River Region Parents - January 2022

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< AFFORD Saint James School EDUCATION IS MORE THAN YOU KNOW Educating the whole child has been our mission since 1955. We are committed to challenging and assisting students in realizing their individual potential for lives of responsibility, service, and achievement. Visit Saint James School and learn more about our commitment to making a complete education accessible and affordable through discounts and tuition assistance.

Saint James School Pre-K3−12th Grade

334-273-3021 or stjmontgomery.org

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR LIFE 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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January2022 54

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Volume 27 Number 1

Columns 6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Kids Say the Wisest Things

Parenting Teens

New Year’s resolutions to improve relationship with your teen.

Which Private School?

A three-step strategy to help you find the right fit for your family.

Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Dr. Ann Roy Moore, Interim Superintendent

36 Pike Road Education Matters

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by Superintendent Charles Ledbetter, Ed.D.

44 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

50 Teens, Tweens & Screens

by Kristi Bush, LSW

Private School Guide Details on River Region private schools to help you decide.

Fun Games That Teach

15 games that teach kids spelling and reading comprehension.

On The Cover Finley Govan (11) and William (4) attend Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery.

Finley is in 5th grade and enjoys basketball, tennis, music and being a 5th grade buddy to a kindergartner. Her parents are Thomas and Jessica Govan.

William will turn 5 on January 28 and is in K-4. His parents are Shaun and Ty. William loves science and his favorite place at Trinity is the S.T.E.A.M room. He also enjoys cooking once a week with his classmates and teachers.

52 Dinner’s Ready

by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Departments 12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 78 Family Calendar 80 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

Happy New Year 2022! I guess you could say I got a jump start on my New Year’s resolutions when I joined a gym in December. I knew my diet wouldn’t be great during the holidays, so I thought, why not go ahead and at least get more exercise to “counter-balance” my eating.

(If only it worked that way!) Now that we’ve turned the corner into January and put all the Christmas cookies behind us, I’m resolving to clean up my diet and continue with the weight training I started last month. I turned 50 this past November and am more determined than ever to feel as young and be as active as possible...to get the most out of this life!

Also in December, I listened to the book “One Thousand Gifts,” by Ann Voskamp. Here I discovered that to “get the most out of this life” I need to have a heart of gratitude for the many gifts I have and receive daily. Not just the obvious ones either, like “my husband, my health, my children”...but the seemingly small or insignificant gifts. A few I made mental note of recently were: the reflection of Christmas lights on the lake, a spring-like breeze on what should be a cold winter’s day, a quiet walk alone in the early evening, an oversized puppy nudging me with her snout to get attention. With that in mind, my other resolution for 2022 is to move from only thinking about these gifts when I see them to actually taking time to write them down when I can. In her book, Voskamp writes, “Research actually indicates that if you write down what you’re grateful for, it increases your happiness by 25 percent. And who doesn’t want that?” So I’m thinking, with the trials of life that come sure and often (and have even seemed to build up these last couple of years), I would do well to take note and remember all the blessings that also flood my days.

The January 2022 issue of River Region Parents kicks off our 27th year serving families in Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville, Wetumpka and Millbrook. We consider it a great privilege to come alongside you throughout your parenting journey...highlighting your student’s achievements in School Bits, sharing articles to help in the various stages of child rearing, connecting you to the exciting things happening in our area and so much more.

Finally, we hope you enjoy this month’s always anticipated Private School Issue! We work closely with most of our advertising schools monthly (and have worked with most of them for many years). They are top notch and we are proud to share their details with those of you considering a private education for your child.

As we begin 2022, all of us at River Region Parents wish you happiness, peace and a heart of gratitude for getting the most out of life this year!

River Region Parents Magazine is founded on the principle that parenting is an exciting, diverse, challenging, and significant role in our community. River Region Parents Magazine is a community advocate for families and the parenting process.

Founder Marty Watson (1950-2006) Editor DeAnne Watson editor@riverregionparents.com

Associate Editor Alison Rouse Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Kimberley Blaker Kristi Bush, LSW Richard Dennis Dr. Charles Ledbetter Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. Cheryl Maguire Dr. Ann Roy Moore

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Kimberley Carter Spivey

Cover Photography Judy Barranco www.judybarrancophotography.com

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Department (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 adservices@keepsharing.com Digital Manager Scott Davis Ad Design Tim Welch

DeAnne

Member

deanne@riverregionparents.com River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. opinions expressed in River Region 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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by Beth Long, PhD, LPC, BCBA

“Who Made Communication So Hard?” (Part 1) Steven Covey coined the famous phrase, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand.

We listen to reply.” Communication is the number one problem I encounter in family therapy. This obstacle was clearly expressed in a text I received from an exasperated teenage client, “Who made communication so hard?” Such a wise question. I simply responded, “Everyone sweet girl, everyone.”

Miscommunications tend to occur in families for two reasons. First, parents are not communicating on the developmentally appropriate level of their child. Second, parents are talking more than they are listening.

If you want to communicate better with your children, you need to understand how children at each age and stage best receive information. To fully appreciate this, we have to explore the cognitive and emotional

development at each stage. This month, we are going to focus on birth to age 6.

Talking alone is not how children at this age learn. Think about teaching a 6-month-old to play “peek a boo”. You hold his little hands in yours and go through the motions. One day, the child starts to cover his eyes on his own. It took your words and physical guidance for him to learn. Apply this approach to everything done with a child of this age. Do not simply say what you want them to do. Getting dressed, picking up toys, homework, etc. are all going to require your words and physical guidance for the child to fully understand and comply.

We all want an obedient toddler. There is no better way to teach your child to comply than to physically help them follow through and praise them for doing what you asked.

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Children at this age are just becoming aware of their emotions and do not know how to communicate them without screaming or crying. It is NORMAL for them to be overly emotional and illogical.

It takes time to learn how to communicate and handle these complex feelings. How do we teach them? The same approach: words and physical guidance. When your child is sad that she can’t have a cookie, pick her up and say, “I am so sorry you are sad that you can’t have the cookie, but you have to eat the chicken first.” That way you are teaching her to name her emotion and express it calmly with words. In teaching children to handle emotions you can also use games. Say an emotion and have your child make a face to express it. Have them practice “healthy” ways to express emotions by acting and saying their feelings in appropriate ways. Just say, “Pretend you are angry, what could you do?” Give them verbal hints to use calm words to express what made them angry and then physically encourage them to scribble, take a walk, or throw pillows to get out their frustration.

The bottom line to communicating well with children this age…do not just talk. You are going to have to use lots of gestures and physical guidance to ensure they fully understand what you are saying.

Neurofeedback.

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Baptist East Delivers Postpartum & Women’s Services Expansion Now

Open

Because we continue to be the provider of choice for women’s services in the River Region, Baptist Medical Center East has expanded! We’ve added another 26 luxury, state-of-the-art rooms that provide an exceptional, patient-centered atmosphere. And our team of respected and experienced physicians, together with a professional and knowledgeable staff, provide the highest level of clinical care and expertise for women. Maybe it’s why we have received the Women’s Choice Award for Obstetrics six years in a row.

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Local Live Theatre

Pike Road Accepting Artwork for New Exhibit

This 5K will start and end at the Doster Memorial Community Center located at 424 S Northington St. in Prattville. This course will take you along the Autauga Creek and through historic downtown Prattville. Water stations will be located at the halfway and finish points.

Registration is $30. Packet pickup and race day registration will be held at the Doster Memorial Community Center beginning at 7:30 a.m. January 8. All proceeds from the run benefit the Youth Leadership Autauga County program. For more info, visit https://cruisingthecreekwalk.itsyourrace.com/register/.

January 6-14 * 5-8 p.m.

Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd., Pike Road The Pike Road Arts Council is accepting artwork for the “Passing Through: Thresholds” Art Show (Jan. 15 - Feb. 13).

Artists can submit work no larger than 16”x20” in any medium, that depicts places we pass through such as thresholds, doors, gates, etc. No fee for entry, and up to two pieces of artwork will be accepted per artist. For each piece sold, a 15% commission shall be paid to the Town of Pike Road.

Please schedule an appointment with Patty by calling (334) 221-9004 or e-mailing patty@pikeroad.us.

Polar Plunge at Lake Martin

Tiaras & Bowties Dance

February 5* 5-8 p.m.

Come and join the Kershaw YMCA for a night in Paris. Parents are invited to bring their prince or princess for food, fun and a photo to remember the occasion.

Bring your dancing shoes to compete in the dance-off. Prizes go to our dance-off winners and our Best Dressed Couple.

Cost: $40 per couple, $5 for each additional child. Contact Eleanor at (334) 265-1433 or ethomas@ymcamontgomery. org for more info.

River Region Parents I January 2022

January 15 * 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kowaliga Restaurant, 295 Kowaliga Marina Road, Alex City Entry to the event is $30, which includes food from Kowaliga Restaurant’s special Polar Plunge menu, live music and supporting the Lake Martin Resource Association’s mission of keeping Lake Martin clean. In addition to the Plunge, guests can take part in the Costume Contest with $100 cash going to the best costume, as well as the Dash for the Cash – a short race to a floating buoy and back to the shoreline immediately after the Plunge – for another $100.

For more info, call (256) 215-7035 or visit https://www.russelllands.com/.

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Wetumpka Depot Players present Smoke on the Mountain January 6-9. Directed by Kim Mason and set in 1938 North Carolina, the play follows the Sanders Family Singers as they perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church’s Saturday Night Gospel Sing!

Meet a talented family... quirky, flawed and uniquely entertaining! Become the congregation and enjoy classic gospel tunes that bring us back to a much simpler time.

Later, Wetumpka presents Popcorn Falls January 27- February 12. Written by James Hindman and also directed by Kim Mason, the sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy when a neighboring town threatens to turn them into a sewage treatment plant. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play more than 20 roles in a world of farce, love and desperation, proving that art can save the world.

For tickets or more info on either of these, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www. wetumpkadepot.com.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents Macbeth February 3-24. The Shakespeare classic is directed by Rick Dildine. Dunsinane’s power couple embarks on a blind ambition tour of betrayal and bloodletting when Scottish nobleman Macbeth is told by witches that he will become king one day. The supernatural battle between fate and will is one of the Bard’s most action-packed tragedies. Recommended for ages 13+.

For tickets or more info, visit https://asf. net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Way Off Broadway in Prattville presents The Anatomy of Gray February 9-27 directed by Brady Walker. When June’s father dies, she prays for a healer to come to the small town of Gray, so that no one will ever suffer again. The next thing she knows, there’s a tornado, and a man in a balloon blows into town claiming to be a doctor. At first, the new doctor cures anything and everything, but soon the town’s preacher takes ill with a mysterious plague. And then the plague begins to spread. For more info or tickets, call (334) 595-0850 or visit http://wobt. prattvilleal.gov/. www.riverregionparents.com

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Montgomery Girl Scout Cookie Drive-Thru

January 14 * 6 a.m.-1 p.m.

Montgomery Service Center, 2501 Bell Road, Montgomery Come by the Montgomery Cookie DriveThru and stock up on all of your favorite cookies! When you BUY 5, you get a FREE box of the brand-new cookie, the Adventurefuls.

Pull up in your car and buy cookies from Girl Scouts without ever having to get out of your vehicle! Contactless cookie payment options will also be available like payment links, Venmo, card cards, and safe ways for cash payments. It’s perfect for those on the way to work or on their lunch break.

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MMFA Offers Sensory-Sensitive Hour

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Jan. 4 & Feb. 1 * 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Individuals with sensory sensitivities and those who support them are invited to visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts during a special hour. Before the lights, sounds and bustle begin, explore the Museum in the quiet, and visit the softly lit spaces of the galleries.

One hour each month is dedicated to this special time for our visitors. Free experience but registration required. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.

MPAC Events

The Black Jacket Symphony presents The Beatles White Album January 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $35.

Kansas performs January 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $42.

For tickets or more info about these events at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

An Expressive Evening February 8 * 6-7 p.m.

Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Experience art, dance, music, poetry and more created and performed by Montgomery teens at this free annual showcase of artistic expression.

For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 625-4333.

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Tonya Prempramont Alabama Christian Academy

to those things. Tonya also prides herself to try and be fair to all of her students. “Sometimes that means giving someone a zero because they didn’t turn in an assignment, but I am preparing these students for college. I want them to know what to expect.”

One of her goals is to ensure her students know how precious our planet is. She strives to teach them that God has given us an amazing planet, and we need to take care of it. “I teach them about energy usage. I teach them all sorts of things relating to the environment, and I hope that at least one thing sticks. I make sure they know that they can make a difference.”

After retirement, Tonya plans on splitting her time between here and out west, probably Utah or Idaho. She and her husband both love traveling, camping, and being outdoors. They will buy a house out west somewhere. She shares, “It’s too cold to stay out there year-round. We will probably winter here in Alabama on the coast.”

We are thrilled to name Tonya Prempramont, 11th and 12th-grade science teacher at Alabama Christian Academy, as our January Teacher of the Month. Tonya has been working with juniors and seniors for four years. She holds a BS in environmental science from the University of Mobile and a Master’s degree in secondary science education from AUM. Tonya decided to settle into ACA, as her children attend the school. She shares, “I had fallen in love with the culture and the people at ACA and decided I wanted to be a part of it.”

Her passion is her students, love for science and the outdoors. “My heart lies in environmental science. I grew up going to Utah every year on vacation with my family. We camped and hiked in the desert area there. At home, I spent lots of time outside in the woods.

Choosing science was easy for me.”

Being a teacher for Mrs. Prempramont means being a role model for her students and treating her students the way she wants to be treated, with respect and kindness.

When she reflects on her adolescent years, she remembers things she didn’t like. And she makes sure she doesn’t subject her students

Tonya (native of Montgomery) is married to Don Prempramot (native of Thailand). The couple has been married for 18 years.

They have three children; Brigham (26), Wynter (17), and Anna (16).

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Facing the New Year with Energy and Enthusiasm I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is rested and ready for 2022. I believe there are many good things in store for Montgomery Public Schools this year.

The future is looking bright for MPS because we have built a foundation on which to build toward greater success. In the classroom, we are increasingly offering science, technology, engineering, arts and technology (STEAM). We are doing this with the help of partners such as EdFarm, TechMGM, the city of Montgomery and Auburn University.

As a one-to-one district, we are now able to offer mobile devices for all our students, which allows us to incorporate technology into learning much more than we could even

River Region Parents I January 2022

one year ago. We also are able now to offer much more instruction in coding and robotics thanks to our partnerships. In the classroom, this translates into engaged students who are excited to learn and ready to take on new challenges because these activities show them how fun learning can be.

We continue to be on solid footing financially entering the New Year. Our reserve funds continue to grow, and we have much more than the state requires in our fund balance. We have implemented new policies and procedures to protect the integrity of public funds we handle within the district. While we will not begin to collect increased local funding until 2023, we are making the most of the money we do have, with the focus always on the students.

When we say the focus is on the students, we don’t only mean academically.

With the help of construction management firm Volkert, we are working toward providing better physical environments that are clean, safe and secure. We also take seriously our job of taking care of the physical, emotional

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and social needs of students. Our counselors, nurses and social workers are ready to help students and their families with problems they are facing. As always, the health and safety of students and employees is our first priority, so we will continue to monitor COVID-19 with guidance from the CDC and the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Parents, remember that the New Year can also be a new start for students. The semester ends Jan. 14, so there is still time for them to recover from a shaky start to the school year. Encourage them to finish strong and to set goals for the second semester.

I really cannot overstate how much good a parent can do by getting involved with a student’s learning.

Together, I believe we can make this the best school year yet!

For more than four decades, Dr. Moore has educated the children of Alabama. From her first post as a pre-school teacher, to her administrative work as a principal, central office curriculum specialist, superintendent, and her mentoring the next generation of teachers as an adjunct professor at colleges and universities, teaching is her passion.

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Wednesday, February 2 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Macon East is MORE than a school.

Come learn MORE about our family.

Macon East Academy

15396 Vaughn Road ◆ Cecil, AL 36013 macOneast.net ◆ 334.277.6566 15

Experience MORE! www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Montgomery County Schools

Eastwood Names Spelling Bee Winners

This year the top three winners of the 2021 Eastwood Christian School Spelling Bee were all 8th-grade students. Caroline MacLeod placed third and Isaiah Jacobson placed second. The firstplace winner was Lily Givens and the winning word was “irreversible.” Givens will advance to the Montgomery County Spelling Bee where students compete to advance to the state competition.

Saint James 10th-Graders Visit EJI Memorial & Legacy Museum as Part of Social Justice Unit

On December 1, the 10th-grade class of Saint James School visited the Equal Justice Initiative’s National Memorial for Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum as the culminating activity for the class’s unit on social justice. This unit, taught by English teacher Joanna McCurdy, involved reading Just Mercy by Montgomery attorney and activist Bryan Stevenson and the classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. After reading these novels, the class scheduled a field trip to downtown Montgomery to visit the Museum and Memorial. This impactful experience helped students see the experiences of others in a more personal way.

McCurdy’s class theme for the year is “Identity and What Shapes Us,” which is aimed at helping students further develop empathy for others around them. Saint James School values the offerings in the Montgomery community which are so poignant for its students.

ACA Hires Guice as Director of Student Life

BrewTech Wins Two Awards at Robotics Tournament

Brewbaker Technology Magnet High robotics won two of the four awards given at the tournament held on the BrewTech campus. This was the first VEX Robotics tournament held at the school in nearly two years.

Both winning BrewTech teams are now qualified for the Alabama VEX Robotics State Championship on Feb. 18 at Auburn University.

