foundation for future growth of Alabama’s youth, which is one of the reasons I recently added the ‘Alabama Grade-Level Reading Campaign’ to my ‘Strong Start, Strong Finish’ education initiative.” Shown, local officials smile with Gov. Ivey and PRES learners in front of their Book Madness bracket.
Pike Road Robotics
At left, Pike Road Elementary’s VEX-IQ robotics team will represent PRES as they compete at the state level in March. They are instructed by Community 6 Lead Learner Catherine Kenny.
PRES Celebrates With Fun!
Community One learners had a great time celebrating Global School Play Day. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Patriots Participate in Big Hearts, Little Hats
Some of our learners have a big heart for premature babies. In honor of Community 6 lead learner Catherine Kenny’s cousin, Jenna, who had a heart transplant at the age of three, she is leading Patriots in participating in the American Heart Association’s Big Hearts, Little Hats program. Learners were able to present 42 hand-crocheted and knitted red hats to Mrs. Nyberg, who works in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Baptist South and is one of our fantastic Patriot parents. We are so thankful for the time Mrs. Nyberg invested in our learners as she shared some of her experiences of caring for premature babies and collaborated on ways we can help make their stays at the hospital a little more comfortable.
Pike Road Participates in Junior Youth Legislature
Mrs. Griswell and four Pike Road High School learners participated in the Alabama YMCA Youth Legislative Conference in January. Both bills written by PRHS students were selected to be placed on the ballot for debate and two learners were selected as outstanding state persons! Shown are Shelby Grace Johnson (8), Delaney Hawthrone (7), Alex Merriweather (8) and Isabella Morgan (7).
Send Your School News to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.
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It is important to set goals in life. Some goals can certainly seem daunting, but through hard work and dedication, most can be attained. The Autauga County School System is always setting new goals for our faculty and students. Striving to reach new heights and better ourselves is simply a part of who we are, so it is with great pride that I share our latest news. Autauga County Schools received a “B” on the state report card. With Autauga County being the lowest funded school system in the entire State of Alabama; the “B” demonstrates the excellence the teachers and administrators strive for each day despite being severely underfunded. Receiving a high grade on our state report card can only be accomplished by the
hard work put forth by our administrators, teachers and students. I am excited to share with you news from various schools highlighting these students’ accomplishments. Congratulations to Gabriel Bates, Jessica Gray, Jaleah Long, Isaiah Mayers, Mary Parmer, Ana Ramirez, Kaylee Robles, Hannah Townsend, Campbell Vest, and Kairi Welker from Prattville Intermediate School! They were selected as winners of the Alabama Gerontological Society Essay Calendar Contest. The essay title was “Why This Older Person is Special to Me.” Each winner received $50 cash award along with being highlighted in the society’s 2018 calendar. Back in early December, Prattville High School’s Theatre Program continued their run of success at State Competition held at the University of North Alabama. I would like to take a moment to showcase the winners. First place winners were: Nolan Evans for Classical Dramatic Solo Acting; Katie Callahan and Margaret Lewis for Classical Dramatic Duet Acting; and Natalee Savage for Female Dramatic Solo Musical. Second place winners were: Lily Farnworth for Female Solo
Pantomime; Rachel LaPointe for Comedic Solo Acting Classical; Bennett Connell and Nolan Evans for Comedic Duet Acting Classical; Bennett Connell, Marley Morris, Reagan Vinson, and Audrey Beaver for Group Acting; and Natalee Savage for Female Comedic Solo Musical. Third place winners were: Katie Campassi for Comedic Solo Acting Female Contemporary; Peyton Flournoy for Comedic Solo Acting Classical; Lucas Younts and Julianna Devaney for Dramatic Duet Acting Classical; and Livie Puranen and Kaylee Wesolowski for Comedic Duet Acting Classical. Congratulations, Theatre Director Blair Dyson and this very talented group of students! The 2018-19 school calendar was approved in January to allow everyone to start planning for next year. You can find it on our website at acboe.net and also on our “Autauga County School System” Facebook page. Spence Agee is the Superintendent of Education for Autauga County Schools. He is a third generation educator with an ED.S. in Educational Leadership. He has 20 years of experience in the education field as well as 29 years of military experience. Agee is an active mem ber at First Baptist Church in Prattville. He and his wife, Cesily, who is also an educator, have two daughters, Abby and Addison.
Saturday, March 31 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Preschool-Second Grade First Baptist Church Prattville
Games
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Prattville Jr. High Benefits from Service Projects
Over President’s Day weekend, many churches around Prattville participated in Discipleship Now. As part of their weekend activities, they performed a variety of projects around local schools. For Prattville Jr. High, a group of students performed a mini HGTV make-over by trimming shrubs, spreading pinestraw and raking leaves. Another group of students posted positive messages all over the school - teacher doors, bathroom mirrors, lockers, etc. It was a complete “act” of love for our school!
National Merit Program Recognizes Two Prattville High School Students
Prattville High School students Katie Kroft and Wesley Domsalla are Finalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. They were two of approximately 15,000 Semifinalists in the 63rd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 Nation Merit Scholarships worth $32,000,000 to be offered this spring. Kroft is a member of the Prattville High School Marching Band as well as the concert band and orchestra. Though she is keeping her options open, she would like to attend Vanderbilt University and study history/pre-law. Domsalla, who recently moved from California, is a member of the PHS Cross Country and Track teams. He is considering attending college at Rice, Stanford, Duke, University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UT-Austin or Princeton. He is unsure of what he would like study, though he is considering electrical engineering, applied mathematics or pre-law. From left, Superintendent Spence Agee, Katie Kroft, Wesley Domsalla and PHS Principal Brock Dunn.
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PCA Student Selected for Prestigious Journalism Conference
PJHS Students Write Winning Essays
Three students at Prattville Junior High School were district winners in the Peace Officers Essay Contest of “Why I Say No to Drugs and Alcohol.� 8th-grade English teacher Scarlett Rowe leads her students in writing activities and through the process of constructing a well-designed essay. These students won monetary prizes, will be published in a magazine, and the top student won a scholarship to Troy University.
Send Your school news to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
Ethan Morris, a Prattville Christian Academy junior, has been selected to represent Prattville as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2018 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University July 8-13. Morris was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field. The program encourages and inspires young leaders who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.
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Autauga County Schools
Prattville Speech and Debate Wins Six State Championships The Prattville High School Speech and Debate team competed at the Alabama Speech and Debate Association state tournament February 15-17 at Auburn High School and brought home six state championships, the second most in Prattville school history. Double state champion Sandu Aladuwaka won Informative Speaking, After Dinner Speaking and placed second in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking. Double state champion Holly Griffith won Prose Interpretation and Programmed Interpretation in addition to placing second in the state in Duo. And, finally, Isaac Sherman is the state champion in Novice Senate. The Prattville team was also awarded the Individual Events Sweepstakes Team State Championship for the second year in a row. Other students from Prattville who made it to finals are Luke Clementz, fourth in Novice Senate and semi-finals in Novice Public Forum Debate; Sam Guerrero, fifth in After Dinner Speaking and a quarter-finalist in Novice Public Forum Debate; Grace McKelvey, second in Duo
Interp, second in Poetry Interp and second in Programmed Interp; Jack Moore, sixth in Novice Senate and a quarterfinalist in Novice Public Forum Debate; Hannah Murphree, sixth in Prose Interp; Ben Shavers, a semi-finalist in Novice Public Forum and Hugh Sparks, second in International Extemporaneous Speaking and fifth in Informative Speaking. The next tournament for the Prattville team is the Deep South District March 2-3, which is the national qualifying tournament for speech and debate students. The Prattville team is coached by Katy Olienyk and Jordan Berry.
From left, Hugh Sparks, Jack Moore, Sandu Aladuwaka, Holly Griffith, Grace McKelvey, Luke Clementz, Sam Guerrero, Hannah Murphree and Ben Shavers.
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Prattville Seniors Recognized for 30+ Scores on ACT
Prattville High School recognized more seniors who scored a 30 or higher on the ACT on February 8. From left are Autauga County Superintendent Spence Agee, Nathan Smith, Hunner Royal, Clay Shiver, Susan Short, Britton Webster, Garrett Smith, Sydni Smith, Liana Taylor, Jon Leoffler and PHS Principal Brock Dunn.
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PJHS Celebrates Career Day
ACTC Students Visit PJHS The Autauga County Tech Center provided training for students in high level math classes at Prattville Junior High School. These students discussed the Engineering Career pathway for students to become College & Career Ready. The ACTC students also brought robots and conveyor belt activities and allowed PJHS students to “play� with the items to build real-life connections to the standards they are learning in the classroom.
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Prattville Junior High School sponsored Career Day in February to expose students to as many opportunities as possible. From health care to electricians, education, banking and news broadcasting, students learned about jobs they may not have even realized would be available career paths. We are grateful to the multitude of local businesses who support our students and their education. A special thanks to WSFA for letting students get a feel for what it is like to sit at a news desk. We appreciate Tessa Brown for heading up this endeavor!
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Prattville Christian Hires New Football Coach
www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion
KNOW what to do in case of suspected concussion
A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n.....Should be IMMEDIATELY
REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n.....Should be evaluated right away
SPORTS MEDICINE
by a doctor/healthcare professional n.... Should not be left alone n.....Should not drive a motor vehicle
SPORTS MEDICINE
For a Concussion Clinic appointment, call 205.934.1041 In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER SPORTS MEDICINE
SPORTS MEDICINE
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Prattville Christian Academy has hired Charlie Boren as the director of football operations, effective June 1. Coach Boren comes to PCA from Faulkner University, where he most recently served as the head football coach. Since 2014, he has led the Eagles to an overall record of 29-13. Before moving into collegiate coaching, Boren was also successful in high school athletics. He led the programs at Midfield, Montevallo, Bibb County and St. Clair County in Alabama, as well as Newton County in Mississippi, to an overall record of 113-81. During this time, he had four top 10 finishes and placed 17 players on all-state teams. In his new role at PCA, Boren will manage football operations for grades 3-12 and lead the junior varsity and middle school football program. In addition to his athletic duties, he will teach middle school history. His presence in this area of the school will provide another strong, Christian male for young boys to emulate. “I look forward to working with students, parents and the PCA community to continue the process of building a strong, competitive, character-driven football program,” said Boren. “I’m eager to assist in the growth and development of our athletic and academic programs with a focus on leading students closer to Christ.” As a native of Birmingham, Boren earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Jacksonville State University, a master’s degree in physical education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a specialist’s degree in physical education from the University of Montevallo. Boren and his wife Linda, also a PCA faculty member, have been married for 33 years; they have three grown children and six grandchildren. www.montgomeryparents.com
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“Every Student Empowered – Every Student Succeeds” is the purpose statement of Elmore County Schools and communicates our commitment to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. One of the most basic human needs is safety, and parents expect that their children will be safe when they come through our doors. Various measures have been taken to provide the safest possible environment for our students. We have just implemented Raptor Technologies, a visitor management software program, in all our schools. This program provides instant sex offender screening, custody databases (which can contain custody alerts and/or banned visitors), accurate visitor records, districtwide reporting, and an emergency panic button. All visitors to our schools will be screened via Raptor and a name badge will be printed. This program provides a consistent
method of tracking and controlling visitor access which supports our commitment to the safety of our students. All our facilities have an established Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in the Virtual Alabama platform, a project of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security. Virtual Alabama is used by school systems and other agencies throughout the state. This program provides the common operating picture and situational awareness needed by our first responders to protect lives and safeguard our students and staff before, during, and after a disaster. Each building’s EOP is updated at least annually, and regularly scheduled emergency drills are held. Finally, all of our staff have participated in Run, Hide, Fight training provided by local law enforcement. Student safety is our highest priority. We are constantly focused on safety so our students can focus on learning the skills they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Building a strong academic foundation in the lower grades is critically important, particularly in reading. I am proud to announce that our elementary schools have been awarded
over $72,000 in grant funds from the Elmore Community Foundation to build leveled literacy libraries to support guided reading instruction in K-4 classrooms. These grants were funded by the generous bequest from the late Mrs. Rebecca Christian and will provide the resources to purchase over 12,500 books and instructional materials for our six elementary schools. Guided reading instruction benefits readers at all levels to help them improve their reading skills. It is one of the most effective tools not only to improve a student’s fundamental reading skills but also help the student develop higher level comprehension skills. We are in the early stages of implementing this program and I am excited about the positive impact it will have on our students as they progress academically. Ensuring our students have a safe place to learn and providing them with high-quality instruction to equip them for the future – this is Elmore County Public Schools! Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.
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Elmore County Schools
Wetumpka Middle Students Place in County Science Fair
Several Wetumpka Middle School students were recently recognized at the Elmore County District Science Fair. Winners in the 5th grade division were: physical science category 1st place Charlotte Brown, 2nd place Paisley Williams and 3rd place Kelby Walker; life science 1st place Aiden Futral, 2nd place Lillian Vilardi and 3rd place Drew Powell. 6th-8th grade division winners were: physical science 1st place Dylan LaPorte, 2nd place Jake Sharpe and 3rd place Mason Roberts; health science 1st place Lauren Luckie; and behavioral science: 1st place Julian Vilardi.
ARIS Science Fair Winners
Two Airport Road Intemediate School students took first and second place in the life science category at the 2018 Elmore County Science Fair. Megan Boyle won first place with her project, “Do Plants Need Water?” Jacob Tharpe placed second with his project, “Righty vs. Lefty.”
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6th-8th grade division 1st place winner Dylan LaPorte Physical science
6th-8th grade division 1st place winner Lauren Luckie Health science
6th-8th grade division 1st place winner Julian Vilardi Behavioral science
RES Farm City Poster Winners
Students from Redland Elementary participated in the Elmore County Farmers Federation Farm City Poster contest. The poster theme was “Agriculture, Food For Life.” From left, Leah Sites from Mrs. Trussell’s 3rd-grade class won 1st place for the RES K-3rd grade division, and she won 2nd Place for the K-3 grade division for Elmore County; Sam Webb from Mrs. Trussell’s class won 2nd Place for the RES K-3rd grade division; Sophia Rawls from Mrs. Mattox’s 5th-6th grade GATE Class won 2nd Place for the RES 4-6th grade division; and Graycelynn Rowe from Mrs. Mattox’s class won 1st place for the RES 4th-6th grade division and 1st place for the Elmore County 4th-6th grade division. Rowe’s poster will compete at the state level in the spring. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Edgewood’s First-Graders Publish Book
Edgewood Academy’s first-grade students are now published authors! Materials were ordered from Student Treasures (a division of Scholastic Book Clubs). They sent all of the materials needed to create the book and detailed instructions on how to go about putting it together. The students were each responsible for one page of type. They learned about acrostic poems and each child wrote an acrostic poem using the letters of their names. The students also had one page that they illustrated in any way that they wished. After putting the materials together, their teacher sent the final product to Student Treasures and they published it. The title of the book is First Grade Poetry. 60
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Wetumpka Rotary Club Speech Contest
Wetumpka High School seniors Scotty Dennis, Lizzy Woodall and Lucas Lynn participated in the Wetumpka Rotary Club Speech Contest recently held at Wind Creek Hotel and Casino. Woodall and Lynn tied for first place. One more speech will determine the final winner! Shown from left are Scotty Dennis, Lucas Lynn, Wetumpka High Principal Dr. Robbie Slater and Lizzy Woodall.
Area Homeschoolers Give to the Community
A few Academy Days Co-op students eagerly donated canned goods at Welcome Inc. in Millbrook recently. About 175 cans were delivered and shelved by the homeschoolers to help the food bank, which serves West Elmore County families in need. Front from left are Kaylee Richey of Millbrook, Isabelle and Levi Baughcum of Deatsville, and back, Hannah Black of Deatsville, Sarah and Tamara Phillips of Millbrook, Windsor Joye of Deatsville, and Kyler Abrams of Deatsville. The homeschoolers represent 44 families who participate in the homeschool co-op in the tri-county area. Held weekly during the school year at Coosada Baptist Church, Academy Days Co-op offers preschool through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, drama, computer programming, foreign languages, creative writing and P.E. Visit www.AcademyDays.com for more info.
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Elmore County Schools
Stanhope Senior Named National Merit Finalist
HES Holds Spelling Bees
Holtville Elementary School recently held its annual third- and fourth-grade spelling bees. The students competed against each other for an opportunity to represent their school at the county level. Third-grade participants are shown above; fourth-grade participants are below.
Stanhope Elmore High School senior Braden McGee has been named a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship program. He has also learned that he is one of only 4,000 seniors in the country to be named among the Presidential Scholars Program. Last year McGee was recognized for having a rare perfect score of 36 on his ACT. He was part of the JROTC and represented well on Scholars Leadership and Academic Bowl team, taking top honors. He was chosen to attend to the Auburn Summer Science Institute. McGee has chosen to attend the University of Alabama at Huntsville, where he plans to pursue a degree working with Cyber Security. “Basically, I have a full ride there,” he said. “I visited the campus. I learned that internships are available. I really liked the campus, the Honors dormitories, the teachers. I am really looking forward to it.” McGee plans to participate in the Jump program at the school, which could get him both his bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years. He gives a lot of credit to his favorite teachers at SEHS who he says challenged him. McGee, second from left, is shown with teacher Johanna Angelo, Counselor Robyn Davis and Principal Dr. Bill Bergeron. (Photo and information for this article courtesy of Sarah Stephens, Elmore Autauga News)
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WMS Band Director Named Class Act
Wetumpka Middle School band instructor Diana Frazier, a 20-year teaching veteran, was recently chosen WSFA’s Class Act teacher. Frazier decided on this career path a long time ago after picking up her first instrument; it brought her immense happiness and she knew she wanted to share that feeling with others. “I have just always known I was going to be a teacher!” Frazier said. “I love what I do, I love working with kids, and just the joy that being in band in school brought me, I want to bring that to the students. It’s just a happiness and a sense of fulfillment that you just can’t get from anything else.”
Send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
ARIS Valentine Dance
On February 9, Airport Road Intermediate School held its annual Valentine Dance. This is a very special night that the boys and girls look forward to each year. The students dressed in their Valentine’s Best and were entertained by the latest dance music presented by D.J. Young Hope. The King and Queen of Hearts were also named at this special event. Anthony Bass was named King of Hearts and Lexi Parker was named Queen of Hearts. The annual event is a fundraiser for the ARIS general fund. We appreciate all of the parent volunteers who helped with this fun night. 63
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Elmore County Schools
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Edgewood Competes in District Science Fair
Edgewood Academy students recently competed in the District Science Fair at Southern Union Community College. Elementary winners in Biological Science are Emma Gilliand, third place, and Price Snow, Honorable Mention. Gilliand placed first in the Physical Science category. Junior High winners in Physical Science are Shaylee Collier, first place, and Hailey O’Brien, Honorable Mention. Lizzy Brown placed first in Biological Science with Lauren Edwards and Katelyn Mercer receiving an Honorable Mention. Senior High winner Emma Sanford placed in the Biological Science category. Winners competed in the state science fair on February 22 at Huntingdon College.
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Wind Creek Supports Schools!
Wind Creek and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians have been good neighbors to Eclectic Middle School in the past, and they showed up recently to bless the school again. EMS librarian Amy Harrell heard of a program where guests at Wind Creek can make donations before leaving the facilities. These donations are collected on a monthly basis and then given to area organizations that ask to be considered. She contacted Wind Creek, asking for assistance in providing books for students. Wind Creek representatives came with a check in the amount of $6,701.01! Thank you for your extreme generosity!
Send Your school news to: editor@ montgomeryparents.com.
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Wetumpka Womanless Beauty Pageant Fundraiser
WMS Spelling Bee Winners
On January 12, Wetumpka Middle School held its annual Spelling Bee. Judges were Assistant Principal Amy Kearley, Mrs. Adams, SSIP Coach, and Mrs. Boyd, mentoring specialist. Lynnes Justiss coordinated the event and refreshments were provided by the Wetumpka PTO. The PTO also provided cash prizes for the winners. The 1st-place winners received $50 cash and the 2nd-place winners received $25 cash. Above from left, the 5th and 6th grade winner was Kadi Sumner; 1st runner-up was Ayanna Allen; below from left, the 7th and 8th grade winner was Trey Whittington; runner-up was Logan Weighall.
Wetumpka High School’s Theatre Guild put the FUN in fundraiser recently, holding a womanless beauty pageant to raise money for the school’s theatre department. Wonderful “celebrity” judges included WSFA meteorologist Amanda Curran. Tickets were sold at the door for $5 apiece to a packed house, making this event one of the most successful fundraisers of the year!
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ARIS Honor Roll Celebration
Each nine week grading period, Airport Road Intermediate sets goals for improvement and we challenge each student to strive for academic excellence and overall improvement. This nine week grading period, Alabama Power, Poarch Creek Indians foundation, and CiCi’s Pizza sponsored our Honors Day breakfast. Each student received a CiCi’s Pizza free buffet card, juice, doughnut and an Honor Roll badge. They were also able to place their name into a special drawing. We continue to search for community partners, so call (334) 285-2115 if you would like to help our school or fund these events.
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Eclectic Elementary Names January Students of the Month
Kindergarten: Landon Pritchard, Stella Elliott, Niyla Goodson, Savannah Mann, Madali Lusco, Kynlee Murphy 1st Grade: Amirah Freeman, Natalie Callins, Brantley Hill, Adalyn Mayfield, Brantley Martin 2nd Grade: Daniel Weldon, Kimber Thornton, Natalie Boswell, Taylor McGhar, Damarcus Rogers 3rd Grade: Joshua Mulder, Om Patel, Ella McGhee, Bailey Kennedy, Matthew Burch, Gavin Simpson 4th Grade: Asher Justice, Callie Haynes, Addison Hicks, Sydney Boardwine 65
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Elmore County Schools
Holtville Reading Challenge
Students at Holtville Elementary had a reading challenge from Librarian Natalie McLemore: read 100 books and pass the AR quizzes. Seventeen students ranging from first to fourth grade succeeded in the challenge. Back row from left are Ethan Moore, Kohen Kreauter, Walker Mann, Ronnie Lee, Alex Mann and Aiden Fullerton; front, Callie Ray Stephens, Camryn Lee, Terra Hathcock, Trinity Bramlett, Laylah McQueen, Brittany Logan, Parker Hilyer, Carter Haigler and Tiara Bell.
Edgewood Students Learn Quilting
Elementary students at Edgewood Academy have been learning about making quilts with Rebecca Thornton. They worked together to create a friendship quilt.
