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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
KNOXVILLE
February 2016 Volume V • Issue II Adam and Samantha Kalwas, Publishers Advisory Board
Contributing Writers
Sr. Mary Marta Abbott, RSM The Diocese of Knoxville
Vincent Amico Jeff Ashin Jeff Comas Tracey Matthews Erin Nguyen Mike O’Hern Michael K. Smith, Ph.D. Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble
Marie Alcorn United Way of Greater Knoxville Mike Bailey Small Business Representative Paul Parson East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Tracey Matthews Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement
Contributing Photos By Jeff Comas Mickey’s Travel Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble Young-Williams Animal Center
Elizabeth Pooley Marketing Professional Lee Tramel Knox County Sheriff ’s Department Liza Zenni The Arts and Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
Parent publications are GREAT places to advertise! For more information, please call: (865) 622-9680.
In This Issue... The Cerebral Development Of Teens “The process of developing maturity can be difficult for both parents and teens, but by better understanding how the teenage brain works, a world of difference can be made for everyone.” PAGE 4
Gauss Who’s Coming To Dinner “...I found that he is sometimes referred to as the “Prince of Mathematicians” and the “greatest mathematician since antiquity.” PAGE 5
Reading Knoxville: A Lesson Before Dying “Although it is set in the South before the advent of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, the novel foreshadows racial issues and death penalty controversies that resonate today.” PAGE 6
Contents
4 The Cerebral Development Of Teens
9 Should My Child Major In Music: Part I 11 Adoption Ambassadors: Teaching
5 Gauss Who’s Coming To Dinner
Children Life Skills 6 Reading Knoxville: A Lesson Before Dying
13 Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble: 35th
7 The Big Read In Knoxville
14 10 Terrific Books: Teen Reads - From Book to Film
Season Opener
8 Finding The Right Resort For Your Family
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Knoxville Parent Magazine
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
The Cerebral Development Of Teens
By Tracey Matthews Wynter, Supervisor of the Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement Department
T
he process of developing maturity can be difficult for both parents and teens, but by better understanding how the teenage brain works, a world of difference can be made for everyone. In past parenting models, parents have been encouraged to “hold their breath” and wait out the teenage years of rebellion. The problem with this parenting style is that it can foster a negative expectation of teens. While some teens will figure things out on their own and discover the ability to make good decisions early on, others rely heavily on their parents’ experiences, understanding and guidance. In his book, Active Parenting of Teens, Michael Popkin (2009) presents some powerful resources that can help parents better understand teens as they undergo the slippery and unpredictable process of maturing. His advice begins with science: first, and most importantly, parents must understand that most of the brain functions associated with maturity and adulthood don’t appear until around age 25. Preteens (generally classified as children ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-19) are years away from achieving full maturity in the brain, even though, as a society, we classify anyone over the age of 18 as an adult. A rapid and very intense period of brain growth occurs between the ages of 11 to 14, slightly earlier in girls than boys. This rapid growth is the largest growth experienced by a child since they were infants and is followed by the pruning of brain connections that are being used very little or not at all. Brain connections that are being used grow strong, or mature. This pruning process occurs first in the back of the brain (the Cerebellum, where basic functions like movement and senses are developed) and moves to the front of the brain (the Prefrontal Cortex, often called the “executive center”). The Prefrontal Cortex controls the following: sound decision making, empathy, the regulation of emotions, selfawareness, morality, and the consideration of consequence for actions, or the lack thereof.