The team of Travis Karvwnaris, Ashley Tiblier, Robert Parker and Braden Chambless won the Excellence Award, which is the highest award given at VEX Robotics competitions. The team of Mason Hatch, Jacob Young, Owen Thomson, Tucker Black and Marus Causey won one of two Tournament Champion Awards.

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Key Alabama Christian Academy experiences such as Chapel, student organizations, class officers, PLI, WeServe, intramural events, and other similar activities will be organized and managed together so that they can better support one another and better create the ideal environment for student growth. As a result, current Assistant Principal Manuel Guice will now serve as ACA’s Director of Student Life, in addition to his roles as science department chair and baseball coach. His newest role complements his current responsibilities as assistant principal and builds upon his strong work as a coach, administrator and advocate for holistic student growth. He is passionate about creating on-ramps for student involvement, increasing the quality and relevance of student growth opportunities, and ensuring that each student feels fully supported as they navigate the challenges of personal growth. www.riverregionparents.com

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Montgomery County Schools

Churchill Enjoys Life-size Games

Middle school students from Churchill Academy took a break from P.E. and played life-size Jenga and Yahtzee while enjoying unseasonably warm weather recently. Students set up the games on the basketball court at Churchill.

Lanier High Celebrates Football Players, Cheerleaders

Lanier High celebrated Football and Cheerleaders Pride Day with an early dinner in the gymnasium catered by the King’s Table and hosted by First Baptist Church on South Perry Street. MPS Chief Academic Officer Bernard Mitchell and First Baptist Youth Minister Russell McCrory shared words of encouragement during the event. First Baptist members and Pastor Jay Wolf assisted along with the Poet Nation PTSA and Poet Super Grands. Each football player, coach and cheerleaders received a “Delayed But Not Denied” T-shirt.

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Please send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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Montgomery Academy Students Inducted Into International Thespian Society

Sixteen students were recently inducted into Montgomery Academy’s Troupe No. 1085 of the International Thespian Society. Through hard work in the classroom and onstage, sacrifice and dedication, the candidates earned the right to be called Thespians. The Society was established in 1929 by a group of college and high school teachers whose guiding principle was a dedication to excellence in theater arts in secondary schools.

The event included remarks from Troupe President Zoe Zink and Vice President Sarah Kate Barton. New members include seniors Will Ashworth, Chandler Brazil, Marguerite Dillon, Tristan Dumas, Elle Hughes, Mary Evelyn McLemore, Sadie Sease and Jeb Tucker; juniors Katie Brown and Brett Westhauser; sophomores Isabella Johnson, Susannah Miller and Myers Pinckard; and freshman Emon Jackson.

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Trinity Junior Competes In State Swim Meet

Trinity Presbyterian School junior Lilly Yancey made the podium at the AHSAA Swimming State Championship Meet December 4 in Auburn. She placed third in the 500 yard freestyle and 5th in the 200 yard freestyle.

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Chris M. Hagen, MBA LPL Financial Advisor chris.hagen@lpl.com www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

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Montgomery County Schools

Macon East Supports Scholastic’s Pajama Program

For the past several years, Macon East students in K-3, K-4, 2ndand 4th-grade classes have participated in Scholastic’s Pajama Program. Students are encouraged to donate brand-new pajamas for this annual great bedtime story pajama drive. For every pair of pajamas donated, Scholastic Book Clubs donates a brand-new book to the Pajama Program. The purpose of this program is to give kids affected by instability a good night—for a good day! This year these Macon East classes donated more than 50 pairs of new pajamas! The fourth-grade class is shown.

Saint James School Art Students Share Time and Talents

On November 28, a group of Saint James high school art students volunteered their talent and time to help decorate for Christmas at the Chick-Fil-A at EastChase. The students, along with art teacher Evelyn Shoults, painted holiday-themed windows. Art students Mae Puckett, Kelsey Shaffer, Sophie Shoults, Wendy Stombaugh, Selina Sun and Elaine Vo enjoyed using their talents as a way to brighten the holidays!

From left, Selina Sun, Wendy Stombaugh, Mae Puckett, Elaine Vo and Kelsey Shaffer are proud of their work!

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Send Your News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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ECA Student Makes National Football Playoff A student from Evangel Christian Academy recently played in a national football championship playoff.

Carson RiversLee and his team, the Montgomery Gators, advanced to play in the 8U level at the event. The championship playoffs were held in Miami December 11 and were sponsored by Battle Youth National Football.

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because Hugh has a long list of stuff he wants to do.

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BTW Incorporates Art into Academics

Booker T. Washington Magnet High is integrating the arts into academic lessons, expanding and deepening students’ understanding of subjects. The BTW math department recently explored the Unsung Heroes in History project, provided by the Alabama Arts Alliance.

BTW students learned about civil rights heroes and lesser-known people in history who changed the world. Then they etched the portrait onto a foam sheet and made a print of their etching. Students created a collage of their hero using their name, one quote, at least one symbol representing their person, and the print-ed portrait.

The Alabama Arts Alliance provided all art supplies and the book, The Fierce 44: Black Americans Who Shook Up the World.

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Montgomery County Schools

ACA Lower School Collects Toys for Family Promise of Montgomery

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Alabama Christian Academy’s lower school kids gave Christmas toys for children who shelter with Family Promise of Montgomery, a program for homeless families with children.

Jayme Teague, the director of Family Promise, came to ACA December 3 to speak to the students about the program and we presented her with many toys for the children. This project aligned with our 4th-graders’ literature study of the book, The Family Under the Bridge.

It is a story of a homeless family and the struggles they encounter at Christmas.

STJ Holds Inaugural Golf Event Benefitting Baseball Program

Saint James School Baseball Program held its inaugural STJ Baseball Golf Tournament fundraiser at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club on November 29. Saint James parents Guy Shores, Steve Cutler and Chad Wright organized the event with baseball coach Keith Lucky. The winning team was Todd Shores, Brandon Godwin, Brian Paulk and Wilson Adams. The event raised more than $4,000 for the baseball program.

Shown, Golf Coach Keith Lucky and Coach Jeff Corley enjoyed the day.

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Montgomery Catholic Spelling Bee Winners

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s elementary campuses held their schoolwide spelling bees this fall. St. Bede Campus classroom winners were Zuzu Cullen (6th), Gillian Smith (6th), Raven Blackburn (6th), Charlotte Carroll (5th), Sophia Collett (5th), Cate Noell (5th), Jack Thompson (4th), Bennett Hudson (4th), and Kendall Johnson (4th).

Holy Spirit Campus classroom winners were Declan McTear (4th), Bentley Porter (4th), Justin Lee (4th), James Moore (4th), Julia Taylor (5th), Landon Widmer (5th), Jaxson Dodds (5th), Alexander Zhvania (5th), Leah Lee (6th), Aly Tarkowski (6th), Claire Aaron (6th), and Ethan Levanda (6th).

After two fantastic competitions, Justin Lee and Charlotte Carroll were the winners from their respective campuses with Aly Tarkowski and Bennett Hudson coming in 2nd place. The winners will compete in the Regional Spelling Bee Competition.

Top photo, Charlotte Carroll and Bennett Hudson; Bottom, Justin Lee and Aly Tarkowski.

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Montgomery Academy Students Travel to Spain

Over the Thanksgiving break, twenty-seven Montgomery Academy Upper School students and their teachers traveled to Spain where they immersed themselves in the language, art and architecture in order to learn and experience the culture that they have studied.

Their trip began in the cosmopolitan capital of Madrid. They enjoyed the Plaza Mayor, the famous bullring Las Ventas, the royal palace, and the magnificent Prado art museum.

From Madrid, the group traveled to Toledo, Spain’s former capital, where students enjoyed a culinary class before visiting the city’s Gothic Cathedral and the Medieval Synagogue.

They then continued south to Granada, the former seat of Spain’s Moorish kingdom. There they visited the legendary Alhambra, a magnificent Moorish palace, and also enjoyed a flamenco dance lesson and performance in the caves of the Sacromonte neighborhood.

From Granada, the group traveled to Sevilla, where they visited the Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower.

They also visited Triana, where they learned about the neighborhood’s famed ceramic tiles and even decorated their own tile! The group took a day trip to Córdoba, where they visited the mosque cathedral, one of Spain’s cultural wonders. On Thanksgiving Day, the group traveled by high-speed AVE train to Barcelona and arrived in time to visit La Boqueria food market and then have a traditional Spanish paella dinner. They experienced the highlights of Barcelona, including Antoni Gaudí’s Parc Güell and the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia. The group spent the rest of the final evening wandering the magnificent streets of Barcelona before their departure the following morning. What an aMAzing trip!

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Minor Illnesses and Injuries Such as: Fever Allergies Cough and Colds Sprains and Strains Vomiting Sore Throat And Other Non-life-threatening Injuries

On-Site Services

X-Ray | Laboratory | Pharmacy

Open Late and on Weekends WEEKDAYS 2pm-10pm WEEKENDS 8am-6pm www.childrensurgent.com (334) 530-6361 www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Montgomery County Schools

Homeschoolers Get Hands-On with Creepy Critters

ACA Participates in Faulkner Hour of Code

The Alabama Christian Academy 5thgraders participated in Hour Of Code hosted by Faulkner University. The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code,” to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with one-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

Petting snakes, handling turtles and observing tarantula spiders and hissing cockroaches up close were all in a day’s activity for Survival Skills students at Academy Days Co-op in Montgomery. Toni Bruner of Auburn University’s Museum of Natural History brought these exotic creatures and a few others to class and explained how they survive in the wild and how the museum works to protect them.

Participating in class were Thomas Ghigliotti, Adam DuPre, Titus Hewlett, Waylon Chappell; Tiffany Lipska, Jane Lipska, Jameson Ryals, Malachi Lipska, Toni Bruner, Roman Lipska, Anaya Garrett, Noah Garrett and Kyle Dannelley. In addition to Survival Skills class, Academy Days Co-op offers more than 30 homeschool classes in science labs, creative writing, literature, art, history and PE for preschool through high school. Visit AcademyDays.com for more info.

AUM DIXIE BASEBALL LEAGUE

Registrations will open online in early January through Wednesday 2/16

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Montgomery Academy Competes in BEST Robotics Competition

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Carver Magnet Student Wins Essay Contest

Carver Elementary and Arts Magnet student Noelle Waters is the winner of the Montgomery Rotary Club’s Dictionary Project Essay Contest. Waters; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Waters; and her teacher, Mrs. Griffin, attended the Rotary Luncheon at the RSA. Waters was allowed to read her essay. She received a cash prize for herself, a pizza party for the class, and her teacher received a cash prize for the class.

She is shown here with Montgomery County Board of Education President Clare Weil, her teacher Mrs. Griffin, and State Superintendent Dr, Eric Mackey.

The Montgomery Academy Robotics team competed in the Montgomery BEST Robotics Competition recently. The competition began the first week of September and ran through November 6. Students spent time after school and on weekends building a robot to score points on the competition game floor. This year’s theme was Demo Daze. Robots scored points by cleaning up a construction site. Students had three minutes to score as many points as possible in six rounds. #MARobotics did a fantastic job for their first year competing, and for their first year of robotics.

They are excited to have more join the team and prepare for the next year’s competition. The team had help from MA Alum & previous teacher Emory Kimbrough, Dr. Gleason and Mrs. Gleason. Team members are Picasso Avezzano, Grant Casey (not pictured), Armaan Darynani, Ben Gaston, Mason Kim, Ted Lee, Nico McIntyre, Charles Norris, Myers Pinckard, Louis Rubio and Valentina Rubio.

Please send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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Gold Award Girl Scout Designs Self-Defense Program

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) recognizes Montgomery Academy senior Ellie Stevens for receiving the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the pinnacle of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and it’s available exclusively to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors in 9th through 12th grades. To earn the Gold Award, girls typically spend one to two years exploring the root cause of a local or global issue and partner with the community to create lasting solutions.

For Stevens’s project, she created a selfdefense patch to help every girl learn how to protect herself against attackers through three basic steps.

In this program, Stevens challenges girls to research, learn and develop self-defense skills through a series of classes and videos that she designed.

In these videos, Stevens teaches girls tactical ways on how to defend themselves if they get attacked.

She has a black belt in taekwondo and believes that “every girl should learn how to protect herself against an assault.” She says that “knowing how to defend yourself can boost your confidence, and more importantly, save your life.” Once girls have completed this patch, they will feel confident in their self-defense skills and be educated on protecting themselves in case of an attack.

Stevens has earned all of the Girl Scout highest awards—the Silver, Bronze and Gold Awards throughout her Girl Scout career. She says that earning the Gold Award has made her feel “more confident in [herself] and when speaking to other people.”

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Montgomery Academy Students Pack Food For Kids Backpacks

A number of Montgomery Academy Upper School students use their advisory period to pack weekend food bags for the Food for Kids Backpack Program.

This program delivers food bags every Thursday to a local school where students who’ve been identified as at-risk for hunger are given food for the weekend before returning to school on Monday.

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MPS Teams Up with Edfarm, Others for Teacher Fellows Initiative

Montgomery Public Schools has entered a new chapter in its partnership with EdFarm, MGMTech and the city of Montgomery.

MPS leaders, teachers and principals joined EdFarm at the Lab on Dexter to announce the Teacher Fellows Program. This program will help teachers introduce cutting-edge technology to students in the classroom. MPS is looking forward to seeing the strides these teachers make as the district continues to provide more STEM opportunities for our students.

Montgomery Christian Continues to Grow, Puts Out Call for Donations

Montgomery Christian School’s purpose is like no other school in Montgomery. It is an elementary, non-profit (501c3) where every student receives a scholarship in order to experience a quality private Christian education. Noticing a need, in 2007 (after two years of prayer and fundraising) MCS was established for families with limited school choice. Every family contributes as much as possible toward tuition plus every family volunteers to help MCS in other ways. We believe in our families, know each student by name and provide a rigorous education.

Montgomery Christian School has flourished and is now at 90 students and 66 families. Every year we must raise enough money to provide each student with a solid education. Tuition is more than $8,000 a year: $600 a day per class; $40 a day per student. Every monetary gift helps provide an education for our students. Businesses, churches, families and individuals of Montgomery – will you choose to help educate our students who otherwise would not have the opportunity for a Christian worldview, holistic education? Donate through www.montgomerychristianschool.org or we welcome you to come explore and tour our amazing school at 3265 McGehee Road in Montgomery. Call Ann Amster for a tour or to know more at (334) 386-1749 or e-mail development@montgomerychristianschool.org.

Macon East Kindergarten Visits Choctafaula in Auburn

Mrs. Lawrence’s kindergarten class recently visited “Christmas at Choctafaula” in Auburn. The children enjoyed hayrides to see exotic and domestic animals, and the many Christmas activities.

They ended with a visit from a special friend, Santa Claus!

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Montgomery County Schools

BrewTech Seniors Named Top Winners in Essay Contest

Two Brewbaker Technology High seniors received top honors in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. International Essay Contest.

Camryn Perine, left, was selected as first runner-up and Kaitlin Peterson was selected as the Omega Iota Iota Chapter winner.

Additionally, Peterson’s essay received first place at the state level, and she will represent Alabama against winners from Mississippi, Georgia and Florida.

Saint James Students Donate to MACOA’s Meals On Wheels Program

During November, the Saint James Elementary School collected items for the annual holiday community service project.

This yearly event is geared to show younger students the value of giving back to the community. This year the students brought in and collected oatmeal, grits and hot chocolate for a food drive benefiting Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA).

All donated items were picked up by Traci Herndon, co-chair of MACOA’s holiday bag program. Fifth-grade students helped load the Meals on Wheels van, and Herndon even gave them a little lesson on why this project is so important to their program.

These items were packed in grocery bags that the students decorated and were given to senior citizens over the week of Christmas to ensure that they had plenty to eat.

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Giving Thanks for Educators: State Launches 2nd Annual Thank Alabama Teachers Week

The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) – and by formal Proclamation issued by Governor Kay Ivey – launched the 2nd Annual Thank Alabama Teachers Week at a press conference held at Dalriada Elementary School. Extending through Nov. 21, Thank Alabama Teachers Week was created in 2020 for Alabamians to show gratitude in numerous ways for the essential role teachers perform in society.

“Teachers are too often unsung heroes. And while they painstakingly nurture our children, cultivate young minds and invest in students on every level, many times they go without being told ‘thank you’ for answering their important life calling,” said Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “This week is meant to focus on giving that much-deserved gratitude to teachers in various ways across the state.”

As part of Thank Alabama Teachers week, communities, businesses and individuals were encouraged to participate.

To enhance involvement, ALSDE provided an online hub of shareable assets intended to make saying ‘thank you’ turnkey, including social media graphics and visuals for use via Instgram, Facebook and Twitter.

As part of Thank Alabama Teachers Week, ALSDE aligned with noteworthy influencers across the state to share personal stories regarding Alabama teacher impact. Alignments include Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore, who thanked his mother, Penny Moore, a teacher at Paine Elementary in Trussville.

“I’d just like to thank my mom for all the things that she’s done and for her being a great example of love, hard work and dedication for her students – and both me and my brother,” said Moore.

“We would like others to follow suit in showering our teachers with gratitude,” added Mackey. “We urge you to use this traditional season of Thanksgiving to recognize Alabama educators as added blessings to our lives and invite you to do your part in expressing thanks for what past, present and future teachers mean to us all.”

For more info, visit weteachalabama.com.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Catholic Student Nominated as Medical Delegate

Saint James Theater Department Performs Psyche

The Saint James Theater Department performed Psyche by Lisa Rowe December 2-4 in the Saint James Performing Arts Building. This delightful comedy starred Saint James high school and middle school students and was directed by Lonny Harrison.

The Saint James Tech Theater class built the set designs for the performance. The play’s manager was senior Taylor Schofield. Assistant stage manager was Lily Everett, and Jimmie Thompson was responsible for publicity.