Please send Your School News to: editor@montgomeryparents.com.
Redland Dalmatian Day!
Kellie Toole’s first-grade class at Redland Elementary celebrated 101 days of school dressed as Dalmatians! School librarian Leslie Hines met the students for storytime dressed as Cruella DeVille.
Eclectic’s 100th Day of School
Eclectic Elementary kindergarten students celebrated being 100 days smarter by dressing as 100-year-olds. Tara Holley’s class is above.
Holtville Elementary Science Fair Winners
At right, Holtville Elementary School recently held its annual Science Fair. The winners represented HES at the County Science Fair at the Lanark Nature Center in Millbrook. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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TheCollegeYears Preparing Teens for Life Outside the Nest
by Lee Gonet Limit Yourself
Many colleges believe that underprivileged students who can’t afford to pay for repeated testing or expensive coaching are at a disadvantage. As a result, over 340 schools nationwide will evaluate your overall record (collegeboard.com), and not just consider your highest scores. In light of this practice, I suggest increasing preparation and decreasing official testing.
ACT vs. SAT
Which Test is Best for You? For additional information, read Hannah Muniz’s or Alex Hiembach’s blogs on
prepscholar.com, read my previous articles in Montgomery Parents, or checkout my new website at leestestprep.com!
Each human being is unique and therefore thinks and processes differently. Neither the ACT nor the SAT is harder than the other, and they both test the same general information; nevertheless, they are structured differently, and as a result, a student, typically, scores higher on one test over another.
Does It Matter?
Test-prep can be time consuming and expensive, but high scores are invaluable in gaining admittance to the college of your choice and earning merit-based scholarships. You want to improve as much as possible, so taking a test that demonstrates your abilities to the best possible advantage is important. In other words, don’t waste time studying for both tests!
Which Test?
High schools in Alabama push the ACT, but colleges will accept either test and use a conversion chart similar to the one below. My advice has always been to take both as practice tests and see if you favor a particular one. When my daughter practiced the ACT, she came out of her room literally crying, “Mom, please don’t make me take that test.” However, she was comfortable with the SAT and upped her score considerably with practice.
Comparison Chart ACT 1-36
Score Range English
SAT 400-1600
45 min/75 questions = 36 sec. ATPQ* 35 min/44 questions = 48 sec. ATPQ* 5 passages with 15 questions each 4 passages with 11 questions each Mechanics 55% / Rhetorical 45% Mechanics 45% / Rhetorical 55% 60 min/60 questions = 60 sec. ATPQ* Math 80 min/58 questions = 83 sec ATPQ* Math counts for 25% of your composite Math counts for 50% of your composite 5 answer choices 4 answer choices Pre-Algebra 20-25% Intermediate-advanced Algebra 62% Elementary Algebra 15-20% Problem solving & data analysis 28% Intermediate Algebra 15-20% Geometry & Trigonometry 10% Coordinate geometry 15-20% Provides geometry formulas Plane geometry 20-25% 13 grid-in questions (22% of total) Trigonometry 5-10% 25 questions w/o use of calculator 35 min/40 questions = 53 sec. ATPQ* Reading 65 min/52 questions = 75 sec. ATPQ* 4 passages with 10 questions each 5 passages with 10-11 questions each 1 passage contains 2 sections 1 passage contains 2 sections 1 Fiction or Narrative, 1 Humanities, 1 Literature, 2 History or Social Studies 1 Social & 1 Natural Science 2 Science Questions asked from random sections Questions asked in chronological order Question Types: main idea, vocab, Question Types: same as ACT, plus inference, & detail evidence-supported, data, & technique 35 min/40 questions = 53 sec. ATPQ* Science No science section, but 35 science 6 Passages with 6-7 questions each questions in other 3 sections 65% of passages do not need to be read 100% of passages must be read Reading charts & graphs, calculating, Reading charts, graphs, & data, analyzing experiments understanding scientific concepts Analyze an argument, provide your Essay Analyze an argument, dissect its opinion, compare and contrast the two strengths and weaknesses, no opinions *ATPQ = Average Time Per Question (More time given on all SAT sections)
Conversion Chart
To see which test is best for you, convert each of your practice-test results using this ACT=SAT chart from the College Board. 36 = 1600 35 = 1560-1590 34 = 1520-1550 33 = 1490-1510 32 = 1450-1480 31 = 1420-1440 30 = 1390-1410 29 = 1350-1380 28 = 1310-1340 27 = 1280-1300
26 = 1240-1270 25 = 1200-1230 24 = 1160-1190 23 = 1130-1150 22 = 1100-1120 21 = 1060-1090 20 = 1020-1050 19 = 980-1010 18 = 940-970 17 = 900-930
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Limit Yourself Many colleges believe that underprivileged students who can’t afford to pay for repeated testing or expensive coaching are at a disadvantage. As a result, over 340 schools nationwide will evaluate your overall record (collegeboard.com), and not just consider your highest scores. In light of this practice, I suggest increasing preparation and decreasing official testing. 68
For additional information, read Hannah Muniz’s or Alex Hiembach’s blogs on prepscholar.com, read my previous articles in Montgomery Parents, or checkout my new website at leestestprep.com! Lee Gonet is an avid learner, speaker, educator, and world traveler. She loves challenging teenagers to excel beyond what society considers possible by teaching young people to think deeply, learn intensely, and act purposefully outside the classroom box. For example, her daughter worked abroad by 16 and her son earned his Engineering Master’s by 20. Dreams do come true.
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Getting a Grip on the “Internet of Things” It’s no secret that things are getting smarter. Devices let parents check in on sleeping babies and keep track of kids. Home management systems turn on lights, lock doors and monitor use of water or electricity. Entertainment apps notice what we like so they can offer similar products. Even little kids have apps and toys that learn their preferences by interacting with them. Taken together, all these smart, app-driven devices are called the Internet of Things (IoT). By 2020, there will be 50 billion of these intelligent devices according to one report from the Federal Trade Commission (tinyurl.com/ IoTpolicy). Proponents promise that this technology will integrate seamlessly into our lives, anticipating our needs and simplifying many chores. Beguiling as that scenario is, it comes with a price. All of these devices are “smart” because they are collecting information about our families—what we like, where we go, what we do and even what we say. It’s not paranoid to wonder who has access to all that information. The first line of defense is purchasing from reputable companies that make the extra effort to build security into their products. Before buying anything that claims to be smart, find out whether there is a procedure for updating security if the device is hacked. Second, figure out exactly what information the device collects. Devices and the apps that run them often sweep up information that isn’t essential for their mission. A step counter, for example, needs to keep track of how many steps you took, but not necessarily where you went. Give permission only for information needed to make the device functional. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Third, understand what use is made of the information. Many companies collect anonymous information to spot trends that help them improve their products. Some companies use data to determine what you like so they can recommend other things you might want to buy. And some companies share information with government agencies or sell it to other unrelated companies. Depending on the situation, these policies may seem perfectly OK or highly intrusive. You can’t make an informed decision unless you understand the company’s policy. Hacking, of course, is a risk even for products purchased from a reliable company that handles information responsibly. Many security experts are concerned that the Internet of Things is highly vulnerable to manipulation. Unlike computers and cellphones which come with elaborate security systems and update procedures, devices are not required to have protection. As a result, they may give hackers backdoor access to wireless systems and sensitive data on other devices. Consumers can defend themselves by taking these precautions. Install updates. Hackers are constantly testing systems to see if they are vulnerable. Responsible companies develop fixes as soon as they are aware of problems, but those solutions won’t help if you don’t install updates. Keep track of the smart devices your family uses. Set up software so updates are downloaded automatically if possible. Or designate one day a month as Security Day. Log into the apps and websites that control your smart devices and install any updates. Delete apps controlling devices that aren’t being used. 70
Take passwords seriously. Many experts recommend a unique password for each device. That way, even if one device is compromised, hackers won’t have access to other information. Of course, it’s not easy to keep track of dozens of passwords. A password storage program like Last Pass will generate and keep track of truly random passwords, but are vulnerable to hackers. Another alternative is to develop your own system for creating unique but memorable passwords. Start with a ten or twelve word phrase that has meaning for you. It could be a song lyric, a favorite quote, the punchline to a family joke, something cute one of your kids said, or a simple fact about your family. Pay special attention to microphones and cameras. Devices with microphones and cameras can eavesdrop on your family, so they require extra supervision. Learn how to disable cameras and mute microphones when they aren’t in use. If you don’t have confidence in the controls, think twice about purchasing the device. Or cover lenses with privacy stickers, available from companies like camjmr.com. Consider a separate Wifi connection. As smart devices proliferate, some experts suggest having two password protected Wifi connections for your home. One provides access to computers, tablets and cellphones and the other allows communication among things—toys, toasters, thermostats and home management systems like Amazon’s Echo or Google’s Home. Some routers make this easy by providing a guest network option, but most families will need a professional to make sure everything is configured properly. Although smart devices have the potential to make family life more convenient and entertaining, they can also be an expensive distraction. Ultimately, parents have to be the smart ones, evaluating each product to decide whether it’s useful enough—and secure enough--to deserve a place in your home. Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing the Growing Up Online column for ten year. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Available at Amazon and Cooperative Wisdom.org. @ Copyright, 2018, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.
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Easter
Pl e a se join u s a s w e c e l e br at e
EASTER SCHEDULE
Maundy Thursday | March 29
Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar at 6:00 pm
Good Friday | March 30
Veneration of the Cross at 12:00 pm | Stations of the Cross with Veneration of the Cross: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday | March 31
The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism at 8:00 pm Champagne Reception to follow
Easter Sunday | April 1
Sunrise Eucharist in the Courtyard Garden at 6:00 am | Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am
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If your kids are going to sleepaway camp this summer, you may be wrestling with worries and what-ifs. What if he wets the bed? What if the other kids are cliquish or mean? Will the camp director
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Why Parents Worry “Much of our anxiety as parents stems from the fact that there are so many things we cannot control in our childrens’ lives,” says Paul Donahue, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Parenting Without Fear. You may worry that without structure kids won’t be able to handle routine tasks like showering, brushing teeth or getting dressed. One mom I know felt so sure her son wouldn’t change clothes at camp that she packed
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Anxiety is understandable, but it shouldn’t stop you from sending kids off to camp. It’s likely that many of your cherished childhood memories involve nature, new friends, and time to explore on your own. Summer camp offers all these opportunities and more. his items – one pair of underwear, shorts, shirt, and socks – in gallon-size Ziploc bags, labeled with the days of the week. Because parents focus so much on kids’ needs, it’s hard to step back. Coverage of natural disasters and child predators makes the world seem scary. “Concern about the safety of children has become something of a national obsession,” Donahue observes. Even though our protective instincts keep us on edge, sometimes we have to trust others to care for our kids, and trust our kids to look out for themselves. Fear of letting go can also be driven by our own uncertainty about who we are without our kids and what we’ll do while they’re away. Without baseball practice, piano lessons, bedtime routines and movie night, our lives would be slower and saner and…emptier.
How to Stop It Don’t let worries weigh you down. Use them as an opportunity to confront your own needs for safety, control, and closeness. Here’s how. Step back. Anxieties have a way of sucking you in. Your thoughts and emotions may be swirling like a tornado around you. Get out of the eye of the storm and reflect on your feelings. What (exactly) are your worries? Write them down so you can face them head on. Question your assumptions. Fears may be fueled by irrational beliefs. Kids don’t suffer serious malnutrition from week-long candy binges. And wearing dirty clothes 73
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won’t kill them either. Concerned your temperamental child won’t fit in socially? Allow for the possibility she’ll find buddies to hang out with all on her own. Don’t let your beliefs limit kids’ potential. Keep goals in mind. Ultimately, parents want kids to become self-reliant, says Donahue, and building self-reliance requires parents do less, not more for their kids. Camp builds competence and independence. Give your kids time to stretch beyond their comfort zones. Have a plan. Keep anxieties in control by making a plan for how you’ll use your “time off.” Schedule special time with siblings who aren’t going camping. Plan a romantic date or overnight getaway with your spouse. Learn something new or catch up on your favorite shows. Stay busy (but in a good way). You deserve a change of pace, too. Share stories. One sure-fire way to break out of anxiety is to remember and share the fun times you had at camp with your kids. Tell them where you went and what you did. The time you flipped your canoe over and got sopping wet in the lake shouldn’t be a secret. Kids love to hear about parents’ camp adventures. Stay connected. The kids will be gone but not forgotten. Find fun postcards, print pictures of family pets, and collect care-package items to send. Getting mail from home makes kids feel special. Resist the urge to check in every day: kids need space. Send supplies so your kids can mail letters home. They’ll want to share their experiences and you’ll treasure their letters forever. Anxiety is understandable, but it shouldn’t stop you from sending kids off to camp. It’s likely that many of your cherished childhood memories involve nature, new friends, and time to explore on your own. Summer camp offers all these opportunities and more. It’ll be okay if they stay up too late, eat burned marshmallows, or lose their swim goggles in the lake. Really. mp Heidi Smith Luedtke, is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids. She is the author of Detachment Parenting. Learn more at HeidiLuedtke.com.
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A Page in a Book Celebrating the Superhero in Your Kid Using their unfettered imagination, children often transform themselves into their favorite heroic figures. They insist on wearing a cape to the grocery store. Some will only answer when addressed by their crime-fighting alias. Many will turn the simplest action into flashy and dramatic demonstrations of super-strength or agility. Heroic pretend-play is a completely natural way for kids to empower themselves by adopting the strengths of largerthan-life figures. In addition to building their self-esteem, recent studies show that children pretending to be superheroes tend to exhibit better self-control and persistence. The following titles celebrate the spirit of kids who use their heroic passion to help others.
Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime
by Lisa Mantchev, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill (Simon & Schuster) They used to fight each other. But when Jinx and her little brother ‘the Doom’ discover the power of joining forces against the greater enemy, their duo dynamic is a household force to be reckoned with. Neither enemies sprung from their fertile imaginations nor missions from headquarters (Mom) are too tough for this pair of heroes to tackle. Featuring characteristics that define good behavior, this title highlights ways to be heroic helpers around the house. Packed with all the exuberance that parents of superheroes will instantly recognize, this charming title peeks into the superpowers our little helpers.
Superbat
by Matt Carr (Scholastic) Waking up during the night among a row of bats just like him, Pat realized that he wants to be someone special, something more. Crafting a costume, complete with mask and cape, he reveals himself in the morning as ‘Superbat”! But his fellow bats quickly dismiss his ‘superpowers’ (his ability to fly, his keen hearing, his echolocation skills) as something they all have. As Pat’s selfconfidence begins to flag with the approach of evening, a cry for help becomes a call to action for a young bat who’s anything but ordinary. Celebrating the transformational power of courage, Superbat recognizes the real heart of heroism.
Kid Amazing vs. The Blob
by Josh Schneider (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) Just an average kid doing schoolwork, Jimmy hears the alarm that calls for the extra special powers of Kid Amazing. Tasked by the commissioner (Mom) to solve the howling that rings through the house, Jimmy accepts the mission and suits up. Tracking the sound to its source, a suspicious odor joins the trail of clues. Armed with alert eyes and a keen nose, Kid Amazing finds a familiar foe and fixes the problem in one heroic move. Taking a delightful look through the eyes of the child superhero, Schneider’s illustrations fill the household spaces with hidden lairs, secret weapons and imagined foes. With a nod to the kids who excel at helping, Kid Amazing vs The Blob celebrates children’s power to be heroic, every day.
Find more reading recommendations at www.PageBookMedia.com.
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Montgomery Ice Skaters Compete in Dallas K Lynn Ice Skating Team from Montgomery traveled to Dallas, Texas, February 15-19 to participate in competition. The Ice Skating Institute now recognized as Ice Sports Industry (ISI), Winter Classic Competition had 21 teams from nine states competing. K Lynn took the 4th-place overall team trophy with only 16
skaters. The largest team had 105 skaters. The K Lynn Ice Skating Team returned home with 40 Gold, 31 Silver, 28 Bronze, 12 fourth-place, 9 fifth-place and 7 sixth-place awards. Each skater participated in several events. Attending skaters were Jasmine Anderson, Elisa Bode, Nadja Chambers, Cayci Chambers, Heidi Chiou, Sydney Eng, Mary Jo Fryer, Hannah Lee, Alison Magda, Emily Magda, Cadence Roberts, Ansley Roberts, Caroline Rogers, Libby Rogers, Leah Simms, and Ella Jane Tatum. Events ranged from Freestyle, Dance, Footwork, Spotlight Events (theatrical), Solo Compulsories, and Jump and Spin events. The K Lynn skaters train at least two or three days per week and more prior to competitions. They earn
medals individually and as a team. They were one of the smallest participating teams and brought home the fourth-place overall team trophy. These skaters and our Saturday morning class skaters will be skating in the Eastdale Mall “Easter Bunny Arrival on Ice” March 3 at 11 a.m. Come see our local skaters perform. Remember all Olympic dreams start with the first skating lesson on ice! For more info, contact Coach Kathy Shankle at (334) 538-7771.
BIRMINGHAM PARENT’S 8TH ANNUAL
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SATURDAY, MARCH 10, 2018, 10-3 AT THE EXCEPTIONAL FOUNDATION—FREE BOOTHS AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE CALL 205-987-7700 OR EMAIL INFO@BIRMINGHAM PARENT.COM 77
MITCHELL’S PLACE ELROD MOBILITY BRADFORD & HOLLIMAN GRIFFIN MOBILITY
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ParentingToday’sTeens by Mark Gregston
A False Sense of Maturity It’s probably happened to a lot of dads. Your kid spends his mornings watching you drag yourself to the bathroom mirror, pile some shaving cream in your hand, break out your razor, and start shaving your face. Soon, your son (or maybe even daughter) decides they need to shave too. So you squirt a little cream in their hands, supply them a with tongue depressor, and let them “shave.” As you both lean into the vanity mirror, it’s hard not to laugh, watching your five-year-old seriously attack the non-existent stubble on his face. Fast-forward a few years. Okay, maybe your teen actually needs to trim a few straggly hairs from his chin now. But, like the child who thought he was ready to shave way before he reached puberty, most teens still consider themselves more mature than they really are. Their spirit of independence makes them believe they are ready to tackle the world, when they can barely tackle their homework! As parents we know that maturity is the byproduct of responsibility and experience. We only gain maturity because we have to in order to survive! And so unless our teens are given responsibility, they will get stuck in a state of perpetual immaturity. Let me offer some “do’s” and “don’ts” to help you eliminate your teen’s illusion of adulthood and get them moving towards maturity.
Don’t Shame Them Giving your teen more responsibility and experience can be a very scary thing! When your child is learning to ride a bike, you eventually have to take the training wheels off. You take off those extra wheels while your child is still young, fully realizing he or she will wobble and weeble, and probably crash a few times. When the inevitable happens, and the bike flips, you don’t run up, point, and shame your child by saying, “What did you do? How could you have crashed? What were thinking?” Rather, you pick them up, brush them off, dry a few tears, and put them right back on the bike. Life is like that bicycle. Your teenager will crash. But we don’t run up and pile on the guilt Montgomery Parents I March 2018
and blame. Gaining experience and becoming responsible takes time. So when your teen falls over, pick her up, and keep encouraging her to pedal. That’s how you can help your teen mature.
Don’t Nag Them Of course, your constant reminders are coming from a place of love and a desire for what’s best for your kids. You’re trying to nurture them to be responsible adults. But parents— nagging simply doesn’t help a kid mature. It only teaches him how to tune you out and treat your instructions like white noise. Of course some parents have the opposite tendency. Instead of stepping up to the plate and teaching our kids how to take initiative, we become passive observers and watch our teens float through life without ever growing up. Thankfully, moms and dads can work together so the bumps in one personality fill in the dips in another. By working together and communicating with each other well, parents can encourage each other and ensure that they are striking a good balance between nagging and passivity. Moms and dads may tend towards one end of the spectrum or the other, but both nurturing and pushing are incredibly important to the development of a teen. Now, you might be a single parent, and this method for pushing and relaxing is a bit harder. You have to play both roles. So, try this. Three days out of the week, push your teen towards more responsibility and accountability. The other days of the week, focus on loving and encouraging instead. In this way, you’re striking a balance being training and relating to your teen.
Do Have a Plan Your daughter won’t go to bed a kid one day, and wake up an adult the next. Have a game plan in place to take those training wheels off and get her moving in the right direction. It might look something like this: 12 to 13 years old—Require your daughter to make her own lunch for school. Assign your son weekly household chores. Extend her curfew. Place him in charge of the family pet. 78
14 to 15 years old—Give your son a cell phone with pre-determined minutes and data thresholds. Hold him responsible to get up each morning and make it to school. Have her wash her own laundry. Allow him to decide the family dinner once a week. 16 to 17—Require her to pay for her own car insurance and gas. Make him responsible for finishing his homework and school projects without parental supervision. Make her find a summer job to supplement a decreasing allowance. Require him to volunteer time at a local charity on a regular basis. This is just a sample of the plan that you might use to develop maturity in your child. Tailor it to fit your family and teen.
Do Help Teens Think for Themselves Ask good questions that stoke a teen’s thought process. For example, take the recent trend of young female musicians pushing the envelope. Ask your teen daughter about her thoughts on the issue. Are these young artists simply being creative? What message are they projecting? Do their actions help or hurt them? When you sit down to watch a television show with your son, engage his mind afterwards. It could be something as simple as, “what do you like about this program? What don’t you like?” Then sit back and listen, without judgment, correction, or condemnation. As your teens answer, the synapses in their brain start to fire, and connections begin to be made. It might take a while for them to see the logic (or illogic) in their thoughts, but you are starting them on a path that will help them see the world in a critical and discerning way. So stop supplying your teen with the ideas and thoughts you think they should have. Our job is not to recreate our minds and beliefs in their lives. They need to develop their own thoughts and feelings and learn to process them. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder of a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. Mark’s passion for helping teens can be seen in his 40 years of involvement with families as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and now, as the Executive Director of Heartlight, where he has lived with and helped over 2,700 teens. To find out more about Mark and his ministry to parents and teens, you can visit www.HeartlightMinistries.org or www.ParentingTodaysTeens.org.
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Self-Determination at
By Heidi Smith Luedtke, PhD
Parents spend a lot of time trying to motivate kids. We use chore charts, checklists, reminders and rewards to get them to feed the dog, clean their rooms, and complete schoolwork. But these techniques don’t change behavior long-term. Real motivation must come from within.
