Upload
mytidewatermomscom
View
219
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Private education guide from Tidewater Parent.
Citation preview
DECEMBER 2010
private education guidewhat’s inside
04 Five signs of a great private schoolBY JENNIFER O’DONNELLHow to tell if a school lives
up to its hype.
06 Back to school for moms, too BY ALISON JOHNSONIf you’re thinking about finishing
that degree, make sure you have
your ducks in a row.
10 Religious programs BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRKPrivate schools can offer a lot, including a faith-based curriculum.
13 Help with homeworkBY JENNIFER O’DONNELLHow to manage all that homework.
16 Organize the school year BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRKGetting off on solid footing means staying organized.
22 Middle school madness BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRKIf your child is headed to middle school, there’s help to be found.
25 The private school checklist BY JENNIFER O’DONNELLWhat to ask before you commit.
28 Lunch with a twist BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTONBeyond PB & J.
PUBLISHERDIANE [email protected]
EDITORJENNIFER O’DONNELL [email protected]
ADVERTISING DIRECTORTAMMY LINDQUIST [email protected]
ART DIRECTORSHERRI [email protected]
DESIGNERBARBIE [email protected]
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERHARRY GERWIEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERSALISON JOHNSON, MARY ELLEN CARRIER, RICK EPSTEIN, SHARON ZOUMBARIS, SUSAN SMIGIEISKI ACKER, BONITA BILLINGSLEY, PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON, KRISTEN KIRK
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVESAMERICA WILSON [email protected]
BUSINESS MANAGERMICHELLE NORMAN [email protected]
TIDEWATER PARENT is published 12 times a year. Circulation: 52,000. Subscription rate: $24 per year. Distribution of this newspaper does not constitute an endorsement of information, products, or services. Tidewater Parent assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Those not accompanied by an SASE with sufficient postage will not be returned.
TIDEWATER PARENT150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 | (757) 222-3905fax (757) 222-5390
MyTidewaterMoms.comCopyright 2010 Tidewater ParentAll Rights Reserved. ISSN 1081-23340
BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNELL
FIVE SIGNS OF A GREAT PRIVATE SCHOOL
If you’re thinking about private schooling for your child, there’s plenty you’ll need to know before you write your first tuition check.
Private school offers numerous benefits to children, but only if you choose the school that’s right for your stu-dent, and that matches your goals. Take the time to get to know each school you’re considering. The tips below should help you in your search.
You receive a warm welcomeWhen you visit a school, you should take note of how you’re
treated by staff. Do you feel welcomed? Are you offered a tour? Can you sit in on classes? The school’s administration should also ask specific questions about your child’s learn-ing style, personality, and challenges as well as your per-sonal goals for your student.
The staff is qualified
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the qualifications of the staff and headmaster or headmistress. It’s not rude – it’s necessary. Ask about their educational background, the staff turnover rate, and previous teaching experiences. Other questions you need answered:
How does the staff help new students adjust? What programs are available for students who are
struggling or are ahead of their peers? How does the school manage bullying and discipline
problems?
The school’s philosophy matches yours
Not all private schools adhere to the same educational philosophy or curriculum. Some of the many philoso-phies or curriculums include Classical, Montessori, Wal-dorf, Preparatory, Military Preparatory and others. Spend time deciding on the program that best meets your child’s needs before you begin your search for a school.
You have recommendations
Sometimes the best way to learn about a school is through others. Recommendations from friends, family, neighbors and others should always be considered. Also, don’t hesi-tate to ask the school for a list of people you may call about their experiences with the school. Questions to ask others might be:
Describe a typical day for a student? How has the school helped your child? Has the school fulfilled your expectations? What are the school’s challenges? Would you recommend the school to others?
The School Offers Flexibility
Make sure any school you consider is willing to work with you, whether you need financial aid, additional tutoring for your child, or assistance with physical disabilities or other health issues. Possible questions might include:
Do you offer tuition discounts for more than one child?
How do you manage students with ADD/ADHD or learning disabilities.