Cast members were Paul Kreischer, Hamilton Cunningham, Lizzie Dickens, Jack McGraw, Dakota Alexander, Emily Headley and Mary Ann Coon.

The play features Edward Baxter, a successful psychiatrist, beloved by his many patients—until he is framed for murder. Edward seeks help from Dr. Robert Smith, a fellow psychiatrist and a man with inner demons of his own. When Edward’s meeting with Dr. Smith goes wildly awry and leaves Edward clinging precariously to his last shred of sanity, Dr. Smith’s patient Lydia (a goodhearted psychic woman with clues to Edward’s past) does her best to gain Edward’s trust and help him find justice as his world rapidly approaches critical mass.

Psyche’s humor is broad in scope including slapstick, wordplay and a bit of dark humor. The Saint James Theater department produces three student productions each school year.

Photo by Christy Headley.

ECA Students Win Athletic Awards

Montgomery Academy Creates Ink Masterpieces

Led by Lower School Art instructor Bee Lee Tullos, Montgomery Academy fourth-grade students used straws and India ink to create trees on watercolor paper. The trees are the foundation for a fall landscape project. The creation of these pieces is fascinating to watch unfold, as a multitude of factors ensure that no two creations will ever be the same.

River Region Parents I January 2022

Several students from Evangel Christian Academy were recently recognized for their outstanding talent. The Alabama Christian Athletics Association awarded senior Jeremiah Maldon-Williams the CFA All-League Wide Receiver Award. Junior Nii Addy was presented the CFA All-League Defensive Line Award. Freshman Tobiyas McLemore won the CFA All League Defensive Back Award. The ECA Lions football team had an outstanding year. The team played for the CFA Championship and placed second in the state.

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Heather Walski, a ninth-grader at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, will be a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders March 26-27.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Walski’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Montgomery Catholic based on her academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine. During the two-day Congress, Walski will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

The Academy offers free services and programs to students who want to become physicians or go into medical science. Based in Washington, D.C. and with offices in Boston, the Academy was chartered as a nonpartisan, taxpaying institution to help identify, encourage and mentor students who wish to devote their lives to the service of humanity as physicians or medical scientists. www.riverregionparents.com

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Churchill Academy Students Complete Service Project for MANE

Mrs. Sumerlin’s and Mrs. Simmons’s lower school students at Churchill Academy created a service project for MANE. Students painted their hands and made horses to honor their time visiting the equestrian facility located on Wallahatchie Road in East Montgomery. They provide safe therapeutic horseback riding opportunities for children and adults. Churchill visits monthly and helps wash the horses and participate in other instructional and educational lessons.

Shown, Tiffany Atkinson, Abby Houchin and Jes von Gal from MANE pose with Churchill students Felix Pritzel, Machai Ester, Aaron Green, Hannah McGowan, Huck Howell, Jacob Mincey, Andrew Humphrey, Dominic Porco, Dontae Babers, Corde Penn, Marcus McNeil, Grayson Buckalew, Jayln Anderson, Nyo Ward, Ka’lias Lee, C.J. Zeigler and Beau Terry.

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Eastwood Christian Holds 2021 Medieval Games

Eastwood Christian School hosted a Medieval Gamesthemed field day on November 19 at the school’s Arts and Athletics Campus at the corner of Chantilly Parkway and Vaughn Road. This full-day event featured a medieval feast, several themed competitions (costumes, banners and limericks) and some themed field day events.

Medieval Games is a part of the year-long house-based competition known as the Certamen. This competition pits the Caerulei (blue) vs. the Candidi (white) in a series of academic, athletic and arts-based events. This year the winner of medieval games was the Candidi, who now holds a narrow lead over the Caerulei.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy Middle School Students Learn Basics of Fencing Middle School students recently began a short five-week intensive class learning the basics of fencing from Montgomery Academy Drama Director Scott Bowman who, in addition to being a fight choreographer for the stage, was a Junior Olympian and varsity fencer for the University of North Carolina.

ACA Donates Pajamas to Family Sunshine Center

Alabama Christian Academy second-graders collected 73 pairs of pajamas and donated them to the Family Sunshine Center. This is a yearly tradition service project for the second graders.They ended the very successful pajama drive with a pajama day at school Friday!

Please send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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Gregory Waller M.D. Allen Dupre M.D. Keith Martin M.D. Joseph Desautels M.D. Matthew Phillips M.D. Benjamin Griggs M.D. Paula Sullivan D.O. Dana Moorer CNM Charla Smith CNM Hayley Carnes CNM Della Fuller CRNP Brittney Mount CRNP Tracey Mendelsohn CRNP Michelle Aplin CRNP Terri Singletary CRNP Fran Rutledge CRNP www.riverregionparents.com

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Saint James Donates to Families at UAB Bone Marrow Transplant Unit

For the past 20 years, the students of Saint James have donated money to help families who have patients at the UAB Bone Marrow Transplant Unit have happy holidays. Students from all grades, except fifth grade, brought monetary donations or gift cards which were then given to the families to use for Christmas purchases.

The fifth-grade students donated money which was then used by students to go shopping at Target for blankets for the families. This special tradition is meaningful for the participants and the recipients.

Service to community is a big part of the Saint James mission. Students are given opportunities throughout the school year to volunteer time, donate goods, and donate money which helps the local community and those around us.

Saint James Elementary Counselor Laura Gibson is shown with a group of fifth-grade students shopping as part of their community service project.

Eastwood Applauds Roxie Lancaster Winners Eastwood Christian School recently competed in the Roxie Lancaster citywide holiday writing competition. Winning students were Garland Thomas, 2nd place; Eliza MacLeod, 3rd place; and James Bledsoe and Sadler McClure, Honorable Mention.

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Montgomery County Schools

Montgomery Academy AP Reading Society Names 2021 Winner

BTW Senior Named Finalist in 2022 YoungArts Program

Each year, the Montgomery Academy 11th-Grade AP Language and Composition class undertakes a process called the AP Reading Society. Students create their own reading lists for each semester, selecting what they wish to read from a list of 130 college-level nonfiction and fiction titles.

Students contract to read a certain number of books to receive the grade they desire.

At the end of the year, a champion reader is honored for his or her outstanding reading.

The AP Reading Society Champion Reader for 2021 is Clara Ryan. Clara read more than thirty-five books, many of which went beyond what she had contracted to read for the year.

Booker T. Washington Magnet High senior Jayden Amir Robinson was named a 2022 YoungArts Finalist for his outstanding photography portfolio!

He is recognized as one of 720 of the nation’s most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts.

YoungArts program is a national competition that identifies the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts. All award winners receive critical, ongoing support from leading artists in the industry to propel them forward at every stage of their artistic careers. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 20 YoungArts award winners at the Finalist level to receive The U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts awards, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students in the arts.

Past YoungArts recipients are a distinguished group of accomplished artists including Viola Davis, Josh Groban, Judith Hill, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Andrew Rannells and Hunter Schafer.

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Saint James Seniors Shaun Bridges and Cameron Greene Sign to Play Collegiate Sports

ACA Hosts Christmas Party for Wesley Gardens

Alabama Christian Academy took on the second-largest WeServe opportunity as a partnership with Randy Allen and the Wesley Gardens Assisted Living Complex. All 75 residents there were given a Christmas wish list card. Then ACA was given the cards and bought the gifts each resident had requested. Students gathered at Wesley Gardens on December 12. They played Christmas bingo, sang Christmas songs, danced with Santa, passed out gifts and ate together. It was a wonderful time of fellowship that lifted everyone’s spirits.

River Region Parents I January 2022

On December 3, Saint James seniors Shaun Bridges and Cameron Greene signed their letters of intent to play sports at the collegiate level. Both seniors and their families celebrated this momentous occasion.

Bridges has signed to play baseball with Alabama State University. He has been a member of the STJ baseball team for five years and has been an active role model on the team. Bridges has also helped as a coach at the STJ Baseball Summer Camps for younger players. He was described by his coach, Keith Lucky, as an outstanding and gifted infielder who is always working to improve his game.

Greene has signed to play softball at the University of South Carolina at Aiken. She began playing varsity softball as a middle school student. Her coach Mark Hall commented on her impressive statistics and her ability to compete alongside much older players during her time as a member of the softball team.

Both seniors and their families were congratulated at the signing event held in the Saint James Gymnasium. Other speakers included Saint James Athletic Director Katie Barton and Head of School Larry McLemore.

Bridges and Greene are shown.

Send Your School News by the 12th of each month to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

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Montgomery Academy Kindergarten Classes Pick the Perfect Tree

It’s a tradition for each Montgomery Academy kindergarten class to select the just-right Christmas tree for their classroom. Parents and grandfriends then have the opportunity to craft ornaments with their child’s class. By the time winter break arrives, the kindergarten Christmas trees are covered in sweet student creations. Thank you to our friends at Wadsworth Tree Farm for hosting us!

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Churchill Holds Annual Winter Musical

Music Director Nelda Williams and lower school students at Churchill Academy performed Candy Cane Lane the Musical in December for friends and family at Thorington Baptist Church. Students practiced for several weeks singing Christmasthemed songs and practicing their lines.

The night consisted of tap dancers, a piano solo and lots of fun and music. Students that weren’t in a costume were allowed to wear their pajamas for the musical.

Shown, Candy Cane Jane, played

by Taylor McKeithen, is joined by her classmates on stage.

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So Pl Resolutions for the Continuing School Year Happy new year to you from Pike Road Schools! A new year brings thoughts of how we can improve individually as we make resolutions to help us commit to that improvement.

As Pike Road Schools looks to the new year, we also are looking to make a good thing even better. We begin our second semester this month looking to build on the momentum we have built up from last school year and the first se-

mester. Our 2021 academic improvement was great, as evidenced by our state test data, and we are working to continue that improvement in 2022. Our students continue to lead the region in their testing results, and we continue to grow into a state leader as well.

The Class of 2022 has the opportunity for a strong finish as the third graduating class in Pike Road Schools history, having reached unprecedented heights in academics, arts, and athletics. They are on the way to setting the bar for future classes with a strong second semester of their senior year.

As Pike Road continues to grow as a city, our school system continues to grow also. We are progressing on plans for a new high school that will address our growth needs and look forward to a fall 2022 ground breaking for that facility.

As the Pike Road School System makes resolutions for improvement in 2022 in academics, arts, athletics, facilities, and more, we continue to be thankful for the unwavering support of our community.

Pike Road is a great place to live, work, and learn due to the strong support of her citizens in making this a great place!

Come see why Pike Road is the fastest growing community and school system in Alabama!

Chuck Ledbetter has been an educator for 30 years. He earned a B.A. in history from Auburn University; a Masters of Education in history from AUM; and a doctorate in educational leadership from Auburn University. Ledbetter was a history teacher for 11 years, an assistant principal, a middle school principal, a high school principal, assistant superintendent for curriculum and for finance, and is in his 11th year as a superintendent. He is married to Kim and has three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.

N O W E N R O L L I N G F O R 2022 2011

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Macon East Student Wins First Runner-Up in AISA State Spelling Bee

Macon East students recently participated in one of the oldest educational competitions in the United States of America, dating back to as far as the 1700s – the Spelling Bee! The spelling bee is an educational competition of spelling and vocabulary and can be an exciting and enriching experience.

Elise Logan, Madison Vocino, Eli Churchwell, Ava Noffsinger and Halyn Wren recently represented their grades in the AISA District competition at Chambers Academy.

Alternates who attended in support of their classmates were: Bella Chambers, Hagen Owens, Bentley Graham, Sophie Clark and Bentley Faulk.

Noffsinger won the District spelling bee by spelling the word solve correctly and then tongs for the win! Wren was the alternate for 4th grade.

The AISA State Spelling Bee was held at Troy University of Montgomery Rosa Parks Auditorium on November 30 and Noffsinger won 1st runner up for the 5th grade level!

Mrs. Johnson (spelling bee sponsor) is shown with Ava Noffsinger, 1st runner-up in the AISA State Spelling Bee for 5th grade.

MEA Students Attend Leadership Conference

Several ninth- and tenth-grade students from Macon East Academy attended the Alfa Youth Leadership Conference November 1-2 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana.

The conference teaches them how to advocate for agriculture, identify their potential and step into leadership roles. Sponsors are the Alabama Farmers Federation, Montgomery County Farmers Federation and Alabama Farm Credit. The following students represented Macon East at the conference: Ethan Jones, Addison Little, Mattie Pugh, Matthew Pugh and Luke Lawson.

Pike Road Lead Learners Earn National Board Certification

Christy Glassford teaches Community 11 English Language Arts at Pike Road High School and s one of the founding members of Pike Road Schools. She has been teaching for 11 years and said she became a teacher because it gives her the opportunity to shape the future. It also gives her a chance to love kids every day and be someone for them.

“The NBCT Accomplished Teacher model will continue to be what I strive after in my every day craft,” she said. “I will continue to reflect on and analyze my teaching strategies and student outcomes to ensure that the learners at Pike Road are getting the best experience they can in my classroom.”

Dawn Ellis has also been teaching for 11 years and has been with Pike Road Schools for the past two. She is a special education lead learner for the intermediate school. Ellis said teaching is her passion and something she always wanted to do.

“As a lifelong learner, I was motivated to pursue NBCT in the area of Exceptional Needs Specialist,” she said. “Through the process, I became more willing to take risks by trying new ideas and less afraid of failure. I believe the NBCT process has helped me write better IEPs that lead to even better collaboration with parents.”

River Region Parents I January 2022

MEA’s Miller Signs with Huntingdon

Macon East Academy senior Garrison Miller has signed a letter of intent to continue his football and academic career at Huntingdon College.

Pike Road Chess Clubs Dominate

Both the Pike Road Elementary and Intermediate Chess Clubs won their divisions at the Rasberry Chess Academy event held recently at PRES. 38

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Autauga County Schools

PCA’s Swim Team Breaks New School Records

Lady Cats Finish Record Season

The Prattville Junior High girls’ basketball season ended its season with a record 644 points!

These ladies worked hard and overcame obstacles to accomplish an amazing season.

PCA’s swim team brought home new school records and a program first from the AHSAA 1A-5A State Swim Meet at Auburn University. Austyn McGregor ’24 placed third in the 500 yard freestyle event and fourth in the 100 yard breaststroke. Cooper Osborne ‘24 placed 11th overall in the 100 yard breaststroke, and the boys’ 200 yard medley relay team and 400 yard freestyle relay teams placed seventh and fifth respectively.

McGregor made school history by becoming the first student-athlete to medal in the top three swimmers during the state competition.

PCA’s swim team performed so well that all finishes were new school records! The team and individual performances were fast enough for PCA to place sixth overall in the state meet with a young team who is already putting in the work ahead of next year’s season.

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Prattville Elementary enjoyed Polar Express Day as they geared up for the Christmas holidays.

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Prattville Public Works Visits PPS

Ms. Dupree’s class at Prattville Primary School had a surprise visit from the Prattville Public Works department. The department spread happiness with their 12 days of giving.

All the students received a miniature trash can and were able to view the city trash truck.

Prattville Primary loves its partnership with the City of Prattville.

Prescott Named PJHS Cat of the Year

Prattville Students Win Poster Contest

Prattville Junior High seventh-grade science teacher Mrs. Prescott has been named the PJHS Teacher of the Year.

With a heart for students and a passion for science, she exudes all the right things about education.

Prattville Intermediate School students Kailey Harrell, left, and Natalie Cornett, right, are shown with Autauga County Schools Superintendent Tim Tidmore. The girls placed first and second at the Farm City poster contest.

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City Honors Prattville Primary Class

The City of Prattville honored Mrs. Cook’s class of Prattville Primary for 2nd place at the Parade of Pumpkins. The students were rewarded with a treat from Frios.

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PJHS Band Performs for Prattville Intermediate

Students at Prattville Intermediate School enjoyed listening to the Prattville Junior High Band perform several Christmas favorites.

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Prattville Primary Visits Tree Farm

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The pre-K students from Mrs. Langham and Mrs. Taylor’s class at Prattville Primary took a field trip to Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm. They enjoyed a hayride, s’mores and even cut down a tree for their classroom.

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Autauga County Schools

Prattville Holds Poster Contest

Prattville Intermediate School held its inaugural anti-bullying poster contest. Shown are the individual student winners.

PCA’s Powerhouse Point Guard Signs to Play with Faulkner

Ella Jane Connell, a Prattville Christian Academy point guard and the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 2021 3A Player of the Year, declared her intent to play basketball collegiately after signing with Reed Sutton and the Faulkner University Eagles in Montgomery. She is only the third student-athlete in PCA’s basketball program to sign with a four-year athletic program.

Connell holds the school record for number of assists at 502 and counting and is closing in on several other records as she plays out her senior season. Connell has elevated the girls’ basketball program during her varsity career. The Lady Panthers finished last season as 3A State Champions and are working to get back to the top again this year as PCA was 14-0 on the season at this writing.

PCA Senior Signs Softball Scholarship

Jersee Carter, a member of this year’s senior class at Prattville Christian Academy, signed a Letter of Intent to play softball with Chipola Athletics in Marianna, Fla. She will begin her collegiate career alongside a former PCA teammate who joined the Indians this season.

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PJHS Student Places in Essay Contest

Prattville Junior High student Lillian Robbins won second place in the Alabama Farm City Essay Contest. Her teacher, Mrs. Lucas, does a phenomenal job teaching students and applauding their creative efforts.

The Little Prince

by BalletX PCA’s Adkins Earns Opportunity to March In Macy’s Parade

Saturday, March 26 ³ 7:30 p.m.