The Psychology of Summer Camp Time at camp may be all it takes to spark a little self-determination in your kid. I know it sounds too good to be true. Your school-age slacker – the one who expects you to find his homework and pack his lunch – might start doing some things for himself. And your often-bored tween might come home with more pep in her step.
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Psychologists use self-determination theory (SDT) to explain why some experiences make us feel engaged and excited while others drain and deplete us. The premise is simple: when an activity meets our needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, we are energized and empowered. Kids’ basic needs are no different from adults’. Kids want to do things for themselves. They crave a sense of accomplishment and routinely seek feedback. (“Look what I made, Mom!”) And kids thrive on connections with loved ones and peers. Feelings of belongingness boost their selfworth. Summer camp offers loads of opportunities to meet all these needs. And that should make kids (and the parents who love them) very happy campers indeed.
Autonomy
Why Has Camp Been Great For Your Kids? Both of my daughters have gone to camp overnight. I think it helps kids to learn to be confident in their independence. - Andrea McKemey Ingram
All three of our girls have had amazing camp experiences. Summer camp has been an opportunity for them to experience some independence in a safe environment. It has also been fun for them to develop friendships with girls from other places, and they enjoy keeping up with those friends throughout the year. Of course, all of the fun activities play a big role in how much they love camp too! I think the most important thing for parents is to find a camp you can trust with counselors you feel good about spending the week with your child. - Milla Howard
The need for autonomy is satisfied when kids control their own lives. At camp, your son will have endless opportunities to care for himself. Staff won’t select his clothes, organize the contents of locker, or remind him to put on deodorant. No one will delay dessert until he eats his veggies. Independence is what camp is all about. Don’t worry. The world won’t stop if your son wears the same shirt three days in a row. His peers will speak up if he gets super stinky. During the school year, many kids jump from one regularly scheduled activity to the next with no unstructured time in between. Camp puts kids in charge of their own activities. Maybe your daughter will take a hike. Maybe she’ll paint pottery. Maybe she’ll write you an email. It is up to her to decide how she’ll spend her free time. One thing is certain: she won’t sit around whining about having nothing to do. And if she does, you won’t be there to hear it.
Finding friends who enjoyed the same interests of my children, something in common. Stephanie Harrison
Competence The need for competence is satisfied when kids learn new things and get positive feedback about their efforts. Your kid might choose a camp focused on art, science, sports, or mu-
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sic. Or he may opt for a good old-fashioned sleep-away experience, complete with row boats and weenie roasts. Some camp activities may be outside your kid’s comfort zone. Stretching is good. Your child may be unsure she can cross the slippery log over the creek. She may tremble with excitement about her role in the theater production. Peers and counselors will coax her along and give constructive advice. By the end of camp, she’ll be the star of her own adventure stories. If your kid is an experienced camper, encourage him to share what he knows with newbies. Being an ambassador or mentor affirms kids’ competence in a big way. Teaching a peer how to trim a sail or chip a golf ball out of the tall grass will take your son’s skills to a higher level. His confidence will soar in response.
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Relatedness Your biggest concerns about summer camp may center on the social scene. Your child may not know anyone on arrival. That’s okay. Camps create connections in many ways. Your kid will be instantly bonded with bunkmates because they share a home base. Familystyle dining and friendly competitions encourage interaction, too. The pursuit of shared goals – like building a robot or putting a frog in the counselor’s sleeping bag – cements kids’ camaraderie. Extroverted kids may make lots of friends at camp. Less sociable souls may not. What matters most is that kids have opportunities to talk, play and live with a diverse group of peers. They won’t all become fast friends. Learning to navigate the choppy waters of friendship formation is a big part of the camp experience. Your kid’s social skillset will expand – even if she doesn’t find a new BFF. No matter what your kid takes to camp, he’ll come home with a suitcase full of memories and a renewed sense of self-determination. You’ll see it as soon as he wakes from his long post-camp nap. mp Heidi Smith Luedtke, is a personality psychologist and mom of two adventurous kids. She is the author of Detachment Parenting. Learn more at HeidiLuedtke.com.
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Groups
There Is Hope Ahead. 83
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Whether you want them to experience day or overnight camp, sports or fine arts, our listing has details on these and many more. It’s time to get your campers ready for summer fun!
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Art/Music/Theater Alabama Christian Academy Camp Eagle ad on page 59
4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 36109 Seven One-week sessions from June 5-July 27. Camp Eagel is a FUN-tastic first class Christian day camp for ALL kids ages 5-completed 5th grade. Come experience a summer of fun at Camp Eagle. Every single day is filled with an exciting variety of activities. Your child will participate daily in recreational and cooperative games, arts and crafts, sports activities, academic components, praise time, swimming, free time field trips and more. Ages: 5 Years - Completed 5th Grade (334) 277-1985 dsanford@alabamachristian.org www.acacampeagle.org
M.E.O.W. Academy Camp Kids Groove ad on page 74
104 Mendel Pkwy., Montgomery, AL 36117 July 17-27. A musical camp geared towards highlighting musical expression. Students will explore the souful expression behind being a ROCKSTAR. Piano, Guitar, Voice, Percussion, Brass, and more. Culminating Performance on the 28th at Robert E. Lee High School. Ages: 5 to 15 (334) 676.1449 www.meowadacemy.net
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Summer Camps ad on page 94
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 1 Museum Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Teen Camp: June 25-29, Ages 13 and up. Afternoons and Youth Camp: June 4-8, July 9-13, July 23-27, Ages 6-12. Week-long. Half-day or All day. These unique full-filled camps offer small group instruction (10 students to 1 teacher ratio; maximum of 20 students) in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. Students also view and learn about famous works of art in a Museum setting. Each week a variety of art media and techniques are explored, such as drawing with pastels, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencils, and markers; painting with watercolors, tempera, and acrylics; sculpting with clay and mixed media; and creating relief prints. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Different themes, art projects, and techniques are offered each week, with a special student exhibition and reception for family members at the end of camp each Friday. Camp fee includes snacks and all art materials. The camps are also designed for working parents, as extended hours are offered. Camps are limited to 20 students and fill up quickly, so sign up today! Full day students MUST bring their own lunch. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.4333 www.mmfa.org
Montgomery Music Project Summer Camp ad on page 19
2416 W Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36104 Montgomery Music Project (MMP) offers an enriching day camp full of engaging music activities and classes for children of a variety of ages and abilities. Daily orchestra lessons are supplemented with group drumming, musicianship class, singing and more. The 2018 MMP Summer Camp will be announced. Ages: Age varies by camp (901) 603.0420 montgomerymusicproject@gmail.com http://montgomerysymphony.org
P’zazz Art Studio ad on page 53
138 W. Main St. Downtown Prattville, AL 36066 Weekly Classes. Please call for days and times. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 354.1975 kaseyau@gmail.com www.pzazzart.com
Paint & Clay Studio ad on page 74
4319 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36109 Paint your own pottery or canvas. Full and half day Summer camps. Plan your next party with us! Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 819.4450 https://www.facebook.com/ Just-Claying-Around-Paint-and-Clay-Studio
Sylvan STEM Camps ad on page 21
Sylvan Learning Center, 2640 Zelda Road, Montgomery, AL 36107 Creative Coding: June 4-7, 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. $124. Students will discover programming through art, music and math. Campers will collaborate to plan and build projects using visual programming. They will create interactive greetings, experiment with sounds and musical notes, make comics, de-
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sign and animate characters and build level-based games. Grades 3-8. 3rd Annual STEM Challenge Camp: June 25-28 or July 16-19 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Grades 3-8, $149. Students will explore an ALL NEW real world problem and work in a team to solve the problem using K’NEX. Teams will compete against each other and with other Sylvan centers across the country to design the winning solution. Entries will be judged at the end of the summer by a team of judges. Grand prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. LAST YEAR WE PLACED NATIONALLY! 2nd PLACE OVERALL! All Day Botlab/Engineering Camp: June 11-14 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., $124 or July 9-12 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Grades 1-6, $240. An actionpacked camp centered around different themes each session! Students collaborate in pairs to build their own design based on robotics 201/202. They will use software to create programs and animate their bots. We will break from 12:30-1:30 for lunch. Don’t forget to pack your lunch! Study Skills Back to School Camp: July 23-26 from 9a.m. until 12 p.m. Grades 9-12, $124. Our new Back to School Boot Camp will give your child the skills and confidence needed for success – both in and out of the classroom. Students will learn critical study skills strategies, including how to: Set goals for the upcoming year, Organize schoolwork and study areas, Learn time management skills, Learn strategies to address learning preferences and Assess and successfully tackle all learning situations. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 262.0043 www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery
Trinity Art Camp ad on page 35
Trinity Presbyterian School, 1700 East Trinity Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Dates to be announced. Please check our website for more information. Ages: 1st-5th Grade (334) 213.2100
www.trinitywildcats.com
Abrakadoodle Summer Art Camps and Classes
We bring everything schools and community sites need to offer an exceptional art experience: well-trained teachers, awesome art camp themes with the perfect art lessons, tools and materials to engage kids in fun art adventures. Abrakadoodle camp programs immerse kids in design, exploration, creativity, planning and problem solving in an environment that is packed with art activities that kids love! Abrakadoodle campers can get messy while experimenting with art. As kids unleash their
www.montgomeryparents.com
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creative potential, they will: • Build skills as they discover art techniques, styles and artists • Use a wide variety of art materials to make original creations • Experiment and problem-solve with inspiring activities • Enjoy fun social interaction via collaborative art adventures • Play joy-filled games • Develop CREATIVITY Ages: Ages 3-5 and 6-12
preparation for Camp Shakespeare! Ages: 5th-8th Grade
ASF Acting Camps Broadway South Musical Theatre Camp
(334) 271.5393 glambert@asf.net www.asf.net
(334) 265.5758 mcornwell@abrakadoodle.com www.abrakadoodle.com/AL01
Alabama Shakepeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 July 9-13, 9:00am - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $300. If you’re a triple threat just waiting to happen-you need to come to camp! Sing, dance and act side by side with real live professional actors on the ASF stage. At the end of the week they might be asking you for your autograph! Ages: 9th-12th Grade
Camp Shakespeare
July 16-20 or June 23-27, 8:30am - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $300. Work with real New York based actors as you learn to act, move and cross swords like the pros. You don’t know what cool is until you can sound like a Shakespearean actor! Ages: 4th-6th Grade
Camp Shakespeare Extreme
June 18-22 or June 26-30, 9:00am - 4:00 p.m. Fee: $300. It’s Camp Shakespeare but - extreme. Dig deeper into your character, move effortlessly around the stage, learn to project and enunciate! Don’t know what enunciate means? You will when everyone is hanging on every word during your monologue. Ages: 7th-12th Grade
Camp Shakespeare Junior
July 4-8 or June 11-15. Fee: $149. An introduction to theatre for your 5 to 8 year old, engaging them with dramatic play and theatre games. A great
Weekend Warrior
July 27, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and July 28, 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fee: $150 (Only $100 with any other camp). Learn the skills of stage combat! Your personal fight master will teach you the secrets of hand to hand combat techniques as well as the use of various weapons. Ages: 7th-12th Grade
ASU Tonea Stewart’s Performing Arts Camps
915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Camps in acting, singing, dancing, oral interpretation, and technical theater. TAPS-Theatre Artist Performance School (Ages 6-12) Enrichment Activities Program held May 28- June 9; $325 Registration Cost CAMP 3T-Teaching Through Theatre (Ages 13-18) Residential program in performance for teenagers held June 24-30, $375 Registration TTI-Technical Theatre Initiative (Ages 15-18) Practical training in the technical arts held June 11-16 & June 24-30; $215/Five hours daily GIFTED-Giving Individual Freedom to Express Diversity (Ages 13-21) A performance program for individuals with special needs held; (Tues.-Weds.Thurs.) July 10-13 All applications require a $50 non-refundable deposit to be applied towards the camp fee. Ages: Ages 6 - 21 years (334) 229.6755
toneastewartcamps.com
Barb’s Summer Art Camp
Barb’s On Mulberry and Nancy’s Italian Ice, 1923 Mulberry Street, Montgomery, AL 36106 3 day ART CAMPS with Barb Grimes for 5 and up...$45 a day or $135 for 3 days. Painting, Drawing, Collage, Mosaics, Oil Pastels, Etc. Session 1 – June 5-7
Session 2 – June 20-22 Session 3 – June 26-28 Session 4 – July 10-12 Session 5 – July 17-19 Session 6 – July 24-26 Art with Barb Grimes at Nancy’s Ice (Sturbridge Shopping Center): May 29, 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. until 10:45 and/or 11 a.m. until 11:45; Ages 3 and up. One day art camps – painting canvases. $15 for one painting a day or $25 for two paintings a day. Plus free ice treats. Paint a canvas with Barb at Nancy’s Ice through the months of June and July Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 10 a.m. $15 plus free ice treats. Call to save a spot. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 269.2272 or (334) 546-2233 Link on website www.barbsonmulberry.com or www.facebook.com/ barbsonmulberry.com
McBrien Design Art Studio
515 Seasons Court, Prattville , AL 36066 SUPER FUN ART CAMPS! Morning and afternoon sessions plus 4, and 5 day camps to choose from. Each session features different themes, art activities, and techniques, so be sure to sign up for more than one session. Ages: Ages 6-17 (334) 361-2238 or (334) 546-2771 mcbriendesign@ charter.net www.mcbriendesign.com
Spicer’s Garage Band Camp
2140 E University Drive, Ste. K, Auburn, AL 36830 Rock Band Camp, Praise Camp, Camp Kazoo, Advanced Camp. Attention aspiring musicians, ages 8 - 18! If you love music, and want to play in a rock band, this camp is for you! At Spicer’s Garage Band Camp, you will have a blast as you jam daily with your band mates. Campers receive individualized lessons in their instrument of choice and work with other musicians to create their own unique sound. Ages: Ages 8-18 (334) 329.7529 garagebandcamp@gmail.com
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sions. June 4 - July 20. Time: 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (4-12 years). $175, Pre-register before May 26: $150. Including all styles of dance, modeling & manners, fashion shows, talent show, arts & crafts, water play and mini manicures! Summer dance classes for all ages beginning June 4 in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Baton and Tumbling. Ages: Age varies by camp
(334) 277.1098 https://www.facebook. com/Tonya-Speeds-Dance-Connection
United Gymstars & Cheer Camp ad on page 43
www.spicersmusic.com
Stringfellows
507 Columbus Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 June 17-23: The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce Stringfellows Summer Music Seminar, a “camp” to be held at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. Stringfellows is designed to serve rising 7th-9th grade students of the violin, viola, cello, and bass. This seven-day residential music camp will focus on building the skills necessary for success on one’s instrument. Camp enrollment will be limited to the first 30 applicants accepted. The camp’s activities will be anchored by a string orchestra, which will rehearse 2-3 times a day. Ages: 7th-9th Grade (334) 240-4004
www.MontgomerySymphony.org
Dance/Gymnastics/ Cheer Camps Alabama River Region Ballet ad on page 39
Festival Plaza, 7981 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 June 4-8 and June 11-15 Children’s Fairytale Ballet Camp: (ages 3-7) Includes ballet class and ballet oriented movies and crafts relating to classical storybook ballets. Light snack included. Summer Camp: for ages 8-11. Summer Dance Intensive for ages 12-18. Classes offered in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, & Modern. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 356-5460 riverregionballet@gmail.com www.riverregionballet.com
6100 Brewbaker Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116 8 week Summer Camp, Weekly themed activities, gymnastics, trampoline, rope climbing, crafts and more. Beginning first week in June through beginning of August; Time: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages: 5 and up. Half Day offered for 4 year olds. Build your own schedule. Flexible days and times. Call for rates. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 284.2244
www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com
Alabama Dance Theatre
Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 The Alabama Dance Theatre will be offering summer classes in classes in classical ballet (pre-ballet to the professional level), pointe and variations, pas de deux, composition, modern, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, tap and “Back to Dance” Session I is: May 29-June 14 and Session II is June 25-July 12. There will also be a “Tutus and Tiaras” camp for ages 3-8 on June 18-22. The Alabama Dance Theatre Summer Intensive Seminar for intermediate and advanced dancers will be held July 15-27. The Summer Dance Seminar culminates with 2 Free performances of “Stars On the Riverfront” July 29 and July 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. Classes will be held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, home of the Alabama Dance Theatre. Ages: Age varies per camp (334) 241.2590
www.alabamadancetheatre.com
C.J.’S Dance Factory (home of the Prattville Ballet)
Prattville Ballet, 145 S. Court St, Prattville, AL 36067 Camp Dates: June to July Little Princess Ballerina Camp: Tutus, Tiaras and Princess Activities, Power Tumble Gymnastics Camp and Ballet Technique. Ages: Age varies by camp
Armory Athletics
(334) 467.8603 ballerinasrule@msn.com www.cjsdancefactory.com
1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 Kids Summer Camp, June 4-July 20 Full Day, Weekly, $150; Daily, $35 Half Day, Weekly, $100; Daily, $25 Games, Gymnastics, Ninja, Crafts, Swimming, Field Trips, Friends and Fun! Ages: Ages 5-14
Centre’ for Performing Arts
ad on page 14
(334) 625.2789 www.armoryathletics.com
Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection ad on page 29
3370 Harrison Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 Summer Fun Day-camp dates: Six one-week sesMontgomery Parents I March 2018
975 S. Memorial Drive, Prattville , AL 36067 June Intensive, June 11-15 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. with an hour lunch break. Dance Classes: July 9-Aug. 2, Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical/Contemporary and Gymnastics. Ages 2 and up. Competition team auditions in the month of July. Diva Dance Camp (ages 5-12); June 6-8 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 491.1192
www.centreforperformingarts.com
register for the more you save! We offer early and late pick up at a fee for you convenience. Dates TBA. Montgomery Ballet Fairytale Camp (Ages 4-6) The Montgomery Ballet’s Fairytale Camp focuses on the formation and development of young bodies to begin to learn the basics of ballet. Montgomery Ballet Dance Into Summer (Ages 7+) The Montgomery Ballet’s Dance Into Summer Program encourages campers to get moving and have fun with dance! Campers will be introduced to classical ballet and other dance forms including Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Modern. Performance Opportunity: At the end of our camp program, each group of campers will perform the choreography they learned during summer camp! You must attend the last two weeks of camp to participate in the showcase. Ages: Varies by camp (334) 409.0522 www.montgomeryballet.org
Day Camps Alabama State University SKYCAP/IMSET 2018 ad on page 20
Ralph David Abernathy Auditorium, 915 S. Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Session 1: June 4-22; Session 2: July 9-27 Orientation: May 19 from 9a.m. until 2p.m.; Half and full-day programs. Academics, computers, arts and fitness. A variety of courses to expand and peak your child’s imagination, sharpen academic skills and introduce them to physical fitness activities. Ages: 1st-12th Grade (334) 229.4686 or (334) 229.4317 www.alasu.edu/continuingeducation
Alabama Wildlife Federation ad on page 32
3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 Expedition Lanark Outdoor Day Camp June 4 -August 3. Expedition Lanark is a full day summer camp that provides hands-on, outdoor educational activities that teach natural resource stewardship, develop leadership skills, build character and open your child’s mind to outdoor adventures and fun. From Tadpoles to Trail Blazers, Counselors in Training, High Adventure, Gross Out Camp and so much more, we have something for your child (ages 5-15) to explore this summer! Extended Care is available for an additional fee. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 285.4550 www.alabamawildlife.org
AUM Summer Youth Programs ad on page 52
75 TechnaCenter Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Camps offered from June through July Other: OutReach offers a variety of educational enrichment programs children of all ages including Summer Youth Camps, ACT Review classes, Math & Reading Programs, and an Accelerated Program (Brainiac Camp). These programs instill children with an excitement for learning, prepare them for the upcoming school year, and even equip them with necessary skills for the college entrance exam. Ages: K5-12th Grade (334) 244.3804
www.outreach.aum.edu/classes
Gross Out Camp Takes Science Outdoors ad on page 32
Montgomery Ballet
2101 Eastern Blvd. Ste 223, Montgomery, AL 36117 Our camp programs are available in one, two, or three-week packages. The more weeks you
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Alabama Nature Center (Lanark), 3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 July 23-27; Cost: $200
www.montgomeryparents.com
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Yuck...if it’s gross we’ve got it! This award-winning science camp focuses on hands-on biology. Activities include: creek stomping expeditions for macro-invertebrates, meet-a-tree style scientific observation, and creativity such as making your own bird-poop paint (not from birds). Kids will meet live snakes in a reptile program. Learning has never been this much fun! Sponsored by Fresh Air Family. The camp combines science experiments, exploring, journaling, and nature-inspired arts and crafts to address a variety of learning styles. Ages: Ages 6-9 (205) 540-6642 www.alabamawildlife.org or www.GrossOutCamp.org
Montgomery Zoo ad on page 55
2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 June 4-8: 11-12 year olds, full day camp (8:00am - 5:00pm); June 11-15: 9-10 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); June 18-22: 9-10 year olds, full day camp (8:00am - 5:00pm); June 2529: 7-8 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); July 9-13: 7-8 year olds, full day camp (8:00am 5:00pm); July 16-20: 5-6 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon);nJuly 23-27: 5-6 year olds, half day camp (8:00am - Noon); Cost: Non- members; $180 for full day, $140 half day. Members; $162 for full day and $126 for half day. Full day includes lunch and two snacks; one snack for half-day. See daily live animal presentations; get up close and personal with some of the Educational animals at the Montgomery Zoo; enjoy scavenger hunts; craft times; classroom time; playtime, splash time and games at our playground; rides on our horse trail rides, pedal boats, and sky lift; participate in animal encounters with the giraffes, river otters, deer and parakeets; see behind the scene tours and visits with our zookeepers and other staff members. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 240.4900 www.montgomeryzoo.com
YMCA Prattville ad on page 54
Smith Branch and East Bradford Branch, 600 East Main Street and 972 McQueen Smith Rd. S, Prattville, AL 36067 Main Day Camp, girls and boys ages 5-12. An outdoor program. Begins May 29– in August. Mon. - Fri. Before and after care available at no extra charge. Must be picked up by 5:45. For members
only. For more information please call Betty Estes, 358.1446. • Daniel Pratt Camp Daniel Pratt School. Dates and ages the same as above. For members and non-members. Begins May 29 –August school starts. Mon. - Fri. • Pine Level Summer Camp Pine Level School. Dates and ages the same as above. For members and non-members. Begins May 29 – August. Mon. - Fri. • Cheer Camp Grades 1-12, boys and girls; Dates to be announced; Times 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. or Gymnastics and Cheer camp from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.; Please call for pricing. Call Bambi at 365-8852 for more information. Discount for multiple sign ups. • Gymnastics Camp Dates to be announced, Ages 6-18; Times 9 a.m. through noon or both Gymnastic and Cheer from 9 a.m. until 4; Please call for pricing. Includes t-shirt and camp refreshments. Call Bambi at 365.8852. If you choose to do both a discount will be offered. • East Bradford Branch – 358-9622 Sport Camps, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m. - Noon Girls basketball- TBA April 1st Soccer Camp, TBA April 1st Golf Camp-TBA April 1st Tennis Camp-TBA April 1st Boys basketball, TBA April 1st Fishing Camp-TBA April 1st Wrestling Camp-TBA April 1st Girls Volleyball, TBA April 1st Please call for pricing. Pricing is based on how many camps signed up for. Discounts are given for multiple camps and for multiple children in family. 2-22 Camp is a program for rising seventh thru ninth graders. Members ONLY. Registration is the beginning of March. The camp will cover character development, life skills, job skills, service learning and have activities such as board games, gym games, community service and field trips. Begins 1st day of school being out. Call Jeffery at 3589622 for more information. Ages: Age varies by camp
park, horse barn, athletic fields, hiking trails, mud pits, disc golf, archery, riflery, Re Hall, and historic lodge. Transportation is available from Montgomery at no extra cost. Ages: Ages 5-15
Camp Grandview — YMCA
(334) 361.3640 www.prattvilleal.gov
Smith Branch, (334) 365.8852 East Bradford Branch, (334) 358.9622 www.prattvilleymca.org
4700 Camp Grandview Road, Millbrook, AL 36054 Dates: May 29 - August 3 Length: Weekly basis; Located on 190-wooded acres, YMCA Camp Grandview includes two beautiful lakes, a water-
(334) 290.9622 www.ymcamontgomery.org
Camp Invention
Bear Exploration Center, 2525 Churchill Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111 Dates: May 29 - June 1 from 8:00 to 4:00; Cost: $230. A day at the Camp Invention program is packed with hands-on activities, brainstorming, experimentation, and unbelievable action! Ages: K-6th Grade
campinvention@invent.org www.campinvention.org
Camp Sunshine for Boys
3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 July 16-20; Other: Outreach program for less advantaged youth with a variety of outdoor activities. No cost but invitation only camp; may call for application. Ages: Ages 6-11 (334) 262.2697 www.tukabatcheebsa.org
Camp Tukabatchee
3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Day and resident camps. Week 1: June 3-9; Week 2: June 10-16; Week 3: June 17-23; Other: Boy Scout Camp. Emphasizing outdoor skills and leadership development. Week long experience with swimming, hiking, canoeing and other outdoor skills. Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org
Prattville Parks & Recreation Summer Youth Program
Doster Center, 424 S. Northington St, Prattville, AL Weekly Field Trips, Games, Crafts and Swimming Begins May 29 until the Friday before school starts, 7a.m. until 6 p.m.; Registration begins April 1st at the Doster Center. Registration Fee – Non-refundable $75 registration per child; $75/week. Ages: K5-6th Grade
YMCA Cleveland Branch
1201 Rosa L. Parks Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 Dates: May 29 until August 3 The YMCA Cultural Arts Center at the Cleveland
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TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Advanced Skills (Ages 8-17) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Skill Development Academy (Ages 7-17) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Goal Keeping (Ages 8-17) TBA Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 396.9754 msanchez@ ymcamontgomery.org www. ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA Southeast Branch
Avenue YMCA offers youth specialty camps featuring music and dance. Participants will have opportunities to learn modern dance, jazz, tap, and piano with professional instruction in a first class dance studio and music laboratory. Ages: Ages 3-12 (334) 265.0566 www.ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA East Branch
3407 Pelzer Ave, Montgomery, AL 36109 Dates: May 29 until August 3 (Ages 3 to 12) Youth specialty camps featuring music and dance. Participants will have opportunities to learn modern dance, jazz, tap, and piano with professional instruction in a first class dance studio and music laboratory. Ages: Ages 3-12 (334) 272.3390 www.ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA Goodtimes
2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dates: May 29 until August 3 This is the premier summer facility with a teaching pool, indoor gym, inflatables, and a water park. In addition, the center features a cooperative reading program and a premier computer lab to help combat summer learning loss. Academic enrichment classes taught by a certified teacher are programmed into your child’s day along with recreational swim at the water park. Ages: Ages 5-14 (334) 279-8833 www.ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA Junior High Teen Program
2325 Mill Ridge Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dates: May 29 until August 3 A new program designed to teach teens leadership skills. Teens will be involved in enrichment activities for the younger campers, service projects, fun excursions, a camp day with other YMCA Leadership Leagues and a trip to North Carolina to participate in the Junior High Christian Values Conference. Ages: Ages 12-14 (334) 279.8666 www.ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA Kershaw
2225 West Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL 36108 Summer Camp Dates: May 29 until August 3. Please call for cost and registration details. Ages: Ages 5-15 (334) 265.1433 www.ymcamontgomery.org
YMCA Montgomery Soccer Complex
300 Brown Springs Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Summer Soccer Academy/Camps Mini-Kickers (Ages 4-5) TBA, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Recreational (Ages 6-14) Montgomery Parents I March 2018
days.