Take a moment to think back and recall the foolish things you did at this age. Did you make decisions that baffled your parents? Were you moody? Did you participate in activities your parents warned you against? Now you know that you did those things because your brain was not yet fully mature. Additionally, children in these age groups are easily motivated by peer pressure and are constantly bombarded with messages focusing on increased sexuality or sensuality and personal appearance. As these kids mature, there are a series of developmental “tasks” that must be completed, even subconsciously, that pose unique challenges to young brains. Some of these “tasks” include developing an independent identity, coming to terms with emerging sexuality, developing a philosophy of life and a value system upon which to make decisions, realizing the value of being a productive member of society or the workforce. In addition to the “task list” above, children 9 to 19 must work to overcome the complications caused by major hormonal changes and rapid physical growth as well as feeling too old for some rules, but too young for true independence. Many of these children are simply confused and frustrated. The feelings of confusion and frustration don’t excuse our children from or relieve them of taking responsibility for their actions, but they do, however, support the idea that although they are going through so much change— physical, emotional, social, and intellectual—they still need adult guidance and support. Though it is important for parents to understand our children’s behaviors during these formative years, it is also imperative that we equip them with the resources they need to both survive this time and thrive as adults. For more information like the above, consider reading below about the Knox County Schools’ Active Parenting of Teens class designed to help parents maximize their ability to provide positive influence, and it’s a lot of fun! Please also share your success stories, related tips, and topic suggestions for future articles by contacting Tracey Matthews Wynter, Knox County Schools Family and Community Engagement Department Supervisor, (865) 594-9525, tracey. matthews@knoxchools.org. For more information and resources available to Knox County Schools’ students and families, please visit us online at knoxschools. org/fce. Active Parenting of Teens Program Do you need ideas and strategies to improve your parenting skills and/or the behaviors of your teen or preteen? Active Parenting of Teens is your solution. Active Parenting of Teens is a comprehensive parenting program for parents of preteens and teens that gives parents the guidance and support they need to turn the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. The FREE class series consists of three four-hour sessions during which participants receive breakfast, a parenting guide, and a certificate upon completion of all classes. It is limited to the 25 registrants on a first-come-first-served basis. For details and/ or additional local resources, contact Tamekia Jackson, Knox County Schools Family Resource Center Director via email at tamekia.jackson@knoxschools.org or by phone at (865) 594-1192.
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Gauss Who’s Coming To Dinner By Mike O’Hern, Center Director of Mathnasium of West Knoxville
D
“...I found that he is sometimes referred to as the “Prince of Mathematicians” and the “greatest mathematician since antiquity.”
Anyway, in this book the author mentions Carl Friedrich Gauss, a German mathematician of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He referred to him as “the greatest mathematician of the nineteenth century.” Now it was me saying “Wait.” There have been some pretty spectacular mathematicians, you know. When I looked into it further, I found that he is sometimes referred to as the “Prince of Mathematicians” and the “greatest mathematician since antiquity.” That’s some pretty bold stuff!
a previous article at length, but a little review never hurt anyone.) So, doing it with this method would give us 100 times 50.5, ending up in the same place: 5,050. Nice.
I knew about his work in statistics (what we sometimes call the “bell curve” that shows an average is actually called a “Gaussian curve”) and in magnetics (the unit of measure of a magnetic field is a “Gauss”), but I never knew about all of the other stuff he did in the field of mathematics (fear not, I won’t bore you with it all here).
Thank you, Carl Friedrich Gauss.
on’t you love it when you learn something new? I was reading a book about math… “Wait. Stop there,” you say. “Are you really that nerdy?” The answer is a resounding NO. My son gave it to me because I own a Mathnasium math learning center and thought I would get a kick out of it. As it turns out, he was right. “Wait. Stop again,” you say. “You’re really getting a kick out of a book about math. You really are that nerdy!” Okay, you win.
In fact, I thought I’d focus on one thing he did when he was about seven years old that kind of blew my mind. Okay, it really blew my mind seeing as he was seven. He was a real prodigy. His teacher gave the class a problem to work out, probably so he could have some “me time” to gather his plans for the class that day. He told them to sum all the numbers from 1 to 100. I can see him wringing his hands with a deep, creepy laugh muttering “That will keep them out of my hair for a good long while…” But it didn’t. Little Carl used some mathematical imagination and discovered if he lined up the numbers from 1 to 50, then lined up the rest of them backwards from 100 to 51 he would have something like this: 1 +100 101
2 +99 101
3 … 50 +98 +51 101 101
So you end up with 50 101’s, totaling 5,050. (Dude. Wish I’d thought of that.) Turns out that this is called an arithmetic series (funny side note, when talking about this kind of series we pronounce it arithMEtic instead of aRITHmetic.). Later on down the road, someone figured out how to sum an arithmetic series in a different way. You simply take the average of the numbers, which can be found by adding the first and last and dividing by two, then multiply that by the number of numbers. (I think we discussed this in As owner and director at Mathnasium (a math learning center in West Knoxville (www.mathnasium.com/westknoxville) for the past five years, Mike has extensive experience teaching children and young adults the foundations of math concepts that are crucial to building their confidence and engagement with math throughout life.