Prattville Christian Academy senior Annabelle Adkins was selected to twirl in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a part of Macy’s Great American Marching Band. This honor band recognizes 225 of the finest high school musicians and dancers from across the country. She marched for nearly three million spectators lining the streets of NYC and more than 50 million television viewers.

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Many of us can still recall that teacher from our childhood that made a difference in our lives. Teachers “back then” often spent their entire career in the classroom teaching children.

Sometimes they retired after 30 or more years of service, having spent their entire career in the same classroom at the same school. There was generally little turnover; however, in the event a principal needed to fill a position, properly certified candidates were readily available, and the interview process was very competitive.

Fast forward to 2022, and it is easy to see how drastically things have changed in public education. “Teacher shortage” is a frequent and recurring topic among district and school administrators, teacher education programs at colleges and universities,

and the Alabama Department of Education.

Of the 144 city and county school systems in Alabama, 123 have been forced to hire teachers on emergency or provisional certificates, which indicates teachers shortages across the state. Elmore County currently has 56 teachers on emergency or provisional certificates meaning they did not graduate from a teacher education program at a college or university and are pursuing certification via an alternative route.

Recruiting and retaining teachers is a priority across the state. Classroom teachers are the single most influential people in a child’s education. Their impact on students cannot be overstated, and we know how critically important it is to place the best, most qualified teachers in every classroom. One step we have taken in Elmore County is the establishment of a Teacher Task Force which began meeting in October. The goal of the Teacher Task Force is to gather information to help us address the needs and concerns of classroom teachers as well as identify what steps we can

FEAST YOUR EYES SOMETHING NEW IS ALWAYS ON VIEW

take to help us increase their retention. We have already implemented some of their suggestions and recommendations, and we look forward to their ongoing positive impact.

If you or someone you know is contemplating a career change or you desire to work in a position where you can make a lasting impact in the lives of children, I urge you to consider the teaching profession. There are several ways to achieve teacher certification, and our Human Resources Department can provide you with that information. Please visit our website, www.elmoreco.com, or call us at (334) 567-1200.

Our great teachers help us fulfil our purpose, day in and day out: Every Student Empowered – Every Student Succeeds.

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.

Explore works by American artists from the 18th to the 21st centuries and enjoy changing exhibitions and year-round programming.

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ECTC Medical Sciences Team Competes

ECTC Participates in Aviation Career Day

A group of aviation technology students from Elmore County Technical Center visited the St. Clair County Airport’s Aviation Career Day & Open House in October where they had the opportunity to view multiple aircraft displays and learn more about careers in aviation.

A group of senior students in Elmore County Technical Center’s Medical Sciences second-year courses competed in the AdVenture Capital GENYOUth Design 4 Good Challenge and was among the groups chosen for grant funding to launch an idea for improving school or community health and wellness. The ECTC team focused on a plan to provide mental health first aid training for a group of student leaders on each high school campus who will be available for their peers. The team is currently in the process of submitting their final plans to GENYOUth to receive the grant funds for implementation.

E Electrical Students Shadow Garner

Electrical students from Elmore County Technical Center toured the new building construction on campus while shadowing employees from Garner Electric. Students had the opportunity to ask questions about careers and educational pathways in the field as well as view their new classroom and lab spaces. Former ECTC Electrical student Braxton Lock, a 2018 Holtville graduate now employed with Garner Electric, also shared about his educational and career pathway with the students.

Eclectic Holds School Spelling Bees

Eclectic Elementary School held its annual spelling bees December 9. Ten third-graders and eight fourth-graders competed. The 3rd-grade bee lasted 11 rounds and Abby Edwards won with the word imagined. The 4th-grade bee lasted 18 rounds and Saylor McDonald won with the word scarf. Thirdgrade runner-up was Carson Jones and fourth-grade runner-up was Daniel Quinn.

Send Your School News to: editor@riverregionparents.com.

WHS Visits Redland

The Wetumpka High Theatre Guild Character Squad had a wonderful time visiting with the Redland Elementary students for their recent Book-A-Thon. Some Redland students are shown with a few of their favorites from Frozen.

Students Represent ECTC in October Fair

Two seniors from the Medical Sciences program and one from Aviation Technology represented Elmore County Technical Center at the Elmore County High Get Involved Fair in October educating students on the ways they can take courses at the technical center and join our CTSO communities to build leadership skills and give back to the community.

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Holtville Participates in Farm City Field Trip

Stanhope Teacher Earns Special Award

Holtville Elementary 4th-graders enjoyed a Farm City Day field trip sponsored by the Elmore County Extension Office. Shown are some of teacher Jessica Scarpace’s students.

Brady Walker, an English and theatre instructor at Stanhope Elmore High School, recently won a WSFA “Class Act” Award.

ECTC Student Finds Inspiration

Over the summer, Elmore County Technical Center Medical Science student Shemai’ya participated in The University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Health Scholars Program.

Only a few students throughout the state are selected to take part in this opportunity.

In the program, she was able to take two college courses, Introductory Chemistry & Creative Writing. She said the program motivated her to pursue pediatrics and fight healthcare gaps in rural communities.

Five Wetumpka Baseball Players Sign to Play in College Five Wetumpka baseball players have signed National Letters of Intent to play college baseball. From left are Coach Russ Brooks, Dawson Fuller, Garrit Terrell, Noah Jones, Douglas Johnson, Kyle Morrison, and Coach Michael Dismukes. Morrison has signed with Troy; Terrell with Snead State; and Jones, Fuller and Johnson with Southern Union State Community College.

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Social Media, Devices and What Our Kids CAN Do If you have kids or teens, you probably have some sort of a new device floating around after the holidays. Maybe a computer, iPad, smartphone, tablet or gaming device. According to research

by Common Sense Media from 2019, 53 percent of kids own a smart phone by age 11. And 84 percent of teenagers have their own phone. With the pandemic, and everyone being moved into the digital space now more than ever, those numbers have gone up. We have relied on our devices to help us navigate school, work, and keep a semblance of connection with one another.

One of the side effects of so much device time means we are normalizing children younger and younger having access to a device. What does that mean for us as parents knowing that we need to protect them in this space?

The conversations with our child about online safety can feel daunting. Overwhelming. Frustrating. The internet is a huge space in which our children can get lost. So our natural inclination is to immediately tell them what NOT to do. Why? Because we feel in bringing up all of the “wrong” things they shouldn’t do, our kids will recognize those wrong things and then simply not do them.

After chatting with thousands of parents and teens, I can tell you that this method doesn’t necessarily work... for parent or child. Why? Because the internet is noisy, and what kids are seeing and doing will drown out any well meaning parent demands of what not to do. More importantly, teens are simply tired of hearing what NOT to do. They hear it everyday. It has now become background noise to them. A steady hum of annoyance that they shake their River Region Parents I January 2022

heads, agree not to do the “wrong” thing, and move on with their online life.

I always ask students during conferences if they are tired of hearing what “not” to do. I always get a loud, resounding, YES! I then ask if they have ever been told what they “can” do. The majority of them say, NO. If we are going to give them devices, we must tell them what they CAN do. I say all the time, kids are like having a puppy in your home.

The puppy will chew on your furniture or it will chew on the bone that you give it. It’s the same thing with our kids in the online space. They are already doing it, we just simply need to re-direct them to a positive, appropriate place to….chew… if you will. So here are a few tips to help you have a “CAN” conversation with your child.

Research and then teach them the apps they can use. Common Sense Media has a wonderful list of apps by age to help you find ones that are safe. There are apps for meditation and mindfulness. Kids are incredibly stressed and anxious. These apps are geared to teens and they are wonderful for walking them through anxious feelings.

A fun project for you and your teen could be to start an after school or summer business together. Dog walking, baby sitting or grass cutting for instance. You set the business up on Facebook then work as a team answering messages and posting future information. This is a wonderful way to teach them responsibility online, as well as being something you can do together. I tell kids all the time that Facebook may be for old people, but if they want to make some money…then that is the place to be! This will also teach them business skills they need as they get jobs and go to college.

Speaking of, if they have Instagram or Tik 48

Tok, and they are getting ready for college, they can hashtag the schools they are interested in. This will give an insider’s view of what the schools are really like. If they play team sports, using their social media to uplift the team is a wonderful way to use their online time.

Teach them how to explore the world virtually. Do you have a want to be traveler? The possibilities here are endless.

They can “visit” virtually all of the places they want to travel to, make a list, then set goals to see the places in person one day.

Help them set up a blog or a vlog where they can begin to showcase their writing skills. Do you have an author in your home?

The ideas and opportunities to teach them what they CAN do here are endless.

Our kids are inundated with online stressors every day. In teaching them what they CAN do, through conversations about what they are interested in, we can slowly begin to shift the negative direction of online use. They can begin to learn how to prioritize their time, protect their online space, and feel empowered knowing that they decide where to put their virtual energy every day. And what a wonderful way to kick off the new year…with positive, safe interaction online!

Kristi Bush serves as a national education consultant and social media safety advocate.

She is a licensed social worker with greater than 15 years of clinical practice and health care experience.

She attended Troy and Auburn University where she studied social work and counseling. Kristi travels nationally and has spoken with thousands of children, parents, professionals and organizations about the benefits and threats associated with social media. You may reach Kristi through her website at www.knbcommunications.com.

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I’m not a big fan of New Year’s resolutions, but I thought I would embrace change this year. As I reflect back on last year my first thought is, “I survived being a mom to twin teens!” Their fourteenth birthday is in February so this time of year also marks my accomplishment, and yes, I view that as an accomplishment.

If I’m honest with myself, I can also admit there is definitely room for some improvement. Since I know that I can only control my behavior, I plan to focus on what I can do differently as a parent. So here’s my list in no particular order (even though I numbered it—I just like numbered lists).

1. I will encourage my twin teens to be more in-

dependent. During their morning routine, I will remain silent without saying, “Hurry up or you will miss the bus!” I will also give them a list of things they are responsible for such as putting away their laundry, cleaning the dishes and packing their lunches.

2. I will allow them to fail. This is a tough one for me since I often feel this may somehow be a reflection on me being a bad parent. I also struggle with being a perfectionist. But I realize sometimes “failing” is the only way you learn and grow as a person. So when they ask me to bring to school their forgotten homework or other items my answer will be a hard “no.”

3.

I will continue to attempt to communicate with them. This year, whenever I tried to ask my teens questions I heard a lot of one word generic responses. When I ask, “How was school today?” often their response is a one word “good” without any other details. After hearing “good” or “nothing” a hundred times, I was tempted to give up trying. But I have been told, by more than one person, I’m tenacious so I tried other methods. I found by asking unusual questions or instead offering information about myself that sometimes I was able to engage in what some may consider a conversation. So I’m going to keep trying because, when it works, it’s worth the effort.

4. I’m going to nag less and observe more. I never enjoy nagging, and it rarely yields the results I want. After reading articles and interviewing experts, I learned that making observational comments or questions is much more effective. My favorite one which even sometimes elicits a chuckle is, “Are you working hard or hardly working?”

5. I’m going to let them know when they are do-

ing a good job. It’s easy to notice all the things a teen is doing wrong, such as leaving their towel on the floor, staying up too late at night, or eating junk food. It’s harder to point out what they are doing right, such as how they did their homework, helped their sibling, or cleaned their room. I plan to notice at least once a day what they are doing right and let them know how proud I am of them.

One of the reasons I don’t like New Year’s resolutions is because often by March we are back to our old ways. That is why I’m writing it down... to remind us that these goals will help us have a better relationship and hopefully help our teens grow up to be successful adults. rrp Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine, and many other publications. You can find her at Twitter @CherylMaguire05. Originally published on Signature Moms.

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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

As we’ve reached the new year, perhaps many things come to mind. Another year brings new beginnings and a sense of change, such as new goals, traveling the world, business ventures—the list goes on and on. And for a vast majority of people, focusing on better health is on their list of resolutions.

We’re excited to start the new year off with a delicious healthy recipe from the Coon family.

Joy Coon is a full-time working mom who manages her dad’s audiovisual equipment business. When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, she’s no amateur. Joy also teaches a local boot camp and is a Beachbody coach. Her husband is a police officer with MPD, and their children are nine and 13 and attend local magnet schools. Completing their family is a 12-year-old boxer, Sadie, who loves to be in the kitchen while Joy cooks because she scores samples.

Joy prefers home cooking because it ensures the food is healthy and nutritious.

She adds, “There are not many restaurants that have healthy options. Plus, I can portion out our plates to ensure everyone gets plenty of veggies with their meals.” Fresh ingredients are at the top of her list of choices.

She rarely uses canned or frozen, as she feels fresh tastes better. In addition, it has less sodium. “You don’t have to worry with nutrition labels when your food is directly from the earth. I’m all about finding recipes that don’t have a lot of ingredients because that usually means less time in the kitchen.”

Joy learned to cook at an early age, watching her mother and grandmother, who both cooked a lot. Her favorite cookRiver Region Parents I January 2022

ware to use in the kitchen is Calphalon.

She shares, “If I had someone to do all the chopping and cleanup, I would turn cooking and meal prep into a business.”

While her kiddos are living at home, she wants to get them in the habit of fueling their bodies properly.

“While we enjoy our treats, I make sure they eat their veggies too! I have found letting them pick what vegetables we eat, and even helping prepare them, makes them want to eat it more.”

Here Joy shares one of her favorite Beachbody recipes.

And her favorite part is that it’s all done in one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean.

Okra Sheet Pan Dinner Ingredients Parchment paper and nonstick spray 1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar 1 tsp. ground smoked paprika 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and sea salt 1 dash ground cayenne pepper 2 (6 oz. each) raw chicken breasts, boneless, skinless 1 tsp. mustard 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar 6 cups fresh okra, ends trimmed, halved lengthwise (approx. 60 medium) Aluminum foil 52

Directions Preheat over to 425 degrees and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper; lightly coat with spray. Set aside.

Add brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl; stir to combine. Rub chicken with half of the spice mixture; set aside.

Place mustard and vinegar in a small mixing bowl; whisk to combine.

Place chicken on the end of the prepared sheet; brush both sides with mustard mixture. Spread okra in an even layer on the remaining spice of prepared sheets; lightly coat with spray. Sprinkle remaining half of spice mixture over okra; using clean hands, mix to fully coat.

Bake, stirring okra halfway through, for 15 to 16 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of chicken breasts reads 165 degrees. Remove chicken to a cutting board; tent with aluminum foil. Return okra to oven; bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until browned and crispy.

Slice chicken against grain. Evenly divide slices and okra between plates.

Kimberley Carter Spivey is a freelance writer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur. When she’s not working as an Instructional Systems Designer and copy-editor on Maxwell AFB, she’s busy freelancing, blogging, or toiling away at her next book. Her debut book Bloom: How to Get from Good Enough to a Life You Love can be purchased on Amazon and girlyouwrite.com.

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Comparing private schools is challenging because each institution offers unique programs in aunique environment. One may present a specialized science curriculum geared toward a future in engineering, while another focuses on developing cooperation and compassion through active community service. The comparisons parents must make are apples-to-oranges at best.

Faced with so much detailed information about so many exciting opportunities, it’s hard to stay focused on the end goal: finding the best educational option for your student.

Approach the school selection process with this three-step strategy to make sure your child’s needs come first.

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Step 1: Assess your Values Start your school-selection process at home. “Ask yourself what you expect of a school and what you expect of your child, in terms of attitude, behavior, motivation and achievement,” says educational psychologist Jennifer Little, Ph.D., founder of Parents Teach Kids. You may want a school that has high cultural or ethnic diversity, or whose students and staff have religious values similar to those of your family. Clarifying your values will help you put schools’ marketing materials in context.

Acknowledge practical matters as well. Determine how far you’re willing to drive and how much tuition you can afford.

Be honest with yourself about the level of involvement you will have in your child’s school. Many private schools require parents to volunteer a specified number of hours. Create a personal checklist of your requirements and limitations so you don’t overlook important factors.

Step 2: Seek Info

For each potential school, collect information on curriculum, student-teacher ratio and academic outcomes. Study data that show how students scored on placement tests for math, English and foreign languages, and pay particular attention to how many students graduate and what schools they attend next. Also, pay attention to accreditation. The National Association of Independent Schools and similar state associations require member schools to uphold rigorous standards and to undergo periodic review. This makes

school officials accountable to other educators who are in touch with national standards and teaching trends.

Examine course descriptions, materials and teacher preparation to evaluate the quality of a school’s curriculum. Also, ask about choice. You want your child to have a firm foundation in primary subjects and a choice among interesting electives.

Kids are motivated to learn when they can pursue subjects they select. Learn about the availability of special programs that interest your child, such as language immersion or music instruction.

Visit schools on your short list to evaluate the academic workload and environment. Ask students how much homework they do each night and attend classes to see how teachers affect learning. Do they use readings, lectures or group discussion? Do students do projects, community service or internships at local businesses or universities? A school’s instructional strategy should match up with its educational objectives and your child’s learning style, Little says. Highly competitive classes can undermine learning for some students. Others might be frustrated by a collaborative approach.

Keep in mind a school is more than its academic programs. It is a community of learners. Observe social dynamics among students and ask how teachers encourage cooperation and manage behavior problems. Kids can’t learn when they’re struggling with classroom chaos or feel left out of exclusive cliques.

Look at how adults are involved in the school. A strong parent-teacher associa-

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tion ensures that ideas and information flow both ways. Involvement from alumni suggests a strong sense of pride in the institution. Find out how long teachers have been at the school and whether they receive regular professional development. High turnover may reflect bad management. It can also create a poor climate for learning.

Step 3: Focus on Fit

“Ideally, you want to match the school to the learner,” says Faya Hoffman, founder of the Washington, D.C. learning concierge service, My Learning Springboard.

“A school with a phenomenal reputation may not be the right fit for your child.”