3455 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Summer Camp Dates: May 29-Aug. 3; The Southeast YMCA, a family facility, offers youth and adult fitness, aerobics, youth sports, before and after school childcare, summertime aquatic programs and much more. One of the greatest assets is its two gymnasiums, which provide open goals for working on jump shots or a great open space for fun activities on rainy
responsibilities of riding and caring for horses. Our program provides extensive riding, hands on learning and lesson time. Call for reservations. Ages: Ages 8-14 (334) 290.3727 or (334) 546.3964 www.shadetreeridingstables.com
Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls ad on page 33
Lookout Mountain, 606 Valley View Ranch Road, Cloudland, GA 30731 Horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! A’top Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls, 8-17; 1 to 9 weeks, 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend 4-6 hours daily with your OWN camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls dreams come true! (706) 862-2231 info@valleyviewranch.com www.valleyviewranch.com
YMCA Wetumpka
200 Red Eagle Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Day camp, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon. - Fri. May 29- August 3. A vital part of the community for over 40 years. It offers the opportunity to get involved with youth sports, pre-school classes, after-school programs and more. Ages: Ages 5-13 (334) 567-8282 www.ymcamontgomery.org
Churchill Academy ad on page 25
395 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Tutoring available for summer. Grades K-12. One-on-one tutoring. Call for rates. Times at parents’ convenience. Ages: K-12th Grade (334) 270.4225 www.churchillacademy.net
Macon East Academy Educational Camps ad on page 45
15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL 36013 July Jammin Educational Camp for Grades K5-6th, TBD; Art Camp for grades 3-8, TBD Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 277.6566
www.maconeast.net
Sylvan Learning Center ad on page 21
See details under Day Camps.
Horseback Riding/ Equestrian Camps Shade Tree Summer Horsemanship Day Camp ad on page 43
Shade Tree Riding Stables, 566 Thornfield Drive, Millbrook, AL 36054 Camp dates: June 4-8, 11-15, 18-22. Our day camp will introduce campers to the challenges and
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Auburn Equestrian Camps
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Elite Camp: July 9-12, 2018 Elite Camp is a hunt seat or western camp limited to middle school and high school age athletes. Ages: 7th-12th Grade Auburn Equestrian Elite College Prep Camp I ($1,900) June 18-21, 2018 Auburn Equestrian Elite College Prep Camp II ($1,900) June 25-28, 2018-hunt seat only Elite College Prep Camp is a hunt seat or western camp limited to high school age athletes (entering 9th grade through 12th grade fall 2018). Auburn Equestrian Select 20 Hunt Seat Camp June 11-14, 2018: Select 20 Hunt Seat Camp is limited to 20 high school age athletes (entering 9th grade through 12th grade fall 2018). Campers will get a first-hand look at collegiate riding at the Division I level in the Southeastern Conference. Auburn Equestrian Select Western Camp June 11-14, 2018: Select Western Camp is limited to high school age athletes (entering 9th grade through 12th grade fall 2018). Campers will get a first-hand look at collegiate riding at the Division I level in the Southeastern Conference. Participants will be assigned to a team for the duration and teams will participate in multiple practices, scrimmages, and a final competition in the NCEA format on the last day of camp. carolyngw031@gmail.com www.auburntigers.com
MANE’s Unified Summer Camp
3699 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL 36064 Does your child love horses and want to ride this summer? Consider sending your child to MANE’s annual Unified Summer Camp. Though MANE’s focus is therapeutic riding, the unified summer camp allows riders with disabilities and able-bodied riders to learn about adaptive activities, acceptance and horses! MANE’s Unified Summer Camp will be
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held from 8:30 to 12pm Tuesday through Friday the weeks of July 10-13, July 17-20, and July 24-27. Riders must be between the ages of 4-14. Each camper will participate in riding lessons, horsemanship skills lessons, snack/social time and horse related crafts. Each week concludes with a horse show so that all participants can show off their new skills to friends and family. Tuition is $250 per week per rider. Each week is limited to 12 riders and applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis. MANE must receive all mandatory paperwork and payment for a camper’s slot to be reserved. Deadline for application is June 24. (334) 213.0909 www.maneweb.org
Martial Arts Docarmo’s Summer Karate Camp ad on page 63
3447 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Around the World Camp June 18-22, 2018 Zoo/Animal Camp July 16-20, 2018 Beside all the fun games we will offer during camp, we will also have a daily arts & crafts activity as well as a daily science experiment. Bully Buster skills are also a part of our curriculum. Why Our Camps are So Great for Children! If you’ve been to day camp as a child, you’re not surprised to hear about the benefits of day camp. At our Taekwondo Day Camps, children spend their day being physically active – As children spend so much time these days inside and mostly sitting down, camp provides a wonderful opportunity to move. At Docarmo’s Taekwondo, all of our camp students are not only learning great character benefits, but also have fun obstacle
courses, great camp theme challenges, and awesome games to be involved in. Camp is action! Camp helps children build selfconfidence and self-esteem by removing the kind of academic, athletic and social competition that shapes their lives at school. With its non-competitive activities and diverse opportunities to succeed, day camp is a real boost for young people. There are accomplishment every day. Day Camp teaches kids that they can. (334) 220.5835 www.trytkdfree.com
Camp NextGen at NextGen Martial Arts in Prattville
698 Old Farm Lane, Prattville , AL 36066 All Camps are open to the community! 9am-5pm Cost for each weekly camp is $199 June 4-8: Hyper Trick School Camp - Kicks, Form and Tricking July 16-20: Level Up Camp - Traditional Forms, Kicks, Self Defense, Sparring & Breaking. Bring your own lunch and snacks. (334) 590-3759 todd@nextgenmartialarts.com www.nextgenmartialarts.com
Family Karate Center
8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Kids Karate camp for summer program offered every day. Ages 2 years old and up. The camp is free to all students at the Family Karate Center. Non-members get to try the Camp for one day free (any day they choose this summer). Please call for Camp rates for non-members. We are the only Montgomery school with a Master degree Instructor who specializes in special need children. There is no extra cost for the special needs children. A FREE gift for all new enrollments. Ages:Ages 2+ (334) 277.4911
Overnight Camps Adventures in Math & Science (Alabama School of Math & Science) ad on page 51
1255 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604 Don’t waste your summer! Spend it at The Adventures in Math and Science summer camp in Mobile, AL. Learn while you have fun! Kayak Mobile Bay. Design a maze. Build a smart phone app. Solve a crime. Prepare for the ACT. Learn how to make jewelry. Build a robot. Launch a rocket, and much more! There is something for everyone! Who can enroll? Open to students entering the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades. Non-Alabama residents are also eligible to apply. This year, AIMS will run for three sessions. Students can sign up for one, two, or three weeks. Session 1 (June 4-8), Session 2 (June 1115), and Session 3 (June 18-22) are all overnight or day camps. Day camp is 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. Overnight Camp is $385 per week (all inclusive - meals, classes, activities, and lodging). The weekend stay between Week 1-2 or Week 2-3 are an additional $185, which includes trip to a water park (weather permitting) and other fun activities. Day Campers: $285 per week (this includes tuition and lunch). A $25 discount will apply (one per student) if application and all applicable forms are received by April 1. Ages: 6th-10th Grade (251) 441.2152 admissions@asms.net www.asms.net
Camp Chandler - YMCA ad on page 62
1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Scouts (5-8 Year Olds): Session 1, May 27-29; Session 2, June 17-19, July 22-24 Explorer Program (7-9 Year Olds): Session 1 May 30-June 1, Session 2 June 17-19; Session 3 July 22-24
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Riverview Camp for Girls ad on page 31
757 County Road 614, Mentone, AL 35984 Dates: Short Term 1-week sessions – (ages 6-12) May 27-July 27 Cost: $1,995. Long Term 2-week sessions – (ages 6-16) June 3 – July 27; Cost: $3700.00. Customized Combination of 2-9 weeks, $3700 Other: ACA accredited. Free video and catalog. Non-denominational Christian camp. More than 15 activity choices available, including riding, climbing tower and ropes course. New pool and new tennis courts. Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 882.0722 www.riverviewcamp. com
Rangers (8-14 Year Olds): Session 1, May 27June 1; Session 2, June 17-22; Session 3, July 24-29; Session 4, July 1-6; Session 5, July 8-13; Session 6, July 15-20; Session 7: July 22-27; Specialty Camps: Venture, Extreme, Wranglers, Fishing and Pioneers (10-14 years old): Session 1, June 17-22; Session 2, June 24-29; Session 3, July 1-6; Session 4, July 8-13; Session 5, July 1520; Session 6, July 22-27 LIT’s Leaders in Training (15 Year Olds): Session 1 June 17-July 6; Session 2 July 8-27 Camp Chandler Day Camp (ages 5-12) Session 1, June 18-22; Session 2, June 25-29; Session 3, July 9-13; Session 4, July 26-20; Session 5, July 23-27 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 269.4362 campchandler@mcamontgomery.org http://www.campchandler.org/
Camp Marannook ad on page 65
10425 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Lafayette, AL 36862 June 3-July 27; Residential and Day Camps. From sunrise to after sunset, every camp day is packed with fun. Campers will swim, shoot archery, make crafts, eat s’mores around the campfire, and play games on the game field. They explore a huge maze, ride the cable car and crazy swing and are challenged by various rope and climbing activities. And there is a one-of-a-kind Bible Time with skits and drama. When the campers arrive, the counselors are ready to build relationships and to share the love of Christ through these relationships. Ages: 1st-9th Grade (334) 864.7504 http://marannook.org/
Camp Victory ad on page 63
363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL 36477 Dates: Weekly sessions, June 4 – July 28; coed camp. Air conditioned cabins. Activities include Bible Classes, Singing, Missionary Presentations, Volleyball, Riflery, Horseback Riding, Ping-Pong, Swimming Pool, Tetherball, Good Food, Archery, Mini Golf, Canoeing, Basketball, Foosball, Crafts, Carpet ball, Outdoor Education, Boating, Fishing, Tournaments, Low Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing Wall; Trained Christian staff who live in cabins with campers; evening chapel. Affiliated with the Children’s Bible Mission. Rates: $260 per week Ages: 3rd-12th Grade (334) 898.7948 office@campvictoryal.org www.campvictoryal.org
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls ad on page 33
See details under Horseback/Equestrian Camps.
Adventure Treks
1899 Berea Church Rd, Hendersonville , NC 28739 Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, Yellowstone, California, Ultimate Northwest, Alaska, and Leadership Summit. Each 13–30 day Adventure includes a wide variety of exciting wilderness activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, canoeing, mountaineering, and backpacking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in western. Other: Designed to teach teamwork, self-responsibility, community living, and outdoor skills while building self-confidence. Ages: Ages 12-18 (888) 954.5555 info@adventuretreks.com www.adventuretreks.com
All Arts & Sciences Camp
5900 Summit Ave. Ste. 201, Greensboro, NC 27214 June 24-29; Rates: $860; Other: Emphasis on arts and sciences. Includes recreation, values exploration and citizenship components. Ages: Ages 7-15 (866) 334.2255 allarts@uncg.edu http://allarts.uncg.edu
Alpine Camp for Boys
P. O. Box 297, Mentone, AL 35984 Call for CD-ROM with video; Junior Camp: (Grades 1-5) May 29-June 6, $2,900.00; (Grades 2-9) First Term: June 8-July 3, $5,400.00; (Grades 2-9) Second Term: July 6-31 - $5,400.00; Other: ACA accredited. Christian camp offering a well-rounded camping experience. Ages:Age varies by camp (256) 634.4404 summer@alpinecamp.com www.alpinecamp.com
Camp Alamisco
1771 Camp Alamisco, Dadeville, AL 36853 Adventure Camp, June 3-10, ages 7-9. Junior Camp, June 10-17, ages 10-12. Teen Camp, June 17-24, ages 13-16. Camp fees cover your lodging, food, and activities (there will be an extra charge for some creative arts projects. Other: ACA accredited. Traditional camp activities including water sports, horsemanship, and climbing wall, plus program for advanced campers. Located on beautiful Lake Martin near Stillwater. Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 652.3021 Alamiscocamp@gmail.com www.campalamisco.org
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Camp Coleman
4010 Camp Coleman Rd, Camp Coleman, AL June 4-8, June 11-15, June 18-22 and June 25-29, 4 sessions offered, Day camp and Horse Day Camp (Grades 1-7, co-ed); June 18-22 and June 25-29, Resident camp (Ages 6-14). Camp Coleman has a state-of the-art low and high rope course, a historical swinging bridge, swimming pool, lots of traditional camp activities and plenty of room to explore. Camp Coleman is close to the Cahaba River, which offers a wonderful resource to learn about biodiversity and local ecological systems. The campsite also includes a spacious dining hall and large open-air gym for activities and rainy day events. There is the opportunity for Counselors in Training, 11th and 12th grades in the fall. Ages: Age varies by camp (256) 365.2970 or (800) 734.4541 www.girlscoutsnca.org
Camp Cosby - Birmingham YMCA
2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road, Alpine, AL 35014 Eight different sessions ranging in many different age groups. Camp dates begin on Sunday, June 3-July 28. Ages 6-16. Other: ACA accredited. Water skiing specialty camp, equestrian camp, mini-bikes, climbing and so much more. Please visit our website for all ages, sessions, dates and prices. Many to choose from. Costs $700 a week. Specialty Camps: Mini-bikes, Horseback, Water ski/ wakeboard Add-On: Cost: $150. Stay-over Weekend (for multiple session campers): Cost: $120. Counselor-In-Training: The CIT program is a 4 week program that runs June 3-30. Cost $1799 Leader -in-Training: The LIT program is a 3 week program that runs July 1-21. Cost $1,399. Ages: Ages 6-16 (800) 852.6729 cinfo@campcosby.org http://www.campcosby.org
Camp Hollymont for Girls
30 Ashville School Road, Asheville, NC 28806 Length: 6,13 or 27 days; Christian girls camp located in the mountains of Western North Carolina just outside of Asheville. ACA accredited. Wide variety of recreational opportunities including arts & crafts, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, cooking, high adventure trips & much more. Basic Camp Fee: $1625 for 6 days, $3725 for 13 days, and $7450 for 27 days Ages:Ages 6-15, Girls (828) 686.5343 4info@hollymont.com www.hollymont.com
Camp Juliette Low
321 Camp Juliette Low Rd, Cloudland, GA 30731 Dates: 6/3 – 7/28; Length: 1, 2, & 3 weeks; Girls only. Other: ACA accredited. Traditional camp activities with emphasis in (teaching) self-worth and a spirit of independence. Rates: 1 week for $915, 2 weeks for $ 1850 and CIT Three week program for $1350. Ages: Ages 7-17, Girls (770) 428.1062 info@cjl.org www.cjl.org
Camp Kiwanis
2365 Camp Kawanis Road, Electic, AL 36024 Sessions available from June 17 through June 29 All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on beautiful Lake Martin. Girls will participate in activities such as archery, canoeing, crafts, sailing, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Kamp Kiwanis is accredited by the American Camp Association. Ages: 2nd-12th Grade (800) 239.6636 www.girlscoutssa.org
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Camp Laney
P.O. Box 289, Mentone, AL 35984 1-week sessions Junior Camp – Boys finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade (ages 7-9) only. Session 1: June 3-9, Session 2: July 1-7, Session 3: July 15-21. 2-week sessions – Boys (completed 1st grade-9th); 1st session: June 3-15; 2nd session: June 17-29; 3rd session: July 1-13; 4th session: July 15-27. ACA accredited. Ages: Ages 7-15, Boys (256) 634.4066 info@camplaney.com www.camplaney.com
Camp Mac Summer Camp for Boys and Girls
2671 Cheaha Road, Munford, AL 36268 Dates: Junior Term (1st-5th) 6/3-9 ($2620); 4-week term (3rd – 9th grade) 6/11-7/6; $4230; 3-week term (3rd – 9th grade) 7/9-29 ($3760). With the benefit of three generations of summer camping experience, we have developed a unique program which is both fun and challenging. The many details of this plan work together toward our primary goal–to help develop strong bodies, keen minds and strength of character through a dedication to Judeao-Christian values. Ages: 2nd-9th Grade (256) 362.7449 office@campmac.com
Camp Sailaway, Girl Scout Camp
2365 Kamp Kawanis Road, Electic, AL 36024 Dates: July 5-12 Our popular sailing camp is an 8-day, 7 night camp for girls who want to learn the exciting sport of sailing! Girls will spend every day in a sail boat as they hone their skills on beautiful Lake Martin. They will practice their knots, perfect their tack and jibe, and successfully turtle their boat so that when the wind is perfect on the water, the girls will be ready to sail with confidence! Additional activities include nautical-themed arts and crafts, sunrise paddles, water sports games, campfire cooking, and zip lining. This camp is for girls of any level of sailing experience! Girls must be proficient swimmers. Ages: 6th-12th Grade (800) 239.6636 www.girlscoutssa.org
Camp Scoutshire Woods, Girl Scout Camp
6051 Scoutshire Camp, Citronelle, AL 36522 Dates: Sessions available from June 3-15 All girls invited to enjoy a week at summer camp on the sand hills surrounded by pines and magnolias. Girls can participate in activities, such as horseback riding, archery, canoeing, crafts, hiking and swimming. All activities are designed to emphasize teamwork and leadership and promote girls of courage, confidence and character. There is a Counselor in Training (CIT) program for girls in grades 10-12. Swimming lessons are taught by a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Camp Scoutshire Woods is accredited by the American Camp Association. Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 239.6636 www.girlscoutssa.org
Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer
218 Sea Gull Landing, Arapahoe, NC 28510 6/10 – 8/10; Length: 1, 2, & 4 week session; Cost: Ranging from $1089 to $4368 Other: ACA accredited. Nationally recognized sailing and motor boating program as well as all traditional camp activities. Ages:Ages 6-16 (252) 249.1111 or (252) 249.1212 www.seagull-seafarer.org
Camp Skyline Ranch
4888 Alabam Hwy 117, Mentone, AL 35984 Dates: 6/11 – 8/1 Length: Four 2 wk. sessions; Three 1 wk. Sessions ACA accredited. Member of Christian Camping International. Choice of 20 camp activities including horseback riding, circus, ropes course, canoeing and more. Ages:Ages 6-16, Girls (800) 448.9279 info@campskyline.com www.campskyline.com
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Camp Woodmont
381 Moonlight Drive, Cloudland, GA 30731 Dates: 5/27-7/27: Nine one-week sessions and Three 2-week sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls. ACA accredited. Traditional activities - swimming, horseback riding, archery, sports, arts & crafts, drama/dance, cheerleading, nature activities, canoeing, fishing, hiking, challenge course, climbing wall, and more. Limited enrollment, caring counselors and close family-like atmosphere makes campers feel secure, welcomed and re-assured. Cabin living atop breezy Lookout Mountain. Two generations of family management. Extremely close supervision of campers, staff, and activities. Ages: Ages 6-14 (706) 398.0833 campwoodmont.com
Camp Stanislaus
304 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 Dates: 6/10 – 7/7; Rates $750 - $2775 for Residential; Length: 1, 2, 3 and 4 week sessions; . Other: A fun camp revolving around water activities and more. On the beach. Driver’s Ed and scuba offered. Ages: Ages 8-15, Boys (228) 467.9057 camp@ststan.com www.campstanislaus.com
Camp Timberlake
1123 Montreat Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 Dates: 6/4-8/9; Length:1 (starter camp for first time campers), 2, 3, 4, & 5 weeks; Rates: $1875 - $6300. Other: ACA accredited. Offers a fun-filled growing experience w/ wilderness program. Christian leadership. Ages: Ages 6-16, Boys (828) 669.8766 info@camptimberlake.com www.camptimberlake.com
Camp Trico
315 Trico Drive, Guntersville, AL 35967 Dates: July 8-13 and July 15-20 Camp Trico offers staffed program activities canoeing, fishing, teambuilding, and more. (800) 734.4541 www.girlscoutsnca.org
Camp Walkabout
171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 Camp Walkabout is the no-experience-necessary avenue to all things outdoors. Campers will climb the world renowned Tennessee wall sandstone one day, explore the amazing underground world of a cave the next and paddleboard the mighty Tennessee River Gorge another. Camp Walkabout optimizes every day to find new adventures, leadership opportunities and friendships that will last a lifetime. Camp Walkabout truly is the most fun a camper can have in the summer! Ages: Ages 8-16 (423) 267.8506, Ext. 827 admission@baylorschool.org www.baylorschool.org
Camp Widjiwagan
3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch, TN 37013 Dates: 5/28-8/8: Ten sessions. Summer Camp for Boys and Girls. Located on the shores of Percy Priest Lake, in Antioch, Tennessee, just 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. Camp Widjiwagan sits on 320 acres and 4 miles of shoreline at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center. Offering day, overnight and family retreats. Co-ed programs for rising 1st-9gth graders. Activities include team building, leadership, Swimming/splash Park, lake sports, horseback riding, team adventures, sports, zip line, and ski and equestrian schools and much more! Ages: Ages 7-15 (615) 360.2267 www.campwidji.org
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Cub Camp
3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 Session 1: May 19-20 Scout Registration (includes all meals, activities, t-shirt and patch). (800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org
Cub Scout Webelos Resident Camp, Camp Hobbs
3067 Carter Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36111 June 8-10 or June 15-17 (800) 977.2688 www.tukabatcheebsa.org
staff members and a week jam packed with spiritual growth, inspiration, worship and deep friendships all add up to a life changing week of non-stop excitement and encouragement. One of the best parts of the camp experience at LFR is having deeply committed camp counselors who sincerely care about the children in their cabins and spend individual time with each of them to encourage them and pray for them. There are twelve exciting camp sessions available from which to choose
(662) 726.5052 www.lakeforestranch.com
McWane Science Center Summer Camp
200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 June 4-August 8 Eight one-week sessions for each age level. Students entering 1st through 7th grade will be full day camps. Pre K-Kindergarten will remain half day camps. In just one day at camp, your child can discover a dinosaur, explore the ocean floor and so much more! The various themes and activities allow children to experience something new each day! Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 714.8300 www.mcwane.org
Moondance Adventures
209 10th Ave. South, Ste. 322, Nashville, TN 37203 Dates: 6/11 - 7/30; Length: 14, 17, 21, 23 and 24 days. Other: Includes backpacking, rafting, canoeing, surfing, mountaineering, scuba, and climbing in California, Colorado, Yosemite, Wyoming, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Kilimanjaro, Alps, Spain, Morocco, Washington state, plus much more. Call or email for prices or to request a catalog. Ages: Ages 12-18 (800) 832.5229 www.moondanceadventures.com
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P.O. Box 870340, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Discover Alabama’s diverse natural history by participating in the 40th Annual Museum Expedition Camp! Participants will have the fun and unique opportunity to work with scientists in the field of archaeology as part of an actual scientific research project to explore the history of Alabama.
