River Region Parents (September 2023)

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Montgomery Public Schools

Help Child Find Locate Children with Disabilities What is Child Find?

Child Find is a statewide effort by the Alabama State Department of Education and the Department of Rehabilitation Services to locate, identify, and evaluate children with disabilities from birth to age 21.

How Does Child Find Work?

Early Intervention and Special Education Services work closely with community service agencies, parents and local schools systems to locate children with disabilities. A toll-free number is provided for parents or other persons interested in information about referring a child from birth to age 21.

Why Is Child Find Important?

It helps the child, the family, and the provider to plan appropriate services and link families to services for students meeting eligibility requirements in the following disability areas:

 Hearing Impairment  Deaf-Blindness  Intellectual Disability  Multiple Disabilities  Orthopedic Impairment  Other Health Impairment  Emotional Disability

 Speech and Language Impairment  Visual impairment  Specific Learning Disabilities  Autism  Traumatic Brain Injury  Developmental Delay

For more information about Child Find, contact your local school system, local coordinating council, or CALL

334-269-3808 MPS Special Education Department Ages 3-21

1-800-543-3098 Early Intervention Ages Birth through 2 3

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September23 42

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Volume 28 Number 10

Columns 6 Editor’s Note DeAnne Watson

8 Meeting Kids Where They Are

Advice for Keeping Marriage Strong

A “Special” School Year

When parenting a special needs child.

Steps to ensure a successful school year for your special needs child.

Works of Wonder Therapy

14 Montgomery Education Matters

by Superintendent Dr. Melvin Brown

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36 Elmore Education Matters

by Superintendent Richard Dennis

40 Teens, Tweens & Screens

by Kristi Bush, LSW

Special Needs Guide

Local, state and national resources to help your child and your family.

Tips for Raising Compassionate Kids

44 Dinner’s Ready

by Kimberley Carter Spivey

Parents can make all the difference.

Departments On The Cover Anastasia Woods (11) is in 4th grade at Pike Road Intermediate School. She is the daughter of Kim and Nathan Woods and sister to seven siblings.

Anastasia loves to stay active and has many hobbies including cheerleading, playing adaptive tennis, dancing, swimming, and doing arts and crafts, just to name a few!

12 Teacher of the Month 16 School Bits 62 Family Calendar 68 Mom to Mom

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Editor’sNote

Parents

September is a wonderful month for many reasons! School is back in session, so routines are getting back to normal. Football (and parties with football food) has kicked into high gear. The hot Alabama temps are finally moving in the other direction.

And...you’re holding the River Region Parents Special Needs Issue!

This month, we hope to honor and encourage the special needs community, plus offer advice on how you can support them along their journey!

A few feature articles you’ll want to check out (and possibly share with a friend) are Amy Scott Lorton’s 5 Tips to Ensure a Successful School Year for Your Special Needs Child and Amy Baskin’s How to Keep Your Relationship Strong When Raising a Special Needs Child. Also, our Special Needs Resource Guide is full of local, regional and national resources to help families navigate the challenges they face in providing the best care for their special child. You’ll find businesses and agencies providing education support, recreation, therapy, early intervention and more.

If the phrase “it takes a village” applies to parenting in general, consider how much more our special needs moms and dads need us to embrace this idea.

Whether watching a friend’s son for a few hours so Mom can have a much-needed break or speaking a kind word to Dad when you see him struggling with his daughter in the grocery store, we can all play a part. And that includes our kids! Compassion doesn’t always come naturally to children; however, it can be caught by our children watching us, and it can also be taught. Read Jan Pierce’s article, Raising Compassionate Kids, for practical ways of teaching your children to be more aware of the feelings and needs of others.

Finally, outdoor events and festivals are back on the scene this month, so check out our Bits and Pieces and Family Calendar and make plans to make memories with your family. Have a great September!

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

Research Editor Wendy McCollum Contributing Writers Amy Baskin Dr. Melvin Brown Kristi Bush, LSW Richard Dennis Amy Scott Lorton Jan Pierce, M.Ed. Kimberley Carter Spivey Works of Wonder Therapy Cover Photography Lisa Smith www.studiopanache.net

Publisher Jason Watson jason@riverregionparents.com

Advertising Department (334) 213-7940 ext. 703 adservices@keepsharing.com or Text 334.328.5189

Digital Manager Scott Davis

DeAnne

Ad Design Tim Welch

deanne@riverregionparents.com

River Region Parents I September 2023

River Region Parents magazine is published monthly by KeepSharing LLC, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, Alabama, 36123. River Region Parents is copyrighted 2023 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 Works of Wonder Therapy www.worksofwondertherapy.com

Navigating Sickness With Your Child In the last year, my husband and I have been forced to join a club that no one would ever choose. Our daughter has become seriously ill. We want to share several things we have learned in this process to help encourage others walking this treacherous road.

1. Do not assume that a change in behavior is only related to mental health. Our daughter’s initial symptoms were anxiety and depression. We wasted time treating symptoms when we should have focused on determining the root cause. If you see a significant change in your child’s behavior or emotional health, please speak with a physician about your concerns. There are a variety of biological problems that cause mental health symptoms. Encourage your physician to rule out those possibilities first.

2. Until you are certain of a diagnosis, mask your fears as much as possible.

Adults comfort children, despite their own fear. It is appropriate to be honest with children, but only to the extent they can comprehend the truth and reality of the situation.

River Region Parents I September 2023

3. Do not discuss intricate difficulties of the illness in front of your children. Hardships such as missing work or financial struggles can make children feel guilty for becoming sick. Protect them from these problems and allow them to focus on healing.

4. Advocate for your child as much as possible. Trust yourself and challenge medical experts if necessary.

As a medical provider, I have been guilty of drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence because appointments and insurance have limitations. If you do not feel confident about the answers provided by a medical professional, ask more questions, or obtain a second opinion.

5. Sometimes medical professionals do not understand your concerns because you are not able to effectively answer their questions. It is vital that you fully document changes, symptoms, and concerns so that you can provide a “big picture” to your provider.

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6. Keep the daily routine as much as possible. Illness is a thief, so protect your children by maintaining normality.

7. Engage in self-care. Join a support group, attend counseling, go out of your way to spend time with friends, work out, read, etc. It is vital that you preserve your mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health so that you give your child all that he/she needs.

8. Please, please, please follow through on treatment suggestions. As a medical provider, I often find myself begging parents to “do the right thing”. My heart aches knowing that a child may not overcome a developmental delay because a parent is not willing to spend time practicing skills. In the same way, pediatricians are frustrated by parents who only feed their children unhealthy food or do not enforce appropriate sleep schedules.

9. Research a variety of treatment options but focus on valid and reliable sources.

Attempt to only seek advice from professional and/or experiential experts.

10. Keep having fun! Discourage the dreariness of illness to limit the excitement of life. Fun may look different, but do not allow the loss of what you imagined to inhibit your enjoyment of reality.

Please know that we are praying for your family and your children. We hope that you are filled with peace, joy, and laughter despite whatever difficulties you are experiencing.

Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

Beth has worked in six unique clinical environments across the country and currently owns Works of Wonder Therapy in Montgomery. Beth utilizes the knowledge from a variety of different disciplines to give her patients the best care possible. To learn more visit www.worksofwondertherapy.com.

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Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival

September 22 & 23 Riverwalk Amphitheater The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival celebrates various music genres with an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R & B. Now in our 2nd year, The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival will provide two days of outstanding performances for national jazz and R & B artists. Visit montgomerysmoothjazzfest.org.

MMFA Fall Festival

September 23 & 24 Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Fall Festival is a two-day event that celebrates Montgomery’s vibrant creative culture.

This free event will feature an art market with more than 30 vendors, music, artist demonstrations, art making, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. The Artist Market, an integral part of the Fall Festival, will offer a beautiful array of works in various price ranges, from striking fine art to charming knickknacks. Visit mmfa.org.

Mistletoe Children’s Open Audition

Saturday, September 16 * 10:30 AM Armory Learning Arts Center The Alabama Dance Theatre will host an open audtition for children to be a part of the upcoming performances of “Mistletoe”. Parts are available for children first grade and up in select pieces from “Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas”. Those auditioning will be judged on acting, dancing, ability, and musicality. Visit alabamadancetheatre. com for information.

River Region Parents I September 2023

Bark in the Park 2023

September 17 * Noon to 4 pm Ft. Toulouse Historic Landmark Bark in the Park is all about people and dogs and an afternoon of fun. There will be plenty of vendors, activities, microchip clinic, refreshments, demonstrations, Patriotic 2023 Bark in the Park T-Shirt (still $15), and a day of fun at the park. Let your dog paint its very own ‘paw’ painting. Bring your pet to the Blessing of the Pets. Show off your pet in our always fun Pet Parade. Bring your appetite for yummy food from Wetumpka’s own Grumpy Dog, followed by delectable Italian Ice from Venice Gelato and sodas from Buffalo Rock. Visit forttoulouse.com.

Star Wars: A New Hope

Thursday, September 21 * 6-8:30pm Montgomery Performing Arts Center Our Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ complete iconic score, with George Lucas’s legendary 1977 film projected on a huge screen, in ultra-high definition above the MPAC stage.

This film is one of the most influential works in our culture, and having an orchestra of 75+ musicians performing the score live brings us all even closer to the action and drama of this cinematic masterpiece. Visit mpaconline.org for tickets.

River Region Out of the Darkness Walk

Sunday, September 10 Blount Cultural Park A journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Check in begins at 1 pm and walk at 2 pm. Visit afsp.org/ montAL to register.

Dare to Dream: College & Career Fair

Monday, September 18 * Multiplex at Cramton Bowl College and Career Night is now the Dare to Dream: College and Career Fair to be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. exclusively for Montgomery Public School Seniors and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for all other surrounding county students. A variety of vendors representing four-year colleges, community colleges, military recruiters, and businesses are registered, with more registering each day.

Thanks to the generosity of the Montgomery Public Schools System, Wal-Mart, and Publix, two $1000 scholarships will be awarded to one MPS student attendee and one surrounding county student attendee. Visit jlmontgomery.org for details.

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Tickled Pink Expo

Saturday, September 30 * 9 am to 3 pm Montgomery Multiplex at Cramton Bowl Sponsored by Alabama News Network, the Tickled Pink Expo focuses on women’s health & wellness, fashion, beauty, food & beverage, shopping, fun, and more. Jackson Hospital is a title sponsor of this event and will provide information/demonstrations on self-breast exams, breast cancer risks, and women’s health info. Cost $10. For information, visit jackson.org/calendar.

Montgomery Oyster Festival

Saturday, September 16 * 4 PM Old Alabama Town South Block We are excited to bring Montgomery’s first Oyster Festival to fruition!

Come ready to try Alabama Gulf oysters prepared by your favorite chefs in the most unique setting! Visit landmarksfoundation. networkforgood.com/events/59496-themontgomery-oyster-fest for tickets.

Oktoberfest Wetumpka

Ballet and the Beasts

Friday, September 29 * 6 PM Montgomery Zoo The Montgomery Ballet joined by Troy and ASU dance troupes, dancing under the stars outdoors at the Montgomery Zoo. Ballet and the Beasts is a FREE performance presenting CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS. Visit montgomeryzoo.com.

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September 30 * 11 AM to 8 PM Join the fun in downtown Wetumpka for a day of music, performances, vendors, and food! Performing will be Polkawagen, a polka band based out of Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in traditional German music, along with a healthy dose of novelty and variety music!

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David Gomez George Washington Carver High

Twenty-five years ago, David Gomez walked into the hallowed halls of George Washington Carver High School and began his teaching journey to impact the young minds of our future. Mr. Gomez completed his Bachelor’s in History at Talladega College. He then enrolled in the Master’s of Education program at Alabama State University in 1997, earning a Master’s in Education in Special Education/ Collaborative Teacher K-12. Also, he obtained an EdSe.S in Teacher Leadership from Troy University.

Mr. Gomez shares, “I didn’t choose to work with special needs children; the program chose me. After completing my initial three years in special education, I was asked if I had an interest in overseeing the first self-contained special education unit at Carver.” The classroom included students with severe physical and cognitive disabilities requiring specialized care and oversight by trained professionals.

Teaching at Carver allows him to perform a ministry at work. “I make a difference effortlessly by seeking out individuals to help.” While doing so, Mr. Gomez implements his teaching

River Region Parents I September 2023

goals throughout the year. These include making sure each of his students receives the love and acceptance that may be lacking at home or in the community, helping students reach their maximum potential despite their disabilities, and ensuring his students become socially independent and employable.

If anyone is interested in becoming a teacher, there are some misconceptions about the profession. Mr. Gomez shares, “The pay isn’t that bad.

Most experienced teachers I know live prosperous lifestyles. Most teachers make a respectable salary with good benefits and plenty of opportunities to earn additional income through training and extracurricular activities.”

After teaching, Mr. Gomez plans to pursue other business opportunities while continuing to work as a special educator for the foreseeable future. Finally, he shares, “I want to take this time to acknowledge and thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would have no purpose and direction.”

David Gomez has four daughters: Devynn (23), who serves in the Air Force, twins Darah and Dakara (12), and Deyanira (11).

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With 16 branches serving south central Alabama, Guardian keeps you to a better financial future - no matter where life takes you.

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Review Your Top Priorities for the School Year Parents with children in school have busy schedules. With limited time and resources, it is important to prioritize. One to-do item I urge parents to make an immediate priority this school year is updating the contact information on file at their child’s school. In addition, this year and every school year, the No. 1 priority each day is making sure students are present and on-time at school. That is crucial to the success of all of our students.

Updating your contact information is important for several reasons. If the school does not have your current contact information, you will miss critical updates

from the school and district. Additionally, updated information is required for students to check out a technological device such as a Chromebook. Also, the school will only check out students to people who are appropriately identified in the Update Portal. To update your information, visit the Update Portal at update. mps.k12.al.us.

Regular attendance is critical to a student’s success and parents must take the lead in ensuring that students are in their classrooms and ready to learn every day. September is Attendance Awareness Month, but our goal is for our parents to have top-of-mind awareness of attendance throughout the year. Students who attend regularly make better grades, have fewer discipline issues and even earn more money later in life.

Conversely, chronic absenteeism can lead to serious academic issues, including delays in learning to read and reducing

the likelihood that a student will graduate from high school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent of a school year, which equals about two days a month. Chronic absenteeism has grown more prevalent since the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is more common in disadvantaged households. For these reasons, Montgomery Public Schools has prioritized reducing chronic absenteeism numbers.

We ask parents and the community at large to join us in setting priorities for the school year and helping us to ensure that all our students have opportunities to succeed. Please review your contact information on the Update Portal today and make regular attendance a priority every day.

Melvin J. Brown, Ed.D., is the superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools and previously served as superintendent of Reynoldsburg City Schools in Ohio. He has 24 years of school administrative experience.

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Montgomery County Schools Montgomery Catholic Announces AP Scholars

Finding Friends at Macon East

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce 14 students as AP Scholars: 11 students averaged above a 3 on at least 3 AP exams; one student averaged above a 3.25 on at least 4 AP exams; and two students averaged above a 3.5 on at least 5 AP exams. Congratulations to our 2023 AP Scholars: AP Scholars with Distinction Cade Corbin (pictured left) and Laura Thomas Zhvania (pictured above) AP Scholars - Michael Algarin, Nate Berg, Evy Bosko, Cooper Davis, Lena Duncan, Kayleigh Everage, Esa Gancayco, Leona Sanford, Henry Skala, and Alan Stevenson AP Scholar with Honors - Josie Smith

Macon East Academy’s 2nd Grade class spent some time getting to know each other by playing “Find a friend who...”