Are before or after school programs available for working parents?
youngchefsacademy.com
350 W. 22nd St. • Ste 103 Norfolk - Ghent
Check us out on Facebook atYoung Chefs Academy of Ghent!
SOL fi eld trips
After School Enrichment
Birthday Parties,
Weekly Classes, and
Mini-Camps
Where Kids Where Kids RULE RULE
the Kitchenthe Kitchen
623-2433623-2433
• Infants and toddlers
• Children’s House ages 3-6
• Elementary grades 1-6•American Montessori Society Full Affi liate
GREAT BRIDGE SCHOOL516 Albemarle DriveChesapeake • 757-410-9474
www.chesapeakemontessorischool.com
GRASSFIELD SCHOOL 2013 Scenic ParkwayChesapeake • 757-547-7673
Chesapeake Montessori
OPEN HOUSE FEBRUARY 12, 2011
Norfolk Christian Schools255 Thole Street, Norfolk, VA 23505, 757.423.5770 • norfolkchristian.org
“I felt completely prepared for higher education and
thrived in college.”
“Norfolk Christian Schools are largely responsible
for the person I am today. I received a good
education, a spiritual foundation, and formed
lifelong relationships. Now, I’m a stay-at-home
wife and mother. It’s important that I did receive
a good education because I teach my children
every day.”
Kristen StappAlumni/Mother
Call for Information about our Head, Hands, & Heart tours.
Some days, Joyce Hartman wakes up at 4 a.m. to do research. Some
nights, she’s up until midnight or later writing papers. The 39-year-
old mother of two has been known to do a bit of heavy reading -
think Einstein’s theory of relativity - at the beach. She has learned
to say no to certain requests for her time and has become a master at organiza-
tion, from keeping a large family calendar on her refrigerator to shopping for a
month’s worth of birthday gifts on one outing.
Mom going back to school? It’s a team effort.Here’s what you should do first to succeed.
BY ALISON JOHNSON
All the juggling has paid off: Hart-
man, who went back to school in
2008 after a 16-year absence, recent-
ly earned an associate’s degree in
business administration from Tide-
water Community College and now is
pursuing a bachelor’s degree in inter-
disciplinary studies, with a business
concentration, through a University
of Virginia program. The degree will
help support her family’s small con-
struction company and her career as
a student loan advisor. And despite the
long days, she is happy that daughters
Madeline, 8, and Kate, 6, have been
part of her journey.
“The girls understand that maybe
they don’t get to play soccer year-round
or go to the beach whenever they ask,
but they see how important college is
to me and to our family,” says Hart-
man, a Chesapeake resident who also
has a part-time job. “They understand
that what I’m doing is for the better of
all of us. I hope they are learning that
the sky’s the limit on what you can do
if you’re willing to work hard.”
Returning to the classroom as a par-
ent may not be easy, college admin-
istrators say, but many students with
children not only survive but thrive.
“I think so many mothers put every-
one ahead of themselves, or they are
just overwhelmed at the idea of being
in school again,” says Joann Bautti-
Roche, assistant director of the Wom-
en’s Center at Old Dominion Universi-
ty, who also earned a master’s degree
in public administration while parent-
ing three young boys. “I would tell them
not to sell themselves short and think
they can’t do it. They can do it.”
Organization, not surprisingly, is
huge. So is being realistic about the
time required to be a student. For ev-
ery hour in class, a student should plan
on two or three hours of homework, re-
view and other preparation, says Amy
Beldon, counselor with the Women’s
Center at Tidewater Community Col-
lege’s Virginia Beach campus.
Successful students learn to commu-
nicate closely with their spouses, line
up reliable childcare, delegate respon-
sibilities and use their free time effi-
ciently. Some tackle assignments dur-
ing a child’s naptime or while waiting
for appointments; those with school-
Successful students learn to communicate closely with their spouses, line up reliable childcare, delegate responsibilities and use their free time efficiently.
age children might schedule nightly
family homework time. Explaining
the challenges and rewards of going
back to school also can help kids ad-
just, especially if they’re old enough to
pitch in with chores and become more
self-sufficient.