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(800) 345.2929 www.experiment.org
(205) 348.7550 museum.expedition@ua.edu http://amnh.ua.edu
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Falling Creek Camp for Boys
North Carolina Outward Bound
U.S
Experiment in International Living
1015 15th St Northwest, Washington , DC 20005 Motivated high school students engage in crosscultural living as members of host families in Africa, Asia, Pacific, the Americas and Europe. Must have completed 9th grade. 3, 4 or 5-week programs. Foreign language studies a prerequisite for most sessions. Ages: 10th-12th Grade
P.O. Box 98, Tuxedo, NC 28784 1 week sessions to 4 week sessions Camp Dates: 6/3– 8/10 Rates: $1600- $6300. Other: Wilderness adventure camp. Includes archery, rifle, sailing, riding and much more. Ages: 1st-12th Grade, Boys (828) 692.0262 http://www.fallingcreek.com
Kanawahala Program Center
831 Girl Scout Road, Chelsea, AL 35043 Owned and operated by Cahaba Girl Scout Council. June 22-27 resident camp. Other: Rope course and climbing. Resident and day camp programs offered. Please call for more information. Ages: K-12th Grade, Girls (205) 678.8843 or (800) 734.4541 tknowles@ girlscoutnca.org http://www.girlscoutsnca.org
Lake Forest Ranch
5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, MS 39341 Sessions beginning May 25 through July 31. Located in the middle of a 53,000-acre pine forest on a beautiful 60-acre lake, Lake Forest Ranch is among the most beautiful settings in the south for a summer camp experience for children (ages 7-12) and teenagers (ages 11-18). LFR is an interdenominational evangelical camp that serves mostly church groups (though individual campers are welcome too) during the summer months. Horseback riding, tubing, a wonderful climbing wall, a thrilling zip line, a brand new big swimming pool, kayaking, a gym, tennis courts, archery, archery tag, crafts and many other fun activities all coupled with wonderful facilities, carefully selected godly college age
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2582 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805 Dates: Year Round Programs; Length: 4-78 days; Other: North Carolina Outward Bound offers wilderness leadership courses in backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking and mountaineering for teens and adults. Ages: Ages 14+ (888) 756.2627 challenge@ncobs.org www.ncoutwardbound.com
Ponderosa Bible Camp
1018 County Road, Mentone, AL 35984 Dates: 6/10- 7/13; Length: One week; and Leadership Training Program for 11th and 12th graders; Other: ACA accredited. For a Blast and a Blessing! Members of CCI. Ages:Age varies by camp (256) 634.4397
www.ponderosabiblecamp.com
Rising Star, Savannah College of Art & Design
P.O. Box 2072, Savannah, GA 31402 Savannah Dates: June 17-July 20, Atlanta Dates: June 24-July 27. Open to students who completed junior year of high school and are interested in a career in the visual and performing arts, design, building arts, or the history of art and architecture. The course carries 10 hours of college credit, which may be applied toward a degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design or other colleges. (800) 869.7223 and Atlanta, GA; (877) 722.3285 admissions@scad.edu www.scad.edu/risingstar
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YMCA Camp Ocoee
(205) 402.0415 info@campsealeharris.org www.campascca.org
111 YMCA Drive, Ocoee, TN 37361 Dates: 6/3 – 8/4 Ages: Ranger 7-15; Teen Leadership and Specialty Camps, 16-17. Other: ACA accredited. Kayaking, climbing, water-skiing and more. Special Appalachian field trip. Strong Christian emphasis.
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Aviation Challenge is oriented towards fighter pilot training. Ages: Ages 9 and up
Sail Caribbean
256 Main Street, STE# 1203, Northport, NY 11768 Length: Programs range from 14 to 21 days Other: Activities include sailing the Caribbean plus courses in scuba, and marine biology. Many sessions available. Please check with website on dates and rates for each program. Ages:6th-12th Grade (800) 321.0994 bvi_office1@sailcaribbean.com www.sailcaribbean.com
Twin Lakes Camp
155 Milner Road, Florence, MS 39073 Six one-week sessions available from June 4-July 14. Biblical teachings are woven into a week filled with exciting adventures waiting around every corner. Twin Lakes is located on waterfront property and offers Sling Shot Paintball, Challenge Course, Dirt Biking, Swimming, Horses, Riflery and Archery, Rock climbing, Super fun games and Wild Wilderness Adventures Ages: Ages 6-12 (601) 845.6858
www.twinlakescamp.org
U.S. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge
One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805 Dates: Runs year round; Summer Program is May -August, call for pricing. Other: ACA accredited. Parent/child ages 7-11 weekend camps also. US Space Camp is oriented towards astronaut training.
(423) 338.5588 ocoee@ix.netcom.com www.campocoee.com.
Special Needs Camp ASCCA-Easter Seals
Camp ASCCA, 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive , Jackson Gap, AL 36861 Length: 1 week; Age: 6 and up; Reduced rates available based on income. Camp ASCCA Main Campus-Jackson’s Gap Session 1: July 1-6, Child physically disabled (6-21 yr.) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 yr.); Epilepsy Camp (6-18 yr.) Session 2: July 8-13 Adult intellectually disabled (19+ years) Session 3: July 15-20, Physically disabled “Teen Week” (15-25 years), Session 4: July 22-27, Child physically disabled (6-21 years) and Child intellectually disabled (6-21 years) Session 5: July 29-August 3, Camp Mobile Rotary (Mobile area residents) Session 6: August 5-10, Adult intellectually disabled (22-35 years) and Adult physically disabled (22-35 years) Session 7: August 12-17, Adult physically disabled (19 + years) Ages: Age varies by camp (800) 843.2267 info@campascca.org www.campascca.org
Camp ASCCA, 5278 Camp ASCCA Drive , Jackson Gap, AL 36861 ACA accredited camp for individuals with diabetes. Junior Camp (ages 6 - 13), June 10-15; Senior Camp (ages 12 - 18), June 2-8; Coastal Camp (ages 10-18), July 22-27 Please call for more information about camp dates.
Camp Wheeze-Away
Camp Chandler, 1240 Jordan Dam Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Kids age 8-12 suffering from moderate to severe asthma can apply for this FREE summer camp program offered at YMCA Camp Chandler. Kids experience all the fun of summer camp while learning confidence building skills in asthma management from medical professionals. Camp Wheeze-Away will be held at YMCA Camp Chandler, July 1-6. Ages: Ages 8-12 (334) 244.7811 brendabasnight@yahoo.com www.ymca.net
Sports Camps Auburn Women’s Soccer Camps ad on page 36
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Auburn Soccer Goalkeeper & Striker Camp (ages 11-18), June 8-9; Auburn Soccer June Residential Camp (ages 9-18), girls only, June 10-13; Elite Camp (ages 13-18), girls only, July 13-15; Soccer July Day Camp (ages 5-12), boys and girls, July 9-12; Auburn Soccer July Residential Camp I, (ages 9-15), girls and boys, July 15-18 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637 www.auburnsoccercamp.com
Macon East Academy Sports Camps ad on page 45
15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, AL 36013 Camps include Elementary baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and football. All camps open to the public. Ages: 3rd-6th Grade (334) 277.6566 www.maconeast.net
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and other pertinent information. Call Jerry Browning, athletic director, or the individual coaches at (334) 277.8033, ext. 145. Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 1st -5th grade, June 4-6; Keith Luckey Baseball Camp; 6th grade and above, June 4-6; Baseball Pitching Clinic for 5th grade and up, June 7; Katie Barton Girls Basketball Camp for 2nd – 8th, June 4-7; Nigel Card Boys Basketball Camp for 4th – 8th grade, June 11-14; Mark Hall Softball Camp for 2nd – 8th grade, June 18-21; Jeff Corley Wrestling Camp for 3rd – 8th grade, June 25-28; Karen Lee Volleyball Camp, July 9-11; Saint James Youth Cheerleader Camp for Pre-K3 – 6th grade, July 23-26; Jimmy Perry Boys Football Camp, Ages 5-13, July 30-August 1
O’Connor Tennis Camps ad on page 18
500 Anderson Street, Montgomery, AL 36107 Dates and Class times to be announced. (334) 240.4884 bbradshaw10s@gmail.com www.oconnortenniscenter.com
Saint James School Sports Camps ad on page 1
6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116 Saint James School will continue its summer tradition of providing a variety of sports and cheerleader camps for young people. Printed information will be available soon and will include cost, age groups
www.stjweb.org
(334) 277.8033, ext. 145
Trinity Sports Camps ad on page 35
1700 E. Trinity Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36106 Baseball Camp, 6 years old – rising 7th graders – June 4-6 Speed & Agility Camp (Boys & Girls) June 11-14 Girls Basketball Camp, TBA Girls & Boys Soccer Camp, TBA Boys Basketball, TBA Softball Camp, TBA Dance Camp, TBA Twirler Camp, TBA Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 213.2100 www.trinitywildcats.com
Alabama Baseball Camp
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Baseball camps during the months of June and July. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. 1,2,3 and overnight camps available. Please visit their website for dates, applications and more information. Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 348.8849 www.rolltide.com
Alabama Christian Academy Basketball Camp
4700 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL Dates: TBA; Please call for more information. (334) 277.1985
Alabama Football Camp
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 The University of Alabama has a wide selection of Football camps during the months of June and July. Age ranges for these camps are K-12th grade. Kicking Camp, June 2; High School I, June 3-5; OL/DL I, June 9; High School II, June 17-19; OL/DL II, June 23 Ages: Age varies by camp (205) 348.0808
www.rolltide.com
Alabama Men’s Basketball Camp
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. (205) 348.4111 www.rolltide.com
Alabama Women’s Basketball Camp
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 Dates to be announced. (205) 348.6164 www.rolltide.com
Auburn Tiger Football Camps
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Youth Tiger Camp, Grades 3rd-8th, June 4-6; HS Tiger Camp 1, Grades 9th -12th, June 8;
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Tiger Night Camp I, Grades 9th-12th, June 11; Kicking Academy, Grades 9th-12th, June 13; HS Tiger Camp II, Grades 9th-12th, June 15; Half Day Camp: OL/DL 1, Grades 9th-12th, June 16; Half Day Camp: Skills Position I, Grades 9th-12th, June 16; Tiger Night Camp II, Grades 9th12th, June 18; QB Camp, Grades 9th-12th, June 20; Half Day Camp: OL/DL II, Grades 9th-12th, June 23; Half Day Camp: Skills Position II, Grades 9th-12th, June 23 Ages: Age varies by camp www.auburnfootballcamps.com
Auburn Tiger Junior Golf Camp
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 June 3-5; This camp will benefit all ages and all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Ages: Ages 7-17 (334) 844.9657 www.auburntigers.com
Auburn Tiger Softball Camp
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 All Skills Camp I – Ages 12-19, TBA All Skills Camp II –Ages 12-19, TBA Campers will receive instruction from some of the top coaches in the country who care about the betterment of each individual player. Ages: Ages 12-19 (334) 844.9515 www.auburntigers.com
Auburn Tiger Swim Camp
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 26849 Speed and Power Day Camp – Session I: June 1-2; Overnight Camp – Session I: May 27-31; Starts, Turns and Breakouts Day Camp – June 8-9; Overnight Camp – Session II: June 3-7 Ages: Ages 9-18 auswimcamps@gmail.com www.auburnswimcamps.com
Auburn University Baseball Camps
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Team Camp, June 11-14; Pitcher/Catching/Infield Camp, July 6-8; Youth Camp, (ages 7-12) July 1619; High school Showcase Camp, July 10-13 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.4975 Link on website www.auburntigersbaseballcamp.com
Auburn Volleyball Camp
Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849 Position Camp 1, July 9; Serving Clinic I, July 9; Highschool All-Skills Camp, July 6-8; Position Camp 2, July 11; Serving Clinic 2, July 11; Youth All Skills Camp, July 20-22 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 844.9637 www.auburntigers.com
AUM Sports Camps
7400 East Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 Dates to be announced in the spring. Girls Soccer (Age 6-17) Tafadzwa Ziyenge, 244.3141; Boys Soccer (Age 6-17) Wulf Koch,
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Scott Sanderson, 386.7159, basketball camp; June 18-21 and June 25-28; Leslie Pierce, 386.7261, Girls soccer camp; TBA Tori Bartels, 386.7149, Volleyball Camp; Dates TBA Shayne Wasden, 386.7671, Football Camp; Dates TBA Kyle Beard, (806) 777.1267, Men’s soccer; Dates TBA Jerry Overman, 386.7208, Golf; Dates TBA Reed Sutton, 386.7509, Women’s Basketball; Date TBA Ages: Ages 6-17 (334) 386.7148 www.faulkner.edu
FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal
244.3617; Girls Basketball (Gr.7-12) Dan Davis 244.3235; Boys Basketball (Grades 3-9) Michael Cheaney 244.3542; Baseball (Ages 6-15) Clay Booth 244-3236; Girls Softball (Grades 1-12th), Eric Newell 244.3538; Tennis (Ages 6-16) Yair Banuelo 244.3448; Volleyball, Melissa Robinson 244.3448 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 244.3000 http://www.aumathletics.com
Faulkner Sports Camps
Faulkner University, 5345 Atlanta Hwy., Montgomery, AL 36109 Hal Wynn, 386.7285, softball camp; Dates TBA Patrick McCarthy, 386.7980, baseball; June 18-21 and June 25-28
Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach - Masters Phy. Ed.) Dates: TBA ALL AGES - Cost: Half Days $125/week ($30/day) or Full Days $195/week ($45/day) Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Space is limited! Ages: All ages (334) 207.5442 brunomr@fcmontgomery.com www.fcmontgomery.com
Huntingdon College Baseball Camps
1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 1st session- High School Showcase Skills Camp, Grades 9-12, May 19; 2nd session- Fundamentals Camp, May 29-31, ages 5-15 Ages: Age varies by camp (334) 833.4501
www.huntingdonhawks.com
Huntingdon Basketball Camps
1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dates TBA Ages: Varies by camp (334) 833.4399
www.huntingdonhawks.com
Huntingdon College Soccer ID Camp
1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Date: June 16th, 8:45 until 3 p.m.; Cost $100 Ages: 9th-12th Grade (334) 833.4316 www.hchawkssoccercamps.com
Huntingdon College Summer Youth Academy for Soccer
1500 East Fairview Ave., Montgomery, AL 36106 Dates: TBD Hawks Summer Youth Academy is committed to the passion “love of the game” to develop technical, tactical and physical skills that will enable players to respond to the challenges of soccer in a confident and creative manner. This is a day camp for players age 6 to 15 at all skill levels. Offering a positive overall experience in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. Players will be grouped by age and ability. Goalkeepers will receive specialized instruction each day. Ages: Ages 6-15 (334) 833-4316 www.hchawkssoccercamps.com
McCallie Sports Camp
500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404 Length: Three 2-week sessions MSC Session I: Monday, June 11 Saturday, June 23; MSC Session II: Monday, June 25 - Saturday, July 7; MSC Session III: Monday, July 9 - Sat, July 21 Other: Action-oriented with an emphasis on fun, participation and sportsmanship. A little bit of every sport, team sports as well as individuals. Cost: $2150 per session. Ages: Ages 9-15 (800) 672.2267
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Spring Break Camps Armory Athletics
1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery March 12-16; Ages 4-14 years Gym! Obstacles! Field Trips! Crafts! Price includes Snack, Lunch and Field Trips 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., $35 Daily, $150 weekly 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., $25 Daily, $$100 weekly. Early drop off and Late pick up available. Cash/checks only. No Refunds. Open to public. Pre-register Only. No electronics. Athletic shoes and attire required. Please call (334) 625.2789 for more information or visit www.armoryathletics.com
Docarmo’s Taekwondo
3447 Malcolm Drive, (334) 220.5835 March 12-18, 8:30 until 3:30 Beside all the fun games we will offer during camp, we will also have a daily arts & crafts activity as well as a daily science experiment. Bully Buster skills are also a part of our curriculum. Please visit us at www.trytkdfree. com. You can also visit us on Facebook under Docarmos Taekwondo Center.
Expedition Lanark
March 12-16, March 19-23 and March 26-30 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (early drop-off & aftercare available) We always have lots of fun activities planned and with our NaturePlex facility, we are prepared to have fun in any type of weather! Some activities include fishing, canoeing, birding with binoculars, and using game cameras with track stations to see types of wildlife we have on the property! We will also put some waders on to catch fish, frogs, and tadpoles at the aquatic center! This year we will add a few new activities like checking and maintaining wood duck boxes on the property as well as making tree frog houses to catch tree frogs. AGES: 6-12 | COST: $125.00/week Aftercare available for $25/week (7:30 a.m.-8 a.m. drop off & 4-6 p.m. pick up) Campers need to bring their own lunch and drink. We will have the gift shop open for campers to purchase drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Children will get dirty and might get wet, too! Please have them dress appropriately and bring a change of clothes. Please call (334) 285.4550 or visit www.alabamawildlife. org for more information.