Be honest about whether an institution’s approach fits with your student’s interests and temperament.

If your child has an Individualized Educational Plan due to learning (or other) disabilities, find out what services are available to meet his needs. Smaller schools may not have full-time staff to provide speech or occupational therapy or counseling services. Speak directly with staff members who provide services your child needs, so you understand how your child will get help. Knowing what to expect sets everyone up for success.

Although it may be inconvenient, Hoffman says siblings may need different educational approaches and/or different schools to learn and thrive. Focus on each student as an individual to make the best educational decisions for your family. rrp Heidi Smith Luedtke is a personality psychologist and mom of two. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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Building the lives of young people on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.

WHAT IS CLASSICAL EDUCATION?

ABOUT

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy is a community anchored in truth and comprised of families who seek to pass on the Christian faith and the tools of learning to their children. Our students are called to high standards of conduct and academic achievement in the service of their Lord. By utilizing the classical model of education, our students are provided the knowledge, reasoning and communication skills needed to contribute winsomely to their culture and to defend their faith.

A PARTNER FOR PARENTS

At Cornerstone we recognize that parents are ultimately responsible for the education of their children, and we know that parenting is a noble task with eternal implications. As such, we strive to walk alongside parents who desire to raise up children of wisdom and with a sturdy faith that can withstand the challenges of culture. Calling our students to seize their identity in Christ, we expect our students to evaluate their thoughts and actions considering scripture’s commands.

CLASSICAL TEACHING

We embrace the classical model of education, a model that recognizes that truth is objective and it is knowable and it transcends time and place. While our students boast a 26 average ACT score, the ends of our classical and Christian teaching isn’t college preparatory or job placement: we desire that our students leave Cornerstone equipped for life. A study of history, literature, and scripture guides our students to seek and answer questions about what it means to live a good life, an honorable man, a faithful woman. The study of science and math reveals God’s order in all things and challenges our students to see beauty in new ways. Further, our students study Latin, logic, rhetoric, music, and fine arts.

ANCHORED IN TRUTH

Each subject at Cornerstone, each lesson, is designed to communicate basic truths to our students, to point them to Christ and to call them to act in love, in wisdom and humility. Not only are students asked questions such as “Who are you?” and “Where do you come from?” but we guide students to answers that are informed by the Christian faith.

A Biblical worldview permeates all subjects and lessons at Cornerstone.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

We invite families that desire to pass on the faith to their children to apply for admission to Cornerstone. AN application, pastoral reference form, entrance test and family interview are required. Additional information may be obtained www.ccamontgomery.org. Applications can be submitted online at the school’s website beginning February 1.

INFORMATION MEETING & OPEN HOUSE • Learn about Classical education • Presentation of Classical methodology • Visit our classrooms and meet our teachers • Receive complete information packet

Tuesday, January 25 6:30 PM MB C Chapel • 125 Calhoun R oad Learn how we can partner with you to raise your child to live for the Lord & how your family can be blessed by a classical Christian education.

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Classical education is a model of education that draws deeply from the history and culture of Western civilization employing methodology based on the Trivium, a time tested threestage approach to learning. In short, classical education is not a new approach to learning but a return to a model of education that has the best track record in history. For centuries the classical model of education produced some of the greatest minds our world has ever known.

In content, classical Christian education seeks to impart the knowledge necessary for a broad, integrated and critical awareness of the world and human society. In philosophy, a classical Christian school seeks to present Biblical truth to students and to develop within them the ability to view all of life from a Biblical perspective.

The education that we provide at Cornerstone is a means to an end. Cornerstone’s ultimate goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to be effective leaders and servants for our Lord Jesus Christ in whatever vocation He may call. We seek to raise a generation of young people who love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their hearts and minds and who are able to articulate the Gospel and fundamentals of the Christian faith with clarity, fidelity and power.

For more information please call

334-356-7788

www.ccamontgomery.org Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy is located within Morningview Baptist Church at 125 Calhoun Road Montgomery, AL 36109 www.riverregionparents.com

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vangel Christian Academy celebrates 26 years of quality, challenging Christian education for students K-4 through 12th grade. ECA is fully accredited by the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Advanced Ed, the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA).

Evangel Christian Academy exists as an extension of the Christian family in training and developing their Christian students for committed service to our Lord Jesus Christ. Through quality instruction, the impartation of Biblical values, and providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic, and social growth, ECA works to help each student reach his or her potential in Christ.

ECA offers competitive tuition for families who are considering private school. The tuition is payable over 12 months with a 5% discount if the tuition is paid in full prior to July 15th. ECA provides an accelerated Christian curriculum, Standardized Testing, and an online grading system. Evangel Christian Academy also offers before and aftercare programs as well as after school tutorial classes. Parents are encouraged to become active in the Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) and the Booster Club.

The faculty is fully qualified with degreed individuals who are caring Christ followers with the desire to meet the students’ needs. The staff includes an Administrator, Academic Advisor, Administrative Assistant, Receptionist, and Athletic Director.

The school’s facilities include a Chapel, gym, Activities Center/Lunchroom, library, computer labs, science lab, playground, and football field.

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The elementary students take Physical Education, Music, Art, Library, and Computer classes. They also participate in academic competitions and contests, Childhope missions program, service projects, food drives, and Spirit Week.

The junior and senior high students enjoy extra-curricular activities and electives as well as several online electives. The online electives include Animation, Digital Photography, Image Design and Editing, and Green Design.

Business electives such as Accounting, Dave Ramsey’s Personal Finances, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing are available. Foreign Language electives include Spanish, French, Latin and German. Occupational electives include Culinary Arts, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Early Childhood 60

Education, and Nutrition and Wellness.

Science electives such Forensic Science, Agriscience, Veterinary Science, Psychology, and Engineering are also available.

Students also have the opportunity to join the Student Government Association (SGA) and those who qualify may be invited to join the National Honor Society. Junior/Senior High School sports include football, cheerleading, basketball, baseball, softball, track, cross-country, and volleyball. Elementary students have the opportunity to play flag football and cheer on the elementary Pom Squad.

Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Evangel Christian Academy does reserve the right to not admit students that do not meet the school’s spiritual requirements. www.riverregionparents.com

15396 Vaughn Road ● Cecil, Alabama 36013 ● (334) 277-6566 ● www.maconeast.net

EXPERIENCE MORE From the moment you and your family step foot on the campus of Macon East Academy, you instantly feel a part of the family. You realize you are loved and valued for who you are and who you are going to become.

You are not defined by labels such a scholar, athlete, or artist, because you are all these things and so much more. At Macon East Academy, you will explore them all. Macon East Academy will partner with your family to help your child reach their fullest potential! Thousands of families have trusted Macon East Academy, and we hope your family will too. Dual Enrollment and Financial Aid are available.

Open House

•

If you are curious about whether Macon East is a good fit for your family, this is the perfect opportunity to find out. K3 - 12th grade students are welcome to attend with their parents. You will have the unique opportunity to get to know Macon East in an intimate setting. Teachers, staff, and students will be available to answer all potential questions you may have.

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Wednesday,February 2 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

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Mission: Macon East Academy is a college preparatory school, committed to providing students with a safe, nurturing environment that promotes academic achievement, patriotism, and belief in God through Christian values.

Location: Cecil, Alabama, right outside Montgomery serving the Pike Road and surrounding communities.

Total Enrollment: 300 students K3 - 12th grade Pre-School: K3 and K4 students experience a nurturing fun-filled day of developmentally appropriate activities.

Extended Daycare: Available for students enrolled in K3 - 6th grade Uniforms: K5 - 12th grade Technology: 1:1 iPad program in grades Kindergarten - 12th grade religioUs AffiliAtion: Christian-based, nondenominational Awards: AISA Class AA Chairman’s Award and AISA Blue Ribbon Award which recognizes excellence in academics, arts and athletics. fAcUlty: Our team of educators bring the learning to life by providing context and meaning at every turn.

These professionals provide students with the individual attention they need as they begin to take responsibility for their own learning.

College Counseling: Year-round guidance and support from our College Counselor for students and their families as they go through the college selection and application process.

Sports: Macon East offers student-athletes a stellar athletic program. Students are able to partipcate in over 18 sports including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, golf, soccer, softball and volleyball. Macon East has won 26 state championships and 18 runner up.

Several Macon East student-athletes have continued to participate at the collegiate level.

For enrollment information contact Jill Taylor, Admissions Director, at (334) 277-6566 Ext. 210 or by Email at: jtaylor@maconeast.net www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

S OA R W I T H T H E E AG L E S AT

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hat if your child could learn and grow in a warm, welcoming community surrounded by bright, curious and motivated students and inspirational teachers?

At The Montgomery Academy your child will soar! Here, we challenge our students with a strong college preparatory curriculum, as well as the chance to explore the world beyond academics. We offer an environment that builds a strong moral character that allows each student to be a leader in their community. Our carefully crafted program is designed to

The Montgomery Academy provides an exceptional K-12 education: — A supportive, challenging and joyful learning environment that cultivates academic, artistic and athletic excellence

develop the full and unique potential of each and every student.

— Meaningful and lasting relationships between teachers, students and parents — Strong belief in developing servant leaders who recognize their responsibility to help strengthen their communities — Active parent engagement in the learning process and in volunteer opportunities — Full-time college advising office, with 100% of our graduates going on to college and admitted to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation — Students are nurtured, engaged and empowered to reach their maximum individual potential.

The best way to experience MA is to come tour our campus and meet some of the people who help make MA extraordinary.

Contact the Admissions Office at 334-273-7155 to schedule a personal tour, in-person or virtual.

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An Open-Doors Policy

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Schedule a Tour

Julie Lopez, Director of Admissions

Times Change. Our Faith Doesn’t.

Holy Spirit Elementary

St. Bede Elementary

High School Campus

Middle School Campus

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Saint James School

The Premier Preschool and Kindergarten in the River Region The foundation for our youngest learners:

Character. Commitment. Courage. Community.

At Saint James School, education is more than academics. From our youngest students to our soon-to-be graduates, we focus on developing the whole child. Our highly innovative and dedicated faculty create an engaging environment that enables our students to build their knowledge, explore their creativity, and develop strength of character and strong values. Our focus on social, emotional, and physical growth prepares them to overcome life’s challenges. When your child becomes part of the Saint James family, they are built up, cheered on, and encouraged. We are Saint James School!

Weekly enrichments: Spanish, Counseling,

9:1 student and teacher ratio, with

Technology, Art, Music, Science, and Library

teaching assistants in every preschool and Kindergarten classroom

Focus on social and emotional growth Certified division-level administrators STJ WonderWorks, extended day with

• Principal Andrea Harris, M.Ed, Certification in Instructional Leadership

intentional, age-appropriate programming

• Counselor Laura Gibson, M.Ed, Nationally Certified Counselor

Fully accredited and DHR licensed

Pre-K3−12th Grade

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HELPING STUDENTS Be Their Best!

At School As your child progresses in school, homework assignments get tougher and workloads get bigger. We can help your son or daughter take on these challenges with confidence and ease!

• Learning is personal. Learning should be personal, and at Sylvan it is!

• Affordable student resources for reading, math, homework support, and ACT/SAT prep.

• We work with your school and teacher to ensure a positive and successful school year.

• We meet with you to discuss your child's progress with our Sylvan program and school.

The Get Started for $95 includes the registration fee and 1 assessment.

The second assessment is $99.

Get lifelong skills for success in school and beyond!

Sylvan of Montgomery www.sylvanlearing.com/montgomery 334-262-0043 cd@montgomerysylvan.com

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* Valid at Montgomery location only. Cannot be combined with other offers. For new enrollments only.

Learning Should Be Personal

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GET STARTED FOR $95

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Independent

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Alabama School of Math and Science ad on page 57

1255 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36604 Mission: Mission Statement: The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science’s mission is to provide academically motivated Alabama students with exceptional preparation in the fields of math, science, and the humanities, empowering them to improve their community, state, and nation.

Leadership: Dr. John Hoyle Grades: 9th - 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Girls/boys basketball, Cross Country, archery, golf, tennis, soccer and girls volleyball and Pep Squad.

Arts: Choir and band. Over 35 clubs on campus (Key Club, Allies, Anime, Black Student Union, Environmental Science Club, Cooking Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Chess Team, Future Engineers’ Club, Yearbook, German Club, Off the Leash, IGNITE, IMPACT, Lab of Learning, HOSA, Heroes of Health, Red Cross Club, Technalliance, Origami Club, Movie Club, Scholars Bowl, Weightlifting Club, Women of the World, Multicultural Student Union, Swing Dance Club, Yoga Club, Ultimate Frisbee). Other: Debate team, Robotics team, Mathematics team, Science Olympiad & SGA. Additional Info: Requirements: Application and Interview; Application Deadline: March 15, 2022; Accreditation through COGNIA; Tuition, room and board are free.

(251) 441-2100 admissions@asms.net www.asms.net

Macon-East Academy ad on page 15, 61

15396 Vaughn Road, Cecil, 36013 Founded: 1995 Religious Affiliation: Christianbased, non-denominational Honors and Advanced Placement Classes: Biology, English, Art Leadership: Headmaster: Glynn Lott

Grades: K3 – 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Athletics: Macon East Academy offers student-athletes a stellar athletic program. Students are able to participate in over 18 sports including baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Macon East has won numerous regional and state championships. Several Macon East student-athletes have continued to participate at the collegiate level.

Currently the Knights have seventeen (17) student-athletes participating in various sports at the collegiate level and one who has advanced to the next level playing Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Clubs: Student Government Association, National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, International Thespian Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Students, Drama Club and Yearbook Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Tests given to K4, K5 & 1st grade; standardized scores 2-12; Technology: All Macon East students in Kindergarten through 12th grade are issued an Apple iPad for use during the school year.

There are two computer labs on campus. College Prep: The Macon East curriculum stresses ACT preparation and college and career readiness. ACT Prep is offered as an elective junior & senior year. Our college counselor provides yearround guidance and support for students and their families as they go through the college selection and application process Accreditation: Cognia/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Alabama Association of Independent Schools, Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), and the National Council of Private School Accreditation Other: Teacher-student ratio: Preschool: 12; K-6th: 18; grades 7-12: 24 Tuition: Please call for rates. Uniforms are required for 1st – 12 graders Extended Daycare: Available for students enrolled in K3-6th grade, after-school care is held on campus and operated by Macon East Academy. Tutoring is also available for students during extended care.

(334) 277.6566

www.maconeast.net

Saint James School ad on page 1, 65

6010 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, 36116 Founded: 1955 College Preparatory Pre-K3 through 12th grade (including all-day and halfday Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 options). Advanced Placement, Honors, and advanced classes are offered in 27 areas, encompassing both middle and high school.

Leadership: Head of School: Dr. Larry McLemore High School Principal: Mrs. Jennifer Poplin Middle School Principal: Mrs. Shelaine Taylor Elementary School Principal: Mrs. Andrea Harris River Region Parents I January 2022

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Grades: Pre-K3 through 12th (including all-day and half-day Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 options) Extra Curricular: Sports: 41 competitive sports teams, including football, basketball, baseball, tennis, equestrian, cross country, track, soccer, golf, wrestling, volleyball, softball, cheerleading, and indoor track. Won the Girls Indoor Track state championship title in 2021 and 4 state championship titles in 2019, including Girls Indoor Track, Girls Tennis, Girls Outdoor Track & Field, and Girls Cross Country. Varsity Volleyball competed in 6A state competition.

Clubs: Campus organizations include: Student Government Association, Key Club, Interact Club, Chess Club, Government Club, Science Club, Drama Club, Latin Club, French Club, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students, Drama, Band, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Bridge Builders, Choir, Speech and Debate, Math Team, Science Olympiad, Tri-M, Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Peer Leaders, Student Ambassadors, Spanish National Honor Society, Latin National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, student newspaper, yearbook, photography, Media Club and other special interest groups.

Additional Info: Rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and nationally recognized arts classes combine to create Central Alabama’s most engaging independent school environment at Saint James (STJ). Montgomery’s oldest independent school, Saint James provides the most well-rounded course offerings in the area, blending superior academics and state-of-the-art technology with absorbing enrichment, exploratory, and college elective classes.

Since its founding in 1955, Saint James School has always focused on educating the whole child. And with this focus, programs embracing STEAM have always been part of the Saint James curriculum every day, at all grade levels.

These skills, along with writing across the curriculum, make Saint James the premier college preparatory school in the Montgomery area. Saint James School envelops students in a 21st-century learning environment, providing iPads® for Grades 3 - 12, and regular access to technology in lower elementary and preschool classes. The school’s talented and dedicated faculty, almost half of whom have masters or doctoral degrees, is a vital component of the learning equation, creating a welcoming yet challenging atmosphere to help students from Grades Pre-K3 - 12 reach their highest potential. As the students make great strides academically, they also grow personally, learning to become young men and women of character who are self-motivated, intellectually curious, reflective, and articulate. Students participate in a minimum of four school-wide service projects annually, with additional opportunities to serve our local community. Saint James has had 9 National Merit Scholarship Finalists and 16 National Merit Commended Students in the past five years. Graduates of Saint James have earned over $30.5 million in scholarships awarded over last 5 years, with 100% of our students accepted to 4-year institutions.

Tuition Includes: Daily Lunch prepared in the Saint James Commons by Flik Independent School Dining for All Grades (excluding half day Pre-K3 and half day Pre-K4); Individually Assigned Technology Devices for All Students Grades 3 - 12 and Technology Fees for All Grades; All School Supplies for Pre-K3 through Eighth Grade*; Consumable Books for Pre-K3 through Eighth Grade; Day Field Trips for all grades; Fall School Pictures for all grades; Junior & Senior Class Fees; Most Middle School Textbooks; Parent Association (PA) Dues for each family; Student Admission to all Home Sporting Events; Iliad Yearbook for all students. *Calculator, ear buds, and iPad stylus are not included in tuition.