They have been enjoying helping build Mrs. Schaefer’s classroom community.

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Saint James Cheerleaders Volunteer at MACOA During the summer months, the Junior Varsity Cheer Squad of Saint James School was volunteering their time to serve the Montgomery community. The team decided to partner with MACOA for the upcoming school year, helping prepare meals for area seniors once per month and hosting a pet food drive to help feed the animals of the elderly.

This partnership was the idea of cheer captain Maddy Chames, and the rest of the girls have been dedicated to serving the Montgomery community.

On June 7, the team worked in the kitchen chopping vegetables, preparing plates, packaging meals, packaging pet food, and helping to load the meals into cars of the volunteer drivers.

Saint James School is committed to preparing students for lives of service and responsibility.

Presidential Leadership Institute Presents the ACA Theme for the Year We are privileged to have a group of students on our campus that care about what Alabama Christian Academy stands for. Each year they get together to decide on a theme for the year that will challenge our student body and encourage them to rise above the rest.

This year they decided on Step Up, Step Out, and Step In. Students are encouraging their peers to step up spiritually, step out in service, and step into their relationships. This group of seven students shared their thoughts with the student body in chapel. We are so proud of the courage they have to stand up in front of their peers and challenge them to be better.

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Trinity Senior Represents at Alabama Governor’s School

Reading Center Fun at River Region Academy A few of Ms. Johnson’s students at River Region Academy go to their reading center to enjoy reading for pleasure, while others work in a different area of the room with the teacher or doing independent work. Learning is alive and well at River Region Academy, where learning is fun, engaging, and tailored to each student’s needs!

Emily Cutler, a senior, represented Trinity at the Alabama Governor`s School this summer. Emily had the opportunity to explore the legal process through seminars and further inspired her future goals of being a lawyer!

MA Varsity Football Enjoys Team Building The Montgomery Academy Varsity Football squad closed out the summer with a number of team-building activities that took them across the city and back to campus. Junior/Senior members took advantage of the new Montgomery Whitewater Park and braved the rapids (and the heat!), while Freshmen/Sophomore members headed out for a day of paintball. Coach McBride and his staff also put together the inaugural Eagle Games, where everyone split into themed teams and competed in a variety of games designed to test their abilities. It all wrapped up with a carwash for MA faculty and staff in appreciation for the work they do in the classroom, and for the support they provide on the field of play.

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Montgomery County Schools Two Floyd Middle Magnet Students World Series Champions Two Floyd Middle Magnet students traveled to Louisiana and came back champions as part of the Dixie Youth Baseball League.

Xavier Manigault and Taylor Stiner were members of the Dixie Youth League team representing Alabama at the Dixie Youth World Series in Ruston, La. Team Alabama competed against teams from across the Southeast.

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Saint James Visits Camp Butter & Egg On Friday, August 18, the Saint James School ninth grade headed to Camp Butter & Egg outside of Troy, Alabama for a day of team building and community bonding.

The Saint James School Advisory Program, led by the Guidance Office, works to create lasting friendships and sense of community among the newest high school students. The 9th grade advisories are assisted by a team of seniors who serve as Peer Leaders. The Peer Leaders meet weekly with the 9th grade students to help them transition to high school.

At Camp Butter & Egg, the 9th grade advisory groups and their Peer Leaders participated in a number of activities meant to build trust and encourage positive communication among the students. Many of the activities included challenges that require the group to problem-solve in order to achieve the goal. These group activities encourage communication and listening skills as the group works together. They also had lots of fun! Ziplining is always a favorite activity, along with canoeing, and volleyball.

Saint James School sets the tone for the new high school students with this fun-filled and team-building field trip each year. The Peer Leader program is a valued part of the Saint James high school experience.

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SUA Faculty and Staff Set Sail for the New School Year

SUA’s faculty and staff were welcomed back to campus for their annual professional development meeting. The new academic year kicked off with the theme “Sailing into Success.” Everyone was encouraged and challenged by SUA’s Headmaster, Susan Alred as she shared her vision for the 2023-2024 school year. Along with Mrs. Alred’s vision, faculty and staff received updates and information concerning new things to look forward to this school year. A very meaningful part of the time together was the tradition of praying for the students and their families. The scripture verse for the year is found in Psalm 139:9-10, ”If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me.”

We’ve set sail for an exciting school year. “Bon Voyage! Ride the waves...chart the seas!”

(Pictured left to right are faculty - Tullis Young, Barbara Grimes and Rhonda Wilson)

Meet the Eagles at ACA

It is official football season at ACA! We had Meet the Eagles where all of our fall varsity sports were announced, and everyone got to meet the flag football teams from ACA! It was a fun night filled with inflatables, games, and an intersquad game between the ACA Varsity football players and the flag football teams. It was the biggest Meet the Eagles we have had in years. The concession stand sold out and the ice cream truck had a line the whole night. It was a great night of fun with the ACA family.

Talent Education & Art Christian Academy, Inc. Welcomes Back All Students

TEA Christian Academy, Inc. says WELCOME BACK TO ALL STUDENTS! EVERYWHERE! On the first day of school, we had the pleasure of welcoming a new Pre-kindergartener, Bryson Johnson. Bryson was so excited to start school; he and his mother took pictures and asked the principal, Dr. Maggie McElroy-Washington, to join them.

TEA Christian Academy, Inc. is all about making students happy and assuring students, young and old, that they matter. Bonnie Robinson, the lead teacher, always says, “TEA Christian is your school family.” One factor remains unchanged. Students learn best when they are comfortable, encouraged, and motivated to learn. TEA Christian Academy, Inc. is committed to going the extra mile to “Take an Extra Step Towards Educational Excellence” because our students MATTER!

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Montgomery County Schools Governor Ivey Promotes Reading at Dozier Elementary

Trinity Opens STEAM Studio

Trinity opens its new STEAM studio to students in kindergarten through 5th grade. They have already gotten a foundation for what STEAM stands for: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

Students have been participating in team building and STEAM challenges. At Trinity, we teach a Biblical worldview and that the Word of God is alive and breathing. That is also incorporated into the STEAM studio. The theme verse for the STEAM studio is 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey read to students and talked about the importance of literacy when she visited Dozier Elementary shortly after the school year began.

Ivey said she wanted to show support for the 15 Alabama schools that have been identified as “turnaround schools” because of high levels of poverty and other challenges.

“We just want to give them additional tailor-made resources per school to help them turn around and get better results so students can achieve more,” Ivey said.

Students asked Ivey a number of astute questions during her visit, including what it is like to be governor and how she came to be governor.

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

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Meet the Teacher Night at River Region Academy Elementary parents and students were super excited to meet their magnificent teachers at Meet the Teacher Night at River Region Academy on August 14th. Middle schoolers and their parents listened attentively at Meet the Teacher Night to hear all about all of the spectacular learning opportunities that await them this year. The high school experience at River Region Academy will be a cherished moment in time that each student will carry with them wherever they go in life. At Meet the Teacher Night on August 10th, parents and students were reassured that their teachers are partners long after graduation, and that our care and investment will always follow them.

Macon East Alumni Honored Macon East Academy’s alumni Luke Noffsinger was recently named Outdoor Scholar of the Year for the University of Montevallo, and he’s the first Freshman to ever do it! Macon East Alumni Ethan Honaker won the award last year. That is not one, but TWO exceptional students from Macon East Academy in consecutive years!

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Montgomery County Schools Saint James Students Raise Money for Family Sunshine Center During the spring Saint James held its annual Trojan Day filled with fun activities for every age range. This past spring a new event was added for the first time, a Color Run and Fun Run. The incredible multiweek program encouraged students to get moving, taught important character-building lessons, and raised money for both Saint James and the Family Sunshine Center.

In just a few weeks, our students raised $45,000 through this brand-new event, with 10% of all proceeds going to Family Sunshine Center ($4,500 donation).

The top fundraisers for each class were celebrated, and Tay Knight, executive director for the Family Sunshine Center, was on campus for an assembly on Tuesday, April 18th for the check presentation from the color/fun run proceeds.

The top fundraising students were Karsten Yang, Kimora Ross, and Jackson Clovis. The classes that raised the most funds were Mrs. Michelle Roark’s 1st Grade Class and Mrs. De’Andra Bolling’s 4th Grade Class.

Saint James promotes giving back to the community as one of its school-wide focal points throughout the school year. This event will be an annual piece to the Trojan Day activities moving forward as a way to promote community service, as well as health and wellness.

River Region Academy Learns How Colors Change

Students in Mrs. Bonner’s class at River Region Academy read Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Pete the Cat went walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes, but along the way, his shoes changed from white to other colors as he stepped in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes!

Pete kept walking along and singing his song because “it’s all good.” After enjoying the story, the students talked about colors of foods and how colors can mix and change. In this photograph, students watch with anticipation to see what will happen when the two colors meet in the middle. Spoiler alert: red and yellow came together and made orange!

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Montgomery Catholic Student Awarded National Hispanic Recognition Award Congratulations to Montgomery Catholic Junior, Peter Riello, who was awarded the National Hispanic Recognition Award by College Board! This is an academic honor earned by Peter because of his GPA of 3.5 or higher AND his outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®.

The National Hispanic Recognition Program recognizes approximately 5,000 Hispanic/Latino juniors each year from among the more than 400,000 juniors who take the PSAT.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School

Christ’s Light in the River Region for 150 Years.

SUA Announces Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director SUA is pleased to announce that Carlos McGilvery has been named Athletic Director and Katina Robinson as Assistant Athletic Director.

Susan Alred, SUA’s Headmaster, made the announcement prior to the opening of the new school year. Both coaches have served in various other SUA athletic responsibilities. Previously, Coach McGilvery held positions as assistant athletic director and assistant football coach; however, in 2022 he assumed the role as head football coach for the Mustangs. Coach Robinson, along with her new responsibilities, will continue to serve as the girl’s head volleyball and softball coach. She also teaches in the middle school. These coaches bring enthusiasm and sportsmanship to the athletic program. Congratulations, Coach McGilvery and Coach Robinson!

This is Catholic.

Thank you for voting us the 2023 Best Private School in the River Region! montgomerycatholic.org

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Montgomery County Schools Back to School Smiles at Trinity

ACA Students Visit Faulkner’s College of Health Sciences

Big smiles from these 11th grade boys on the first day of school at Trinity! Excitement filled the hallways as students returned to campus!

Students from the twelfth grade down to fourth grade had the opportunity to visit Faulkner’s state of the art new College of Health Sciences. They were able to visit the ortho lab where physical therapy is taught and were able to get handson learning with actual patients there. Students also visited the Simulation Lab where they were able to go into a room set like an actual hospital room. Some students visited the Anatomy Lab to study different ways of looking at the human body. This was a fantastic experience and all of our students enjoyed the visit.

Talent Education and Art Christian Academy, Inc. Always Evaluating Students’ Progress The more teaching strategies change, the more they remain the same. Over the years, various languages regarding students’ progress have taken on different terms. However, those terms all result back to one important key factor...

Students Learning, Excelling, and Being Successful.

TEA Christian Academy is off to a great year. It started by conducting formative assessments, which are key components in evaluating students’ progress, helping to identify weaknesses that may need improvement. Formative assessments help assure teachers that students understand what is being taught and provide assurance students are ready to move on. Also, the student will be prepared for the summative assessment at the end of a teaching module with a final test, a project, or a presentation. This summative assessment can also serve as a benchmark.

The teachers at TEA Christian Academy, Inc. are ready to take on the challenges of providing students with the needed tools for a successful year!

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“The Floor is Lava” at Trinity

The 5th grade students at Trinity concluded their first week of school in math and science with a fun “the floor is lava” challenge.

Students used math skills to build towers and protect villages at the base of the volcano using base 10 blocks in different scenarios.

Physics Lab Learning Fun at MA In Melissa Anderson’s 9th Grade Physics class at The Montgomery Academy, students recently worked on the question of the mathematical relationship between the drop height and the rebound height of a bouncy ball. Student-scientists also used their phones to film the motion of the bouncy ball for review and measurement of the rebound height, plotting the results in graphing software for the most accurate results possible.

LAMP Senior Selected As UA Early College Ambassador LAMP High School senior Madison Rudolph has been selected to serve as a University of Alabama Early College Ambassador for the 2023-2024 academic year. Madison was selected from a very competitive pool of applicants and will be assisting the university with marketing and recruitment efforts for the upcoming year. While at LAMP, Madison has been involved with several school-based clubs, the National Honor Society, Varsity Girls Soccer, and currently serves as the photo editor of the school yearbook.

The UA Early College Ambassadors are charged with telling the story of UAEC and the impact it can make on students who participate in the program. The ambassadors work alongside their regional UAEC Recruiting Specialists and assist with various events throughout the year including virtual information sessions, speaking at local UAEC recruitment events, and assisting the recruitment team at college fairs in their area. Ambassadors also help the UAEC program expand their social media presence by sharing UAEC information on their social media accounts.

Madison looks forward to spreading the news about the UA Early College Program and the possibility of joining the freshman class at the University of Alabama next fall.

Hope lives Our dedicated doctors, nurses, researchers and staff are committed to finding a cure, so kids like Adrian can live their healthiest life – cancer free. We never give up hope of a world without childhood cancer and blood disorders, and that’s why we are here.

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Saint James Students Serve at Boys State and Girls State

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

AISA Blue Ribbon School “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

3975 Vaughn Road Montgomery, AL 36106 ecalions.org 334-272-3882

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

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Saint James seniors Ava Donaldson and Will Alexander recently participated in the sessions of the American Legion Auxiliary’s Alabama Girls and Boys State programs.

During Ava’s week serving as the school’s delegate, Ava learned about all levels of state government, ran for Governor, served as part of the Senate, was inspired by female leaders in our community, and made friendships that will last a lifetime. Ava stated, “Girls State was such a surreal experience that has truly prepared me for the ‘real-world,’ with politics and voting. I am so lucky to have this experience to meet such incredible women such as Kathy Randal and Lee Sellers, and especially all of the other delegates. The bonds that I have created in one week at Troy will truly last me a lifetime! It was an honor to represent Saint James.”

During his week of the program, Will ran for the offices of Attorney General and District Attorney, served on the engineering committee, learned about the many facets of government, and formed friendships with students from all over Alabama. According to Will, “Boys State really is a once in a lifetime event. The memories made, lessons learned, and friendships forged will last a lifetime. And getting to see the inner workings of government from the local to statewide level taught me a lot. Boys State has shown me just how many opportunities are ahead in the future and how I can navigate them.” www.riverregionparents.com

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ACA Prays Over School Year ACA started the school year off with an hour of prayer dedicated to praying over specific areas on campus most trafficked by students. We had stations set up with hosts who had a bucket full of specific names of students. Everyone who visited each designated area grabbed some names and prayed specifically for each student they drew out of the bucket. It was a powerful day seeing all of the parents, teachers and students come together to pray over this year and their classmates.

Team Building at Lighthouse Christian Lighthouse Christian Academy Middle School students participated in a team building exercise the first week of school.

Students were able to work together and come up with different strategies that would be successful for their team.