Gauss’ abilities were recognized – he was sent to the finest schools and encouraged to think critically and creatively and ended up fulfilling his great potential. I have really enjoyed learning more about Mr. Gauss because his is a story that really shows that math shouldn’t be about rote learning and exercise only. We should strive to encourage our students to use creative problem-solving when approaching their math.
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Reading Knoxville: A Lesson Before Dying Book by Ernest Gaines, Reviewed by Michael K. Smith, Ph.D.
“I
don’t want them to kill a hog,” she said. “I want a man to go that chair, on his own two feet.” Miss Emma’s godson, Jefferson, has been sentenced to die in the electric chair for his unwitting involvement in a liquor store robbery that left three people dead, including the white storeowner. By arguing for life imprisonment instead of the electric chair, the defense attorney tried to convince the jury that Jefferson, a young black man, wasn’t even a man: “Do you see a man sitting here?...Do you see a modicum of intelligence? Do you see anyone here who could plan a murder, a robbery?...What justice would there be to take this life?...Why, I would just as soon put a hog in the electric chair?” Ernest Gaines’ powerful novel A Lesson Before Dying, set in the 1948 South, portrays the struggle to help Jefferson die like a man. Grant Wiggins, the local teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, is reluctantly persuaded by Miss Emma and his Aunt Tante Lou to visit Jefferson in his jail cell. Although university educated, Grant is angry and disillusioned with his life as a black man in the South. He feels he has nothing to teach Jefferson. His own seeds of discontent were first planted by the schoolteacher who taught him years earlier in the same schoolhouse: “He had told us then that most of us would
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“Although it is set in the South before the advent of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, the novel foreshadows racial issues and death penalty controversies that resonate today.” die violently, and those who did not would be brought down to the level of beasts. Told us that there was no other choice but to run and run. That he was living testimony of someone who should have run. That in him—he did not say all this, but we felt it—there was nothing but hatred for himself as well as contempt for us. He hated himself for the mixture of his blood and the cowardice of his being, and he hated us for daily reminding him of it. No, he did not tell us this, but daily he showed us this.” At the first visits, Jefferson will not speak to Grant. In fact, Jefferson is even acting like “hog” by eating his food with no hands. Later, Grant brings him a radio, a pencil, and a notebook to write down his thoughts. Grant argues that Jefferson needs to die like a man for the sake of others. “Do you know what a hero is, Jefferson? A hero is someone who does something for other people…I could never be a hero. I teach, but I don’t like teaching. I teach because it is the only thing that an educated black man can do in the South today. I don’t like; I hate it…[I am not a hero] but I want you to be. You could give something to [Miss Emma], to me, to those children in the quarter.” Both Jefferson and Grant are struggling to become different men. The local Reverend berates Grant for his lack of faith. “No, you not educated, boy…You far from being educated. You learned your reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic, but you don’t know nothing. You don’t even know yourself…You’re lost.” Jefferson, in his notebook, records his thoughts and dreams: “i aint done this much thinkin and this much writin in all my life befor” On the day before the execution, Jefferson writes: “good by mr wiggin tell them im strong tell them im a man good by” Jefferson’s lesson before dying becomes Grant lesson in living. As Jefferson is being executed on a Good Friday, Grant walks around the schoolhouse noticing a butterfly lit on a hill of bull grass. “What had brought it there?” After he receives the news of Jefferson’s death, he walks back into the schoolhouse and faces the children. “I was crying.” A Lesson Before Dying is a stirring contemplation of life, death, and salvation. Although it is set in the South before the advent of the civil rights movement in the 1950s, the novel foreshadows racial issues and death penalty controversies that resonate today. Michael K. Smith, Ph.D., is owner of TESTPREP EXPERTS (www.testprepexperts.com ) which prepares students for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. He is also a consultant to Discovery Education Assessment. He can reached at mike@testprepexperts.com.