Montessori School at Hampstead

ad on page 26

5251 Hampstead High St, Ste #111, Montgomery, 36116 Founded: 2011 Curriculum: Montessori

Leadership: Melanie Morrison, Head of School Grades: 12 months – Kindergarten Extra Curricular: Other: On-site educational farm with school garden, music, library, and Big Green Bus. Additional Info: Accreditation & Affiliations: Affiliated with AMS (American Montessori Society) and IMC; Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational Registration Deadline: Rolling; Open House: We schedule school tours for 9:00am or 11:00am on school days by appointment.

Testing Requirements: Parents required to tour (when geographically possible) and allow for an onsite visit/observation for their child in the classroom.

Tuition: $100 non-refundable application fee; program fees and costs can vary based on program options selected so please contact the office for details.

(334) 356-1969 hos@mshmontgomery.org MSHMontgomery.org Facebook: facebook.com/MontessoriatHampstead Twitter: twitter.com/MSHMontessori Instagram: instagram.com/MontessoriMontgomery/

The Montgomery Academy ad on page 62, Back Cover

Upper School (Grades 6-12) 3240 Vaughn Road Lower School (Grades K-5) 1550 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, 36106 Curriculum: Our K-12 college preparatory curriculum seeks to educate the whole child by focusing not only on each child’s academic development but also on their physical and social-emotional development. Beginning in ninth grade, our course offerings include twenty-three Advanced Placement sections offered in all core areas.

Mission: Mission: The Montgomery Academy develops leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service and the pursuit of excellence.

Leadership: Head of School: John McWilliams Director of Admissions: Rachael Gallagher Grades: K - 12th Extra Curricular: Arts: Our Speech & Debate program is ranked in the top 1% in the nation and has won 18 state championships, more than any other public or private school in Alabama. Both Lower and Middle School Choruses have earned statewide accolades and have been invited to participate in festivals across the southeast. Our Upper School Chorus has earned superior ratings at district and state competitions, including winning first place the past four consecutive years in a national choral competition. The black-box theater on the Vaughn Road campus is where students in grades 5-12 may participate in full-length productions during the year. Every single child in grades K-4 participates in a performance each year. Student actors compete and are honored annually in the State Theater Festival. Our K-12 Visual Arts program submits pieces to exhibits across the River Region, the state and nationally, winning at every level.

(334) 277.8033 admissions@stjmontgomery.org www.stjmontgomery.org

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Athletics: Athletic teams at The Montgomery Academy have earned 76 state championships (as of fall 2021), more than any other public or private school in the River Region! Both our boys and girls athletic teams have achieved success. Seventy-two percent of Middle and Upper School students participate on one of our thirty-five athletic teams. Our students have also been honored over the years by receiving the Jimmy Hitchcock Memorial Award, the Jimmy Hitchcock Freshman Award, and Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete award. Several Academy student-athletes have gone on to participate at the collegiate level.

Students in grades K-9 participate in physical education every day.

Clubs: Students learn leadership skills both in and outside the classroom.

Many participate in organizations like Student Council, Youth in Government, Mock Trial, Model UN, and various community service organizations. With over 23 clubs offered in the Upper School, from cooking to coding, student government to STEM, there is something for every student’s interest.

Additional Info: Other: Montgomery Academy students are recognized annually as National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists. Students have earned Advanced Placement Scholar Awards and have been recognized as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, AP Scholars with Distinction and as National Scholars. A majority of our seventh grade students qualify to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

Open House: Join us for a Kindergarten Open House on February 3, 2022.

RSVP online at montgomeryacademy.org/open house. Our Kindergarten Preview, “K-View” allows families to experience a typical Kindergarten day. To schedule your K-View at a time that works for your family, visit www.montgomeryacademy.org/k-view. For our Grades 6-12 applicants, our shadow day experience pairs prospective applicants with a current student buddy for a day in the life at MA. What better way to experience “the MA Difference” than to be an Eagle for a day! Tours of both campuses are available at any time.

Accreditation: The Montgomery Academy is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is jointly accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The Academy is also a member of The College Board, Educational Records Bureau, School Scholarship Service, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals, National Association for College Admission Counseling, Cum Laude Society, and the National, Southern, and Alabama Associations of Independent Schools.

Tuition: The tuition package at the Academy includes the enrollment deposit, admission to all home athletic events, a hot nutritious lunch, snacks in grades K-5, most extracurricular and athletic team fees, a yearbook and all technology fees. The Academy does not charge new family fees or building fees. Please visit our website www.montgomeryacademy.org or call the Admissions Office (334) 273-7155 for more information on tuition, financial assistance and our scholarship opportunities, including Renaissance and Millsap Scholarships.

Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, basketball, track, cheerleading, baseball, soccer, golf, softball & volleyball. Clubs: Beta, Science, Math, Yearbook, SGA, FCA, computer and School Newspaper.

Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Entrance/admission exam Registration Deadline: Now accepting applications Accreditation: AISA and COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) Academic scholarships available for grades 2nd-11th.

Tuition: Please call for rates. Extended Care Fees: Call for additional information.

(334) 365.4343 generals@autaugaacademy.com www.autaugaacademy.com

Edgewood Academy

P.O. Box 160, 5475 Elmore Rd, Elmore, 36025 Curriculum: Offers 2 diplomas - standard, dual enrollment; including advanced placement courses.

Mission: We provide students with a comprehensive college preparatory education in a safe and supportive environment, preparing students for a future of lifelong learning and productive citizenship.

Leadership: Headmaster: Jay Adams Grades: K3-12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, peewee cheerleading, Golf, track & field and Pee-Wee/Termite football.

Clubs: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, SGA, FCA, Spanish, Youth in Government, Drama, Beta, Accounting Team, First Priority, and Math Team. Additional Info: Testing Requirement: Admissions test & evaluation of scholastic record. Registration deadline: Applications accepted all year; testing begins January on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Accreditation: AISA since 1974 and COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED), NCPSA and CITA Tuition: Please visit website or call the school for tuition rates.

(334) 567.5102

www.edgewoodacademy.org

Hooper Academy

380 Fischer Rd., Hope Hull, 36043 Founded: 1970 Religious Affiliation: Non –secular Curriculum: Advanced and standard diplomas, K5-6th - ABEKA Mission: Our missions is to provide a balanced and quality curriculum, which allows each student the opportunity to achieve full potential and maximize mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Students will be provided opportunities to develop self-confidence through knowledge, applied skills, and desirable character traits acquired in a sound academic environment.

Leadership: Headmaster: Dr. Liz Norman Grades: K5 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Include football (grades 3rd-12th), volleyball, boys and girls basketball, baseball, track, softball, cheerleading, and soccer.

Clubs: Scholar’s Bowl, National Honor Society, Science Club, Math Team, SGA, Performing Arts, Yearbook/Journalism, FCA, and Spanish.

Additional Info: Registration Deadline: Based on availability.

Accreditation: AISA; COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED); AAIS Extended care program available. Licensed Day Care program available on campus. Tuition: K-12, Call for rates.

(334) 272-8210 admissions@montgomeryacademy.org www.montgomeryacademy.org

(334) 288.5980 Link on website www.hooperacademy.org

Lowndes Academy

215 South Broad Street, Lowndsboro, 36752 Curriculum: Elementary A Beka; college prep Leadership: Headmaster: Barry Mohun Grades: K3-12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football (Pee-Wee, Jr. High & Varsity), Girls Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Cheerleading Clubs: Beta Club, FCA, SGA, ACE, Key Club, Spanish and Mathematics Additional Info: Testing Requirements: None Registration deadline: Open Accreditation: AISA; COGNIA (formerly known at AdvancED) Other: After school care, music, dance, gymnastics, piano, yearbook staff. Annual Deer Hunt for school fundraiser.

Tuition: Please visit website or call for more info.

The School at Sylvan Learning Center ad on page 66

4240 Lomac Street, Montgomery, 36106 Mission: The School at Sylvan strives to provide a safe, personal, quality education.

Our primary goal is to educate all students so they may reach their full academic potential. Through individual instruction and a detail to meeting the needs of each student, The School at Sylvan commits to providing an education that will prepare students for higher education and entering the workforce to become productive citizens.

Grades: 1st-12th Grades Extra Curricular: Partnerships with Homeschool Organizations to provide support services (sports, clubs, enrichment etc.)

Additional Info: The School at Sylvan Learning Center is a SACS (Southern Association of Colleges & Science) Accredited school program. By offering a low student to teacher ratio, we are able to individualize and meet the educational needs of each student.

We offer: Half Day Schedule Grades 6-12 (8:15 – 12:30) Full Day Schedule for Elementary K-5 (8:15-2:45) for 6th grade and below.

We accept Alabama Affordability Act scholarships; Opportunity to participate in Tim Tebow Law; Degreed Teachers; Science Lab; Wide Variety of on-campus / independent electives (334) 262.0043

cd@montgomerysylvan.com

(334) 278.3366 lowndesacademy@yahoo.com www.lowndesacademy.org

Montessori Academy

1025 South Hull Street , Montgomery, 36104 Founded: 1982 Curriculum: Montessori Curriculum- includes language, prereading, reading, math, science, history, art, and music (AMS affiliated).

Leadership: Administrator: Erin Kilgore Grades: 12 months through Kindergarten/Montessori age-appropriate academic program Extra Curricular: Sports & Clubs: Ballet, Spanish, and Tumbling Additional Info: Registration Deadline: Open as space permits.

Testing Requirements: Personal interview Other: Celebrating 36 years of Quality Education for the Crucial Early Years.

Lead Directresses are American Montessori Society Certified or International Montessori Council Certified teachers.

Tuition: Please call for more information.

(334) 262.8685 Montgomery.montessori@gmail.com www. Montessorimontgomery.com

sylvanlearning.com/Montgomery

Montessori at Mulberry

Autauga Academy

2034 Clubview St, Montgomery, 36106 Curriculum: Each child is encouraged to reach his/her full potential in all areas of life. The specific needs of individual children are met at each developmental level. Our curriculum, which is challenging, interdisciplinary and real world related, provides a strong academic bridge to elementary school.

Leadership: Director: Terri Jackson Grades: 12 months through Kindergarten Additional Info: Registration Deadline: Open as space permits.

Testing Requirements: Personal interview. Tuition: Please call for information.

497 Golson Rd., Prattville, 36067 Founded: 1969 Religious Affiliation: None Curriculum: College Prep Mission: Our mission is to ensure a quality education for traditional students, provide a family environment that embodies Christian values, with small classes, a qualified faculty, and a fully accredited academic program, ensure post-secondary success by offering a general and college preparatory curriculum.

Leadership: Headmaster: Larry Pickett Grades: K3 through 12th River Region Parents I January 2022

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Leadership: Headmaster: John Bradley, M.A., J.D Grades: K5-12th Extra Curricular: Clubs: Yearbook, Choir and Photography Additional Info: Registration begins in February. We will be offering an Open House is January 25. Please call for more information.

Testing Requirement: Entrance Test required for all grades Accreditation: Cornerstone is a member of the Association for Classical Christian Schools. Registration deadline: Open Registration begins February 1st and continues through May 31st.

Tuition: Please call for tuition rates. Uniforms required.

Alabama Christian Academy ad on page 20, 56

4700 Wares Ferry Rd, Montgomery, 36109 Founded: 1942 Religious Affiliation: Church of Christ Curriculum: College Prep Leadership: Head of School: Greg Glenn Associate Head of School: Josh Roberts Upper School Principal: Julie Taggart Lower School Principal: Doug Black Grades: K3 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Track, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Bass Fishing, Cheerleading, Swimming, Cross Country. Clubs: Key Club, National Honor Society (Lower School and Upper School), FCA, SGA, Math, Drama, Chorus, Band, Color Guard, Theatre, Scholars Bowl, Pep Club, Spanish National Honor Society, FCS, Bass Fishing Team, Capture Club.

Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Evaluation of scholastic record, standardized test scores, and placement tests. Registration Deadline: Open Accreditation: COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) Tuition: Please call for prices. Tuition breaks for multiple children.

Uniforms Required.

(334) 277.1985

(334) 356.7788

www.ccamontgomery.org

Eastwood Christian School ad on page 59

1701 E. Trinity Blvd, Montgomery, 36106 Founded: 1996 Religious Affiliation: Presbyterian; Westminster Confession of Faith Curriculum: Lower school/ Sing, Spell, Read and Write; Harcourt Math; Spelling; Grammar; Bible, History, Science and Handwriting; Upper school/ Varied Classical Christian, Latin, Formal Logic and Rhetoric Mission: Offers classical approach to Christian education with a biblical worldview dominating all subjects. Announcing Full Day, 7:45-2:00, with extended study hall and enrichment options for School Year 2022.

Leadership: Head of School: Joel R. Bius, Ph.D. Grades: K4 - 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Basketball, volleyball, baseball, cross country, tennis and trap and skeet. Clubs: Theatre, Beta Club, SGA, and Spanish Club Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Placement test/interview Open House: Tuesday, Jan. 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Chantilly Arts and Athletics Campus, 9299 Vaughn Rd. Pike Road and Thursday, Jan. 13th at 6:30 p.m. at Main Campus, 1701 E. Trinity Blvd., Montgomery Registration: Early Registration is January 12, 2022-February 4, 2022 Waiting list registration is on Admissions page of website. Please call Head of School to schedule an appointment. Call for availability.

Tuition: Please call for tuition prices.

Uniforms required.

www.alabamachristian.org

Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy ad on page 25, 58

125 Calhoun Rd, Montgomery, 36109 Religious Affiliation: non-denominational Curriculum: Veritas, Memoria Press, Saxon Math.

Mission: Cornerstone Christian Academy’s mission is to glorify God by preparing students spiritually and intellectually for life-long service in His kingdom.

(334) 272.8195 admin@eastwoodschool.org www.eastwoodschool.org

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Evangel Christian Academy

until 3:30 p.m., (after school tutorial) Open to the community: 3:30-6:00 p.m., Summer Enrichments, Credit Recovery.

Tuition: Please call for tuition rates. Uniforms Required.

ad on page 35, 60

3975 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, 36106 Founded: 1995 Curriculum: A BEKA, Bob Jones, Purposeful Design, ACSI, and McDougal Littell Mission: Evangel Christian Academy exists to be an extension of the Christian family in training and developing of Christian students for committed service to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Through quality academic instruction, the impartation of Biblical values and providing activities designed to foster spiritual, academic, and social growth, ECA works to help each student reach their potential in Christ.

Leadership: Administrator: Bobby Johnson Grades: K4 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track and cheerleading. Clubs: SGA, FCA, Booster Club, National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society, Praying Parents Drama, ACT Prep, Spanish, Speech, Creative Writing and over 30 more high school electives. Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Testing is required Registration Deadline: Open in February to all Accreditation: AISA (Blue Ribbon School), COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED), ACTS and NCPSA Tuition: Please call for tuition information. Uniforms required.

(334) 272.3882

(334) 517.1717 Teachristianacademy1@gmail.com teachristianacademy.net

Trinity Presbyterian School

ad on page 17, 67

1700 East Trinity Boulevard, Montgomery, 36106 Founded: 1970 Religious Affiliation: Christian Curriculum: Accelerated, College Prep Mission: Trinity is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution, binding academic excellence with Christian values. Providing a challenging college-preparatory education, Trinity provides a rigorous academic program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. 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. One hundred percent of Trinity graduates are accepted to post-secondary institutions, with many attending some of the finest colleges in the nation. Offering the only full-time dance program at a Montgomery independent school, Trinity’s award-winning fine arts program offers stateof-the-art areas for dance, choral, instrumental, visual arts, and speech. An athletic program with a long-standing tradition of championship-level teams, many Trinity athletes play at the next level in several sports. Athletics play an integral part in Trinity’s educational program, which is designed to develop the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Leadership: Head of School: Mr. Bill Shelnutt Grades: K3 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Trinity fields 36 interscholastic sport teams, including football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, baseball, softball, golf, soccer, track, cross country, and swimming. Electives, Clubs and Activities: Art, Band, Choral, Dance, Drama, Speech, Theatrical Design and Production and much more.

Additional Info: Additional Info: Registration deadline: Open registration Open House: Thursday, January 20, 2022. Intended for families of prospective K3, K4 and K5 Kindergarten students.Accreditation: Trinity Presbyterian School holds dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It holds membership in the Alabama Association of Independent Schools, The College Board, National Association for College Admission Counseling, Southern Association for College Admission Counseling, and the Coalition of Lighthouse Schools. Extended Care Program: Trinity offers an extended day through the Wildcat Club Program. This program is designed to be a true extension of the school day and provide more than just childcare. The Wildcat Club encourages students to learn and thrive in a relaxed and fun environment.

Tuition: Please call for rates. Uniforms Required.

www.ecalions.org

Prattville Christian Academy ad on page 42, 64

322 Old Farm Lane North, Prattville, 36066 Founded: 1997 Religious Affiliation: Christian Curriculum: PCA offers a 1:1 digital learning environment with a focus on preparing Christian leaders for life. Honors, advanced placement and onsite dual enrollment classes are offered along with a Healthcare and Engineering Academy as well as a Sports Medicine internship. PCA also offers a gifted program for students in grades 1-5 and a resource center which provides academic support to students outside of the regular classroom during the school day in an effort to reduce the time students spend tutoring outside of school hours.

Mission: Prattville Christian Academy is a non-denominational K3-12 school committed to providing a quality, Christ-centered education with an emphasis on life readiness. PCA is dedicated to providing academic excellence in a caring, Christian environment. Through personal example and individual relationships, PCA develops confident, independent thinkers who find purpose in the pursuit of life.