Family Karate Center
Through the months of March and April 8159 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.4911 Ages 2 years old and up. The camp is free to all new students at the Family Karate Center. Non-members get to try the Camp for one week free. Please call for Camp rates for non-members. The camp will teach Stranger Danger Child Abduction Prevention and Awareness Programs, The Ask Mom First Program (Child Molestation Prevention), “I am not a target” Bully Busters program and tips to teach children about lures child abductors
use. Also included in the Kids Karate Camp will be beginning and advanced karate skills and drills, relay races, Samurai Pool Noodle Challenge, Karate Freeze Tag, Ninja Dodge Frisbee, Power Ranger Relay Race, and many other fun games that make children test their coordination and balancing skills.
FC Montgomery Soccer Futsal
Capital City Sportsplex, 1555 Eastern Boulevard (indoor/air conditioned) Coach Bruno (Former pro & College coach Masters Phy. Ed.) March 12-16 ALL AGES - Cost: Half Days $125/week or Full Days $195/week Most Advanced Youth Development Methodology Worldwide! Come improve your technique and have fun the Brazilian way! Sign up now! Space is limited! Please visit www.fcmontgomery.com and contact coach Bruno brunomr@fcmontgomery. com or (334) 207.5442
Sylvan Robotics Camp
2640 Zelda Road, (334) 262.0043 March 12-15 Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Robots don’t build themselves! They need dreamers and tinkers, problem-solver and thinkers! We are thrilled to encourage your child’s talents with fun, hands-on projects building and animating robots. Engaging classes that focus on fun the kids don’t even realize they’re learning. Creative activities that encourage critical thinking and an early love for STEM. One of a kind curriculum that teaches STEM skills and vocabulary words needed for long-term success. Reinforcement tools so learning can take place far beyond Sylvan. $125 for week long Robotics Camp, snack provided. Please call to reserve your spot. www.sylvanlearning.com/montgomery
United Gymstars & Cheer
6100 Brewbaker Blvd., (334) 284.2244 March 12-15 from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Ages 4 and up. Please check our website for rates. www.unitedgymstarsandcheer.com
YMCA Branches and Goodtimes Center
March 12-16, Goodtimes and East YMCA March 19-23, Grandview YMCA and Wetumpka. Check with the East Y for swim camp. Please call 279.8666 or visit www.ymcamontgomery.org. 97
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Playspace for Kids: At Home and On The Go As children begin to assert their independence in the toddler years,
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they often welcome a bit of dedicated playspace. Tents and structures that mimic living space, but scaled to child-size, offer kids their own room to retreat for naps and solo play, or to host friends in a clubhouse atmosphere. For parents, these playhouses are best when they can assemble and breakdown easily. With the versatility to move from kitchen to patio, from your house to
Recommending the Best Toys and Products for Kids
Grandma’s, the following playspaces provide kids with easy and affordable homes within homes!
by Gerry Paige Smith
Wonderfold Playhouses
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Easy Playhouse (Easy Playhouse)
(Keter)
Maximum fun for the minimum investment, the Easy Playhouse is made in the U.S.A. from sturdy cardboard. Easily assembled from two pieces, the playhouse includes a working door and shutters, windows, cutout lighting features, and a mail slot. Adding to the attraction is the plain surface that encourages young homeowners to add their own signature style with paint, markers, stickers and more. Once the outside is covered with art, the Easy Playhouse is reversible and quickly reassembles with a new exterior ready for all new art themes. Ideal for kids to set up around various holidays, this house is ready for children to personalize as they decorate their playspace to suit the season!
Foldable Teepee
Love Tree Kids Play Tent
Forward-thinking design is the hallmark of this durable plastic playhouse that sets up in a snap. For parents who’ve endured the pleading to bring the backyard playhouse inside, the Keter Wonderfold Playhouse is the answer! This sturdy resin house is designed to fold out in under a minute and packs down flat with the same ease and speed (the roof is actually the hinged storage case!). Slid under a bed or against a closet wall, the Keter design allows parents to work some happy household magic as they produce a full-size playhouse in minutes. Waterproof, portable and lightweight, the Keter Wonderfold Playhouse is a versatile resource for children who like to carve out a dedicated play space within the home.
(Little Dove)
Perfect for staking a claim in the corner of a room or anchoring their own bit of real estate in the yard, this teepee style shelter from Little Dove creates a comfortable, nostalgic playspace. With an interior height of 59”, kids can take a stand or sit for reading, playing or napping. Right at home inside the house, the real pine wood poles add to the natural aesthetic of this teepee. The canvas covering features door ties and pockets on the inside for stowing favorite toys, beloved books and special treasures. Surprisingly lightweight, the Little Dove Foldable Teepee comes with a carrying case that makes it a sweet portable hideaway on beach trips, campouts and more.
(Love Tree)
Offering a recreational retreat both indoors and outside, the Love Tree Play Tent is a roomy refuge for kids. With windows for ventilation and viewing, plus doors that tie back, this tent combines an open welcome with just the right amount of seclusion for reading, playing, sleepovers and more. Sturdy fiberglass poles support the covering which is crafted from 100% cotton canvas. Measuring 59” x 59 ”x 39”, the Love Tree Play Tent is more spacious than many comparable playspaces with extra headroom for visiting adults. Soft, simple and easy to assemble this play tent is a top choice for kids making themselves a home within a home.
Gerry Paige Smith is a syndicated columnist recommending the best products for kids and their families. Discover more at www.PageBookMedia.com
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BENEFITING YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MISSIONS @ SAINT JAMES UMC
Auction: Saturday, April 21, 4-6pm Live Preview: Friday, April 20, 4-6pm Online Preview: sjlifeauction.com Free Admission Antique Furniture Home Goods Gift cards Trips & Vacations And much more!
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sjlifeauction.com | 334.481.0735 | 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 99
Vaughn Rd. www.facebook.com/montgomeryparents
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By March, it feels like Mother Nature has forgotten about spring, often resulting in extended bouts of cabin fever. It is no surprise that the slightest things begin to irritate us. For me, I begin to pick apart my dĂŠcor. With my house void of holiday decorations since the New Year, I notice how dated my wall art and furnishings look. I begin a list of items that have to go and peruse online for their replacements. Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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Armed with my list of new ideas, I suddenly remember that I am still paying off Christmas, taxes are due and the family would probably prefer a spring break vacation over new wall art and knickknacks. My plan of redecorating would have to wait – or would it? Perhaps there was a way to update our home without breaking the bank.
Frame it up – Frames are an inexpensive way to decorate. You can find them at garage sales, the dollar store or you can update what you already have. Use chalk paint to give it a pop of color. Visit Etsy for inexpensive digital downloads of art, quotes or graphics. You can also remove the glass to frame around a thicker object that is hung on the wall. Use nature – Pinterest is full of cre-
ative artists that fill their homes with items discarded by Mother Nature. Branches can be placed in vases, used as headboards, painted and accented with lights. You can also decorate with rocks, feathers, leaves, shells and flowers.
Mason jars – These versatile glass
jars can be used as vases, candle holders, planters and storage for bathroom, kitchen and office supplies. Place them on tables, counters or hang them on the wall. Try painting the outside to match your color scheme, stencil with graphics or just leave clear. Mason jar lids can be converted into wreaths, coasters or dozens of other items to decorate and organize.
Reclaimed wooden boards – You see them everywhere. Signs made to look like distressed or reclaimed wood can be designed at board and brush parties or created with hardware store supplies. Decorate with white washed paints and stencil with your family name, monogram or favorite saying. Display above the mantel, over your headboard or any empty wall.
Give it some light – There are dozens of ways to use light to give your home a new, softer look. Add a light kit to an empty bottle of wine, use twinkle lights to trim out a focal point like around a fireplace, use a picture light to highlight your artwork, change your light bulbs to Edison-style bulbs or simply update your lampshades. It just needs a facelift – When you
are trying to get more years out of your furniture, cabinets or flooring, sometimes all it needs is a facelift to tide you over. You can brush on a fresh coat of paint and update handles on cabinets, a good steam cleaning and new pillows can bring a couch back to life and an area rug gives a room a new focal point. 101
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Ideas From Local Moms I sew my own curtains. Painting walls is usually involved, so when I want to make a big change in my house, I sew some VERY simple curtains. - Savannah Barber Paint just one wall of a room to accentuate a furniture piece or wall art. - Vinny Chandrasoma
Rearrange furniture. Move pieces to
different rooms. Paint something. - Karen Moody
Look for copycats – If you love the look of Pottery Barn, but don’t have the budget to match, try making your own. You can often recreate the same look with less expensive items bought on eBay, in your favorite store’s clearance section or discount stores like Home Goods. Try Googling “copycat décor” or “knockoff décor” for more ideas. Use your words – What’s your word this year? Bold? Happy? Kind? If that is your intent for this year, you should display it in your home for all to see. Head to the craft store for inexpensive, unfinished wooden letters. Decorate with paint, decoupage with photos or cover them in fabric. Dress things up – It’s time to accessorize the simple things in your home. Place trim around your plain bathroom mirrors and adhere it with two-sided foam tape. Bring texture to a flat surface or wall by adding molding. Outline doorways and windows with decorative casings. Add crown molding for an attractive transition from your ceiling to your walls. Display your collections – Are
you a collector of tea cups, Coke bottles or old cameras? Give your house the personal touch it needs by displaying some of your favorite things. You can work them into your décor by displaying on shelves, under glass domes or as a gallery wall up your staircase. Pam Molnar is a freelance writer and mother of three. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys reading decorating magazines and pinning makeover ideas on Pinterest.
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Early Man
Black Panther
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: B+ Violence: B Sexual Content: B Profanity: B+ Alcohol / Drug Use: A The MPAA has rated Early Man PG for rude humor and some action. Using stop-frame techniques, Aardamn Animation sets out to prove what many Brits have believed all along: Football is in their blood because the history of their involvement with the sport goes back to prehistoric times. According to this account, the game kicked off after a meteor struck the earth (in the vicinity of present-day Manchester). It continued to evolve, and by the Bronze Age, both playing and spectating had become almost a religion. Unfortunately, a small tribe still stuck in the Stone Age is unaware of the wildly popular pastime. It isn’t until their metal-seeking neighbors trespass into their valley that the group discovers there is a more advanced civilization. The primitive band is promptly cast off their turf by the greedy Lord Nooth. After the foul treatment, they are unsure how to reclaim their valley. That’s when Dug accidentally stumbles into their modern city, discovers the football arena and witnesses the competitive sport. He challenges the home team to a high stakes game where the champions will win the right to the contested land. The comedy in the film comes from watching these unmatched rivals prepare for battle on the field, along with portrayals of ancient materials adapted into modern-day conveniences. It is all a bit silly, with a whole lot of slapstick thrown in. With the exception of some evil intentions and mild sports violence, the film will be appropriate for most ages of viewers. However, the humor will likely be best appreciated by audiences that are avid football fans and/or those who get it’s distinctly British nuances.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: B+ Violence: D+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: C Alcohol / Drug Use: B The MPAA has rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture. After the death of his father (John Kani), which was depicted in Captain America: Civil War, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) succeeds to the throne of a small, mysterious (and fictitious) African state called Wakanda. After defending his right to rule in a gladiator-style, ceremonial ritual, T’Challa also inherits the role as protector of the realm, along with some big moral decisions and deep rooted family baggage. But T’Challa has some help with these responsibilities. Thanks to a the powers of an indigenous herb, he is endowed with superhuman strengths as the Black Panther. And he will need these abilities to maintain the secrecy of Wakanda’s greatest treasure, a shiny metal called vibranium. T’Challa hopes to honor his father’s legacy by keeping Wakanda safely isolated from the unrest of the world surrounding it. Yet, a bad guy named Ulyssess Klaue is already aware of the secret resource. Klaue is determined to grasp more of the mighty metal and sell it to the highest bidder. From a parent’s perspective, Black Panther comes with ample violent portrayals. However, the complex ethical issues presented propel the script far above other superhero films too. When it comes to considering the needs of others first, the Black Panther sets a high bar. One that I hope continues in the many Marvel adventures sure to include this character in the future.
The 15:17 to Paris
Wonder
MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall: BViolence: CSexual Content: B Profanity: C+ Alcohol / Drug Use: C The MPAA has rated The 15:17 to Paris PG-13 on appeal for bloody images, violence, some suggestive material, drug references and language. Heroic events deserve to make the news but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the makings of a good movie. Sadly, that’s the situation with Clint Eastwood’s retelling of the quick spirited actions of three American men (Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler) after an armed terrorist began shooting on a French train in 2015. The first problem with creating a film about an actual conflict, that is barely five minutes long, is finding something to fill the other hour and a half of runtime. Perhaps it was wrong to feel a sense of “finally” when the pivotal action begins. But, at last, there’s a story to tell (albeit a short one) and Eastwood directs the bloody sequence with finesse. Spenser leads the charge to subdue the attacker and ends up with slashes across his neck and face. Alek and Anthony follow as backup. Moments later Spenser attends to another passenger, (Mark Moogalian also playing himself) who is shot in the neck, and uses his military medical knowledge to save the injured man’s life. Whether Eastwood is an artistic genius or a rushed director who didn’t anticipate that his movie would feel like a pilot for a reality TV series, is beside the point. The final destination of The 15:17 To Paris illustrates to teen and adult audiences that you don’t have to be someone special to do something that can make a powerful difference.
MPAA Rating: PG Overall: A Violence: B+ Sexual Content: AProfanity: AAlcohol / Drug Use: BThe MPAA has rated Wonder PG for thematic elements including bullying, and some mild language. It’s as plain as the nose on your face that Auggie Pullman (played by Jacob Tremblay) is no ordinary ten-year-old. Born with a genetic defect, the boy has a face only a mother could love. Consequently, the youngster has been sheltered from the outside world and home schooled – until now. Auggie’s mother (Julia Roberts) has decided that he should attend a real institution as he begins the first year of middle school. She logics that most of the other students will be new too, so it should ease the transition. Despite all the pep talks, and the support of his father (Owen Wilson) and sister Via (Izabela Vidovic), the whole family is secretly quite concerned about how Auggie’s facial deformities will be seen by his peers. Much of this movie follows the quiet child as he tries to establish himself in a new environment that is less hospitable than the walls of his of own home. Watching Aggie navigate the challenges of his situation would provide enough material for a good plot, yet this thoughtful script takes the story into unexpected territory by examining the feelings of jealousy, neglect and isolation as the perspectives of his sister and other friends are shared. In a subtle way, it exposes the fact that we all carry scars – even if they aren’t as visible as the nose on Auggie’s face. And it demonstrates the power that’s unleashed when ordinary people doing kind things.
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FamilyCalendar Thursday, March 1
Art Auction 2018 at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-10 p.m. The Museum’s 14th biennial Art Auction will be one evening, a combination of past years’ Silent Auction and Live Auction events. The Art Acquisition Committee has gathered artwork from New York, Santa Fe, and Charleston, and this year, they have selected a large number of works from prominent New Orleans galleries. This year’s Auction will also include artwork selected by the newly formed Contemporary Committee, a group focused on finding contemporary artworks by regional artists priced for the beginning collector. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333. Millbrook Community Theatre Presents Sister Act -- Through March 4 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Angie Mitchell; music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. $12 advance/$15 at the door/$8 ages 12 and under. Call (334) 782-7317 or visit www.millbrooktheater.com/.
Friday, March 2
Renascence Re-entry Community Ping Pong Tournament & Preview Party -- Also March 3 The preview party from 6-9 p.m. Friday is for adults only; the tournament from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday is for all ages and abilities. Both will be held at the Alcazar Center, 555 Eastern Blvd. The tournament benefits Renascence and the men coming out of the prison system who need a hand up, not a hand-out, as they transition into society and employment. Like a ping pong, the men of Renascence want to bounce back into productive lives. Preview party costs $45 and includes food, drinks, dance band, silent auction and opportunity to play ping pong. Tournament costs $10 for ages 19 and under; $20 for ages 20 and up. For more info or to sign up, call (334) 832-1402 or visit halfwayhome.net.
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with social art pieces. This year’s theme is WALK IN. WADE IN. SIT IN: THE DEATH OF A KING, honoring contributions of men, women and children that made human rights possible in Montgomery. Call (334) 2424076 for more info. Special School Performances of The Little Mermaid and More! 9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Troy University’s Davis Theatre, Montgomery. Special ticket prices: $7. Limited space available. Call Pamela Swan at (334) 625-2590. Wetumpka Depot Presents Seussical the Musical Also March 3 7 p.m. performances. Directed by Kristy Meanor, with actors ranging from 10 to 18 years old. Some of these roles include memorable characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Jojo, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Mazie La Bird, Sour Kangaroo, the Wickersham Bros., the Whos, and Jungle Creatures! For tickets, call (334) 868-1440 or visit wetumpkadepot.com.
Saturday, March 3
7th Annual Pike Road Art Market 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Pike Road Town Hall, 9575 Vaughn Road. Browse a variety of handmade gifts from local and regional artisans and crafters. A local British Motoring Club will be showcasing cars outside, and there will be a silent auction benefiting the Pike Road Arts Council. For more info, call (334) 272-9883 or visit www. pikeroad.us/. Alabama Dance Theatre Presents The Little Mermaid and More -- Also March 4 Troy University’s Davis Theatre, Montgomery. Choreographed by ADT’s resident choreographer Sara Sanford, this performance is for children of all ages and the young at heart. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale about a mermaid willing to give up her life under the sea in order to find
Old Cahawba Road to Freedom Wagon Tour 10-11 a.m. Old Cahawba Archaeological Park, 9518 Cahaba Rd, Orrville, Ala. 100 years BEFORE the 1965 Voting Rights March focused on the Dallas county courthouse in nearby Selma, a brave community of recently emancipated African-Americans gathered around an older courthouse in Cahawba. This wagon tour tells the story of Cahawba’s African-American majority and traces their path from slavery to freedom with a special emphasis on how they reshaped Cahawba as they pursued their dreams of equality. ($10 Adult, $8 Children). Call (334) 872-8058 for more info or visit www.ahc. alabama.gov or www.facebook.com/oldcahawba. $8 per person.
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Home Depot Kids’ Workshop 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 5-12. Free workshop teaches children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety. Today’s project is construct a periscope. Once the project is built, your child can decorate it with stickers and paint. In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. For more info, visit http://workshops.homedepot.com/ workshops/kids-workshops.
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Dream Court Offers Tennis Sessions Also March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14, 21, and 28 1655 Ray Thorington Rd., Pike Rd. Times: 9:30-10:30 a.m. for Skill Levels 1 and 2 (Foam and red balls); 10:30-11:30 a.m. for Level 3 (Orange balls); 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for Levels 4 and 5 (Green and yellow balls); and 12:30-1:30 p.m. for Wheelchair Athletes. For more info, call (334) 414-1980 or visit http:// dreamcourt.org/. Michael’s Kids Club -- Also March 10, 17, 24 & 31 10 a.m.-noon. $2 per project. Supplies included. Ages 3-8. Each session is 30 minutes. Parent or guardian must remain on premises. March 3 is Paper Flowers; March 10 is Foam Easter Egg; March 17
The River Region Healthy Living Expo 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Frazer UMC. Join the Alabama News Network Team, local pharmacies, doctors, hospitals and the leading professionals in the Health and Wellness industry and get the answers to all your health and wellness questions! With the donation of one canned food item, health fair attendees will receive free admission to more than 50 health and wellness vendors. Alabama News Network will partner with the Montgomery Area Food Bank to help fight hunger in the River Region. For more info, call (334) 270-9252 or visit www. alabamanews.net/. Art On The Square 2018 6:30-9 p.m. Court Square-Dexter Avenue. FREE community event commemorating the 53rd Annual Selma to Montgomery March. This year, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Art By Kevin King and many others have joined in to make this year’s event more impactful
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true love and happiness and gain a human soul. Performances are March 3 at 2:30 p.m.* and 7 p.m. and March 4 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$30 and can be purchased at www.alabamadancetheatre.com. *Shortened children’s matinee of The Little Mermaid only. After the shortened matinee on March 3, children are invited onstage to meet The Little Mermaid and her friends at an additional charge of $10.
is Easter Characters; March 24 is Yarn Chicks; and March 31 is Easter Treat Bags. For more info, visit www.michaels.com/.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents The Miracle Worker -- Through March 18 This classic is based on the true story of Anne Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller, who grew up in Tuscumbia, Ala. Trapped in her own world, Helen is unable to communicate. Anne realizes there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark silence, and her success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: “water.” Recommended ages 9+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.
Civil Rights Walking Tours -- Every Saturday and Sunday 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. start times. Tours start from The Village Gallery. Come explore Montgomery’s history walking from different historical sties and engage in profound moments from slavery, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. This tour highlights pioneers and unsung heroes who contributed to a new era. Cost: Adults - $10; 12 & under - $5; 4 & under FREE. Book your tour by calling (334) 595-9243.
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Find a listing of Public Library Storytimes and Events at MontgomeryParents.com!
The Westerlies in Concert 7 p.m. The Capri Theatre. Celebrate the finale of a week of school outreach with this talented Brass Quartet from New York. Tickets are $25 adults, $15 military/student and $10 Save a Seat for a Student. Call (334) 603-CLEF (2533) for more info.
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AUM Offers Free Mandarin Classes -- Every Saturday Auburn Montgomery’s Confucius Institute continues to offer free Mandarin classes to the community. To register, send the student’s name, age and contact information to ama@aum.edu.
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First Sundays at One -- Also April 1 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the traveling exhibitions as well as the Museum’s Permanent Collection in these FREE docent-led tours the FIRST Sunday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Leonard Bernstein Presented by The Montgomery Chorale 3-5 p.m. First United Methodist Church 2416 W Cloverdale Park, Montgomery. Part of a global celebration of the legendary composer and conductor’s 100th birthday. Until August 25, 2019, arts organizations around the world are hosting events and performances honoring Bernstein’s body of work. Our celebration will include performances of his Chichester Psalms, excerpts from Candide and West Side Story, and more. For ticket info, visit www.montgomerychorale.org/ or call (334) 265-3737.
ing the month of March as part of the 2018 Celebration of the Arts. This event is free and open to the public. For more info, call the Special Events Office at (334) 595-0854 or visit prattvilleal.gov. Junior League of Montgomery Celebrates International Women’s Day with Women’s Leadership Summit 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. The event will include an opening session by Stacy Brown, the founder of Chicken Salad Chick, two panels of women leaders at the top of their fields, and a keynote address by Felicia Turrentine Wasson, director of stakeholder relations at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased for $50 each at JLMontgomery.org.