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
The Big Read In Knoxville By Michael K. Smith, Ph.D.
Gaines’ novel A Lesson Before Dying (see eErnest book review in this issue) has been chosen to ncelebrate The Big Read in Knoxville, February 5 through March 13, 2016. Sponsored by the National lEndowment for the Arts, “The Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, sand ourselves through the joy of sharing a good
book.” Coordinated by the Knox County Public Library and many community partners, “The Big Read supports organizations across the country in developing communitywide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences.” A Reader’s and Teacher’s Guide to the novel is available at the NEA website: http://www.neabigread.org/books/lessonbeforedying/ Mary Pom Claiborne, Marketing and Community Relations Director for Knox County Public Library, is “proud of this program” and the tremendous involvement it promotes among local organizations and the reading community. Several book discussion groups are available to promote understanding and conversation about the themes in the novel (see list of dates and places below). Furthermore, a Community Leaders Forum, hosted by the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office, will “explore themes of social justice, racial inequality, human dignity, and personal redemption.” For a full schedule of events, check out the Knox County Public Library website, http://www.knoxlib. org/calendar-programs/programs-and-partnerships/big-read-2016. The Clarence Brown Theater is also presenting the play A Lesson Before Dying, adapted from the novel by Romulus Linney (February 24 through March 13). Linney gives more of a voice to the condemned Jefferson and the dialogue between Grand and Jefferson pulls the audience breathlessly to the ultimate climax. The Big Read provides a unique opportunity for Knoxville Parent readers to participate in a discussion about profound social and racial issues presented in both the novel and the play. Upcoming Book Discussions: Tuesday, February 16, 4 p.m. KAT Station 301 Church Ave. Facilitated by Michael Grider Monday, February 22, 10 a.m. Bearden Branch Library 100 Golf Club Rd. Facilitated by Ross Jackson Wednesday, February 24, 12 p.m. YWCA 420 Clinch Ave. Facilitated by Avice Reid Michael K. Smith, Ph.D., is owner of TESTPREP EXPERTS (www.testprepexperts.com ) which prepares students for standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT. He is also a consultant to Discovery Education Assessment. He can reached at mike@testprepexperts.com.
“The Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the joy of sharing a good book.” Thursday, February 25, 11 a.m. Sequoyah Branch Library 1140 Southgate Dr. Facilitated by Ginna Mashburn Thursday, February 25, 5 p.m. Beaumont Elementary 1211 Beaumont Ave. Facilitated by Indya Kincannon Thursday, March 3, 1 p.m. Halls Branch Library 4518 E. Emory Rd. Facilitated by Mary Pom Claiborne
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Finding The Right Resort For Your Family By Vincent Amico, Owner of Mickey’s Travel
urrently there are 28 resorts on Disney’s property and just examining all of the choices can be a time consuming task. Remember, there are thousands of people each day staying at every Disney resort. There are no wrong choices, however some will meet your needs better than others There are a few things you might want to consider when selecting a resort or resorts. Does the resort provide the amenities my family will need? Which resort will give my family the most fun and the best quality experience for my current budget? First thing is to get familiar with the types of Disney resorts. Walt Disney World resorts are grouped into four distinct resort class: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villas. Prices vary from under $100 a night to over $1000 per night. Rates are based on bedding and room layout, onsite recreational amenities, services and dining options as well as proximity to the parks The type of bedding and room types will help narrow down some choices. For some, double beds may be fine and for others they want beds similar to what they have at home. Some parents prefer separation from the kids, so the options at that point are the following: getting two rooms at any resort, a two room suite at a Value resort, or a large suite at a Deluxe resort. Deluxe Villa Resorts offer the most flexibility starting with studios with kitchenettes, or 1 to 3 bedroom villas with living rooms, dining rooms and full kitchens. The next question is how much time will I