Leadership: President: Ron Mitchell, Ed.D. Grades: Pre K-3 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: PCA is a member of the AHSAA and offers 14 competitive sports programs for boys and girls that offer a connection with a small group of students with similar interests. Sports include football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, softball, baseball, golf, track, tennis, cross-country, cheerleading, swimming, soccer and fishing. Clubs: PCA has more than 25 extracurricular options for students of all ages to find activities that interest them. These activities include school ambassadors, art, drama, Science Olympiad, band, Model UN, student government, honor societies, photography and many others.

Additional Info: Registration Deadline: None, applications accepted throughout the year. Virtual campus tours available online. Physical tours by appointment only.

Accreditation: Prattville Christian Academy is accredited by the National Christian School Association (NCSA) and COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED).

Tuition: Tuition rates are available on the website and include textbooks for all students and school supplies for grades K3-5. Family discounts available.

Uniforms required for grades 1-12.

(334) 213.2100 admissions@trinitywildcats.com www.trinitywildcats.com

Adullam House Christian Academy

7469 Georgia Road, Wetumpka, 36092 Religious Affiliation: Non-Denominational Curriculum: Abeka Mission: The objective of AHCA is to provide a nurturing, Godly environment where children can reach his/her full potential. It is our desire to teach our children integrity and high standards of conduct to equip them for success!

Leadership: Headmaster: Rachel Harborth Grades: Preschool-12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Cheerleading, Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field Clubs: Elective classes offered in Art, Computer and Music. Dual Enrollment with Central Alabama Community College Additional Info: Testing Requirements: 4th Grade and up, entry test required Registration Deadline: March Uniforms required. Tuition: Please call for rates (334) 478.3888 adullumhousechristianacademy@outlook.com

Bethany Christian Academy

1765 Highland Ave., Montgomery, 36107 Founded: 1899 Religious Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Mission: The Bethany Christian Academy family exists to show children Jesus, nurture their love for Him and others, teach them to think, and empower them to serve.

Leadership: Principle: Shayla Dowe Grades: Kindergarten to 8th Extra Curricular: Sports: Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field, Basketball, Tennis and Soccer. Clubs: Music, Global Missions trips, Environmental Camp, Computer and Pathfinders Additional Info: Accreditation: AASAS, NCPSA, SUCOE, COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) Testing Requirements: Admission test Registration Deadline: Open Tuition: Please call for rates. Uniforms required

(334) 285.0077 www.4pca.org

TEA Academy

(Talent Education & Art Christian Academy, Inc.) ad on page 47

2637 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, 36117 Religious Affiliation: Generic Bible Base Teaching Curriculum: A-Beka Leadership: Headmaster: Prof. Maggie McElroyWashington, MBA; MGMT, MKTG Grades:

(334) 264.1078

Chapman Christian Academy

4711 Chapman Rd., Millbrook, 36054 Founded: 1994 Religious Affiliation: Christian Curriculum: A Beka, Bob Jones and South Western Publishing Co. Mission: Providing a traditional education in the minimum amount of time. A Christian curriculum is used and a Christian world view is taught.

Leadership: Principal: Jon Chapman Grades: K4-12th

Grades: Pre K-12th Extra Curricular: Activities/Clubs: Acting, Choir, Drum-Line, Debate, Student Government Associate, Dance Team, Modeling and Weight Training Additional Info: Testing Requirement: IOWA Standardized Registration Deadline: Open enrollment. Must have a 3.20 GPA to enroll.

Other: Certified teachers, School Days are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.

River Region Parents I January 2022

http://antp25.adventistschoolconnect.org

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Additional Info: Accreditation: National Association of Private Schools Testing Requirements: Grade level testing performed upon entry.

Tuition: Competitively priced with other schools in the area. Please call for rates.

(334) 285.5354

opportunity. Our instructors help students overcome challenges through structured classwork and individual attention.

Leadership: Principal: Tina Halbert, M.Ed., NBCT Grades: K-12th Additional Info: Testing Requirements: The director will test for academic levels upon acceptance to the school.

Registration deadline: Enrollment is on a year-round basis Tuition: Please see website for more information

www.chapmanchristianacademy.com

Lighthouse Christian Academy

3570 Bell Rd, Montgomery, 36116 Founded: 1987 Religious Affiliation: Baptist Curriculum: A BEKA Leadership: Principal: Janelle Ford Grades: K-2 through 10th Extra Curricular: Sports: Basketball and Cheerleading Clubs: Band, Choral, Fine arts and Computer Class Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Interview Registration: Begins in February Accreditation: Accredited through ACEA and AACS Other: Before and after school care; Christ oriented education. Summer fun program. Tuition: Please call school for more information Uniforms required for K5 – 9th.

(334) 271.4200

(334) 361.9505 haileymorrow@newhope4kids.com www.newhope4kids.com

New Life Christian Academy

4230 Hwy 14, Millbrook, 36054 Founded: 1979 Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Curriculum: A BEKA, Bob Jones, Glencoe, Apologia, Alpha Omega, and Saxon.

Leadership: Principal: Ira Collier Grades: K-3 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, softball, and Volleyball. Clubs: Jr. and Sr. Beta Club, Art Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Additional Info: Accreditation: National Private Schools Accreditation Group Testing Requirements: Screening test to determine student readiness.Registration: open enrollment at the end of January Tuition: Call for more information.

www.lcasailors.org

Montgomery Christian School

3265 McGehee Road, Montgomery, 36111 Curriculum: Singapore, Handwriting Without Tears, Purposeful Design, ABEKA, Houghton Mifflin and Positive Action for Christ.

Mission: To provide an academically challenging Christian education to children in inner city Montgomery.

Leadership: Director: Pam McLemore Principal: Stephenie Price Grades: Kindergarten K -5th Additional Info: Testing Requirements: None, Interview and assessment Registration deadline: Open Accreditation: ACSI Tuition: Based on family income and the number of children in the family Uniforms required.

(334) 285.5615

www.newlifechristianacademy.com

Success Unlimited Academy

2328 Fairlane Dr., Montgomery (9th-12th grades, Night School & tutoring) 4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery (K4-8th grades) Montgomery, 36116 Founded: 2000 Religious Affiliation: Christian Curriculum: A Beka, Bob Jones, Houghton-Mifflin, Silver Burdette Gin, and Glencoe Mission: SUA provides a safe and loving environment where students feel accepted and are challenged by educational excellence, instilled with loyalty to our country, and developed through spiritual growth. We believe all students can be a success through Christ who strengthens them.

Leadership: Headmaster: Susan Alred, M.Ed. Vice Principle: Lauren Morgan Grades: K4-12th Extra Curricular: Athletics: Registered with AISA, Football, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball and Cheerleading Clubs: Praise Band, Choir, Guitar, Art, Drama, FCA, FCS, Builders Club, Chess Club, Career Start, Key Club and Yearbook Club.

Additional Info: Registration Deadline: Open Testing Requirements: Consultations and Evaluations provided at time of enrollment. Accreditation: COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) Other: School offers morning classes, evenings and through Distance Education and Night School. Tutoring is available Monday-Thursday at our Fairlane Drive Campus. Tuition: Please call for tuition information. Uniforms Required

(334) 386.1749 info@montgomerychristianschool.org www.montgomerychristianschool.org

New Hope Academy

301 Water Street, Prattville, 36067 Curriculum: We serve students with individual learning differences, including learning disabilities, autism/Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, physical issues, etc…

Our curriculum is individualized to each child’s learning needs. Examples of curricula used include TouchMath, Handwriting Without Tears, Reading Mastery, Excel Math, Explode the Code and Spectrum Writing.

Mission: New Hope Academy provides innovative programs and teaching strategies in a supportive environment. Our curriculum is designed to improve students’ academic and social skills, which leads to a better quality of life

(334) 213.0803

www.suacademy.com

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Tuition: Approximate K3-6: $4,800-8,100; 7-12: $7,900-10,200, Multi-Child Discount: 2nd child $1000 discount, 3rd child $1500 discount. For families with more than 3 students, a tuition cap may be applicable. Please contact the business office to discuss the tuition cap. Rates subject to change.

Uniforms required.

Valiant Cross Academy

301 Dexter Ave (located inside of River City Church), Montgomery, 36104 Founded: 2015 Religious Affiliation: Non-denominational Curriculum: Alabama College and Career Standards and Alabama Course of Study Mission: Our mission, our purpose is to help raise young men up to be supernatural. Men who will learn from their youth, to let go of self, to let the Holy Spirit raise them to new heights. Courageous men, righteous men, committed men, loving men who will rise up to lead, to serve, to inspire. We will provide the armor to help them rise above. To rise above with Honor, with Discipline, with Integrity, with Excellence with Love.

Leadership: Head of School: Anthony Brock Grades: 6th grade - 12th grade Extra Curricular: Sports: Track, Football, Basketball, Baseball and Golf Additional Info: Registration Deadline: Open enrollment in January Accreditation: COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) and AISA Other: After-school enrichment and tutoring Tuition: Please call for more information on tuition rates. Uniforms required.

(334) 694.9200 Anthony@valiantcross.org

St. Bede Campus (K3-6): (334) 272.3033 Holy Spirit (K3-6): (334) 649.4404 Middle School (7-8): (334) 272.2465 High School (9-12): (334) 272.7220 www.montgomerycatholic.org

Resurrection Catholic School ad on page 27

2815 Forbes Dr., Montgomery, 36110 Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic Curriculum: Basic; strong traditional skills core curriculum with extensive enrichment & acceleration. Religion classes required; technology emphasized; enrichment in arts & conversational Spanish; strong accelerated reading program in place. After school care, hot breakfast and lunches, computer technology.

Mission: Resurrection Catholic School is committed to continuing the Catholic tradition of providing an environment of academic excellence in which students can grow intellectually, spiritually, physically, and socially.

Leadership: Principal: Dr. Martha Pettway Grades: Preschool age Pre K4- 8th Extra Curricular: Sports: Cheerleading and basketball available Clubs: Student Council, Male and Female Mentor Programs, Dance, STEM Club, Book Clubs, Home Economics, and Choir. Additional Info: Testing Requirement: Placement Pre K - 8 Registration deadline: Please call for dates.

Accreditation: Advanced Ed. (Formerly known as SACS) Other: Google School, Acellus, Weekly Mass service, Partnership with Cleveland YMCA Sports, Public Speaking Readiness, AR Star Program, FREE, First Class Prek4 program and Summer Enrichment and Feeding Programs Tuition: Affordable; call for info. Family discounts available. Uniforms Required.

www.Valiantcross.org

Victory Christian Academy

3151 Highway 14, Millbrook, 36054 Founded: 1971 Religious Affiliation: Baptist Curriculum: A Beka and Bob Jones Leadership: Principal: Dave Weaver Grades: K4 through 12th Extra Curricular: Sports: Football, baseball, boys & girls basketball, girls volleyball, cross country, girls fast pitch softball and cheerleading Clubs: Yearbook, Drama, HomeEc, Life Skills and Government Additional Info: Testing requirements: Interview for admission.

Registration deadline: Enrollment for new students is year round Accreditation: AACS and MSA-SCESS Other: After school care provided by daycare until 6 p.m., I pads and Chrome Books accessible to all students, Smart Boards available for classrooms.

Tuition: Please check website for updated tuition. Uniforms required.

(334) 285.0211

www.vcamillbrook.com

Roman Catholic

(334) 230.1970 school@resurrection-missions.com www.rcsmontgomery.org

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Unique Learning Needs

ad on page 33, 63

Churchill Academy

Middle School & High School 5350 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, 36116 Saint Bede Campus 3850 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, 36109 Holy Spirit Campus 8580 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, 36117 Founded: 1873 by the Sisters of Loretto The oldest continuous non-public K-12 school in the state of Alabama. One of the reasons we have been around for 148 years, is because we value relationships. We want to get to know you and your student(s). This information is just the beginning. Give us a call today to visit our campuses and become a part of the Montgomery Catholic family. Religious Affiliation: Roman Catholic, all classes attend weekly Mass. Students of all faiths are welcome. Curriculum: Core classes for all grade levels include Math, Science, History, English, and Theology. College preparatory, Honors, and A.P. courses available in the high school.

Mission: A K3-12 regional Catholic school in Montgomery with 148 years of educational excellence, Montgomery Catholic strives to help each student reach their God-given potential by offering the opportunity to grow in faith, with rigorous academics and opportunities to perform athletically and artistically. Mission: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is an integral part of the Catholic Church’s mission to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. As an adult community, we share in the responsibility to prepare students for college and beyond while helping them grow to become persons of faith, virtue, and wisdom.

Leadership: Leadership: President: Justin Castanza Middle and High School Principal: Eileen Aaron Elementary Principal St. Bede Campus: Laurie Gulley Elementary Principal Holy Spirit Campus: Nancy Foley Grades: Saint Bede Campus (K3-6), Holy Spirit Campus (K3-6), Middle School Phone (7-8), and High School Phone (9-12).

Extra Curricular: Sports: Cross country, football, volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, indoor track, basketball, outdoor track, baseball, softball, golf, soccer, and tennis. Fine Arts: Beginning Band (grades 5-6), Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Choir, and Drama Service and Clubs: VEX Robotics, Cyber Patriots, Makers Space, eSports, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Government Club, Forensics Club, Science Olympiad, Math Counts, Pro-Life Club, Ambassadors Club, Pep Club, SGA, Yearbook, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Girls on the Run. Students have service opportunities throughout the year through Advisory classes and the Encounter program, helping them to share the Light of Christ in the community. Summer Camps: Athletic, Art, MakerSpace, Band, Color Guard, Laser Cut Creation, Jr. Engineering, Drama.

Additional Info: Testing Requirements: Placement test (February, June and August.) Visit our website to schedule your own private tour with Julie Lopez, our Director of Admissions. You can also contact her at 334-318-3777 or jlopez@montgomerycatholic.org for more information.

Students in grades 10-12 participate in a one-to-one Apple laptop program.

River Region Parents I January 2022

ad on page 18

395 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery, 36117 Mission: Churchill Academy strives to define success individually within the structure of a supportive, nurturing environment, focusing on the uniqueness of the learners social, emotional, and academic needs; resulting in students demonstrating self-advocacy and reaching their full potential.”

Leadership: Director: Kaye Pair, M.Ed. Grades: K -12th Extra Curricular: Clubs/Activities/Programs: Track, Chess, Journalism, Scouts, Work Study, Academic tutoring, snapology, ACT administration, Test Prep, Individual Learning Programs, Dual collegiate enrollment, work study for credit, career exploration, vocational rehab, Easter Seals, Prom, Dances, MANE, family involved activities away from school and at school, and Churchill Academy Parent Association Additional Info: Registration: Begins January Entrance Requirements: Churchill conducts individualized assessments to determine students’ strengths and areas of concern. Placement testing is given to lower and middle school students. The testing program is vital to starting students in classes and curriculum that best meets their needs.

Accreditation: AISA and COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED) Tuition: Please call for tuition prices. Scholarships available through Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund. Uniforms required (334) 270.4225

www.churchhillacademy.net

Homeschools

Dayspring Academy/High School

(334)518.9181 dayspringacademy@yandex.com www.dsacademy.org

Evangel Christian Academy (334) 272.3882

www.evangelfamily.org

(205) 433.9828

alabamahomeschooling.com

Everest Academy Ezekiel Academy (334) 315.0010

www.ezekielacademy.org

Huntington Learning Center

(334) 277.9200 huntingtonhelps.com

New Hope Academy (334) 361.9505 www.newhope4kids.com

Outlook Academy (334) 290.0919 info@outlookacademy.com www.outlookacademy.com

River Crest Academy

(334) 398.2008 www.rivercrestacademy.com

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Grading Family Movies: Streaming, Digital Rentals, and Theatrical Releases West Side Story

olic nts

Back to the Outback

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Sing 2

Violence C-

Sex B-

Profanity B-

Alcohol/Drugs C+

Rating PG

Overall B

Violence B

Sex A-

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs A-

Rating TV-PG

Overall B-

Violence B

Sex A

Profanity A

Alcohol/Drugs A

After their initial success, theater owner Buster Moon and his crew set their sights on performing in Redshore City (a Las Vegas clone). A major producer gives them a chance on the condition that they convince a reclusive rock star to come out of retirement and join them. This sequel lacks the offbeat charm of the original film, being burdened by too many characters and an overlong runtime. It is also missing a compelling storyline, apparently existing solely as a vehicle for the soundtrack.