Friday, March 9
Elmore County Homeschool Organization Meets Also March 23 Elmore County Homeschool Organization is a non-profit support group for homeschooling families. We provide a positive socialization environment for homeschooled children & support and encourage their parents in the homeschooling process. We typically meet the second and fourth Friday of every month year-round from 10 a.m. to noon at Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. Membership is free and is open to all homeschoolers in the tri-county area. For details, visit http://www.onlineecho.com.
W.A. Gayle Planetarium Presents Back to the Moon for Good - Sundays @ 2 p.m.; MondaysThursdays @ 4 p.m. Immerse yourself in a race to return to the moon, 40 years after the historic Apollo landings. See how a competition among privately funded international teams is ushering in a new era of lunar exploration. Learn about the moon’s resources and discover what humanity’s future on the moon might hold. Narrated by Tim Allen, “Back to the Moon for Good” presents the Google Lunar XPRIZE, and the personal stories of competition and collaboration it inspires. For more info, call (334) 625-4799 or visit www.troy.edu/planetarium/.
Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Bear Country -- Through March 25 The Southern Writers’ Project world-premiere production of Bear Country returns to the ASF stage for a limited run. Meet the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant as he reminisces about the career that turned him into an icon and dispenses his particular brand of life coaching, which made him a champion to his players on and off the field. Recommended ages 11+. For tickets or more info, visit asf.net or call (334) 271-5353.
Wednesday, March 7
Saturday, March 10
Capital City Master Gardener Association Lunch and Learn Series Open to the Public The first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, next to the Curb Market. Related handouts from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service are provided each session at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunches to each event. Iced tea and water will be provided. Alabama State University Department of Theatre Arts Presents Noises Off - Through March 10 7 p.m. What do you get when you combine a frazzled director who begs, yells and threatens; confused actors who forget lines, miss cues and mishandle props; and too many backstage (and onstage) shenanigans? You get the FUNNIEST PLAY EVER! For more info, call (334) 229-6929 or visit www.facebook.com/ events/1999434730296396/. Artful Yoga at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also March 21 Noon-1 p.m. Does your yoga practice need a little artistic inspiration? Join us for this new program to stretch, reflect and relax. Each Artful Yoga session will draw inspiration from collections and exhibitions of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Led by instructor Nancy Beale. The class is free and suitable for all levels; beginners are welcome. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing.
Thursday, March 8
Opening Reception for Compositions 5-7 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center and Gallery, 342 S. Chestnut Street in Prattville. The Prattauga Art Guild will host an exhibition of musically themed works dur-
Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K 7 a.m. Half Marathon starts; 7:15 a.m. 5K starts. 5K Awards ceremony will take place between 9 and 9:30 a.m. Half Marathon Awards ceremony will take place between 11 and 11:30a.m. This annual race takes runners through some of Montgomery’s most beautiful neighborhoods and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Featuring live entertainment for both racers and supporters. For more info, visit http://themontgomeryhalf.com/. Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents Cabaret 7:30 p.m. Join us on the mainstage for our first cabaret of the season! Director Randy Foster leads an ensemble of local talent in an evening of songs from Broadway and beyond. Tickets are $15. All proceeds go to benefit the Alabama Institute of Education in the Arts and the Playhouse School. Come enjoy a fun evening of song for arts education in Alabama! For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530. 19th Annual Enlisted Heritage 5K Run 7 a.m. Riverwalk Stadium. The run is open to the public and all runners are welcome! Funds raised at this event will allow the Heritage Hall to continue providing support for enlisted education programs and the development of museum-quality displays and exhibits that chronicle the contributions of enlisted men and women throughout aviation history.
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Registration is $35 per person. For more info, e-mail enlisted.heritage.5k@gmail.com or visit mmstiming. com/race/2018-enlisted-heritage-5k/. Free Children’s Art Workshop 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center and Gallery, 342 S. Chestnut Street in Prattville. The Prattauga Art Guild will host this free workshop for children ages 5-12, but space is limited and reservations are required. To register or for more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit prattvilleal.gov. Fit For The Fight Zumba Mega Fitness Event Bell Road YMCA 6-8 p.m. A two-hour, calorie-blasting, fun-filled, dance PARTY to KNOCK OUT CHILDHOOD HUNGER! 100% of proceeds from this event will go towards the Annual Support Campaign for the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, which largely supports the Brown Bag Bus program to fight childhood hunger in Montgomery and Elmore counties. Tickets are on sale now, but in limited supply, so get yours today! Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we have more than $1,600 in prizes up for grabs! For more info, visit ymcamontgomery.org. Montgomery Zoo Weekend -- Also March 11 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Festive environment with live entertainment, games, rides, bouncy houses, big slides, inflatables, pony and camel rides, petting zoo, karate demos, Montgomery Police K-9 presentation, live animal presentations, concessions and animals from around the world. Enjoy the many activities, fantastic food and have fun together at an affordable price. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit montgomeryzoo.com. Whole Foods Second Saturday Kids Club 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods, 1450 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Each second Saturday, Whole Foods will host fun, hands-on craft activities to teach kids about healthy eating. It’s totally free, and every participant gets a piece of fruit and whatever they make in the workshop! For more info, call (334) 523-2940 or visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/montgomery. Dads and Daughters Saturday (D.A.D.S) Calling ALL Fathers and Daughters for storytimes, fun and laughs, 11 a.m.-noon every 2nd Saturday at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Memorial Library. There will be singing, dancing and arts & crafts. So come visit us and have an enjoyable time! For more info, visit www.facebook.com/events/1374454692792666 /?source=1. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. Cost to attend is $20 per person and preregistration required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer. morris@morganstanley.com. You may also visit www. secondsaturday.com. AMC Theaters Offers Sensory-Friendly Movietimes -- Also March 24 For guests and families living with autism or other special needs, AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! This program is available on second and fourth Saturdays (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
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FamilyCalendar Sunday, March 11
Prattville Pops March Madness Concert 3 p.m. Pratt Park Amphitheatre. This concert will feature all marches and is free and open to the public. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the show! For more info, call (334) 595-0854 or visit prattvilleal.gov.
Wednesday, March 14
Central Alabama Master Gardener (CAMGA) Lunch & Learn Program Noon-1 p.m. Held at the Elmore County Extension (ACES) facility on Queen Ann Road in Wetumpka, these free events for the public are held on the second Wednesday of each month. Attendees are invited to bring their lunch and learn. Beverages are provided by CAMGA. For more info, call 567-6301 or visit www.aces.edu/counties/Elmore/.
Thursday, March 15
Food For Thought Noon-1 p.m. The Alabama Dept. of Archives & History, 624 Washington Ave. Bring lunch and and join us every third Thursday for these FREE lectures sponsored by Friends of the Alabama Archives. Drinks are complimentary. Today’s topic is “The Paper and the Preacher: The Southern Courier and Martin Luther King Jr.,” presented by Scotty Kirkland and Meredith McDonough. Call (334) 353-4726 or visit www.archives.alabama.gov. Montgomery Chamber Music Organization Presents: Jerusalem Quartet 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Jerusalem Quartet is a regular and beloved guest on the world’s great concert stages. The ensemble has performed in cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Washington. There will be a “Meet the Artists” wine reception following concert. Tickets may be purchased by calling (334) 277-3505 or visit montgomerychambermusic. org/concerts.html. The 2018 Southeastern Live Expo Rodeo -Through March 17 Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. More than just buckin’ broncos, barrel racing and burly bulls, this year’s rodeo season is slam full of events for the whole family. Whether it’s the parade downtown, the Stick Horse Rodeo or the Western Festival, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. On Thursday, Kids 12 and under enter FREE! On Friday, get four tickets for only $40! (At least two ticket holders must be under 12 years old.) Call 1-888-2RODEO2 or e-mail krharden@bamabeef.org.
Friday, March 16
Cloverdale Playhouse Theatre Presents Staged Reading of Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me Also March 17 7:30 p.m. Written by Frank McGuinness. An Irish journalist, English academic, and American doctor are being held captive by terrorists in Beirut. They exercise and they argue, supportive in their mutual determination to survive. The three display their national biases and prejudices, which are intensified in the cramped confines of their cell. This play contains strong language and adult themes and is recommended for audiences 16+. For more info, visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org or call (334) 262-1530.
Saturday, March 17
YMCA Summer Childcare Open House 9 a.m.-noon. If you join the Y and bring in a canned food item during our Summer Childcare Open House, we will waive your join fee plus the registration fee for summer childcare! EVEN BETTER... Get $10 off each week of summer childcare that you pre-pay for. We have locations and programs at Camp Chandler,
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Grandview Y, and several Goodtimes Centers at Bell Road, East Family, Kershaw, Wilson, Cleveland Ave, Wetumpka, and Southeast. For more info, visit www. ymcamontgomery.org or visit one of our branches. River Region Comic Con 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cramton Bowl Multiplex, 220 Hall St, Montgomery. A multi-genre, veteranowned convention in Montgomery. The focus will be on comics, gaming, e-sports, technology, and film for the area. This is a one-day event full of panels, gaming and special guests. Rocket City Arcade will be hosting the arcade game room including a Donkey Kong high score tournament. Tickets are $16 adult; $13 military/first responder with valid ID; $14 student admission with valid ID; $6 children’s admission (7-12); and 6 and under are free. For more info, contact riverregioncomicon@gmail.com or our Facebook page. Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson Living History Weekend Wetumpka. Admission $2/adult & $1/child. For more info, call (334) 567-3002. Third Saturday @ Art Museum 1-2 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more about the works of art on view at the Museum in these FREE docent-led tours offered the third Saturday of each month. For more info, call (334) 240-4333 or visit mmfa.org/. Easter Eggstravaganza at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Activities begin at 10 a.m. for children up through age 12. The Easter bunny is back at the ANC! Bring the family and join us for activities including three different age group egg hunts, egg bocce ball, egg race, bunny pictures, and more! Hotdogs will be for sale from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the pavilion outpost. NaturePlex General Admission applies: kids 3 & under FREE; $5/person with a $20 maximum per family. Price includes visiting the NaturePlex Discovery Hall, theater and this awesome Eggstravaganza event! For more info, visit www. alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.
Tuesday, March 20
Joe Thomas, Jr. 3rd Tuesday Guitar Pull 7-9 p.m. Three or four regional songwriters perform original music on the Cloverdale Playhouse’s intimate stage. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call 262-1530 or visit www.cloverdaleplayhouse.org.
Thursday, March 22
Newcomers Club of Montgomery Monthly Luncheon The Newcomers Club of Montgomery invites all women of the River Region to attend our monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Country Club. Our guest will be Jim Williams, owner of River Region Ballroom Dancing. He will show us the proper steps to Ballroom Dancing, Latin Swing, and other beautiful dances that we all love! Jim opened his dance studio in 1996 and is well known for his positive influence in the Montgomery area. Cost is $18 and reservations must be made by noon Monday, March 19, to Suzanne Lowry at (334) 396-5368 or zanzuzan@ charter.net. Visit www.newcomersmontgomery.com for more info.
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Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour! 6 p.m. Tickets begin at $35. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.
Pike Road Community Easter Egg Hunt 9 a.m.-noon. MANE Equestrian Center in Pike Road.
Sunday, March 25
Family Art Affair and Jazz Jams at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 2-4 p.m. Music will fill the Museum and get your creativity going as you visit the studio and complete a FREE make-and-take art project. This program has specific themes related to Museum exhibitions and is sure to be fun and engaging for the whole family. Create your own piece of art inspired by live music and the works in the “Uncommon Territory” exhibition. For more info, visit http://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 240-4333.
Tuesday, March 27
2018 MAX Capital City Classic Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. First Pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Help celebrate the tradition and rivalry of the Iron Bowl at Riverwalk Stadium as Auburn takes on Alabama. Tickets are $15-$22. Purchase online or call (334) 323-2255. You may also visit www.facebook.com/ events/193454504731208/.
Thursday, March 29
FREE Firearms Safety & Personal/Family/ Home Defense Seminar 6:30-8 p.m. If you’d like to be equipped to utilize a firearm for self defense and family protection, you’ll be interested in this class. We’ll cover the basics of handling/carrying a firearm safely (open or concealed), cleaning your firearm, strategies for self defense, and laws governing the use of lethal force. Your questions are welcomed! (All firearms shown in class will be unloaded.) A local firearms instructor (affiliated with USCCA) will lead the class. For more info, call (334) 452-9453 or visit www.Facebook. com/PFHDTraining. ARTtalk at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 p.m. Join this bi-monthly program for Museum members during which artists share one artwork apiece and receive feedback from their peers. Get an up-close look at artists, their work, and the creative process in this unique program designed for artists in the area as well as those interested in art. This series of events (January 25, March 29, May 24, July 26, September 27, and November 29) is $20 for Museum or Art Guild Members/$35 for non-members. Participants are invited to bring one work of art to each ARTtalk session for discussion. Enjoy light refreshments and networking with other professionals in this unique program whether or not you choose to bring artwork. Visit mmfa.org or call (334) 240-4333.
Saturday, March 31
Annual Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Easter Egg Hunt 4 p.m. on the campus of Auburn Montgomery (near
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FamilyCalendar the old duck pond). Montgomery County youth between the ages of 1-11 are invited to grab their baskets or pails and come out to join the fun. For more info, call (334) 832-4980 or visit www.facebook.com/ events/754779511381690/. Frazer UMC Easter Egg Hunt 10 a.m.-noon on the Frazer Playground (park in rear of buildings). Bring your little ones, from birth to 5th-graders, for age-appropriate egg hunts, fun-filled games, a visit from the Easter Bunny and a chance to hear the Easter message shared through puppets. For more info, contact Cami Culpepper at cculpepper@frazerumc.org or (334) 495-6355. The Borgen Project Informational Session Noon at the Shakespeare Festival Bark Park. The Borgen Project is an advocacy group that is striving to end global poverty through influencing congressmen in D.C. The event will just be a short session on who The Borgen Project is and what they are trying to accomplish, as well as informing people on how they can get involved with this incredible nonprofit organization. For more info, contact Dave at dlpouncey@gmail.com. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Here Come The Mummies 8 p.m. Eight-piece funk-rock band of 5,000-year-old Egyptian Mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get you into them (and possibly vice versa). Since their discovery, HCTM has opened for P-Funk, Al Green, and Cheap Trick. Tickets begin at $17. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100. Scavenger Hunt at Alabama Nature Center in Millbrook Activities begin at 10 a.m. Join us for a self-guided scavenger hunt that will be ongoing all day. Explore our trails in search of treasure ANC style. NaturePlex General Admission applies: kids 3 & under FREE; $5/ person with a $20 maximum per family. For more info, visit www.alabamawildlife.org/ or call (800) 822-9453.
Thursday, April 5
Opening Night at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball 6:35 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Come usher in the new baseball season against the Biloxi Shuckers with a MAX Fireworks Show and a post-game launch of the Human Cannonball! For more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com/ or call (334) 323-2255.
Friday, April 6
Maxwell Air Force Base Centennial Celebration at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball 6:35 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Join the Biscuits as we wish Maxwell Air Force Base happy 100th birthday with special historical recognitions and honor guests all night long! Check out the celebration across downtown Montgomery Saturday afternoon before heading to back to Riverwalk Stadium on Saturday Night! For more info, visit www. biscuitsbaseball.com/ or call (334) 323-2255.
Saturday, April 7
YMCA Strides For Kids 5K Dash & Fun Run 8:30 a.m. (5K) and 9:45 a.m. (Fun Run) at Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. All proceeds benefit the Annual Support Campaign. Rates: $25 for 5K
until March 23, $30 after; $10 for Fun Run until March 23, $15 after. For more info, visit ymcamontgomery.org. 14th Annual Autism Crawfish Boil Noon-5:30 p.m. Dreamland BBQ, 12 West Jefferson Street, Montgomery. The BEST crawfish boil in the GUMP along with live music and cold beverages! All proceeds are donated to assist with autism programs provided by Easter Seals Central Alabama for families in the River Region. Tickets are $35. Ages 3-10 are $10. VIP tickets are $75. For more info, call (334) 262-0080 or visit www.autismmudbugball.org/. Fantasy Day at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball 6:35 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Riverwalk Stadium turns into a realm of endless possibilities! Come and meet some of your favorite princesses, see knights and wizards, and enjoy a storybook coming to life! For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball. com/ or call (334) 323-2255. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Presents Rodney Carrington Live! 7 p.m. Multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer who recorded eight major record label comedy albums, which have sold millions of copies. Carrington then released three new albums on his own record label. An album of new songs and material entitled Laughter’s Good debuted at Number One on the Overall Comedy Charts. Tickets begin at $42. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.
is hosted by lead sponsors Serquest and the JK Lowder Family Foundation. This will be an evening of Southern fun including a steak dinner at the cantina, live music, and a $10,000 drawdown. Event tickets are $125 and include a drawdown entry. If you can’t attend, but want to support Family Sunshine Center, DRAWDOWN ONLY tickets available for $50 each. To purchase, call (334) 206-2121.
Classes
Breastfeeding Class Designed to prepare the expectant mother for breastfeeding her newborn. Also includes troubleshooting common problems to establish a successful breastfeeding experience. Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $15. Class schedule is subject to change, so please call 293-8497 or e-mail liz.owen@ jackson.org to register or for more info. Breastfeeding Class This one-time class at Baptist Health provides expectant mothers with information about breastfeeding including various factors influencing lactation, advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy and physiology of milk production, specific techniques to promote a successful breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding equipment and supplies. Classes are taught by IBLCE instructors. Partners are encouraged to participate. Class fee:
Sunday, April 8
Kids Day at Montgomery Biscuits Baseball 2:05 p.m. Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium. Every Sunday, kids 14 and under can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the final out presented by Coca-Cola! There is also Bark in the Park. Bring your four-legged companion to the game for free and enjoy special dog-themed promotions all game long! One dog per adult, excludes April 29. For more info, visit www.biscuitsbaseball. com/ or call (334) 323-2255. River Region Independent School Expo 2-4 p.m. at Auburn University Montgomery, room 230 in the Taylor Center. Ten area independent schools come together to offer the River Region an opportunity to become acquainted with the participating schools, learn more about the unique mission behind each school, and gather details on the admissions process for the individual schools. Families interested in enrolling in pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade for fall 2018 or even fall 2019 should attend. There is no admission charge and representatives from these local schools will be present: Alabama Christian Academy, Holy Cross Episcopal School, Hooper Academy, Macon East Academy, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, Prattville Christian Academy, Saint James School, The Montgomery Academy, The Rock School, and Trinity Presbyterian School. For more info, visit RiverRegionIndependentSchools.com.
Thursday, April 12
Family Sunshine Center’s Ranch Roundup Benefit Dinner 6:30-9 p.m. Bartlett Ranch, 755 Old Carter Hill Road, Pike Road. Join us as we raise dollars to end domestic violence and sexual assault. Ranch Roundup
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$20. Registration is required. E-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Caring For Your Newborn Taught by Baptist Health Newborn Nursery nurses, this one-time class helps new families become familiar with the basics of caring for your infant in the first six weeks after birth. This interactive class covers routine hospital newborn procedures along with bathing, diapering, swaddling and soothing, normal infant behavior, appearance and sleep patterns. Class fee: $20. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Childbirth Basics Class Provides childbirth information for those who choose to have pain relief during labor and delivery. Sessions are taught throughout the year at Jackson Hospital, Classroom 1. Cost is $25. Call 293-8497 by your 4th month of pregnancy to register. Childbirth Preparation (Four Sessions on Monday Nights) This four-session class is taught by Registered Labor and Delivery Nurses on the campus of Baptist South. This class for new mothers covers topics ranging from how your body changes during pregnancy to signs of labor to the benefits of breastfeeding and what to expect during your birth experience. This class is complimentary. To register, call (334) 2863466.