Senior Breakfast at Trinity The Senior class from Trinity kicked off the school year with a traditional Senior Breakfast hosted by their parents on the first day of school!

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Montgomery County Schools LAMP Students Awarded in National Recognition Program Several LAMP High students have received National Recognition from the College Board.

They were honored by the National Recognition Program for having a GPA of 3.5 or higher and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and/or AP exams. Their awards include the National African American Recognition Award (NAARA), the National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA) and the National Indigenous Award (NIA).

They are, from left, Mia Dunlap (NAARA), Martha Crayton (NAARA), Cleo Washington (NAARA), Madison Rudolph (NAARA), Arabelle Fitisemanu (NIA), Micah Young (NAARA), Steve Shoals (NAARA), Brandon Zumba (NHRA), and Logan Whaley (NAARA).

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Students Pledge to Uphold Honor Code at MA In the opening hours of the new school year, Montgomery Academy Middle and Upper School students review and pledge to uphold the tenets of the Honor Code, adding their signature to a list with their classmates. The Montgomery Academy Honor Code fosters the development of a school community of trust, mutual respect, integrity, and academic honesty. All members of the community are expected to support the ideals of the Honor Code, to conduct themselves ethically, and to encourage others to do the same. These principles, set forth starting in our Lower School, serve to further our school’s fundamental mission: to develop leaders committed to honor, scholarship, service, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Success Unlimited Academy Students Win Merit Awards at SAC’s 2023 Student Photography Competition During the summer break, SAC’s Gallery held its 2023 Student Photography Competition and Exhibition. Barbara Grimes, SUA’s art teacher, submitted nineteen photography entries by SUA students which were among those featured in the exhibition. The exhibition brochure front cover highlighted the entry of SUA student, Earnest Batey, entitled “My Art Table.” Six students won $100 Merit Awards for their photographs. Merit awards were presented to Alexandria Harrison - “A Beach Day,” Urijah Thomas - “Winter Trees,” Norman Yelder - “My Pencil,” Madi Gatta - “Galaxy,” Anya Smith - “Swirls of Color,” and Earnest Batey - “My Art Table.”

Other SUA students featured in the exhibition were Kaylee Duncan, Akia Butler, Que Turner, Roderius Harris, Morgan Kohn, Nequeo Graham, Crystal Mathews, Caleb Lassic, Maria Ruiz, Bella Mills, and Trenton Landrum. Congratulations to all these students!

(Merit award winners pictured left to right: Anya Smith, Urijah Thomas, Alexandria Harrison and Madi Gatta)

The 2023-2024 Trinity School Ambassadors The Ambassadors are the official hosts of Trinity School.

The purpose of the Trinity Ambassadors is to provide services to the school and to promote pride in the school and all its functions.

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Trinity Students Play Golf at Pinehurst Congratulations to Trinity first grader, Walker Arrighi, and fifth grader, Hinton Marshall, for playing in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, N.C. this summer.

MA Senior Buddies Welcome Kindergarteners The Montgomery Academy’s newest and oldest Eagles kicked off the school year during the Convocation ceremony, starting with a procession of all the new Kindergarten and Senior Buddies. Mehtaab Sidhu (Senior Class President) gave the invocation, Will Hardin (SGA President) shared his unique perspective of the MA Journey, Head of School John McWilliams challenged everyone to rediscover the true meaning of real connection, and Mae McNair closed with a special message from the Class of 2036 to the Class of 2024. Soar, Eagle, Soar!

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RESPONSIBILITY “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, and not for men.”

Colossians 3:23 1700 E. Trinity Blvd. Montgomery, AL 36106 31

www.TrinityWildcats.com

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Macon East Headmaster and Football Coach Recognized for Wins

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Macon East Academy’s Headmaster and Head Football Coach Glynn Lott was recognized by Powerhouse Sports as one of the top 20 winningest active coaches in Alabama, according to Alabama High School Football Historical Society. He has been coaching at Macon East for 27 years and has a 177-122-0 record.

Creativity ✓ Design a mural inspired by your community. ✓ Plan a nature walk for you and your friends. ✓ Find new ways of expressing yourself.

Let your imagination lead the way as you try new things. Find your inspiration and discover a different side of yourself.

Pike Road Track Teams Run First Meet

Be a Girl Scout

The boys’ team finished 2nd overall and Zach Dillon came in 5th place in the boys division. Congrats to both the boys’ and girls’ teams for all their hard work to get to this point. Go Patriots!

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Pike Road Students Volunteer at Heart ad Sole Sneaker Gala

LOCAL ADVERTISING

Thank you to Taylor Robinson, Emma Davis, Natalie Pennington and Jayden Penery for volunteering with the Family Guidance Center of Alabama at the Heart and Sole Sneaker Gala. Thank you to Coach Adams for granting these girls this amazing volunteer opportunity!

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Specials Classes Rock at PRIS Our C4 and C5 learners get to attend library, music, art, and computer science each week. Our C6 learners can choose between attending band or rotating between AKEEP Korean classes, Art, Computer Science, and Library, and all of our learners get the enjoy PE each day. These lead learners work hard to expose the learners at PRIS to all kinds of enrichment and creativity!

Pike Road Patriots Wins Invitational Lady Patriots sweep the PCA Volleyball Invite with wins over Stanhope, Westm. OM, Brew Tech, Demopolis in the semis and host PCA in the finals.

Pike Road Intermediate Chosen Counseling Program of Distinction The Alabama School Counselor Association has chosen the Pike Road Intermediate School counseling program as a 2023 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction! The application process showed that Mrs. Brittany Parker’s counseling program at PRIS aligns with the Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance Model for Alabama Public Schools and the American School Counseling Association National Model at an exemplary level. Next, the program will be evaluated to be possibly named a Recognized ASCA (Alabama School Counseling Association) Model Program.

Congratulations to Mrs. Brittany Parker on this accomplishment.

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Autauga County Schools HOUSE Pep Rally at Prattville Intermediate Students and teachers at Prattville Intermediate School kicked off the first HOUSE day of the year with a fun pep rally! The HOUSE System was developed

by Ron Clark Academy and is used by PIS to promote positive behavior. Students can earn points for their respective houses by demonstrating good character.

At the pep rally, new students and teachers were sorted into one of four houses: Amistad - the HOUSE of Friendship, Isibindi - the HOUSE of Courage, Reveur - the HOUSE of Dreamers, or Altruismo - the HOUSE of Givers.

Mr. Woodfin, our Autauga County Superintendent, took the time to come speak to students about what it means for our school to be part of the Autauga County Schools family. That encouragement tied in perfectly to the PIS motto, “Four Houses, One Family!”. Go Cougars!

Life Skills Taught at Pine Level At Pine Level Elementary School, we have four First Class Pre-K classes. One class noticed that our newly planted hydrangeas needed water and we added this to our class jobs. These young students are learning life skills that will help them to be productive and responsible citizens.

STEM Fun at Pine Level Pine Level Elementary students in Mrs. Bryant’s math class used materials for a STEM project to Save Fred. All students were engaged and learning during the activity. Fred was saved by many!

S.T.E.M. in Daniel Pratt Science Class Sixth grade students in Mrs. Boswell’s class learned about the engineering design process by designing a contraption to land a rover (ping pong ball) in the Apollo Crater (cup on floor) on the moon!

Hands on learning is the best!

Send School News to: deanne@riverregionparents.com.

Pine Level Supports Faculty Member with Cancer Pine Level Elementary Faculty and Staff came together to support a faculty member diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The entire faculty and staff surprised ordered shirts that say “No One Fights Alone” to express thoughts and support for their PLES Bulldog faculty member. At Pine Level we don’t just work together, we are FAMILY!

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Daniel Pratt Elementary Gets a SWEET Start Mrs. Stewart’s and Ms. Vansandt’s classes enjoyed some delicious “Back to School” treats!

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PCA Volleyball Players Named Athletes to Watch Natalee Wheeler and Baylee Rogers were recently named to the 2023 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) PHENOM Watchlist. We can’t wait to watch them throughout the rest of the season! Also, Emma Cate Carter, Baylee Rogers, and Leah Cate Wilson were named to the AHSVCA Pre-Season Watch List!

Congratulations!

Prattville Intermediate Enjoys 80s Themed Back to School Dance Prattville Intermediate School enjoyed their annual Back to School Dance by bringing it back to the wild and funky decade of the ‘80s! Students and Faculty alike dressed in their ‘80s best and danced the night away. Our APT puts this event together for PIS students each year and does such a great job. This dance is always a really fun way for the faculty to engage with the students and let everyone have a great time together to celebrate a successful start to the school year.

Fall at First Baptist

SUNDAYS 9:30 AM Traditional 11:00 AM Contemporary WEDNESDAYS MIDWEEK | 5:45-7:15 PM

Prattville SPECIAL EVENTS:

Redeemed Women’s Event with Susie Larson | September 9 | 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM An Evening in the Psalms: Worship Night + Fall Gathering | September 17 | 5:00 PM EQUIP Intensive: How to Study the Word | October 15 | 3:00 PM

Check out more fall happenings at fbcprattville.org/fall 35

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Elmore County students returned for the 2023-2024 school year on Tuesday, August 8, and all schools reported a smooth opening. Several of our schools began this year with new administrators at the helm, and we are pleased and excited for their staff and students. The Elmore County Technical Center has nearly doubled its enrollment over the past several years, with nearly 1,100 students participating in the 16 CareerTechnical Education programs offered on its campus.

With the implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019 and the Alabama Numeracy Act in 2022, our curriculum directors, administrators, and teachers are involved in professional

development and training to ensure we provide the highest quality instruction in foundational reading and math skills to our students. We continue to face the lingering effects of the COVID pandemic, including staff shortages, high rates of absenteeism and discipline issues, and mental health challenges, in addition to ongoing concerns regarding lost instructional time. While quality instruction is a priority, we also must focus on nurturing the whole child. Being at school, interacting with peers, and participating in activities can bolster the social-emotional health of our students. We are continuing our efforts to increase awareness of mental health and encourage our staff and students to reach out for assistance at any time.

Finally, your involvement in your child’s education can motivate them to learn and make better grades, promote better behavior, improve attendance, and help

build relationships with their teachers, all of which have a strong positive influence on your child. I encourage you to express your high expectations for your child’s education, maintain open communication with school staff, and support and encourage your child through each phase of their educational journey.

Our goal is to meet our students where they are and do everything we can to support their academic, social, emotional, and physical needs because, in Elmore County, we believe “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.

ArtWorks Interactive Gallery Open Tuesday–Sunday Free Entry

ArtWorks is an engaging space where visitors can connect with art through interactive elements that explore art’s materials, ideas, and techniques or enjoy the areas set aside for quiet reading and imaginative play.

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Elmore County Schools Victory Christian Lady Eagles Place in Tournament Victory Christian Academy Lady Eagles placed first in the silver bracket at the Tiger Jam Tournament in Oxford on August 11-12. We are so proud of them!

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Congrats to Mrs Erwin’s class! They earned the glow party! We are off to a great start to our Redland Dance Fit fundraiser! We appreciate everyone’s support as we raise funds for upgrades at our school. We have raised over $18,900 towards our $35,000 goal so far!

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Send Your School News by the 15th of each month to: deanne@riverregionparents.com.

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Elmore County Schools Area Homeschoolers Demonstrate “Can-Do” Attitude at Food Bank Homeschool students at Academy Days Co-op deliver 218 canned food items to Millbrook’s Welcome Inc., a food bank which serves West Elmore County families in need. The homeschoolers represent 62 families in Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga Counties who participate in the weekly homeschool co-op held at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery. Academy Days Co-op offers kindergarten through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, literature, foreign languages, creative writing, art, and PE. Visit AcademyDays.com for more information.

Elmore County First NERD Event of the School Year

Team members that volunteered to be on the Elmore County STEM Council /Elmore Young Engineers worked as score keepers, referees, field resetting and more as they held a VEX IQ training/practice event for elementary and middle school students from the county at WHS. The event was led by Tracy Wright along with S.C.O.R.E. from Auburn University. It was a great success, preparing everyone for the upcoming competition year! Go NERDS, Go Indians!

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

Redland Middle Science Fun Mrs. Peterson’s 5th graders are learning about the Scientific Method.

Here you can see students working through an index card challenge that required them to come up with a method of being able to go all the way around their head using only one index card and scissors.

We love to see innovative ways to encourage critical thinking and movement while learning standards and life skills!

Homeschoolers Pedal and Learn on the Alabama River Academy Days Co-op members were the first group to ride on the Riverfront Rendezvous, a pilot program for a pedal boat on the Alabama River. It aims to help bring the riverfront to life while providing environmental education opportunities.

Students had a chance to spot, identify, and learn about various river creatures and how they contribute to the river environment. As one student declared, “It was an amazing way to the kick off the school year!”

Academy Days Co-op is a weekly homeschool co-op that meets at Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery and offers kindergarten through high school classes in subjects such as science labs, literature, foreign languages, creative writing, art, and PE. Visit AcademyDays.com for more information.

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Parents, Let’s Help Our Teachers!

School is back in session. By now, we have a few weeks under our belt, and everyone is rocking along in a new school year. Here at the Bush house, things have looked different with one of ours starting college. I will always believe time is a thief, but I am excited for him and his new ‘firsts”. I am sure the same is true with you and your kids. Whether they are starting first grade or college, the “firsts” can be so fun. We all enjoy new clothes and

shoes, new friends, and mostly everyone is on their best behavior for those first couple of weeks.

But as we move into the heart of the school season, we start to see some behaviors emerge. Kids have gotten used to being back together. The extra device time they were used to over the summer that held their attention (because it changed every 60 seconds)...well now they have teachers asking them to sit still and focus on one thing for 60 minutes.

This is where things get challenging.

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I have had the excellent opportunity to speak at several teachers’ conferences and keynote a few PD sessions this year.

And while I do not want to speak for all teachers, I can tell you in my talks with them that they express their exhaustion in dealing with students and their social media. Our educators want to teach. They do not want to navigate fights because of social media spillover into the classroom.

And most teachers today will tell you that this takes up so much of their time.

Counselors and principals are expressing the same concerns. They see our kids daily for an average of 6-8 hours. They see the issues.

They know that our kids are struggling and the hardships social media creates in the classroom. Frankly, they need our help.

While some schools have digital literacy programs taught to students, nothing will ever be better than a parent being an active part of their child’s digital life. It is incredibly hard for impulsive kids to make good, sound decisions regarding device use. And while they are not making all bad decisions all the time, there are some issues that we as parents can work on at home to help our children and, in turn, their teachers.

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1) We can check their devices and make sure they do not have inappropriate content.

2) We can ensure that device time is limited to an age-appropriate length.

3) We can ensure the device is NOT sleeping in the room with the child at night.

4) We can have ongoing open conversations about what our kids are doing online.

These four things will help protect our child AND help support our wonderful teachers in the classroom. Doing these tasks at home can mitigate any exhausted, drama-infused spillover into the school setting.

One common theme I see and hear from educators is how significant family and community involvement is for our schools. While I believe we will start seeing more digital literacy programs in schools, we, as parents, must ensure we are doing our part at home. To protect our kids... and support our teachers.

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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So, the kids are all right, but how’s your marriage doing?

“I’ve had parents of kids with autism in my practice assume their marriage will fail,” says Laura Marshak, a registered psychologist and author of Married with Special Needs Children (Woodbine House).

In this interview, Marshak explores marriage myths and strategies when your kids have special needs.