Worst of all, even kids don’t laugh at the tired jokes. Photo © Universal Pictures

Mixtape

Netflix

Rating TV-PG

Overall B-

Violence B-

Sex B+

Profanity B+

Alcohol/Drugs A

Beverly Moody is being raised by her grandmother but longs to know more about her late parents. She’s elated when she finds a mixtape they made, only to be crushed when the tape breaks. Determined to understand her mom and dad, she sets off to find all the tunes. This film is a nostalgia trip for the 90s and provides a sweet message about intergenerational family ties. As Bev develops more selfconfidence she also behaves in reckless ways that parents might not want younger tweens to emulate. Photo ©Netflix

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The residents of the reptile house in an Australian zoo are tired of being depicted as ugly and dangerous. So the snake, thorny devil lizard, spider, and scorpion decide to make a break for it and find happiness in the outback. This is a classic “found family” story with lessons about not judging others based on appearances. Kids will enjoy the story and parents will appreciate that the action scenes are well done, the movie is briskly paced, and some of the jokes actually land. Photo © Netflix

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Rating PG-13

Maria and Tony have fallen in love at first sight – but they have a problem. Maria’s brother, Bernardo, is the leader of a Puerto Rican gang known as the Sharks. Tony used to lead the rival Jets, until he spent a year in prison and decided to reform. The young lovers want to end the cycle of violence, which proves more difficult than they expect. Steven Spielberg’s remake of this Broadway classic is a triumph, with stunning cinematography, dynamic dance sequences and a standout cast. But there’s a lot of violence and the PG-13 rating is appropriate. Photo ©20th Century Studios

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Rating PG-13

Overall B

Violence C

Sex B

Profanity C+

Alcohol/Drugs A

Peter Parker is planning to return to a quiet life as the friendly neighborhood SpiderMan until a local newspaper blows his cover. Under siege from the media, Peter asks Dr. Strange to make the world forget about his superhero alter ego but altering time comes at a price. The spell initially seems to fail and suddenly villains from multiple universes appear in our world. Full of references to other Spider-Man films and Marvel movies, this movie is a bonanza for fans. It’s also fast-paced, well written and full of nostalgia for action movie lovers. Photo ©Columbia Pictures Grades range from: A= absence of content concerns to D= excess of content concerns Detailed reviews available at www.parentpreviews.com 75

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Engaging in written communication is a necessary skill that kids will need to succeed in all areas of school and life. Reading comprehension is key to understanding what others are trying to communicate. At the same time, spelling helps ensure that the person or people you’re communicating with can comprehend what you’re trying to say and give you the confidence to convey your message successfully.

Although children learn these concepts in school, some of the best learning happens during play. When kids enjoy themselves, they can more fully engage with content and even remember and understand it much faster and more completely. Many types of games teach or boost spelling and reading comprehension for various ages and interests and in several formats.

The fun games here can help your kids develop their reading and spelling skills.

River Region Parents I January 2022

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Board games Context Clues Pirate Treasure is a

Online games IXL is an online educational game site with

Phone app games iTooch has educational apps designed for

reading comprehension board game for reading levels 2.0-3.5 (around 2nd-3rd grades). Players read story cards and answer comprehension questions using context clues to move around the board and be the first to reach the treasure.

memberships for the pre-k-12th grade. It has many subjects, including language arts, broken down by grade level, topics, and skill plans. It offers specific sections for reading comprehension and spelling, but also related concepts to further understanding.

Inference School Days is a reading

PBS Kids has a website with learning

games aimed at younger children. There is a section solely for reading games that work on reading comprehension, spelling, and more. The site also has parent resources for kids learning at home.

children in grades 2-8 to work on reading comprehension aligned with Common Core standards. Learners choose their favorite topics from fiction and non-fiction content, then take tests to assess their understanding. (free with in-app purchases)

Teach Your Monster to Read offers

Spellbee: Spelling Bee Games is a

comprehension game explicitly focusing on the skill of inference. The blue level is for reading levels 3.5-5.0 (around 3rd-5th grades). Players use inference to correctly answer questions on the story cards to earn their diplomas.

Dabble is a spelling and vocabulary board game for ages 8 and up but great for family game night. Each player gets letter tiles and tries to arrange them into five words of various lengths before the time runs out.

Play on Words is a spelling card game for ages 8 and up. It’s easy to take with you on the go or keep in your bag for travel fun. Players use letter cards to spell out words but can change, rearrange, and steal to make it more challenging.

My First Bananagrams is a spelling game for early learners ages 4 and up.

It uses letter combo tiles and lowercase letter tiles to ease pre-readers and early readers into the game by making word creation easier. When your child is ready, upgrade to the original Bananagrams for ages 7 and up.

three game levels for beginning readers up to older children who need practice. Letter and sound phonics practice have increasingly difficult combinations that reinforce spelling. As children improve, they move on to reading and comprehending sentences. Free from the Usborne Foundation.

Adventure Academy is a multi-subject

learning game for ages 8-13 with games, activities, and interactive play with friends.

The language arts curriculum includes comprehension, spelling practice, and more. It offers a monthly or yearly subscription.

ABCmouse is by the same group as

Adventure Academy. It teaches subjects to children ages 2-8 through games, songs, books, videos, printables, and more for a monthly or yearly subscription. The language arts curriculum starts with basics and progresses in difficulty as kids learn.

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each grade from 1st-8th with multi-subject and language arts options. It aligns with Common Core standards and has engaging activities and games to promote learning. (price varies)

Spark Reading for Kids is an app for

spelling and vocabulary app for grades 1-9 with over 70,000 words. Learners can play games and study words by grade level or topic to develop spelling skills and compete on a global leaderboard. (free)

Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids (ages 2-7) offer lessons by grade, topic, or age, including language arts with spelling and reading comprehension.

These are aligned to 1st grade standards at Khan Academy Kids and grades 2-9 in the original Khan Academy. (free)

A+ Spelling Bee English Words is an app for young learners to work on spelling skills. Learners can choose difficulty and mode, then drag letters to make the word for the picture. (free with in-app purchases) rrp Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online store, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, sagerarebooks.com.

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FamilyCalendar Saturday, January 1

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience Through January 2 10 a.m.-9 p.m. except for Mondays. BirminghamJefferson Convention Complex. Immerse yourself in Van Gogh’s artwork like you’ve never seen it before. Beyond Van Gogh is a rich and unique multimedia experience, taking the viewer on a journey through over 300 iconic artworks including instantly-recognizable classics “The Starry Night”, “Sunflowers”, and “Cafe Terrace at Night”, now freed from their frames. For more info, visit https:// vangoghbirmingham.com/ or call (800) 441-0819.

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Cinderella Through January 2 2 p.m. Music by Rodgers & lyrics by Hammerstein.

Directed by Shelley Butler. Recommended ages 7+. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award-winning musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music that delights audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. For tickets or more info, visit https://asf.net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

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For tickets or more info, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www.wetumpkadepot.com.

Artwork Accepted for Pike Road Exhibit -Through Jan. 14 5-8 p.m. Pike Road Arts Center, 944 Wallahatchie Rd., Pike Road. The Pike Road Arts Council is accepting artwork for the “Passing Through: Thresholds” Art Show (Jan. 15 - Feb. 13). Artists can submit work no larger than 16”x20”, in any medium, that depicts places we pass through such as thresholds, doors, gates, etc. No fee for entry, and up to two pieces of artwork will be accepted per artist. For each piece sold, a 15% commission shall be paid to the Town of Pike Road. Please schedule an appointment with Patty by calling (334) 221-9004 or e-mailing patty@pikeroad.us.

Friday, January 7

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents The Beatles White Album 8 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Tickets begin at $35. For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Saturday, January 8

Sunday, January 2

Free Community Preschool Dance Classes Tuesday & Thursday 45-minute classes at Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Ave. Open to all kids ages 3-5. Must be potty-trained. No special dance clothing required; shoes donated

by Montgomery City Councilor Marche Johnson.

For more info and to register, e-mail artscouncil@ montgomeryal.gov.

Monday, January 3

YES! and...? Improvisation Workshops for Beginners -- Through January 31 6-8 p.m. Cloverdale Playhouse Theater. Have you tried to improvise before and felt unsuccessful?

Our workshop is designed to teach you the basic techniques of improvisation through short form sketch work and games. Come play with us and learn skills to make you a better actor, quicker thinker, and all-around nicer human being! $50 registration fee. For more info, call (334) 262-1530 or visit cloverdaleplayhouse.org/.

Tuesday, January 4

Sensory-Sensitive Hour at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts -- Also February 1 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Individuals with sensory sensitivities and those who support them are invited to visit the Museum during a special hour. Before the lights, sounds and bustle begin, explore the Museum in the quiet, and visit the softly lit spaces of the galleries. One hour each month is dedicated to this special time for our visitors. Free experience but registration required. For more info, call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/.

Thursday, January 6

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Smoke on the Mountain-- Through January 9 Set in North Carolina in 1938, Smoke on the Mountain follows the Sanders Family Singers as they perform at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church’s Saturday Night Gospel Sing! Meet a talented family... quirky, flawed and uniquely entertaining!

Become the congregation and enjoy classic gospel tunes that bring us back to a much simpler time.

River Region Parents I January 2022

MPAC Live Presents Kansas 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre.

Tickets begin at $42.

For tickets or more info, visit mpaconline.org/ events/ or call (334) 481-5100.

Cruising the Creekwalk 5K 9 a.m. The 5K will start and end at the Doster Memorial Community Center located at 424 S Northington St. in Prattville. This course will take you along the Autauga Creek and through historic downtown Prattville. Water stations will be located at the halfway and finish points. For more info, visit https://cruisingthecreekwalk.itsyourrace.com/ register/.

Kids Club Online at Michael’s -- Other projects available January 11, 25 & 29 2 & 4 p.m. Free fun events with no registration required. Each day is a different project that kids can enjoy making for themselves, or gifting to others!

For more info, visit https://www.michaels.com/.

Zoo Volunteer Serve Day 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Volunteer groups gather to accomplish several tasks, including landscaping, raking, painting and overall prepping the Zoo for upcoming events. Volunteers can be adults, teens, civic groups, school groups, church groups, businesses, military squadrons, and families. Volunteers ages 12-16 must be accompanied by a parent/ legal guardian or designated group chaperone.

Volunteers under the age of 19 must obtain parent or legal guardian permission to volunteer. For more info, call (334) 625-4900 or visit www.montgomeryzoo.com/.

Thursday, January 13

Baby and Me -- Also February 10 10-10:30 a.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Working with the Alabama Partnership for Children (APC) organization, this new version of Baby & Me will be taught by Tish MacInnes, APC’s Alabama Strengthening Families Coordinator, and Kaci Norman, MMFA’s Assistant Curator of Education. These free classes are designed for toddlers ages 10 to 36 months and their caregivers and will focus on

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brain and physical development milestones while introducing fun and engaging art basics like colors, shapes, and textures.Call (334) 625-4333 or visit https://mmfa.org/ for more info.

Friday, January 14

Millbrook Community Players Present Pat Van Cor as Elvis -- Also January 15 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more info, visit www.millbrooktheater.com/ or call (334) 782-7317.

Saturday, January 15

Lake Martin Polar Plunge 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kowaliga Restaurant, 295 Kowaliga Marina Road, Alexander City. Entry to the event is $30, which includes food from Kowaliga Restaurant’s special Polar Plunge menu, live music and supporting the Lake Martin Resource Association’s mission of keeping Lake Martin clean. In addition to the Plunge, guests can take part in the Costume Contest with $100 cash going to the best costume, as well as the Dash for the Cash – a short race to a floating buoy and back to the shoreline immediately after the Plunge – for another $100. For more info, call (256) 215-7035 or visit https://www. russelllands.com/.

Thursday, January 20

2022 Lunchtime Lecture Series: Food For Thought Third Thursdays at noon. Fascinating hour-long lectures on the history of Alabama presented by the Alabama Department of Archives & History.

In-person lectures are held in the ADAH’s Joseph M. Farley Alabama Power Auditorium. They are also livestreamed through the ADAH’s social media channels (Facebook and Twitter). Visit archives. alabama.gov for more info about upcoming programs. Today’s topic is “George Galphin’s Intimate Empire: A Cross-Cultural Family in the Native South,” presented by Bryan Rindfleisch.

Friends and Newcomers Club of Prattville/ Millbrook 9:30 a.m. at the Bradford branch YMCA in Prattville.

All ladies welcome. The speaker is Kristy Watt from Prattville Baptist Hospital. Following the meeting, lunch is optional. Visit www.friendsandnewcomers. org for info. Or contact Nancy Schrull at (334) 4148185 or nschrull47@gmail.com.

Monday, January 24

ACT Test Prep Classes at AUM -Through Feb. 10 Prepare for the ACT exam and improve your test scores! Students can choose to attend class inperson or online using the Zoom web application.

Masks are required for attending in-class sessions.

Classes will meet Mondays through Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. Books will be provided at the first class meeting. Language is available Jan. 24-27; Math Jan. 31-Feb. 3; and Science Feb. 7-10. Each course costs $119 or the complete review is $309. Call (334) 244-3804 or visit https://learning.aum.edu/.

Thursday, January 27

Wetumpka Depot Players Present Popcorn Falls Through February 12 Written by James Hindman and directed by Kim

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Mason. The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy when a neighboring town threatens to turn them into a sewage treatment plant. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play more than 20 roles in a world of farce, love and desperation, proving that art can save the world. For tickets or more info, call (334) 868-1440 or visit www. wetumpkadepot.com.

Newcomers’ Club of Montgomery, Inc. Monthly Luncheon 11:30 a.m. at Arrowhead Country Club, 50 Ocala Dr., Montgomery. The program will feature travel experts from the Montgomery AAA office who can help you make your travel dreams come true! For reservations, contact Irene at ijwetzel@msn.com no later than Monday, Jan. 24. Also, visit http:// newcomersmontgomery.com/.

Thursday, February 3

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Macbeth Through February 24 The Shakespeare classic directed by Rick Dildine.

Dunsinane’s power couple embarks on a blind ambition tour of betrayal and bloodletting when Scottish nobleman Macbeth is told by witches that he will become king one day. This supernatural battle between fate and will is one of the Bard’s most action-packed tragedies. Recommended for ages 13+. For tickets or more info, visit https://asf. net/ or call (334) 271-5353.

Saturday, February 5

Tiaras and Bowties Dance 5-8 p.m. Come and join the Kershaw YMCA for a night in Paris. Parents are invited to bring their

prince or princess for food, fun and a photo to remember the occasion. Bring your dancing shoes to compete in the dance-off.

Prizes go to our dance-off winners and our Best Dressed Couple. Cost: $40 per couple, $5 for each additional child. Contact Eleanor at (334) 265-1433 or ethomas@ymcamontgomery.org for more info.

Tuesday, February 8

An Expressive Evening 6-7 p.m. Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts.

Experience art, dance, music, poetry and more created and performed by Montgomery teens at this free annual showcase of artistic expression.

For more info, visit https://mmfa.org/ or call (334) 625-4333.

Wednesday, February 9

Way Off Broadway (Prattville) Presents The Anatomy of Gray -- through February 27 Directed by Brady Walker. When June’s father dies, she prays for a healer to come to the small town of Gray, so that no one will ever suffer again. The next thing she knows, there’s a tornado, and a man in a balloon blows into town claiming to be a doctor. At first, the new doctor cures anything and everything, but soon the town’s preacher takes ill with a mysterious plague. And then the plague begins to spread.

For more info or tickets, call (334) 595-0850 or visit http://wobt.prattvilleal.gov/.

Because of ever-changing circumstances due to Covid-19, please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

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JB: My “routine” is not a routine at all. It is necessary not to fall into the trap of feeling like you have to check items off a list. Instead, I evaluate what works best for our unique crew (that’s always a moving target), and I make decisions based on that. I try to assess what is most important in that given moment and offer my energy towards that. One item that’s in my New Year’s plan, and has been in my plan for years and years is starting and ending each day with prayer. It keeps me focused on the end goal of life. Gratitude and prayer are at the top of plans for 2022.

RRP: Understandably so, it was difficult for you to let your daughter, Gracie, peel away from your protective arms to college. How are you adjusting to the change?

Judy Barranco

JB: Honestly, it was tough at first. Since I have five boys and one girl, my relationship with my daughter looks very different from my relationship with the boys. It has been a process to navigate this new normal.

It has been so exciting to see her independence and self-assurance.

But, still, it’s been challenging to let go.

I try to recognize that I have done a big part of my job and allow myself to sit back and watch her success and happiness. This new phase of life makes our shared moments together even more special.

RRP: As a mom of six children, life is undoubtedly busy, but it’s important to make time for one-on-one connections with each of them. What does that look like for your family?

RRP: You are a professional photographer and the cover photographer for River Region Parents. Do you find it somewhat daunting to get your kids together for a family photo?

JB: At this stage in their lives, I have to adapt my schedule to theirs! They are busy with careers, sports, and academics. I work to be there to listen or help when they need me. With a large family, there is always someone to grab lunch with, go to a sporting event with, or chill, which is something I love.

JB: Absolutely. To this day, it is still challenging to get all of the children together for a family photo! As they grow older, I have watched them develop a newfound appreciation for our family photos. We have pictures dating back to before digital photography was accessible, and we feel lucky to have those moments documented.

RRP: You have five boys and one girl—how would you describe your parenting style?

RRP: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

JB: Mike and I try to maintain a healthy balance between allowing our children to make independent decisions and encouraging them to “keep it between the navigational buoys”. We feel it is important to support our children in their varying interests and encourage them to play to their unique talents.

JB: Live in the moment! I feel it is so important to enjoy the chapter you are in. Don’t try to rush to the end of the book. Those pages turn quickly. Each stage of childhood is beautiful, and you can’t get those days back.

RRP: You have kids ranging in various ages and stages. Two married with careers, two more working in their fields, one in college and one in high school. What is it like navigating that?

RRP: What is the best part about being a mom of a large family?

JB: Well, I can tell you something not great—the laundry! But in all seriousness, the love and support system are the best part of having a large family. In the good times and bad times, our family is there. In addition to my children having Mike and me for support, they can also go to each other for help and advice. Lastly, our family keeps each other humble. We are the first to praise and cheer each other on and the first to call someone out if they need it.

JB: Exciting! Fun! Never a dull moment. Although it was much more challenging balancing the kids’ lives when they were younger, it has been so rewarding to see our parenting come to fruition. Mike and I find so much joy in sharing in their successes and happiness.

Whether buying their first home, getting accepted into college, a sports or academic achievement, a promotion at work, or partaking in the sacrament of marriage, we have loved to watch them grow and succeed.

Judy is married to Mike Barranco. The couple has been married for 37 years.

Judy is a native of Asheville, NC, and Mike, a native of Birmingham, AL. Both attended Florida State University and have six children.

RRP: The new year is here, and a time for planning. Do you have a routine to prevent mom burnout?

River Region Parents I January 2022

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