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LocalClasses Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp (One Day Saturday Class) This fast-paced one day class taught by Baptist Health’s experienced Labor and Delivery Registered Nurses prepares families to welcome their new addition. All aspects of Labor and Delivery from our hospital admission process through postpartum care are covered during class. Additional topics include Cesarean sections, medication and anesthesia options along with coping and comfort measures. Breathing and relaxation techniques are also introduced. Maternity Area Tour is included as a part of this class. Class offered select Saturdays of each month. Fee: $60 per couple and includes lunch. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. ID required. Chinese Language Classes Auburn Montgomery’s Office of Far Eastern Initiatives offers Saturday classes for children and adults. The one-hour weekly courses are provided free-of-charge as a service to the community. For more info or to register, contact April Ma at 244-3018 or ama@aum.edu. Cloverdale Playhouse Rep Class Series First Mondays every month from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Cloverdale Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. This is a safe space to work on your craft, develop your audition skills, share your newest piece, or just get feedback on your latest artistic endeavor. Guest panels and rotating faculty ensure constant growth and a variety of insight. Even if you don’t perform every time - you can learn a lot by observing! There will be a sign-up sheet if you would like to work. Call (334) 262-1530 with questions. CPR & First Aid The American Red Cross offers classes in adult and infant/child CPR as well as first aid and babysitting classes monthly. Call 260-3980. Diabetes Education --Prattville Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available Wednesdays by appointment at Prattville Medical Park. Call 747-7700 Option # for more information. Diabetes Education --Baptist Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education services available weekdays by appointment. Call 747-7700 Option # for more info. Family Nutrition Classes Fun, hands-on 3 or 6-week in-person or online course developed by well-known pediatrician Dr William Sears. Classes focused towards parents of children age 3-12. The goal is to learn simple ways to improve the health of your child through lifestyle, exercise, attitude, and nutrition. Fee includes materials, activities and a snack. A 2-hour preview class is available. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www. Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Foster Parent Training Classes Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries sponsors foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries, at 334430-7569 or e-mail bolson@alabamachild.org. Infant Safety/CPR This one-time class sponsored by Baptist Health will teach parents and grandparents the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for infants and children including care of the choking infant, infant rescue and breathing with hands on practice using ACTAR CPR dolls for class participants. This class will also help parents with creating a safe environment for their child. Classes are taught by certified CPR Instructors. This class is not a certification class. Fee: $10 per person.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org. A 10 percent class discount is available to Baptist Health employees and members of the military. Maternity Area Tour Only Baptist Medical Center East maternity area tour for expectant mothers and families not attending Childbirth Preparation Class or Boot Camp. This tour is complimentary and is offered on select Saturdays of each month. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org for more info. Maternity Area Tour Baptist Health’s Maternity Area Tour is for parents not attending Childbirth Preparation Boot Camp. Tour is offered on select Saturdays of each month and is complimentary. Tour is for adults only. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please e-mail smallwonders@ baptistfirst.org for more info. Pre- and Post-natal Fitness Classes Includes water aerobics, step-floor aerobics and strength training. SportsFirst. Call 277-7130. Pregnancy Nutrition Classes Interactive 3-week series of classes developed by wellknown pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Classes focus on lifestyle choices, attitude, and exercise at any stage of pregnancy; optimal nutrition before, during and after pregnancy; transition from pregnancy to motherhood. Courses can be taken separately or as a series. Jump in any time! Materials and snack provided with fee. For more info, contact alissabethtaylor@gmail.com or visit www.Facebook.com/LeaninCentralAL. Prepared Childbirth Class (Understanding Birth) Jackson Hospital. Preregistration required. Topics include: pregnancy, labor, birth, options for pain management, medical procedures, cesarean birth. Note: This class is a basic overview of the labor and delivery process and does not prepare someone for “natural” or unmedicated childbirth. Cost: $25 (covers mother and support person). Class size is limited. Please try to register by the 5th month of pregnancy for the best selection of available class dates. Call (334) 293-8497 or e-mail: liz.owen@jackson.org. Sibling Preparation Class One-hour class is designed for expectant “big brothers and sisters” ages 3 to 8. They will learn about the arrival of their new baby through an introduction to the hospital experience and the early days at home. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Baptist Medical Center East. Registration is required. Call 2734445 or e-mail smallwonders@baptistfirst.org. Tales for Tots Join us for this FREE introduction to art in storybooks and in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts galleries for young children and their families. Each time a different work of art and special story will be presented. Next classes are March 21 from 10:30-11 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. Call 240-4365 or visit www.mmfa. org for more info.
Support Groups Adoption Support
Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections (APAC) This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., at Vaughn Forest Church. For more info, contact Jill Sexton at 409-9477 or jsexton@childrensaid.org. Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support Group Children’s Aid Society hosts a free support group for adult adoptees and birth parents. This group provides
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emotional support for people at all stages of the life-long adoption process. Meetings held at Children’s Aid Society, 2141 14th Avenue South in Birmingham. For class dates and times, call Kathy King at (205) 943-5331 or e-mail kking@childrensaid.org. Panda Pals is a support group for families who have adopted or in the process of adopting children from China. We have playdates, family nights and get-togethers to talk about raising our children from China. If you would like to join our group, just e-mail PandaPals2005@yahoogroups.com or call Tracie Singleton at 395-8215.
Cancer Support
American Cancer Society, including Montgomery, Elmore & Autauga Counties: **To access or sign up for these programs, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. Look Good…Feel Better is an American Cancer Society program in which trained volunteer cosmetologists help female cancer patients deal with the side effects of treatment. Patients are taught beauty techniques to enhance their appearance and self image during or after treatments, including ways to disguise hair loss and skin changes. Call 1-800-ACS2345 for more info. OTHER PROGRAMS/SERVICES OFFERED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Reach to Recovery matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors on a one on one basis. Free wigs and other supplies for cancer patients Free rides to treatment through our Road To Recovery program (where volunteer drivers use their cars and time to take in need cancer patients to treatment) Free lodging through the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge in Birmingham (if patients are sent to Birmingham for treatment) On-line cancer information classes and support group through cancer.org. Information anytime and trained specialists at 1-800-ACS-2345. Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group 1-2 p.m., Tuesdays, Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road. The group is facilitated by professionally trained health care providers and other members of the support care team. It’s free and open to all cancer patients and their caregivers. Call (334) 273-7000. General Cancer Support Group held at Christ Church, 8800 Vaughn Road, Tuesday afternoons at 1 p.m. This is an open group. For more information, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie Diemayer at 467-4578. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 2nd Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Provides education, awareness and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family or friends. For more info, call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net.
Divorce Support
DivorceCare meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. at Frazer Memorial UMC. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. For more info, call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. Divorce Care for Kids meets Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. January 9-April 3, 2018 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Children of divorce or separation find hope, help and healing. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@ frazerumc.org for more info.
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SupportGroups DivorceCare meets at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. It fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. The DivorceCare experience involves a dynamic video presentation, group share time, and personal workbook exercises. Facilitators for DivorceCare are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie and Becki Harrison. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. DivorceCare and DivorceCare 4 Kids First Baptist Church Montgomery, Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 (scholarships available). Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@montgomeryfbc. org or 241-5125. Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women Montgomery Country Club, Azalea Room, 3800 Narrow Lane Road. 9 a.m.-noon. This is a 3-hour workshop that is offered monthly, designed to help participants explore the legal, financial, and emotional issues of divorce and gain a greater understanding of the process. The cost to attend is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. For more info, please call or e-mail Sommer Morris at (334) 612-1086 or sommer.morris@morganstanley. com. You may also visit www.secondsaturday.com.
Gambling Support
Gamblers Anonymous Meetings in the River Region Area: Saturdays @ 6 p.m. and Mondays @ 6:30 p.m.: meet at Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US Hwy. 231 N in the Wetumpka/Wallsboro community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison on the same side of the street. Sundays @ 5 p.m.: meet at Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. For more information about the GA meetings, call (334) 399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker, please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at (334) 277-5100.
Grief Support
Bereaved Spouses Support Group A new ministry of Cornerstone Christian Church, USA (Unavoidably Single Again) Ministries is designed to offer ongoing support, social events and fellowship to those who have lost their spouses to death. The group is open to ALL widowed individuals, regardless of age, religious beliefs, or length of marriage or widowhood. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays at the church’s building, 301 Dalraida Road. Please e-mail farauthor@ aol.com for more info.
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Bereavement Group, Hospice of Montgomery office, 1111 Holloway Park. This group is intended to address those affected by a recent loss (0-12 months after death). Through meeting with others who are walking a similar journey, you will be encouraged to work through the complications of your loss, understand your pain, and adjust to your new reality. For more info, call 279-6677.
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Compassionate Friends, Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, first Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child. For more information about the group, call (334) 284-2721.
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Grief Recovery Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy., Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. GriefShare meets weekly at Vaughn Forest Church on Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts
for healing your grief. Three key parts make up your GriefShare experience: video seminar; support group time; and workbook study. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. To register or for more info, call 279-5433. Grieving With Hope, St. Mark UMC, meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m. The group offers a place to share, care and heal from the losses of life. Facilitated by Dr. Lennie Howard and Marie Parma. Contact the church at 272-0009. Honoring Angels Like Owen, Inc. (HALO) offers family-oriented, Christian-based grief support groups that meet monthly. These groups are for families who have lost a child from 20 weeks gestation up to the age of 2 years old. Our parents’ group is for mothers and fathers. Our siblings’ group is for children ages 6-15. Both groups meet at the same time and place. HALO also offers free professional photography for families facing the loss of a child up to the age of 2 years old and needs-based financial assistance for burial. Visit www.honoringangelslikeowen.org or call (334) 328-1202. Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. We normally meet the last Thursday night of each month at Grace Baptist Church in Wetumpka, 304 Old Montgomery Highway. For more info, contact Alice Scarborough at (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis at (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. River Region Survivors of Suicide Loss meets on second and fourth Thursdays (excluding holidays) at Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road in Montgomery from 6:30-8 p.m. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
Homeschool Support
ECHO (Elmore County Homeschool Organization), Harvest Fields Community Church, 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville. 2nd and 4th Fridays yearround from 10 a.m. to noon. This is a support group for homeschooling families in the tri-county area. Membership is free. For more info, please visit http:// www.onlineecho.com
Illness Support
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers Support Group meets 1st Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC. For more info, call 495-6350. Cardiolife, a FREE educational series for congestive heart failure patients and their caregivers, meets 4th Thursdays of each month, 10-11 a.m. Diabetes Center classroom, Jackson Hospital. For more info, call 279-6677. Topics include: Lifestyle Changes, A Heart Healthy Diet, Proper Fluid Intake, Importance of Daily Weights and Exercise Tolerance. Diabetes Support Group Noon-1 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., fourth Thursdays, Jackson Hospital Park Place Building Suite 302. Are you interested in learning how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes? Would you like support from others as you work to control your diabetes? Sponsored by inpatient diabetes educator Michelle Carothers, this group offers clinical information, advice and tips to make living with diabetes easier for you and your family. Register today! Call (334) 293-8574 or e-mail michelle.carothers@jackson.org. Montgomery Area Mended Hearts, First floor of Montgomery Cardiovascular Institute on the campus
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of Baptist Medical Center South. For anyone who has experienced cardiac illness. Third Mondays, alternates between 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Call 286-3410 for more info. NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides understanding, education and information to family members and friends of those who suffer mental illness. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group meets second Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room 7205 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for details. NAMI also presents a 12-week series of free classes on mental illness. These classes are for family members living with or supporting individuals with mental illness. To register, call Mary Jo at 271-2280 or e-mail classicmjl@hotmail.com. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a support group for individuals with mental illness. It meets every Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. in room 3103 at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info. OCD Support Group (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand-washing, rituals, checking the stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Meetings are held at 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. Call Donald at 220-7555 for more info. Ostomy Support, Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway. Meets every other month on 2nd Sundays at 1:30 p.m. in Room 3101. 2018 meetings are in April, June, August, October and December. Call 495-6350 for more info. Overeaters Anonymous, Unity of Montgomery, 1922 Walnut St., Saturdays from 3-4 p.m. Contact Misty at 324-9568 or Carol at 467-5742. Parkinson’s Support, Frazer UMC Activity Bldg. Room 8114, on 4th Thursdays at 6 p.m. Group is for Parkinson’s patients and their family members. For more info, call 495-6350.
Parent Support
D.A.D.S. (Dad and Daughter Saturdays) Second Saturdays at the Juliette Hampton Morgan Library in downtown Montgomery at 11 a.m. D.A.D.S. gives fathers and daughters an opportunity to read together to create fun, educational memories. This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by the Montgomery City-County Public Library and Dreamland Barbeque. For more info, call Ron Simmons at (334) 777-8596. La Leche League of Montgomery Area has served local mothers since 1984. Women who are pregnant, interested in breastfeeding and nursing mothers are invited to attend our free mother-to-mother support meetings or e-mail with breastfeeding questions. Join us with your babies. Children of all ages are welcome. We currently have morning and evening meetings. For more info, e-mail LLL.Montgomery. AL@gmail.com or visit http://www.llli.org/groups/@ llli*group*montgomery or “like” us on Facebook. Mom2Mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of children ages birth-5 years at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. E-mail Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Moms’ LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) First Baptist Church, Prattville. Meets twice monthly from 8:30-11:45 a.m. in the chapel at First Baptist Church in Prattville August through May. For moms of all stages and ages of life. We offer a time
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Support Single Moms Support Group, Landmark Church of Christ, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in Classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Single Moms’ Care and Support Group, Perry Hill United Methodist Church, 910 Perry Hill Road (corner of Perry Hill and Harrison Roads). Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15-8 p.m. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants-16 years. Call 272-3174 for more info. SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids), Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB. This network is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many familyoriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more info, e-mail t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook for daily restaurant specials, area kid-friendly events, and tips/ ideas for families on a budget.
Special Needs Support
Alabama Angels Pageant, a nonprofit pageant for males and females of any age with special needs. Participation is free. 2018 pageant date TBA. Visit www. alabamaangels.org and look for us on Facebook! Central Alabama Autism Support Team (C.A.A.S.T.), St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Hwy. 31 in Prattville from 6-8 p.m. 3rd Thursdays quarterly (Feb., May, Aug., Nov.). Visit www.easysite.com/caast or e-mail casst50@yahoo.com for more info.
of fellowship, Bible study, musical guests, special guest speakers and a lot of fun! Cost is $5 per meeting. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call Kelley Manning at 361-7919. The Montgomery Multiples Club is a non-profit organization offering support to the mothers and families of twins, triplets, and more in the Central Alabama region. They have a mom’s night out with dinner once a month. They also have a yard sale twice a year, in the spring and again in the fall. For more info, visit https:// sites.google.com/site/montgomerymultiples/home. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St., Montgomery. 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Moms, need a little break? We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Visit www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Vaughn Forest Baptist Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. Childcare is provided. For more info, e-mail vaughnforestmops@gmail.com or visit http://vfcmops.weebly. com/.
Pregnancy Loss/Infertility
Hannah’s Prayer, Prattville First United Methodist Church, 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Sundays. Support group for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Call (334) 365-5977. Post-abortion Support Group, Saint James United Methodist Church. Do you have a secret you have promised yourself “you are taking to the grave?” Come and listen to stories of others who were scared to sur-
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
render their secret. Come and find healing and peace that you never even knew you needed. Come and learn about the One who came to set you free. Join us in a study of “Surrendering the Secret” by Pat Layton and know that you are not alone! (Learner guide and digital download sessions.) For more info, e-mail annpemberton@charter.net. Sav-A-Life conducts a HOPE GROUP for women who have experienced the emotional aftermath of an abortion. Groups meet eight consecutive Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. and are facilitated by women who have experienced abortion. The “Forgiven and Set Free” Bible study is used. Confidientiality is assured. Please call Kathy at 260-8010 for information. “Take Heart,” Room 116 at Eastmont Baptist Church, first Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. Support group for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. Contact Melissa at (205) 913-2667 for more information.
Single Parents Support
God Will Make a Way, Frazer UMC, Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn to follow God’s principles to thrive relationally, emotionally, and spiritually in 12 key areas of life and use God’s wisdom to cope with your most difficult problems. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@ frazerumc.org for more info.
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Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach, Vaughn Park Church of Christ, 2nd Fridays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare provided. Visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information.
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A Parent’s Perspective A therapeutic and educational group for parents of children with physical/emotional needs that provides direct support through shared experiences and coordinated by a trained facilitator. For more info and a free consultation, contact Julie Cox, LMSW at (334) 310-1649 or juliecox.sw@ gmail.com. You can also “like” A Parent’s Perspective on Facebook.
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Traumatic Brain Injury Support, cafeteria at HealthSouth on Narrow Lane in Montgomery. 2nd Thursdays at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Alabama Head Injury Foundation for anyone with a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or related disability. For more info, contact Holli at (334) 290-0646 or e-mail: ahif_montgomery_auburn@yahoo.com. Visit www. ahif.org.
Teens/Families Support
Call Family Guidance Center of Alabama at 2704100 for information about current classes. Support Group for Teens with difficulties communicating with parents and friends. Contact Felicia Pressley at Pressley Counseling by leaving a message at (334) 625-0159.
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AdvertiserDirectory
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We know that readers consider our advertisers as valuable a resource as the editorial content in Montgomery Parents. We hope this directory saves you time as you refer to the magazine throughout the month. Page numbers follow the advertiser’s name.
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Family Guidance Center, 34
New Hope Academy, 53
First Baptist Church, Montgomery, 13
New Park, 2
First Baptist Church, Prattville, 50
OB/GYN Montgomery, Dr. Desautels, 102
Adventure Sports II, 26
First Presb. Kindergarten, P’ville, 110
O’Connor Tennis Lessons, 18
AL River Region Ballet, 39
Frazer Christian Kindergarten, 102
Paint n Clay Studios, 74
Alabama Christian Academy, 59
Frazer Memorial UMC, 4
Pet Palace Hotels, 49
AL Dept. of Public Health, Inside Front, 7
Fresh Anointing, 85
Potty Training with Pinky Bear, 95
Alabama School of Math & Science, 51
Goodship Missionary Baptist, 41
Prattville YMCA, 54
Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 44
Guild Mortgage, 15
Professional Pediatrics, 12
Alabama World Travel, 87
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 19, 95
Pump It Up Party, 101
Armory Athletics, 14
Holy Cross Episcopal School, 27
P’zazz Art Studio, 53
ASKIN/Synergy House, 110
Hooper Academy, 91
River Region Independent School Fair, 67
ASU SKYCAP Summer Camp, 20
Jackson Hospital, Inside Back Cover
River Region Straw, 91
Auburn Soccer Camp, 36
Joy to Life, 79
River Region TV, 96
AUM Continuing Ed Youth Camps, 52
K Lynn Ice Skating School, 81
Riverview Camp for Girls, 31
Autauga/Western Elmore Arc, 101
Kingry Orthodontics, 58
Rockin’ Jump, 28
Baptist Health, 3, 57
Lakeview Baptist Church, 26
Royal Home Services, 11
Beth’s Heirloom Sewing, 45
Learning Tree Child Care, 42
Saint James School, 1
Birmingham Parents Camp Expo, 77
Lee Gonet’s ACT Bootcamp, 69
Saint James UMC, 9, 99
Bradford Health Services, 83
Lola Photography & Portrait Studio, 73
Sea Dragon Pirate Cruises, 75
Bradley Scholarship Help Seminar, 8
Macon East Academy, 45
Shade Tree Riding Stables, 43
Camp Victory, 63
Maranook Camp, 65
Spotless Cleaning Services, 93
Chapman Orthodontics, 73
Mathnasium 18
Success Unlimited Academy, 22
Children’s Hospital of Alabama, 56
Med.Art.Talk Afterschool Program, 37
Swim Prep, 41
ChristChurch XP, 71
MEOW Academy, 74
Sylvan Learning Center, 21
Churchill Academy, 25
Memorial Presbyterian Childcare, 38
Taylor Road Baptist Church, 29
Cupcake Castles Travel, 36
Montessori @ Mulberry, 17
The Montgomery Academy, Back Cover
Dentistry for Children, 14
Montgomery Catholic Schools, 47
The Rock School, 21
Docarmo’s Taekwondo Center, 63
Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 94
Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection, 29
Dr. Kendall Dunn-Orthodontist, 54
Montgomery Music Project, 19
Trinity Presbyterian School, 35
Dynamite Magic & Balloons, 89
Montg. Pediatric Dentistry/Ortho, 46
Tru-Cut Lawn Care, 38
Edgewood Academy, 61
Montgomery Storks and More, 56
United Gymstars & Cheer, 43
Edward Jones-Lane Easterling, 62
Montgomery Uniforms Plus, 82
Valley View Ranch, 33
Evangel Christian Academy, 37
Montgomery Zoo, 55
Vaughn Park Mom’s Day Out, 33
Expedition Lanark, AL Nature Center, 32
My Kids Attic Consignment Sale, 23
YMCA Camp Chandler, 62
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level of responsibility is constantly changing, so it is much more precarious to keep everything in balance at home. MP: You are an active advisor for a mentoring club for young ladies at school. Tell us the intention behind this organization. Kim: I just want every girl to have a chance to find her path. The organization, the P.O.L.O. Queens (Positive Oustanding Ladies Organizations) is a mix of social, philanthropic, inter, and intra personal growth. I like to think it allows the students to be surrounded by other young women who are doing great things so they can lift each other up.
Kim Copeland
MP: Training up your own two daughters, leading students, and mentoring teen girls keeps your energy flowing. How do you like to spend your down time?
MP: After you graduated high school, you decided to join the Air Force where you served four years. What was one of your main influences in making that decision?
Kim: I try to get some time for myself in the midst of our crazy lives. I have been trying to go to the gym at least a couple of days a week. I also like to craft. I have a Silhouette Machine and have begun monogramming anything I can get my hands on. MP: If you could go back and tell yourself one thing when you started your parenting journey, what would that be?
Kim: Well, I really wanted my siblings to see that it is important to do something after high school. I am the oldest of four, but I didn’t really feel ready for college. The Air Force matured me, allowed me to see the world, and also paid for college when I was ready.
Kim: Enjoy each moment and stage that you are in. When Olivia was first born, I was constantly checking all the baby books and mom blogs to see what she should be able to do next. I would go back and tell myself to savor that time rather than looking ahead. They will only be that age once. MP: Kim, thank you for your strong leadership in your home and work. What advice can you give other moms in the River Region to stay on course even when it’s difficult?
MP: You admit that you can look back and see your mother’s strength and wisdom that you may not have recognized when you were younger. What do you want your daughters to realize about you when they are older?
MP: Your classroom procedures are no doubt influenced by your military training. Do you use similar procedures to run your home?
Kim: My faith helps me stay strong. I know that if things are hard, I will come out better than ever. Plus, I can be a help to someone else after going through a difficult time. Also, find an ally. You need someone in your corner who will help you through things, but also push you to be great. Mine happens to be my husband, who is my partner in everything and wants me to be happy in all I do. You also need good friends around you who know you well and love you as you are. I am so fortunate to have those too. Let’s face it, after a crazy week, there’s nothing like a girls’ night to relax and unwind.
Kim: I try. I give my girls responsibilities and chore charts. However, we have so much going on at home and the girls’
Kim Copeland is a teacher at Jeff Davis High School in Montgomery. She is married to Jojoba (8 years), and is mother to Olivia, 6, and Alex, 5.
Kim: I want them to see how much I love them and that I only push them because I know that they are destined for greatness.
Montgomery Parents I March 2018
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At the new
jackson.org/baby
22
4
#
Recent graduates are attending
AP COURSES
51 IN 21
offered in 2017-18, more than any other independent school in Alabama
K-12 PRIVATE SCHOOL
COLLEGES STATES
40
in Alabama as ranked by Niche.com
plus Washington, D.C. & Scotland
16
AP SCHOLARS 2017-18
INCLUDING
3 NATIONAL AP SCHOLARS
67
SPEECH & DEBATE
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 1 of only 4 programs in the state
RANKED
ATHLETIC STATE
4
CHAMPIONSHIPS
by national speech & debate organization
more than any other in the River Region
AHSAA
HALL OF FAME COACHES more than any in the state
1 OF 3
1st
CUM LAUDE
PLACE
societies in Alabama
UPPER SCHOOL CHORUS Heritage National Choral Competition in New York
D I S COV E R T H E Contact the MA Admissions Office admissions@montgomeryacademy.org
334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org
MA05-40500-Parents February 2018.indd 1
DIFFERENCE Ask about financial aid options that make an MA education a possibility.
The Academy admits students of every color, gender, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other legally protected status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
1/5/18 3:21 PM