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What are the rates of marriage failure with a special needs child?

There’s an urban legend that 80% of marriages break down when they have a child on the autism spectrum. There is great agreement that this just isn’t true.

Research findings (about parents of kids with various disabilities) are contradictory.

Some studies show a slightly elevated rate of divorce — especially in the first two years after a child’s birth. But some studies show a lower than average divorce rate.

Should we pay attention to divorce stats anyhow?

I don’t think they reflect what really goes on in a marriage. Some couples stay married because they don’t want to solo parent or because of financial insecurity. You could have a marriage that is deadened.

Is the marriage at risk when a child has special needs?

It introduces a vulnerability and extra marriage stressors. If you don’t protect your marriage (or long term relationship) you become parent partners. This threatens the marriage. You can do a good job for your child but you don’t necessarily do a good job nurturing and protecting your couple relationship.

What are the major stresses on the marriage?

Lack of time and financial pressures are issues. Then there are social stresses

such as extended family not “getting” the disorder. Often one partner (usually the mother) has to give up her job. It can be stressful relinquishing that role of working outside the home.

What strategies keep a couple relationship strong?

1) Be a team. Don’t have one expert parent.

2) Make sure your roles and parenting responsibilities feel fair.That way you’ll avoid stockpiling resentments.

3) Embrace your parenting differences.

Take time to listen and actively reflect back your partner’s views.

4) Save 20 or 30 minutes EVERY day to connect with your partner.

5) Ground rules during that connecting time: Turn off the TV, computer, tablets and cell phones. Don’t talk about your kids.

Minimize complaining about your day. Really listen to each other.

6) Don’t expect your partner to be perfect.

What do you think about couples dating and taking trips together?

I’m a big fan of that. Some couples say they can’t go out. Could it be they’ve forgotten how to be a couple? You need to relearn this. Schedule in a weekly date.

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Nurture the part of your relationship that’s outside of parenting.

What if your child’s needs are so involved that you can’t leave them?

I know a few couples who really can’t leave their kids. Instead they plan and schedule in-home dates. With creativity, there’s no reason you can’t date your partner.

What are the characteristics of couples that thrive?

They have prioritized and protected the marriage. They don’t assume that they have to put 100% of themselves into their children. (I don’t think kids thrive when we put everything into them.) Both partners see each other as more than just parents.

They take time to connect each day. They regularly have dates and vacations without the children — without guilt.

Any final advice for couples with special needs kids?

They need to remember: I’m as important as my child. So is my partner and my marriage. We’re all important to this family.

Taking time to be a couple is a healthy thing to do. rrp

Amy Baskin, M.Ed. writes about parenting for many North American publications. She gives workshops about special needs parenting based on her coauthored book “More Than a Mom--Living a Full and Balanced Life When Your Child Has Special Needs “(Woodbine House). See www.amybaskin.com.

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by Kimberley Carter Spivey

A former chef and local dad, Joe Bass, shares his passion for cooking with all the busy parents. Joe and his family live in The Waters neighborhood in Pike Road, AL. He also had the pleasure of marrying his wife, Lindsay, at The Waters in 2010. The couple has a daughter, Chandler, who is almost ten. Joe shares, “She’s such an adventure seeker and always open to trying new and exciting things.” When Joe isn’t in the kitchen preparing some of his signature dishes, he’s dedicating his time to his full-service ad agency, Hatfield Taylor.

Joe’s passion for cooking emerged at a young age. At only 15, he started watching cooking shows and did his best to replicate the dishes he saw prepared.

In 1998, after reading Kitchen Confidential

by Anthony Bourdain, Joe knew what he wanted to do. For a decade, he cooked in professional kitchens with world-renowned chefs. Joe delved deeply into his passion for cooking and, at age 23, operated his own restaurant in Rosemary Beach, FL. He believes cooking brings people together for some great food and allows for creativity and craftsmanship.

Though Joe likes to cook different dishes, some of his favorite ones to prepare are plates of pasta plus grilled and seared meat with veggies. He says, “Good ingredients make great food that can be on the table fast.”

While preparing meals, he prefers using cast iron skillets, Thermo Pro, Henckels knives, ironclad River Region Parents I September 2023

pans, KitchenAid mixers, spatulas, quality tongs, soup spoons for tasting and basting, and quality wood cutting boards, to name a few. Joe also enjoys cookbooks, his favorite being The French Laundry

by Thomas Keller.

Pizza is a staple in the Bass household. Joe shares a favorite homemade pizza recipe with us this month!

a lightly floured surface and continue to knead by hand for 5 minutes. Or, if using a stand mixer, mix on low speed for 5 minutes.

Shape the dough into a ball and lightly cover for 1-2 hours (or up to 18 hours in the fridge), allowing the dough to double in size.

Leave overnight for a more airy crust. Experiment with this for your liking.

Preheat oven or grill (and your pizza stone if you have one) to 500°F. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape them into two smooth balls. If it’s too sticky, rub a little flower on them.

Prepare a 12-inch pizza pan or peel with a generous amount of cornmeal or semolina flour. Flatten the pizza dough by hand by pressing down and outward and spreading motions.

Homemade Neapolitan Pizza Sauce (prepare up to 2 days in advance): Peeled whole organic tomatoes Chopped fresh basil 2 tablespoons of chopped oregano leaves 3-4 cloves garlic minced Extra virgin olive oil to taste ( a few tablespoons as a start) Salt and pepper to taste Note: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a few pinches of sugar.

Cook on low for 30 minutes.

Pizza Dough: 3 cups Pizza Flour (or bread flour or high protein flour) (384g) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1/4 cup olive oil 1-1/4 cup warm water Directions: Combine the Pizza Flour with all ingredients in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until it comes together as a shaggy ball. Turn the dough onto 44

Add sauce and toppings of your choice and bake for 8–12 minutes. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the second ball of dough.

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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If your child with special needs has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) then you are already familiar with how much energy goes into caring for your child medically and educationally.

Now is the time to get organized and tune up your advocacy skills!

Here are five steps to help ensure a successful school year for your student: River Region Parents I September 2023

46

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Step #1 Review

Review the IEP: Do you have questions or concerns related to the appropriateness of your child’s current IEP? Are goals listed still relevant? Are modifications and accommodations listed still needed? Does your child require additional services or accommodations? Has your child made progress? Demonstrated regression? Has anything changed with your child’s medical diagnoses, treatment plan, or therapies?

Review your parental and student’s rights: http://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/ sp eced/iepguide/index.html.

Step #2 Organize

Compile and organize records: Gather your child’s IEP progress reports, classroom work samples, assessments, and correspondence with teachers and staff. Request records from the school if necessary. Compile Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) to include documents from other professionals, such as: evaluation reports, diagnostic findings, and plan-of-care notes from doctors, therapists, tutors, and other private providers.

Consider providing the independent evaluator’s educational recommendations to the school.

Create a system: Organize all documents in a three-ring binder with

tabs and keep a separate binder for each academic year.

Step #3 Plan

Check the calendar: Do you have an upcoming meeting or need to request a meeting?

Don’t go it alone: Plan to bring someone with you to the meeting such as a family member, friend, therapist, or a Special Education Advocate.

Make requests: Do you need to request an evaluation, or a reevaluation?

Meet and greet: Attend the school orientation and open house so you and your student can meet their teacher.

Begin at the end: Consider how you would like your child to progress this year.

Plan with these goals in mind.

Step #4 Communicate

Be specific: Ask W” questions (who, what, when, where, and why) of school staff to get detailed answers.

Be positive: Send your child’s teacher an introductory email with your contact information; after meetings write a thank you note or email.

Be proactive: Make sure ALL your child’s teachers have a copy of the IEP. To avoid the possibility that they did not receive a copy, ask, or go ahead and provide

47

them with one. It is important that all staff working with your child are aware of what supports they require.

Step #5 Monitor

Monitor your child’s progress: Study recent progress reports, evaluations, and assessment results and seek clarification if you have questions. Revisit your notes from recent meetings and follow up on any action items. Request an IEP progress meeting when needed.

Take an active role: IDEA describes the parent’s role as, “The parents of a child with a disability are expected to be equal participants along with school personnel, in developing, reviewing, and revising the IEP for their child. This is an active role...” YOU are a key member of your child’s team.

Remember, YOU know your child best; you are an expert, too! rrp

Special Education Consultant & Advocate, Amy Scott Lorton, of My IEP Advocate, has been helping parents navigate the complicated special education process since 2002.

Contact amy@myiepadvocate. com or visit: https://www. myiepadvocate.com/.

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

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105 For info par learning. Our peer tutors aim to build relationships with our students to make learning more engaging and relatable. We strive to show our students their potential and to strengthen confidence in their capabilities by celebrating their acheivements. In-person and virtual.

Sylvan Learning Center - Prattville

Churchill Academy

Advance the disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology in order to provide support for professionals while advocating quality services.

(334) 802.1315

Education Support Services Mathnasium ad on page 21

3453 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 We specialize in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them. We provide: Expert tutors, Custom learning plans and personalized instruction, and Homework help.

(334)521.8327

mathnasium.com/eastmontgomery

Montgomery County Public School System ad on page 3

1153 South Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Offers speech-language evaluations and therapy (if eligible) for children ages 3 and up. This service is available to children by law regardless of if they attend private, public or are homeschooled.

Disabilities recognized include Autism, DeafBlindness, Developmental Delay, Emotional Disability, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disabilities, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment.

(334) 269.3808 com

montgomery.ss12.sharpschool.

betterthanaverage.online

Taylor Road Baptist Church and First Christian Church, Montgomery, AL 36117 Founded in 1996 to educate the many children in Montgomery and surrounding areas with unique learning differences that range from Attention Deficit Disorder to Learning Disabled to Gifted. We believe strongly that early intervention is essential to maximize the success of every child with special learning needs. Our youngest classroom, classroom A, identifies areas of strength and weakness in our 6 & 7 year olds and provides appropriate remedial instruction.

(334) 301.9996

Churchillacademymontgomery.com

Easter Seals of Central Alabama

2185 Normandie Drive, Montgomery, AL 36111 Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers. ESCA offers the following programs: Food School, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Ready Readers Dyslexia & Testing Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic, ASL Interpreting Program, CARE Project, Certified Nurse Aide, Speech Therapy and Employment.

(334) 288.0240

eastersealsca.org

Great Leaps Learning Center

114 Medical Center Drive, Prattville, AL 36066 We offer the highest quality behavior analytical center-based services for children, families, and organizations in Alabama.

(334) 491.3020

greatleapslearning.com

Huntington Learning Center

3251 Malcolm Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Several teachers on staff to help with Special Education needs.

(334) 277.9200

huntingtonhelps.com

Sylvan Learning Center - Montgomery

New Hope Academy

4240 Lomac St., Montgomery, AL 36106 One on one or small group for children with learning disabilities. Study skills, courses for credit writing/grammar, reading, math and SAT/ACT college preparation. Also individualized tutoring.

Diagnostic evaluation and tests. Students improve skills, becoming more motivated and gaining in self-confidence. Degreed teachers.

(334) 361.9505

ad on page 22

(334) 262.0043

sylvanlearning.com/Montgomery

Better Than Average

2820 Fairlane Dr., Ste A3, Montgomery, AL 36116 Building Confidence. Creating individuals who love River Region Parents I September 2023

301 Water Street, Montgomery, AL 36067 We understand that each student learns differently, and our passion is to help students discover their potential. Our educational programs are designed with individual needs at the forefront of learning. newhope4kids.com

Success Unlimited

2328 Fairlane Campus and 4500 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 and 36116 Success Unlimited Academy is dedicated to teaching all children. In our Special Education Achievement Class, we have provided a special place of learning for those who need more one-onone instruction and individualized lesson plans.

(334) 213.0803

suacademy.com

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2046 Fairview Ave., Prattville, AL 36066 Individualized tutoring for children with special needs and/or learning disabilities. Certified teachers.

(334) 380.4144

sylvanlearning.com/Prattville

Speech and Hearing, Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama

(205) 873.6667

alabamashaa.com

Early Intervention E.I.E.I.O Autauga/Western Elmore Arc ad on page 24

298 Jay St., Prattville, AL 36066 We offer free and voluntary family-focused resources, supports and services for eligible infants and toddlers, birth to three years, who have developmental delays. Serving Autauga, Chilton, Elmore and Montgomery counties.

(334) 365.4054

awearc.org

Alabama’s Early Intervention System

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides supports and services for infants and toddlers (0 to 36 months of age) who have a medical diagnosis that can delay normal development or who have a developmental delay causing the child to not meet developmental milestones. AEIS also prepares infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays for transition to the Alabama State Department of Education’s and local school systems’ preschool program for 3- to 5-year-olds by providing specialized instruction; physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies; service coordination; and parent and family education.

800-543-3098 rehab.alabama.gov/individuals-andfamilies/early-intervention

Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind

205 South Street, Talladega, AL 35160 AIDB is the most comprehensive education, rehabilitation and service system serving children and adults who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled. Children ages 3 to 21 are served through the Alabama School for the Deaf, the Alabama School for the Blind and the Helen Keller School of Alabama.

(256) 761.3200

aidb.org

Alabama School for the Blind

705 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 Alabama School for the Blind provides visually impaired students a comprehensive education that develops each student’s maximum potential to become an independent, productive member of society.

(256) 761.3260

aidb.org

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Alabama School for the Deaf

205 South Street, Talladega, AL 35160 Alabama School for the Deaf provides quality individualized educational programs, unique experiences, and fully accessible services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing that empower them to be functioning, productive and responsible members of society.

(256) 761.3215

aidb.org

Early Intervention Family Alliance- (APEC)/ Parent Training and Information Center 10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Formed to provide parents with training and information to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education.

(334) 567.2252 or (866) 532.7660 alabamaparentcenter.com

Helen Keller School of Alabama

1101 Fort Lashley Avenue, Talladega, AL 35160 The mission of Helen Keller School is to provide a functional-based instruction to sensory-impaired students with multiple disabilities and/or deafblindness using an individual approach to living and work skill development. This approach emphasizes strong linkages with families through cooperative educational planning, case management, and transition services.

(256) 761.3377

aidb.org

Help Me Grow (HMG) Alabama

2595 Bell Road, Montgomery , AL 36117 Help Me Grow Alabama is a parent information line designed to connect families to information about child development and community resources. Parents or providers can dial 2-1-1 (833) 939.0336

helpmegrowalabama.org/

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center

2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. In our caring and nurturing environment, we provide services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our dedicated team of health care professionals understands that each family has an individual set of circumstances, needs and preferences. At Montgomery Children’s we are inspired by you to work together creating a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing.

(334) 261.3445

montgomerybytutera.com

The Children’s Center of Montgomery

310 N Madison Terrace, Montgomery, AL 36107 Offer services for cognitive delayed or handicapped.

(334) 262.4850

childrenscenterofmontgomery.com

Financial Resources Alabama Family Trust

2820 Columbiana Road, Ste. 103, Birmingham, AL 35244 A nonprofit special needs trust that holds and administers money for the disabled so they are able to become eligible and maintain government benefits for which they would otherwise be financially ineligible.

(205) 313-3915

alabamafamilytrust.com

Enable Savings Plan Alabama

P.O. Box 30274, Omaha, Omaha Enable Savings Plan Alabama provides tax-free savings accounts for eligible individuals with disabilities. Keep your disability benefits and save for your future.