spend at the resort? Coming back for a midday break, many families will enjoy the pool but for some will want something more to do. Having boating, biking, and other amenities adds to the vacation experience. However, as a Disney resort Guest you can visit any Disney resort, while enjoying recreational activities. The one thing you can’t do is swim at any other resort’s pool. I remember one mother saying how everyday she serves the family dinner, gets ups to give them seconds, and even refills their drinks. “I’m on vacation and I want someone to serve ME for a change,” says the mother. There are over 300 dining locations throughout Walt Disney World, and many people eat where they are or plan to be. Some people want a selection where they are staying
“Regardless of your choice, you and your family will receive Disney’s highest level of guest service and legendary hospitality.” All the resorts have quick, self-serve, inexpensive dining options. Some moderate resorts and all Deluxe and Villa resorts also offer sit down table service dining. Some Deluxe resorts offer multiple options, such as buffets and character dining opportunities. All resorts have some type of in room options. For families, traveling with young children can be more work than relxation. An in room babysitting service is offered at all Disney resorts for parent that are wanting some quality grown up time. Disney also has Child Activity centers located at five of the deluxe class resorts that any resort guest can go to. Children’s Activity Centers are delightfully themed, supervised play spaces where kids 3 to 12 years of age can watch movies, play games, draw, dine and make new friends. Thinking of staying at a deluxe resort, while having one quality right alone with your spouse may sway your decision. Next topic to consider: resort locations versus park locations. Walt Disney World is approximately 43 square miles and is roughly the size of the city of San Francisco. No matter where you stay you will never be by “all” the parks. For some of you, transportation or location may be of importance in deciding where to stay. Disney is broken down by five main locations: Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Epcot Resort Area, Wide World of Sports Resort Area, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area, and Disney Springs Resort Area (formerly Downtown Disney) Once you narrow down your choice of resort, the next decision is to look at the room category. Room categories are usually based on the view at some resorts, and at other resorts it is based on the location of the room. Pricing varies for the type of category. The Value and Moderate resorts are large resorts and offer preferred views, which are located close to the main building and transportation to the parks. Some offer view specific features, such as pool or water. Deluxe resorts usually offer categories based on the view from a standard view to a theme park view. Most Deluxe Villas do not have room categories. Of course cost is a big factor, but there is cost and then there’s value. Sometimes value can outweigh cost, and certain amenities may enhance the vacation experience. Regardless of your choice, you and your family will receive Disney’s highest level of guest service and legendary hospitality. Vincent Amico is the owner of Mickey’s Travel. Mickey’s Travel has been designated by Disney Destinations as an “Authorized Disney Vacation Planner” as a result of our agency’s ongoing focus and commitment to planning customized, magical trips to the Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line® and other Disney vacation destinations worldwide Mickey’s Travel is a 100% FREE No Fee travel agency and has been in business for over 20 years sending thousands of families on Disney vacations www.mickeystravel.com
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Should My Child Major In Music: Part I by Jeff Comas
I often hear from parents this ,Aquestion time of year is- “Should my child major in music, in college?” When I hear this l question, it usually means that their child is 18, college is looming just ahead, and l 17it’sortime to consider a major. Their child may not what they really want out y of college,know but they know that they love to
“If you believe your child is set on pursuing music education and/or pursuing a career in music, then it is in their best interest for you to help them find the right path.”
play music. Being a music major sounds like it would be lot more fun, and much easier than majoring in math, or science. So they tell you “mom…dad, I want to major in music.”