Features include: An individual with an eligible

disability can open one account. The owner and beneficiary are the same; Any person can contribute to the account; Three risk-based investment options, an FDIC-insured bank savings option and FDIC-insured check writing option with a debit card; Created in partnership with the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office, the State of Nebraska Treasurer’s Office and First National Bank of Omaha.

(866) 833-7949

EnableAL.com

General Resources Baptist Health Care ad on page 51

Medical Office Building, Baptist Medical Center East, 400 Taylor Rd., Montgomery, AL 36117 The Comprehensive Therapy Center at Baptist Medical Center East is the only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services. Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists. Includes: Assessment for adaptive equipment needs, Early intervention, Feeding/ swallowing evaluation and treatment, Sensory integration therapy, Hand therapy by a certified hand therapist.

Speech Therapy Program evaluates and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Our services help with development and medically related disorders. Communication disorders we treat include: Articulation, Cleft palate, Comprehensive and expressive disorders, Deficiency in understanding language or expressing thoughts, Dysarthria, Hearing problems, Language (adult and child), Oral motor/feeding dysfunction, Stuttering, Swallowing problems/disorders.

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Neonatal and Pediatric Therapy--Our pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapists provide specialized treatment for neonates, infants, children and adolescents. They are dedicated to restoring function, preventing disability and helping patients achieve independence in daily living. They are beneficial for: Autism, Assessment for special equipment needs, Congenital disorders, Developmental disorders, Neuromuscular disorders, Orthopedic injuries, Trauma-related disabilities.

AmTrykes Demo Site--The Baptist Medical Center East Comprehensive Therapy Center is an Ambucs AmTrykes demo site. Therapists are able to fit disabled children and adults on these special tricycles. For more information about AmTrykes, visit www.montgomeryambucs.org.

Appointments--Patients must have a physician’s referral for treatment. Services are by appointment only and the Comprehensive Therapy Center staff will make every effort to service all patients.

(334) 244-8345 baptistfirst.org/services/ comprehensive-therapy-center/

Alabama Alliance for the Mentally Ill

1401 I-85 Parkway Ste A, Montgomery, AL 36124 Our mission is to provide support, education, and advocacy for persons with mental illnesses, their families, and others whose lives are affected by these brain disorders.

(334) 396.4797

namialabama.org

Alabama Dept of Rehabilitation Services

602 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Programs offered: Early Intervention System, Child’s Rehabilitation Service, Vocational Rehabilitation Center, VRS-Bline and Deaf Service, S.A.I.L. (Homebound), Business Enterprise Program and Business Relations Consultants.

(334) 293.7500 or (800) 441.7607 (Montgomery office); (800) 205.9986 (Alabama’s Toll Free Hotline for ADA Information) rehab.state.al.us/ada

Alabama Early Intervention System and Department of Rehabilitation Services

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides support and services from birth-3 years who have a diagnosis that causes developmental delays. Focuses on teaching the parents and caregivers ways to help and learn so they may participate in everyday activities. Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (334) 293.7500

rehab.alabama.gov

Alabama Parent Education Center (APEC)

10520 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 A non-profit 501c3, organized in 2002 by Alabama parents, educators, and professionals serving families. APEC provides services and supports to assist families particularly those underserved including minority, low-income, and those with children with disabilities. APEC provides parents with training, information, and support to help them become meaningful participants in their children’s education and lives.

(334) 567-2252

alabamaparentcenter.com

Alabama PTA

470 S. Union St. , Montgomery, AL 36104 Our mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

(334) 834.2501

alabamapta.org

American Foundation for the Blind

1101 Wilson Blvd, 6th Floor, Arlington, VA 22209 AFB advocates for policies that promote accessibility, equality, and opportunity. We speak up for children who are blind or visually impaired, to make sure every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

1(212 502.7600

afb.org

River Region Parents I September 2023

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Committed to ensuring that all people with speech, language, and hearing disorders receive services to help them communicate effectively.

(800) 638.8255

asha.org/public/

Southeast ADA Center

1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, GA Information, Training and Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(800) 949.4232 Facebook: Southeast Ada Center or adasoutheast.org

Arc of Alabama

Special Education Services

(334) 262.7688

(800) 392.8020

557 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery , AL 36104 Advocates for people with disabilities. thearcofal.org

Blind or Visually Impaired, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind

205 South Street East, Talladega, AL 35160 We provide comprehensive education and service programs of superior quality to children and adults who are deaf, blind, deafblind and multidisabled and their families.

(251) 432.7777

AIDB.org

Developmental Disabilities, Alabama Department of Mental Health

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Provide an array of services and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in the state through contractual arrangements with community agencies.

(334) 242.3454

mh.alabama.gov/

Developmental Disabilities Council

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Mission to support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

Family Voices of Alabama (FV of AL)

1050 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36604 Aims to achieve family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities. Through our national network, we provide families tools to make informed decisions, advocate for improved public and private policies, build partnerships among professionals and families, and serve as a trusted resource on health care.

(877) 771-3862

familyvoicesal.org/

Governor’s Office on Disabilities

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provide information on Disabilities (888) 879.3582

good.alabama.gov

Medicaid Waivers

These waivers help those families who make too much money for Medicaid but “fall through the cracks” of their insurance.

AL Department of Public Services, (334) 293-7160 Ask for sail waiver program. State of Alabama of Independent living waiver – (800) 441.7607

Mental Health Rep. for Children/Youth, Office of Children’s Services/ Alabama Department of Mental Health

100 North Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Comprehensive array of treatment services and supports through four state-operated facilities and contractual agreements with community mental health centers across the state.

(334) 242.3454

mh.alabama.gov

Respite Care

1856 Keats Drive, Huntsville , AL 35810 Temporary short-term relief for caregivers of individuals with special needs such as: developmental and physical disabilities or other chronic illnesses that are related to health concerns, medical fragility, or for those at risk of abuse and neglect.

1(866).RESTALA

alabamarespite.org

50

50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 Alabama Department of Education alsde.edu

Special Format Library

6030 Monticello Drive , Montgomery, AL 36117 Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

(800) 392.5671

aplsws1.apls.state.al.us

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides specialized employment and education related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed.

(334) 293.7500

rehab.alabama.gov

Technology- STAR (Statewide Technology Access and Response for Alabamians with Disabilities)

602 S Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 STAR is a resource to provide Alabamians free access to information, referral services, educational services, educational programs, and publications in accessible format on extensive topics related to disability rights, laws/policies, and funding opportunities for assistive technology.

(800) 782.7656

rehab.alabama.gov

Triumph Services

2301 Arlington Ave South, Suite 200, Birmingham, AL 35205 Triumph Services provides a holistic approach to support people who have developmental disabilities. The Individual is in the center as the expert on his/her dreams and goals. The LIVE program provides independent living skills. The WORK program provides competitive employment and purpose in life. The PLAY program provides community integration and healthy relationships. The COUNSELING program addresses depression and anxiety and builds self-esteem.

(205) 581.1000

triumphservices.org

Legal Services Balch & Bingham LLP

Protect the future of your special needs child.

Special needs planning works to maximize an individual’s quality of life to enable them to achieve their full potential. Attorneys in Balch & Bingham’s Estate Planning & Trusts Practice can tailor a plan that is right for your child. Special needs planning, Estate & tax planning, Guardianships, Estate & trust administration & litigation, Settlement planning. balch.com

Capell & Howard, P.C.

150 South Perry Street, Montgomery , AL 36104 Our special needs attorneys understand the fear of not knowing how your child will be financially and physically cared for once you’re gone. We understand those fears because everyday, we talk and work with parents who are afraid for the futures of their special needs children — afraid the children will lose their government benefits, afraid they’ll make a poor medical decision, afraid they’ll one day be without a caretaker. That’s why we offer you a solid legal plan for your child’s future. With your input, we develop a plan that provides for the financial and physical well-being of your special needs child.

(334) 241.8000

capellhoward.com

www.riverregionparents.com

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The only control you really have when it comes to getting hurt is where to get treated.

That’s why Baptist OrthoNow is here, staffed by board-certified physicians, skilled physical therapists and sports medicine specialists. With no appointment needed, extensive hours, and an all-in-one new state-of-the-art facility, we’ll get you back in the game—faster.

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334.747.4030 BaptistOrthoNow.org

NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED 7449 EastChase Parkway, across from Target Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm

51

www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

Camps/Activities

ments for Autistic children and designing innovative, high quality products.

(877) 533.7457

Camp Frog

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 ASA hosts 35+ families at the annual September Family Camp ASCCA, Camp FROG. Children on the autism spectrum enjoy traditional camp activities in a supportive environment with their families.

Scholarships available.

(877) 428.8476

autism-alabama.org

Camp Mash

P.O. Box 850548, Mobile, AL 36685 Camp M.A.S.H. is a weeklong recreational program for children ages 7 to 17 with a form of juvenile arthritis or a related autoimmune disease.

Camp M.A.S.H. is offered at NO COST to our families.

(251) 599-5688

campmash.org

500 Chase Park S. #104, Birmingham, AL 35244 Camp Seals Harris offers a medically supervised, fun camp experience and family connection to year round support that helps kids fight diabetes. campsealeharris.org

Camp Smile-a-Mile-Alabama’s Program for Children with Cancer

1600 2nd Ave. S, Birmingham, AL 36801 Camp Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide year round challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for young cancer patients, their families as well as young adult survivors from Alabama at not cost to the families.

1(205) 323.8427 or 1 (334) 500.7920

campsam.org

Easter Seals Camp ASSCA

5278 Camp ASCCA Rd, Jackson’s Gap, AL 36861 Alabama’s Special Camp for Children and Adults.

ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions- open year-round.

(256) 825.9226

campascca.org

Lakeshore Foundation

4000 Ridgeway Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209 Offers a wide range of fitness, recreation, athletic and education programs to children and adults who experience diagnostic conditions including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, amputation, and visual impairment.

(205) 313.7400

lakeshore.org

Nutrition Health Wise

5147 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 Provides nutritional supplements for children and adults with celiac disease, autism, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities. We offer a wide variety organic, egg free, gluten free food products for individuals with celiac disease and autism.

(334) 277.9925

healthwisefoods.com

Lee Silsby, Compound Pharmacy

23865 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 Compounding Pharmacy focusing on children with Autism (800) 918.8831

The Herb Shop

8161 Vaughn Rd., Montgomery , AL 36117 We have a whole section dedicated to special needs and learning disabilities. Please visit our store for individual supplement recommendations.

(334) 271.2882

Parks and Playgrounds Ida Belle Young Park

5400 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL 36116 Sight Impaired Playground (334) 625.2300

montgomeryal.gov

Montgomery Zoo

Camp Seale Harris

(205) 402.0415

ourkidsasd.com

leesilsby.com

Our Kids

3216 Silsby Rd. , Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 Our Kids was founded as the result of the joy Lee Silsby Compounding Pharmacy experiences in working with Autistic children. Our Kids focuses 100% of their product line exclusively on suppleRiver Region Parents I September 2023

2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 Montgomery Zoo is open year round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The zoo opens at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. The Montgomery Zoo is handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available for rental at the Zoofari Gift Shop. The play area does have handicap accessible swings.

(334) 240.4900

montgomeryal.gov

Overlook Memorial

299 Jay Street, Prattville, AL 36066 Handicap accessible, swings (334) 361.3640

Pratt Park Child Place

460 Doster Road, Prattville, AL 36066 Handicap accessible, swings.

(334) 595.0800

prattvilleal.gov

Spinner’s Park

390 West 6th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 Metal slides for cochlear implants.

(334) 358.1355

prattvilleal.gov

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 Augusta St., Montgomery, AL 36111 One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here.

to play the lifetime sport of tennis. Dream Court focuses on inclusion, active lifestyle, positive self esteem, appropriate social behavior, and having fun while learning the sport of tennis.

(334) 414-1980 Dreamcourt.org

Facebook: Dream Court and

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama ad on page 32

2501 Bell Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Helps girls self value, social and volunteering skills through troop service.

(334) 272.9164

girlscoutssa.org

Prattville YMCA ad on page 49

Locations in Prattville, Prattville, AL Abilities Sports & Classes including Adaptive Sports Clinics, Field of Dreams Baseball and Kickball, Gymnastics Lessons, Swimming Lessons.

Call today for more information.

(334) 365.8852

prattvilleymca.org

M.A.N.E.

ad on page 45

3699 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road, AL 36064 The Montgomery Area Non-traditional Equestrians is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with a wide range of disabilities through safe and effective therapeutic riding and equineassisted learning activities. Email: Director- tiffany@maneweb.org, Associate Director (Student Intake)- abby@maneweb.org, Volunteer Coordinator- jess@maneweb.org (334) 213.0909

maneweb.org

Access To Recreation

Cornelius , NC Provides exercise and recreational equipment for people with disabilities (888) 504.5611

accesstr.com

Angels Among Us

A community with a mission to promote a fun positive atmosphere for children with special needs or developmental delays. email: angelsamongus2018@yahoo.com.

(334) 430.2991

aaucmty.com

Armory Athletics

1018 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104 Classes offered and combined. Case to case basis upon the need of extra coaches. Please call for more information.

(334) 240.4595

(334) 241.2789

armoryathletics.com

Thompson Park

Boy Scouts of America

(334) 625.2300

(334) 262.2697

1655 Ray Thorington Road , Pike Road, AL 36064 “No Limits” Miracle Field Playground and Miracle League Ball Field.

3067 Carter Hill Rd., Montgomery, AL 36111 We provide an educational and social program for boys and young adults.

Vaughn Road Park

Captains for Kids

funinmontgomery.com

3620 Vaughn Road , Montgomery, AL 36106 Boundless Playground (334) 625.2300

montgomeryal.gov

Recreation and Enrichment

scouting.org

Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, AL Fun activities on the water for kids with special needs and illness.

We offer fishing charters, dolphin cruises, pirate cruises, sailing charters, parasailing, banana boat rides, airboat rides and more.

(850) 438-5555 or (850) 377-6422 (850) 438.5555

captainsforkids.com

Dream Court Inc.

Children’s Harbor Family Center & Camp

Montgomery, AL Sharing hope, changing lives. Adaptive tennis program in Montgomery, AL for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. Dream Court provides an opportunity for individuals with intellectual and/ physical disabilities a chance

(205) 638-6123

ad on page 47

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1600 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294 Children’s Harbor provides children with serious illnesses and their families a place to be themselves – to have fun and relax – while also receiving no-cost services that make life a bit easier for the whole family. childrensharbor.com

www.riverregionparents.com

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Disabled Sports USA

451 Hungerford Dr, Ste 608, Rockville, MD 20850 Disabled Sports USA’s mission is to provide national opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through community sports, recreation and educational programs. Disabilities include those with visual impairments, amputations, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, head injury, cerebral palsy, other neuromuscular/orthopedic conditions, autism and related intellectual disabilities.

(301) 217-0960

disabledsportsusa.org

Family Karate Center

8159 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Karate center that specializes in teaching special needs students- autistic, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Hearing and Visually impaired, all wheel chairs welcome. Come try a free class.

Carole Coker, (334) 277.4911

Huntingdon College Ability Sport Network

1500 E. Fairview Ave. , Montgomery, AL 36106 The Ability Sport Network (ASN) at Huntingdon College serves youth and young adults with physical disabilities, ages 6-21, in the River Region who have a desire to participate in sport and adapted activity. Ability Sport Network at Huntingdon College. Our email is asninfo@hawks.huntingdon.edu.

(334) 833-4465

huntingdon.edu

Montgomery Miracle League

The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities a chance to play baseball.

(334) 430.9810 Miracle League

Facebook under Montgomery

Resource Roundup

A place where you can find out what’s happening in our special needs community. A place to unify all of the available local resources!

Facebook: Resourceroundup1

Special Olympics Alabama

880 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Offers year-round sports training and athletic competitions in 18 individual and team Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

(334) 242.3383

specialolympicsalabama.com

Storybook Farms

300 Cusseta Road , Opelika, AL 36801 Storybook Farm connects children experiencing physical, cognitive, social, or mental health challenges with the restorative power of animals.

It is our passionate belief that animals can change a child’s life through their trust, unconditional love, and respect. Our six outdoor programs fuel confidence and accomplishment while reintroducing a sense of normalcy back into the lives of children impacted by adversity. Each activity is designed to enhance relationships through animals and nature. Session themes vary, but always encompass the imagination and create whimsy and wonder. Activities are educational, but don’t tell the kids. Our overarching goal is to help children be children. Year-round program content is tailored to meet each child’s capabilities, needs and interests.

We follow Auburn University’s academic calendar to accommodate our passionate, eager to change the world college student volunteers. To discuss programming options for child, please contact Sara Medley at sara@hopeonhorseback.org.

(334) 444.5966

hopeonhorseback.org

Swim Prep

Locations in Prattville & Montgomery, AL Adapted Swim Lessons for those with Special Needs. Lessons are customized to each child’s abilities. New facility coming to Prattville with a year round lessons and indoor heated pool.

(334) 375.2023

swimprepllc.com

Therapeutic Recreation Center

604 Augusta St, Montgomery, AL 36111 One of Montgomery’s proudest accomplishments, makes recreation accessible to our city’s special population. The center offers a 26,000 square foot facility that is barrier free, and features a large gymnasium, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, weight room, game rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a kitchen. Spring Prom and Special Olympic competitions are held here.

(334) 240.4575

montgomeryal.gov

Support Services Montgomery Public Schools Dept. of Special Education ad on page 3

1153 S Lawrence St, Montgomery, AL 36104 Provides educational services to more than 3,200 students throughout the district. The system has special education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech pathologists and related service personnel which provide instruction and related services to students who have a disability. Students are eligible for special education services from the age of 3 through 21.

(334)269-3808 Extn: 74003 ments/special_education

mps.k12.al.us/depart-

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The Learning Tree Residential School ad on page 39

5459 Able Court, Mobile, AL 36693 Residential school providing 24 - hour care in a homelike setting for ages 6 – 21, with developmental disabilities, including autism.

(251) 649-4420

www.learning-tree.org

AL Council for Developmental Disabilities

RSA Union Building, 100 North Union Street, Post Office Box 301410 , Montgomery, AL 36130 ACDD works to achieve equality of opportunity for all citizens. We promote independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

Dianne Craft – Child Diagnostics

Wonderful website filled with information, articles, resources for learning disabilities, dyslexia, auditory processing, right/left brain learning. Nutritional therapy and supplement recommendations. You can purchase Dianne’s DVDs, CDs, Books, vitamins, and other various products through her online store.

(303) 694.0532

diannecraft.org

Easter Seals Alabama

5960 East Shirley Lane, Montgomery, AL 36117 Consists of eight community rehabilitation program sites and the world’s largest barrier free recreational camp, Camp ASCCA. Easter Seals Alabama services include: Medical Rehabilitation, Early Intervention, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Hearing Therapy, Job Training and Employment, Child Care & Camping and Recreation.

(334) 395.4489

easterseals.com

March of Dimes Alabama Chapter

3500 Blue Lake Dr., Ste. 198, Birmingham, AL 35243 March of Dimes fights for the health of all moms and babies while advocating for policies to protect them.

(205) 824.0103

marchofdimes.org

Meredith Mitchell’s Methods

It is my passion to help familites with children who hae disabilities get the best individualized Education Plan possible. Let me help you master trhe IEP maze and get the best IEP for your child. Let’s schedule 20 minutes together so you can share your top 3 concerncs with me. I’ll share with you the next stes you can take for you child and we’ll see if we’re a perfect fit to build your child’s IEP together. meredithmitchellsmethods.com

Montgomery Children’s Specialty Center

2853 Forbes Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110 We are Montgomery’s preferred children’s nursing and rehabilitation facility. Providing services to children with severe developmental disabilities that require on-going nursing care. Our team of professionals will create a plan of care that promotes a nurturing environment of respect, growth and healing.

(334) 261.3445

montgomerychildrenscare.com

NeuroKinetic Solutions

7150 Halcyon Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 A coordinated body is an organized brain. Brain Pump classes and Educational Consulting offered.

A coordinated body is an organized brain. NKS provides educational consulting services, teacher training and public speaking engagements on how to incorporate purposeful movement into classsRiver Region Parents I September 2023

room/physical education settings. Professional development can include anything from a one hour conference/presentation or keynote speech to a six hour workshop for teachers and administrators in a school, school system, or specific teaching field. Also, Brain Pump is a group exercise class, targeting children 4-12 years of age. Brain Pump combines traditional therapy and exercise concepts with the latest cutting edge research on movement and the brain.

(334) 625.0068

neurokineticsolutions.com

Partners in Policymaking of Alabama

100 N Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 To support independence, advocacy, productivity, and inclusion for Alabamians with developmental disabilities. ACDD is dedicated to the vision that all Alabamians, regardless of disability, will live, learn, work, and play in inclusive communities.

(334) 242.3973

acdd.org

Service Dogs Alabama

8365 Mobile Hwy., Hope Hull, AL 36043 Service Dogs Alabama is a multi-functional Service Dog training organization including K-9s 4 Kids. We are the only non-profit organization in Alabama who trains Service Dogs a child’s specific needs and gives them to their families free of charge. We train Service Dogs for Asperger’s Syndrome, wheelchair assistance, balance and mobility, Diabetic Alert, and seizure assistance.

(334) 676.3733

ServiceDogsAlabama.com

The Listening Program

The Listening Program (TLP) is a music listening therapy that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life.

It gently trains the auditory system to accurately process sound. Auditory processing problems can lead to academic, emotional, cognitive and social challenges, including problems with ADD, Listening, Speech & language, memory, communication, Social skills, reading, Sensory Integration, Balance and coordination and self regulation.

Auditory processing problems are often found in children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADD, dyslexia and learning disabilities.

(888) 228.1798

thelisteningprogram.com

The Southeast ADA Center

1419 Mayson St. NE, Atlanta, GA The Center provides information, training, and guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and disability access. The Center serves eight states in the Southeast Region including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

(800) 949.4232

adasoutheast.org

Therapy/Behavioral

The Learning Tree – Growing Independence Behavioral Services ad on page 39

5465 Able Court, Mobile, AL 36693 Clinic-based ABA services, comprehensive early intensive behavioral intervention for preschool-aged children and school-age children. Services available in Mobile, Anniston, Birmingham and Montgomery.

(251) 644-5938

www.learning-tree.org

Augusta Evans School

6301 Biloxi Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608 Augusta Evans School was organized to provide a quality education, appropriate for mentally handicapped students of Mobile County and individualized to meet each of these student’s needs. evansspecialmcpssal.schoolinsites.com

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Trellis Behavior and Learning Solutions

2361 Fairlane Drive, Montgomery, AL 36116 Providing in-home, school-based, and clinic-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services for children and adolescents with communication, social, and behavioral concerns. ABA therapy utilizes the principles of learning and behavior to reduce problem behaviors and teach new skills that result in an improvement in the quality of life for children and their families. Some of the skills that ABA therapy can address include communication skills, social skills, coping skills, daily living skills, toileting skills, motor skills, attending skills, and compliance.

(334) 790-7460

trellisbehavior.org

Works of Wonder Therapy, LLC

1320 Carmichael Way, Montgomery, AL 36106 Dr. Beth Long received her education in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University in California. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

As a military wife, Beth has had the opportunity to work in six unique clinical environments across the country. She recently opened a private practice in Montgomery where she specializes in child and family counseling. As a behavior analyst, Beth consults with families and school systems to help children with challenging behaviors.Clients work with Beth to develop a personalized, step-by-step treatment plan. Along with counseling, Works of Wonder Therapy proudly provides services for families of children with special needs. Beth understands the struggles that families of children with special needs face, and she would love to support you as you navigate each step of this process. Beth is happy to assist your family with everything from interpreting the diagnosis through the IEP process.

(334) 356.4900

worksofwondertherapy.com

Therapy/Speech AUM Speech and Hearing Clinic

7177 Halcyon Summit Dr, Montgomery, AL 36117 AUMSHC is a full-service speech and hearing clinic. \We offer speech and hearing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative therapy, as well as hearing aid services. We are a non-profit research/ teaching organization, associated with the university. We train students in communication disorders and supervise doctoral level students from main campus that do clinical rotations here with us in their second year. We proudly serve the AUM family and surrounding River Region communities.

Our patients are all ages from birth and up.

(334) 244.3408

Facebook: AUM SHC

Comprehensive Therapy Center Baptist Speech and Hearing Clinic

400 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 Provide speech, hearing, OT and physical therapy department and swallow and feeding therapy. We see patients from birth to geriatric. Only facility offering families and the communities of central Alabama comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Individualized treatment is provided by experienced and licensed occupational, physical and speech therapists.

(334) 244.8345

baptistfirst.org

WeCare Therapy Services

3911 Fain Court, Montgomery, AL 36109 We are honored to offer an array of skilled and professional speech therapy services to individuals of all ages who may have speech related conditions. Articulation, Language, Stroke.

334) 328-6615 Services

Facebook: WeCare Therapy

www.riverregionparents.com

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Specific Disabilities:

life for people with asthma and allergic diseases through education, advocacy and research.

(800) 727.8462

ADD/ADHD Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (C.H.A.D.D)

4221 Forbes Blvd, Suite 270, Lanham, MD 20706 Provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with AD/HD. (800) 233.4050

11849 Sun catcher Drive, Fishers, IN 46037 Provides informational materials, online/telephone support, and resources. Helps families introduce low-additive dietary programs for children with learning/behavior problems and chemically sensitive adults feingold.org

Learning Disabilities Association of America

4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 Offers support programs for parents, an information and referral network, legislation and school program development.

(412) 341.1515

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

7901 Jones Branch Dr, Ste 240, McLean, VA 22102 Food Allergy Research and Education works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.

(800) 929.4040

foodallergy.org

chadd.org

Feingold Association of the United States

(631) 369.9340

aafa.org

ldaamerica.org

Allergies & Asthma Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

Autism ad on page 11

4260 Cahaba Heights Ct, Birmingham, AL 35243 Provide a resource list of services that have been recommended by families and professionals, support groups, lending library, newsletter and Education & Awareness. autism-alabama.org

Autism Society of AL Sibshops ad on page 11

4260 Cahaba Heights Ct, Birmingham, AL 35243 Sibshops are fun events where kids who have a sibling with a disability can play fun games, share and meet other “sibs” who get it!

(877) 428.8476

(334) 694.4782

alabamaachieves.org

Autism Hope Center

603 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31909 The Autism Hope Center is a free resource to both families and professionals throughout the Chattahoochee Valley. We host a monthly support group and monthly inclusive events.

(706) 604 6333

autismhopecenter.com

Autism Internet Modules

Autism Society of Alabama

(877) 428.8476

training resources for parents and educational professionals on autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

autism-alabama.org

(AIM) project is designed to provide comprehensive information to assist those working and living with individuals with Autism Spectrum.

The AIM project will develop a series of 60 modules by the time the project is complete on topics including assessment and identification, characteristics, evidence-based practices and interventions, transition to adulthood, and employment.

(614) 410.0321

autisminternetmodules.org

Autism Society of America

6110 Executive Blvd, Suite 305, Rockville, MD 20852 Provides services in the areas of advocacy, education, awareness and research.

(800) 328.8476

autism-society.org

Autism Speaks

Autism Alabama

1235 S Clark St Suite 305, Arlington, VA 22202 AAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of

50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36130 An initiative of Special Education Services, Alabama Department of Education, to provide on-line

River Region Parents I September 2023

56

900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 445, Atlanta, GA 30339 Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span.

www.riverregionparents.com

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We aim to increase knowledge and acceptance for those with Autism.

(770) 451.0570

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Easter Seals of Central Alabama

2185 East South Blvd, Montgomery , AL 36116 Our goal is to provide quality life enhancing programs and services to meet the individual needs of our consumers.

(334) 288.0240

www.eastersealsca.org

TACA (Talk About Curing Autism)

TACA is a not-for-profit foundation of families helping families affected by autism. TACA Alabama Chapter meets in Birmingham/Huntsville/Tuscaloosa area. TACA aims to speed up the cycle from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments.

(855) 726.7810

www.tacanow.org

Cerebral Palsy 4 My Child

41850 W Eleven Mile Rd, Ste.121, Novi, MI 48375 Provides provide all families of children of special needs with Help and Hope For Life.

1(800) 692.4453

cerebralpalsy.org

United Cerebral Palsy

2739 Office Park Circle, Montgomery, AL 36116 As a childcare training program funded by D.H.R., CCEP provides training sessions and classroom activity demonstrations/ observations free of charge to both licensed & exempt preschool/ daycare centers & family day care providers in our five county area.

(334) 271.2280

ucpcentralalabama.org

Down Syndrome Down Syndrome Alabama ad on page 7

Montgomery Scottish Rite Learning Center

565 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36117 Testing for children up to 9th grade with dyslexia.

(334) 277.8109

scottishrite.org

3000 Riverchase Galleria, Ste 1500, Hoover, AL 35244 Promote awareness and acceptance, and advocacy for individuals. Offers education and support for individuals.

Epilepsy

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, and Networking for Down Syndrome)

3540 Crain Hwy., Ste.675, Bowie, Maryland 20716 Mission is to educate and support individuals with epilepsy and their families. Provide services and programs; educating and increasing awareness about epilepsy; providing leadership in advocacy for epilepsy issues

(205) 988.0810

downsyndromealabama.org

P.O. Box 9551, Dothan, AL 36304 Local organization for families, friends and advocates who love an individual with Down Syndrome.

(334) 790.8292

downsyndromefriends.org

Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Group P.O. Box 230471, Montgomery, AL Provides family Support, education, links and social opportunities.

Facebook: Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group

(800) 332.1000

epilepsy.com

Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Association

700 Century Park S #225, Birmingham, AL 35226 Provides informational materials, networking, referrals to local resources, summer camps and an equipment loan program.

(205) 823.8191

Dyslexia

mda.org

Spina Bifida

Alabama Branch of the International Dyslexia Association

1716 Triple H Ranch Road , Bessemer, AL 35022 We are here to help improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia through education, legislation and services.

(256) 658.7936

Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama

idaalabama.org

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Spina Bifida Association of Alabama

1717 6th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35249 Strives to provide families affected by Spina Bifida with the most up-to-date medical and social information related to this birth defect.

(256) 617.1414

sbaofal.org rrp

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Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection Macon East Students Wins Again at Nationals!

Participate in AISA

Amy Treloar was awarded the 2023 Miss Senior National Recreational Title Winner at the 2023 Inspire National Dance Competition!All-Star She dancesFootball at Tonya Eightschool.