Maybe your (not so little anymore) Johnny loves to jam out on the rock tunes he’s learning at his guitar lessons and wants to be a rockstar, and you have to admit- he is actually getting really good. Maybe Sally has been seeing a vocal coach and can sing all the pop tunes on the radio and wants to be a famous singer. She really has good pitch and a good sounding voice. You love your kid and you want nothing but the best for them, but as a parent you may wonder if you want your child to pursue an education, or possibly chase a career in music. We’ve all heard stories of how hard it is to “make it” in the music biz, and I’ll admit it can be challenging. It’s true that many “professional” musicians only manage to produce a meager living, even some who seem to possess great “talent.” However, the truth is that there are actually many ways to earn money with, or from, music. Very few involve fame and stardom, and most do not involve a regular paycheck. Still, if one takes the right steps, even a musician with average talent can bring in decent income with his or her craft and skills. So, the answer to the question “Should my child major in music, in college?” really depends on a several factors; lets take a look at some possibilities. There are basically three types of formal music education available: traditional university music programs, modernized university music programs, and avocational music programs. I have experience with all three types, and considered opinions about what they offer for (young) adults who are considering music as a career; or considering formal music education for other reasons. Jeff Comas started playing music at 5 years of age. He is the owner of Allied Music Instructors. He has been a music educator since 1989, and has given over 40,000 music lessons.
If you believe your child is set on pursuing music education and/or pursuing a career in music, then it is in their best interest for you to help them find the right path. In Part II of this article, I’ll discuss more about the types of music education and which one, if any, is right for your child. Stay tuned...
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Adoption Ambassadors: Teaching Children Life Skills By Jeff Ashin, CEO, Young-Williams Animal Center. Photo by: Young-Williams Animal Center
I
t’s a question many parents face – whether or not to get a pet. Before you decide against it, realize there is a happy medium. Children of any age can help homeless pets in a Young-Williams’ Animal Center program that teaches selflessness and empathy. Your child also will learn how to make a difference for a nonprofit organization. Adoption Ambassadors is a shelter program that is similar to foster care but goes a step further. Adoption Ambassadors’ animals typically are happy and healthy. That’s because many of the pets were surrendered to Young-Williams Animal Center by families who could no longer care for them. Some dogs and cats find it hard to adapt to shelter life and often become withdrawn and depressed. Often, all it takes is removing the pets from the shelter and placing them in a better environment – similar to what they were accustomed to – in order to ease the transition to a new home. Becoming an Adoption Ambassador and fostering pets at YoungWilliams Animal Center will help children develop patience and understand commitment. It requires everything from regular feedings to socialization and obedience training. Nurturing and caring for animals teaches accountability and helps develop useful skills, including time management. Gaining the trust of these abandoned pets, some of whom were neglected or mistreated, also helps a child’s self-esteem. Children will see math put to practical use as they feed, weigh and medicate animals with adult supervision. They can write in a journal about their experiences with the pet to pass on to the new adopters. Also, a college student can collaboratively care for a short-term pet and have a companion to help them get over being homesick and stressed by school.
“Becoming an Adoption Ambassador and fostering pets at Young-Williams Animal Center will help children develop patience and understand commitment.” alerting people in their family and community networks. Ambassadors also help maximize the availability and exposure of the pets. For instance, dogs leave with a brightly colored “Adopt Me” vest so that while they’re in parks or other pet-friendly venues, the public will see that the dog needs a forever home. Once an adopter is found who’s a good fit, the paperwork will be processed and presented to the adopting family with their new loving companion – teaching children how to handle formal transactions, along with financial responsibility. As a further reward, your children will know that as a result of their efforts, the animal will not have to spend another day at the shelter. Fostering pets is one of the most rewarding and bonding experiences a parent can have with their kids, making it not only a part of your daily routine, but also a memorable part of their childhood. If you or someone you know is interested in attending an orientation, please contact our placement coordinator, Ashley Thomas, at 865-215-6692 or email athomas@young-williams.org.