MaconAmy Eastisstudent-athletes Speed’s Dance Connection and just graduated from high attending wereUniversity, honored to participate in the Troy where she will 2022 All-Star beAISA on the danceFootball line. game held December 2 to at Amy Cramton Congratulations and Bowl.

Deonte Powell, Sanders all the winners listed below:Manning, Gabe Spencer and Hunter Tillman all represented Elly Robinson and NataliMacon East for the East team.

Gabe Spencer was honored as Most Outstanding Offensive Back McCord - Inspire Scholarship Macon East Fourth for the East team. Madison Ar’monni Payne, Hannah Kate Hodges and Mikalah Winners; Elizabeth Stewart May, Belser cheered the East 2023 Face of Inspire Miss team 15 on from the sidelines as part of the all-star cheerleading Graders Enjoy Field Trip squad.

The participants Year Old; Elly Robinson -enjoyed 2023 a few days of practice with their fellow AISA teammates.

Ms. Johnson’s fourth grade class enjoyed The East team beat the West team this year 36-22. an educational field trip this past Friday Face of Inspire Teen Creative that goes along with their study of Alabama Winner; Natali McCord - 2023 State History. The students were able to tour Face of Inspire Teen Best Alabama’s historic Capitol. They were able Smile Winner; Amy Treloar to view the beautiful rotunda, the spiral stair2023 Face of Inspire Senior Pike Road High case, the Avenue of Flags, and the portraits Natural Beauty Winner. of the former governors. The students also School Leo Club Amy competed in the 12 enjoyed touring The First White House of the and over Solo showcase with Collects Chrismtas Confederacy and The Alabama Department When We Were Young and was awarded the NATIONAL CHAMPION! of Archives and History. Their special treat Toys with forPOPULAR Kids and Amy and Natali competed in the 12 and Over Duet/Trio Showcase added to an already fun-filled day was eating Our Leo club did a great job and came in 2nd! (In the first round of solos and duets, this dance won 1st.) Elly Robinson lunch at Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs. toys to help make Natali McCord placed in the top seven for solos. A duet by Elly and Elizabeth Stewart placedcollecting 2nd overall.

Special thanks to Mrs. Custard and her Christmas merry and bright for What a great way to end the dance season for Tonya Speed’s Dance Connection! daughter for taking time to guide us and give lots of children! their expertise at all these historic places.

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by Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

Kindness and compassion don’t just happen, they’re learned behaviors. We begin teaching a baby about compassion when we nurture them and care for their basic needs with love and tenderness.

Later, we monitor any aggressive behaviors with reminders to be gentle, to “use your words” and teach the language of kindness toward others. As our children grow, our means of teaching them healthy emotional responses to others grow and become more sophisticated.

River Region Parents I September 2023

Here are 7 ways you can teach your child the art of compassion: 60

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Receive

From the moment your baby was born you’ve cared for his or her needs. Your child has been the recipient of countless compassionate gestures. Children whose needs have been met are much more likely to be open to showing kindness to others than those who have been neglected or abused. Your modeling of loving, kind behaviors is the foundation upon which you build your lessons on becoming a compassionate person.

Observe

Take the opportunity to point out kind behaviors observed in your daily lives. Look for the person who shares, the one who waits his or her turn, the person who helps when someone is hurt. Talk about those incidents and encourage your child to verbalize what they’ve seen. “Did you see that Matthew helped Jason when he fell and hurt his knee? Why do you think he did that?”

Encourage your child to look for kind behaviors and report them. The evening meal is a good time to share positive reports. “Who caught someone being kind today?”

When conflict arises in your child’s sphere, take the opportunity to talk about the problem and brainstorm solutions. “Why did John become angry and walk away? What else could he have done?”

Talk About It

As you watch television or movies point out the characters who show compassion.

Or, point out unkind, negative behaviors and explore why they occur. “Why is that boy so angry?” or “What is that person feeling right now?”

Encourage pretend play that works on conflict resolution. Your teddy bear seems very upset. Can you show some kindness to him?”

Give

Include giving or volunteering in the life of your family. Be sure each member has a part to play. Helping at a shelter, feeding someone who is hungry, giving time, energy, and resources to those in need shows your children that you value the comfort and well-being of those around you.

Children are open to talking about how sad it is that some people are homeless, or others don’t have enough to eat or toys to play with. It’s healthy to have those conversations, especially when you combine it with positive actions.

Care for a Pet

When your children are old enough, allow them to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet. The daily feeding and watering, walking, and general clean-up involved in caring for a pet is a wonderful way to teach kindness.

Read Books

Find appropriate books for your child’s developmental level that speak directly to showing kindness to others. The topic of bullying and why it happens is also part of this discussion. Those who haven’t received love

and nurture may be the ones acting out to hurt others.

Here are three titles on learning compassion for young children:

Kindness is My Superpower by Alicia Ortega Listening with My Heart by Gabi Garcia Leo Learns About Kindness

by Anthony Domenic Lalicata

Make it Visible

Some families like to create a visible demonstration of the importance of showing compassion. They may label a jar “Our Kindness Jar” and fill it with written observations of acts of kindness. “Mom let a woman go in front of her in the grocery line,” or “I stopped to help Anna when she dropped her books today.”

Another tangible idea is to wear a kindness bracelet that reminds the wearer to do a kind deed. When the kindness is accomplished, the bracelet is turned over to show a smiley face.

Sometimes we wonder how we can make any difference in a world filled with unhappy people demonstrating unkind behaviors. It’s good to remember that we can only change our own behavior and not that of others. But we can teach our children to be caring, compassionate individuals. One kind act has a way of encouraging others to show kindness as well. rrp Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a retired teacher and a writer.

She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.

Dynam te Magic and Balloons

Magician Balloon artist Balloon decorating Stilt walking Clowns Yard card Messages

Entertainment for all ages

Call 270-1234

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www.facebook.com/RiverRegionParents

FamilyCalendar Friday, September 1

Epic Dreams & Aeg Presents: Southern Soul & Blues Lover’s Fest ($49-$75) 8PM - 10PM, The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at Renaissance Montgomery, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 All White Affair Event starring TK Soul, Big Robb, Westlove, PK2, King South hosted

by MC Lightfoot.

(334) 481-5100 mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 2

Eastchase Farmer’s Market 7AM - 12PM, Shoppes at Eastchase, located near Sephora and H&M, 7274 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL, 36117 Shop 20+ Certified local vendors! The market has everything from produce and homemade jellies and jams to locally grown honey and the best boiled peanuts around!

(334) 279-6046 theshoppesateastchase.com Parent-Child Dance Classes with Taylor Jones and Michaela Mckenzie (FREE) 8AM - 10PM, Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue Millbrook, AL, 36104 Join us for one of our new classes—Child-Parent Dance Classes with instructors Taylor Jones and Michaela McKenzie!

Registration for this class opens Monday, August 21.

Ages: 3-6 (334) 625-2581 funinmontgomery.com

Gameday Football Party Cruise ($45-$699) 8:45PM Montgomery Riverfront, 355 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Calling all passionate football fans, it’s time to level up your game day experience!

Get ready to raise the roof with excitement as you book the ultimate pregame and post-game party cruise on the fantastic Sip-n-Cycle Pedal Cruise!

(334) 399-2387 sipncyclepedalcruise.com

Monday, September 4

75th Annual Greek Labor Day BBQ and Pastry Sale 9AM - 2PM, Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 1721 Mt Meigs Rd Montgomery, AL, 36107 75th Annual Greek Labor Day BBQ and Pastry sale.

Pre-orders are being taken for the River Region’s longest-running barbecue event featuring whole pitsmoked Boston butts, quarts of camp stew, and Greek pastries.

(334) 263-1366 mgmoc.com Labor Day Holiday and Weekend / ZOO OPEN (Regular Admission) 9AM - 4PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy.

Montgomery, AL, 36110 montgomeryzoo.com

Tuesday, September 5

Art with Carol: Watercolor Class with Carol Barksdale ($145 ) 10:30AM - 12PM, Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue Millbrook, AL, 36104 Studio time allows students to learn the basics of watercolor and beyond. Techniques include wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, color mixing and values. Art projects are different in each session and students benefit from both.

(334) 625-2581 funinmontgomery.com

River Region Parents I September 2023

Craft Night at the Library: Repurposed Book Page Trinket Tray 6PM - 7PM, Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St Prattville, AL, 36067 Come join us to make your own trinket tray from repurposed materials, then take home your finished craft! Materials provided to the first 20 patrons. Patrons after the first 20 are welcomed but are not guaranteed materials.

(334) 365-3396 appl.info

Thursday, September 7

SAC’s 44th Annual Waterfront Show and Competition Call for Artists 4PM SAC’s Gallery, 529 S Perry St, Ste 14 Montgomery, AL, 36104 Our 44th Annual Waterfront Show, in memory of Nell Hardeman. All artwork has a water or Downtown Montgomery theme.

(334) 265-9931 sacs.gallery

Friday, September 8

Capital City Mayor’s Cup Volleyball ($8-$15) 7AM - 8PM, Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Under 5 are Free.

Concessions onsite. funinmontgomery.com Friday on the Green –Chasing Shadows (FREE) 6:30PM - 8:30PM, Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL, 35010 It’s always fun to have new artists to Friday On The Green, this week Chasing Shadows will make their Green Stage debut!

(256) 397-1019 russelllands.com

Saturday, September 9

Capital City Mayor’s Cup Volleyball ($8-$15) 7AM - 8PM, Multiplex at Cramton Bowl, 220 Hall Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Under 5 are Free.

Concessions onsite. funinmontgomery.com Eastchase Farmer’s Market 7AM - 12PM, Shoppes at Eastchase, located near Sephora and H&M, 7274 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL, 36117 Shop 20+ Certified local vendors!

The market has everything from produce and homemade jellies and jams to locally grown honey and the best boiled peanuts around!

(334) 279-6046 theshoppesateastchase.com ANC Honey Festival ($5) 9AM - 2PM, NaturePlex, 3050 Lanark Road Millbrook, AL, 36054 There will be honey for sale, kids activities, live music and much more! Festival Day will also include plant/ gardening presentations, specialty vendors, and a Lanark plant sale.

(334) 285-4550 alabamawildlife.org Fill a Bag Sale 9AM - 4PM, From my Closet to Yours, 1079 S Memorial Dr Prattville, AL, 36067 Outside totes ONLY (around 30) $3-small bag, $8-large bag.

(334) 491-0089 Saturday Market 9AM - 12PM, City of Wetumpka Farmers Market, 304 E. Coosa St. Wetumpka, AL, 36092 We are having another Saturday market, Saturday 9, 2023. We will have additional vendors as well. Come and see us and support local!

(334) 567-5147 wetumpkaal.gov

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Tinglewood Festival 9AM - 5PM, Orr Park, 277 Park Drive Montevallo, AL, 35115 Alabama’s premier, all-woodworking art festival will celebrate “Shavings, Smoke, and Sound” during its 5th year in Montevallo’s Orr Park.

(205) 665-1519 tinglewoodfestival.com Animal Enrichment Day (General Admission) 10AM - 3PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy.

Montgomery, AL, 36110 Join a tour of the Zoo during our enrichment event and observe how animals respond to an assortment of new creative and behaviorstimulating enrichment items. We will visit over 20 different animals displays during the course of the event, and see what transpires and what we learn.

(334) 625-4900 montgomeryzoo.com Nature Journaling for Everyone 10AM - 12PM, Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St Prattville, AL, 36067 (334) 365-3396 appl.info Party in Storyland 1PM - 2PM, Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St Prattville , AL, 36067 Celebrate National Get a Library Card Month with some of your favorite book characters - Biscuit, Elephant & Piggie! Sign up for a library card, make your own library card holder, and take home book-themed prizes.

(334) 365-3396 appl.info

Sunday, September 10

River Region Out of the Darkness Walk 1 PM check in, 2 PM walk begins Blount Cultural Park, Montgomery, AL The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. If you’re looking for support and/or resources, please visit www.afsp.org/get-help and www.afsp.org/ resources. Visit afsp.org/montAL to register.

Grandparents Day at the Montgomery Zoo 9AM - 4PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy.

Montgomery, AL, 36110 With much gratitude and appreciation of your dedicated and loyal service to our sons, daughters, and grandkids, please celebrate Grandparent’s Day at the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum. All Grandparents receive FREE admission to the Montgomery Zoo and the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.

(334) 625-4900 montgomeryzoo.com The Capitol Sounds Concert Band and Montgomery Recreators (Free) 2:30PM - 5PM, Crump Community Center, 1751 Cong.

W.L. Dickinson Drive Montgomery, AL, 36109 The Capitol Sounds will include concert band selections and the Montgomery Recreators will perform jazz and big band favorites. The Capitol Sounds Concert Band is under the direction of John Jackson, who is beginning his 21st season as conductor. The Montgomery Recreators is under the direction of Ted Mann. There’ll be something musical for everyone! capitolsounds@gmail.com capitolsounds.org Sanctuary Showdown Series Qualifiers Fall 2023 ($5 ) The Sanctuary, 432 S Goldthwaite St Montgomery, AL, 36104 Once a month, six artists will have the

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FamilyCalendar opportunity to showcase their musical and songwriting skills for a chance to qualify for the final - where the prizes include cash, studio time at Technical Earth Recorders and more.

(334) 245-4546 the-sanctuary.cheddarup.com

Tuesday, September 12

PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” ($20-$125) 5PM Columbus Civic Center, 400 4th St Columbus, GA, 31901 Any child who has celebrated their first birthday must have a paid ticket. Prices are subject to demand and can change at any time.

Become a VIP Very Important Pup! (706) 653-4482 Columbusciviccdenter.com

Thursday, September 14

Girls Night Out at The Shoppes 6PM - 7:30PM, Shoppes at EastChase, 7274 Eastchase Pkwy Montgomery, AL, 36117 Grab your girl gang and mark your calendars for GIRLS NIGHT OUT at The Shoppes!

(334) 279-6046 theshoppesateastchase.com Zoobiliation ($40-$50) 6PM - 10PM, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy.

Montgomery, AL, 36110 Zoobilation is a major, annual fundraising event for the Montgomery Zoo. This year, Thursday, September 14 is the night to reserve for this grand event which supports one of the River Region’s cultural and educational icons.

(334) 625-4900 montgomeryzoo.com

Friday, September 15

Hilltop’s Oktoberfest 4PM - 8PM, Hilltop Public House, 3 North Goldthwaite Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Guten Tag Friends!

We’re too excited for Oktoberfest and can’t wait any longer! September 15th we will be hosting our very own Oktoberfest with our friends from Hilltop Howlers! Eats will be provided by none other then Funky Forte, and German Food, Gifts, and More! So mark your calendar, and grab your lederhosen!

(334) 239-7752 hilltopmgm.com Friday on the Green – Wyatt Edmondson

(FREE)

women’s clothing consignment event!

(334) 730-0266 shopprattvillepickers.com Mistletoe Children’s Auditions ($35 ) 10:30AM 11:30PM, Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL, 36104 The Alabama Dance Theatre will host an open audtition for children to be a part of the upcoming performances of “Mistletoe”. Parts are available for children, first grade and up, in select pieces from “Miss Kitty’s Favorite Dances of Christmas”. Those auditioning will be judged on acting, dancing, ability, and musicality.

(334) 625-2590 alabamadancetheatre.com

Nickelback: Get Rollin’ Tour ($40-$150) 6:30PM Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, 1000 Amphitheater Rd Pelham, AL, 35124 (205) 578-3998 livemu.sc

Fall 2023 Cornerstone Handcraft Market 8AM - 1PM, Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road Montgomery, AL, 36109 Come support local handcraft vendors at this outside family friendly event! Great time pick up seasonal items as well as unique gifts for family, friends, teachers and coworkers! FREE to attend...only $20 for a vendor spot.

Pumpkin Spice Cookie Decorating Class ($60 ) Flare Candle, 3462 Wetumpka Highway Montgomery, AL, 36110 Y’all come join us for these adorable classes. They are for the beginner cookier or for the person who is just curious about what cookie decorating is all about!

(334) 391-4030

Sunday, September 17

Darrell Scott ($17.50-$37) 7PM - 10PM, Montgomery Performing Arts Center, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Darrell Scott performs live at the MPAC (334) 481-5800 mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 16

Library Date Night 6PM - 7PM, Autauga Prattville Public Library, 254 Doster St Prattville , AL, 36067 Enjoy a free date night at the library with a couples’ scavenger hunt, special make-it-together craft, music and refreshments!

(334) 365-3396 appl.info

VOGUE CONSIGN- LADIES CONSIGNMENT SALE 9AM Prattville Pickers, 616 Highway 82 bypass West Prattville , AL, 36067 Exciting News! Join us at VOGUE CONSIGN - The River Region’s most talked-about

River Region Parents I September 2023

Chalk Art Festival (FREE) 9AM - 2PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL, 36117 You and your students are invited to participate in the return of this treasured tradition. This year, chalk artists will be challenged to create masterpieces celebrating our state and all things Alabama.

(334) 625-4333 mmfa.org Friday on the Green – Patrick! (FREE) 6:30PM - 8:30PM, Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL, 35010 Load up the kids, pick up the friends, grab your comfy stuff, and the pup – on a leash – then join us for a late summer Friday On The Green with Patrick!

(256) 397-1019 russelllands.com

Bark in the Park 2023 Ft. Toulouse Historic Landmark, 2521 Fort Toulouse Wetumpka, AL, 36093 Bark in the Park is all about people and dogs and just an afternoon of fun for everyone. Join us for an always riveting Police K9 Search demonstration.

(334) 567-3002 forttoulouse.com

Garrison Weekend 9AM Fort Toulouse, 2521 W Fort Toulouse Rd Wetumpka, AL, 36093 Sponsored by the Alabama Historical Commission and Fort Toulouse Jackson Park (334) 567-3002 ahc.alabama.gov

Friday, September 22

BBQ Fundraiser for Charlie Evans 12PM Big Star Tavern, 1449 Highway 82 W Prattville, AL Join us for Bbq Fundraiser for Charlie to help with medical and living expenses. For those who don’t know, Charlie was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer and needs daily oxygen supplies along with 6 months of Chemo treatment.

(334) 361-5151

6:30PM - 8:30PM, Russell Crossroads, 19 Russell Farms Road Alexander City, AL, 35010 Family and friends – grab them and join us this week for Friday On The Green! Oh yeah, don’t forget the comfy stuff and your pup, on a leash!

(256) 397-1019 russelllands.com

Eastchase Farmer’s Market 7AM - 12PM, Shoppes at Eastchase, located near Sephora and H&M, 7274 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL, 36117 Shop 20+ Certified local vendors!

The market has everything from produce and homemade jellies and jams to locally grown honey and the best boiled peanuts around!

(334) 279-6046 theshoppesateastchase.com

in ultra-high definition above the MPAC stage. This film is one of the most influential works in our culture, and having an orchestra of 75+ musicians performing the score live brings us all even closer to the action and drama of this cinematic masterpiece.

(334) 481-5100 mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 23

Dino Dig Education Event (Regular Admission) 10AM - 12PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Are you ready to get a little dirty? Then Dino Dig is perfect for you. Our junior explorers get to experience an archaeological dig, discover bones from the past and have a great time while learning about creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.

Advanced reservations required.

334) 625-4900 montgomeryzoo.com Youth-N-Action Health & Wellness Youth Expo 9 AM – 12 PM Kershaw Branch YMCA, 2229 W Fairview Ave, Montgomery, AL This event will focus on promoting and educating the youth about physical & mental health and nutrition.

Fall Fesitval Fundraiser 4PM - 8PM, Union Staion Train Shed, 300 Water Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Annual Fundraising for the Second Chance Foundation to help provide Therapeutic Services to at-risk youth.

Fall Festival Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (FREE) 10AM - 5PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL, 36117 Fall Festival is a free event that celebrates Montgomery, Alabama’s vibrant creative culture, featuring both local and regional artists from all backgrounds. This free public event features an art market with more than 30 vendors, live music, art demos, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. The Artist Market is an integral part of Fall Festival; booths feature fine arts and crafts for sale made locally in the River Region.

(334) 625-4333 mmfa.org

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert ($25-$60) 6PM - 8:30PM, The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Our Montgomery Symphony Orchestra will perform John Williams’ complete iconic score, with George Lucas’s legendary 1977 film projected on a huge screen,

Fuel for your Ride (FREE) 1PM - 1:45PM, Trek Bicycle, 6820 Eastchase Parkway Montgomery, AL, 36117 Key nutrition starting points for cyclists. Learn how proper nutrition can make a difference in your next ride.

(334) 679-3070

Tuesday, September 19

Thursday, September 21

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FamilyCalendar Auburn Oktoberfest 4PM - 8PM, AG Heritage Park at Auburn University, 620 South Donohue Auburn, AL, 36832 AG Heritage Park at Auburn University (334) 844-2345 ag.auburn.edu

Sunday, September 24

Fall Festival Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts

(FREE) 10AM - 3PM, Montgomery Museum of Fine

Arts, 1 Museum Drive Montgomery, AL, 36117 Fall Festival is a free event that celebrates Montgomery, Alabama’s vibrant creative culture, featuring both local and regional artists from all backgrounds. This free public event features an art market with more than 30 vendors, live music, art demos, food trucks, and tastings with local brewers. The Artist Market is an integral part of Fall Festival; booths feature fine arts and crafts for sale made locally in the River Region.

(334) 625-4333 mmfa.org

Wednesday, September 27

“Searching for Solace” at The Davis Theatre 7PM 251 Montgomery Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Batehouse Productions & WSFA-TV will be hosting a special screening of the film that explores a school teacher who deals with grief and depression after surviving a school shooting. www.eventbrite.com/e/searching-for-solace-filmscreening-tickets-678552818747

Thursday, September 28

Thomas Rhett: Home Team Tour 23 ($25.50$125.50) 7:30PM - 10PM, The BJCC, 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Birmingham, AL, 35203 bjcc.org

Friday, September 29

Painting Whimsy with Barb ($20 ) 11AM - 12PM, Armory Learning Arts Center, 1018 Madison Avenue Montgomery, AL, 36104 Paint fun and whimsical canvases Friday mornings with Barb Grimes. All supplies included.

(334) 625-2581 montgomeryal.gov Ballet and the Beasts presented by the Montgomery Ballet (FREE) 6PM - 9PM, Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, 2301 Coliseum Pkwy. Montgomery, AL, 36110 Montgomery Ballet joined by Troy and ASU dance troupes, dancing under the stars during Ballet and the Beasts at the Montgomery Zoo. (334) 625-4900 montgomeryzoo.com Karlous Miller: At The End Of The Day... ($36.50$76.50) 8PM - 11PM, The Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 As a comedian/actor, Karlous Miller is most known for being a veteran cast member on MTV’s Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.

(334) 481-5100 mpaconline.org

Saturday, September 30

Mason’s Birthday Car Show ($20 ) 9AM 1220 Fox Run Pkwy Opelika, AL, 36801 We are celebrating another year with Mason!! He is the most awesome kid despite his Dwarfism and the many surgeries he has been through. JGM AL, along with

River Region Parents I September 2023

Chattahoochee Crawlers, is putting on a Car Show to raise money to help with his medical expenses. *Cars*Trucks*Classics*Jeeps*Motorcycles* ALL welcome to enter!

Raising Chickens Workshop (Free) 9AM - 11AM, Doster Memorial Community Center, 424 S.Northington Street Prattville , AL, 36067 Join the City of Prattville in learning all about raising and caring for chickens!

(334) 595-0100 prattvilleal.gov

Sunday, October 1

Prattauga Art Guild Fall Art Show 2023 1PM - 3PM, Prattauga Art Guild, 342 S Chestnut St Prattville , AL, 36067 The exhibit will open on October 1st. There will be a small reception and presentation of awards from 1-3.

(334) 595-0850 artguild.prattvilleal.gov

Multi-Day Events September 2-December 16

Shelby & Southern Railroad ($4-$10) 9:30AM - 2:30PM, Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, 1919 9th St Calera, AL, 35040 Take a trip back to the days of steam on the Shelby & Southern Narrow Gauge Steam Railroad!

(205) 668-3435 hodrrm.org

September 9-November 18

Saturday Getaway Cruise ($15-$35) 4:30PM - 7PM, Harriott II Riverboat, 213 Commerce Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 Plan a Fun Outing this weekend. Grab your partner and make your plans to join us on the Saturday Getaway Cruises, every week, from now through November!

(334) 625-2100 funinmontgomery.com

September 22-23

Montgomery Smooth Jazz Fest ($125 ) Riverwalk Amphitheater, 355 Coosa Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival celebrates various music genres with an emphasis on Smooth Jazz and R & B. Now in our 2nd year The Montgomery Smooth Jazz Festival will provide two days of outstanding performances for national jazz and R & B artists. montgomerysmoothjazzfest.org

September 24-27

Firm Foundations Conference (FREE) 6PM - 7:30PM, Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1685 Taylor Road Montgomery, AL, 36117 How can we faithfully live and raise our families in a post christian world?

Beginning Sunday morning with a message from Dr. Robert Smith at 10:30am and every evening at 6pm we will have the opportunity to hear from different church leaders in the Taylor Road Student Center.

(334) 271-3363 taylorroad.org Please check with each venue prior to attending the event to verify the information provided is still accurate and up to date.

Please send calendar info to editor@riverregionparents.com.

September 14-October 1

A Midsummer Night’s Dream ($26-$70) Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive Montgomery, AL, 36117 Four young lovers facing the prospect of an unhappy marriage escape into a magical forest. Nearby, a fairy king and queen are engaged in a war of wills, and a crew of amateur actors is rehearsing for a royal wedding. One wily sprite intent on mischief has orders to intervene. What could possibly go wrong?

(334) 271-5353 asf.net

September 15-17

Hank Williams Centennial Birthday Celebration

($15-$35) 12PM - 6PM, The Davis Theatre, 251 Mont-

gomery Street Montgomery, AL, 36104 HANK 100 Presented by: Hank Williams Museum.

(334) 262-3600 hankwilliamsmuseum.net

September 15-October 29

Pumpkins at Callaway: Gardens by Day, Glow by Night ($14-$23) 3PM - 10PM, Callaway Gardens, 17800 US Hwy 27 Pine Mountain, GA, 31822 The gardens are aglow each fall during the bigger and brighter Pumpkins at Callaway. By day, explore 2,500 acres of family fun packed with pumpkins, sunflowers and festive fall topiaries. Explore a corn maze growing in the heart of the gardens that transforms after dark into a glowing labyrinth of lights for not-so-spooky nighttime exploration! When you’re ready to hit the hay, check into one of our cozy Cottages, Villas, or Lodge & Spa to keep the excitement going all weekend long.

(855) 885-3841 callawaygardens.com

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KW: As a large family, in today’s society, we are often judged for our choice of having several children, but we know that the Lord ordained our steps to take care of all the precious children He has entrusted us with. We take on that responsibility because it’s in our hearts to love and value them as our children.

RRP: What was the journey like when you and your husband were foster parents?

KW: We were foster parents for several years. We were blessed to be able to come alongside these children and their families for however long they were placed in our home, supporting them through their journey. The need for foster families in our county is tremendous, and we are thankful we were able to play a role in providing care for children in need.

Kim Woods

RRP: Your youngest three children have special needs (cerebral palsy, autism, and fetal alcohol syndrome). How is your support from their school(s) and community?

RRP: How do you balance life being a mother to eight children?

KW: We are blessed to have an excellent school system. When looking for a home in Alabama, we chose our town based on the quality of special needs education our school system offered. We are also blessed to be able to send one of our daughters to a private Christian school that can accommodate her learning challenges and meet her educational needs. We’re included with open arms in our community.

They always provide an inclusive atmosphere for our family.

KW: I am a highly organized person and use several apps and reminders to keep up with appointments, activities, and obligations. I also try to spend quality time with my family and plan for vacations and adventures. I want my children to know that they are valued and loved despite how busy my schedule might be throughout the years.

RRP: How do you handle challenging behaviors with your children?

KW: Our parenting looks different for each of our children based on their specific needs. We try and help them work through their challenges with love, consistency, and support.

RRP: What has been the most rewarding experience you have had as a mother?

RRP: How do you handle feeling overwhelmed as a mother?

KW: Seeing my children grow into kind, compassionate, and thoughtful individuals is rewarding. When that outcome happens, I feel like I’ve done something right as a mom. As we experienced being foster parents, our children have learned to sometimes put the needs of others before their own. When my children open their hearts to others, that teaches them valuable lessons as they transition into adulthood.

KW: I try to take time out for myself and go out with other moms for monthly activities such as playing bunko or going to dinner.

Self-care is necessary for my overall well-being. Finding quiet time to decompress or reflect is vital. I also have a spouse who is always willing to help meet family needs.

RRP: Why would you recommend Children’s Harbor at Lake Martin to parents with special needs children?

RRP: You have three adopted children. What advice would you give to parents who are contemplating adoption?

KW: We have been blessed as a family to attend camps at Children’s Harbor for several years now. We can go to specific ones that allow us to meet families encountering the same challenges. We also attend every year with our Magic Moments family, the only wishgranting organization devoted exclusively to creating magic moments in the lives of children in Alabama with chronic life-threatening or severe life-altering conditions.

KW: The adoption process can be challenging, but it is also the most rewarding experience we have encountered as parents. As parents who have adopted through the foster care system and internationally, we had to prepare ourselves with the required classes and resources to ensure we were equipping ourselves for all the challenges that were to come. We also made sure to join several support groups and surround ourselves with a village of support.

Kim Woods has been married to Nathan Woods for 16 years. The couple have eight children: Nik (26), Aurora (22), Lydia (16), Chloee (14), Chanelle (13), Angelina (12), Anastasia (11) and Layla (3).

RRP: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback about your parenting?

River Region Parents I September 2023

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[ PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE—LOOKING TO THE FUTURE ]

What do MA graduates look like?

Diverse in every way, yet they share surprisingly similar qualities.

The Montgomery Academy instills the kinds of qualities a young adult needs to succeed. Our programs are carefully structured and experiences are designed around creating lifelong learners who challenge themselves. Co-curricular involvement is planned to champion honor, ethics, diversity and service. We do all this—but if you talk to our Upper School students they’ll tell you that they not only study hard in the classroom, they like to play hard on the field, too. Go Eagles!

Th e M o n t g o m e r y A c a d e m y The Pursuit of Excellence in K-12 Education Contact Rachael Gallagher, admissions@montgomeryacademy.org | 334.272.8210 | montgomeryacademy.org 1

MA05-43300-Parents Back Cover-April 19.indd 1

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