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Additionally, children will improve their social skills. Adoption Ambassadors promote the availability of their dog or cat through creative means, such as social media and homemade signs and by Jeff Ashin is the CEO of Young-Williams Animal Center, a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization and the official shelter for Knoxville and Knox County. The center offers pet adoption at two locations and affordable spay/neuter solutions. For more information visit www.young-williams.org
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble: 35th Season Opener By Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble
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noxville, Tennessee (February 5, 2016) – The Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble (TCDE) will open its 35th season with multiple performances at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium on February 26th and 27th. This year’s Season Opening Concert will feature dances by Abby Williams, Courtney Kohlhepp and Karlie Budge, as well as a new work by Amy Wilson. “Whether you love modern dance, classical ballet, jazz or you just need to see something that will lift your spirits and make you feel good about your world, this is the place to be” says Ensemble Director Irena Linn. TCDE is a professional modern dance company comprised of children ranging in age from 8-18 years old. When you see them perform, you won’t believe they are children! The Ensemble has served TN for 30 plus years as dancing ambassadors of goodwill, serving under every Governor since 1981, and exemplifies the highest artistic standards of excellence. TCDE dancers are role models for other children who are motivated and inspired as they experience the joy of movement. The dances performed at the Season Opening Concert will also be going on tour as a part of TCDE’s “Children Helping Children” initiative, which introduces modern dance to children in the most remote areas of our state where there is little opportunity for access to the arts. Most of the children from these remote areas have never even seen a dance performance, much less experienced dance. Here’s a list of upcoming events for the month of February: School/Senior Citizen Performances Friday, February 26th – 9:15am and 11:00am Cost: Children $6.00, Adults $10.00 Public Performances Friday Evening, February 26th – 8:00pm Saturday Afternoon, February 27th – 2:30pm Saturday Evening, February 27th – 8:00pm Cost: Adults $26.00, Children and Students (including college with student ID) $15.00 Tickets may be purchased at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium box office (500 Howard Baker Jr Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37915) or by calling 584-9636. The Tennessee Childrens Dance Ensemble continues to prove a child’s capacity to match a professional level of artistry. It is the Ensembles mission to provide opportunities for children to excel in dance and to teach children that only through hard work, dedication and a heightened sense of discipline is this excellence possible.
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
10 Terrific Books: Teen Reads - From Book to Film Compiled by Erin Nguyen
Children’s Department, Knox County Public Library
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Life changes drastically for high school senior and aspiring filmmaker Greg when his mother forces him to be friends with a girl with leukemia in this surprisingly humorous book. Available on DVD
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins In a future society, sixteen-year-old Katniss becomes a hero and icon when she volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in a televised contest to the death. Available on DVD; final film in series coming to DVD soon
The Maze Runner by James Dashner In this action-packed dystopian tale, Thomas wakes up with no memory in a community of teen boys located in the middle of a deadly maze from which they have been trying to escape for years. Available on DVD; final film in series coming to theaters soon
Paper Towns by John Green When his beautiful, mysterious neighbor Margo disappears after taking him on a spontaneous nighttime adventure, high school senior Q sets off on a mission to find out what happened to her. Available on DVD
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs When Jacob explores a mysterious, abandoned orphanage for “peculiar” children on a small island in Wales, he discovers the children may have been dangerous – and may still be alive. Film coming to theaters soon
Let It Snow by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle In three intertwining stories, high schoolers experience crushes and true love as a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches their small town. Film coming to theaters soon
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness While dealing with the fear of his mother’s cancer diagnosis, Conor must also face the terror of a monster that shows up outside his window in the middle of the night. Film coming to theaters soon
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver When popular teen Samantha dies in a car accident, she discovers that she has the chance to relive her last day and make choices that could alter the outcome. Film coming to theaters soon
For library information in your area visit: www.knoxlib.org/
Divergent by Veronica Roth In a future Chicago where society is divided into five factions, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior faces the dangerous decision of whether or not to join her family’s faction or make her own way in a new one. Available on DVD; next film in series coming to theaters soon
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey Following an alien invasion, survivor Cassie sets out to find her younger brother and realizes she needs the help of a boy who may be an alien himself. Film in theaters now
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016
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Knoxville Parent • February 2016