“If you have kids who may be used to
getting attention whenever they want,
they will need to learn to wait,” Bel-
don says. “Maybe you set a timer for
30 minutes and tell them not to ask for
anything unless there’s an emergency.
Or if Dad is around, you tell them to
go to him while you’re working. It of-
ten takes some time for things to settle
down - a few weeks or even a semester.
But don’t give up.” Many parents, she
adds, find their children value their
own education more because of the
experience.
Beldon recommends easing back
into school life if possible: not sched-
uling too many classes in one semes-
ter or too many activities on a single
day. “It does take a while to get back
into the groove as a student,” she says.
“By the second semester, you will be
much more efficient.”
For parents worried about cost, fi-
nancial aid and grants often can help;
start by filling out a federal financial
aid form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Joyce
Hartman graduated from TCC with no
debt, and grants will cover her first two
semesters at Virginia. “There really is
money out there for working moms like
me to go back to school,” she says. “It
takes a lot of the burden off.”
Lining up emotional support is im-
portant too, Bautti-Roche says. Stu-
dents need people who encourage them
through rough patches, both at home
and at school. “I really encourage peo-
ple to get involved in campus organi-
zations, and also to find connections
with professors,” she says.
The hardest part, of course, can be
taking that first step back. “Just al-
ways remember why you’re doing it,”
Hartman says. “Don’t be afraid to take
the leap.”
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOLpre K - 5th grade
6001 Granby St. Norfolk, (757) 489-2732National Lutheran Schools Accreditation
OPEN HOUSEOPEN HOUSESUNDAY JAN 23
1 to 3pmSowing the Seeds
For
65 YEARS WWW.TRINITYLUTHERANNORFOLK.ORG
Pediatric DentistryMark S. Levin, DDSJohn I. Barney, DDS
Michael F. Hasty, DDS, MSScott H. Rosenblum, DDS, MPH
OrthodonticsJohn I. Barney, DDS
1055 Kempsville Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23464
757-474-1200
1368 North Great Neck Rd.Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-496-8300
4169 Virginia Beach Blvd.Virginia Beach, VA 23452
757-486-2525
905 N. Battlefi eld Blvd, Suite 106Chesapeake, VA 23320
757-548-3030
HEY MAMA
...let’s get real...
Communicate with local moms for friendship,
support and fun. Members meet on our
private discussion forums to share information on everything from where
to get the best haircut to tips on how to survive
military deployments. You can share family photos,
check out community events or just network.
The ten commandments of shopping for a school
Don’t assume sport, art, or music programs are available. Need help? See our checklist on Page 25.
My friend had thought of sending her children to
a private school for a while. She wasn’t happy
with the way her son’s public school teacher would
ignore her son’s questions during class or the way her daughter’s
teacher laid a guilt trip on her for taking days off for a family
vacation.
More important: her son needed extra attention and couldn’t get
it in a big class, and her daughter needed more challenging work,
but the teacher only had time to provide one lesson, one set of class
work and one set of homework. Individualizing the curriculum was
not possible in either case.
So, finally, my friend made the switch to a private Christian
school. And she did see her children get more attention, but she still
wasn’t completely happy.
What did she do wrong? She failed to realize that not all Christian
schools are the same. Bruce Devers, administrator of Portsmouth
Christian School and past director of the Hampton Roads Associa-
tion of Christian Schools, notes that every school is going to be dif-
ferent. The parent must choose one that meshes with her — and her
children’s - personalities. My friend heard about one school, trusted
the person she talked to, went for a tour and signed up. Instead, she
might have found a better match if she visited several schools and
kept this list in mind:
BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK
Not every religious school will necessarily be a good fit
1Find out how much
religious instruc-
tion is offered. All
Christian schools
are guided by Christian be-
liefs, says Devers: “We em-
phasize curriculum and
how you’re going to live.”
But how often and exact-
ly what the children study
will vary from school to
school and grade to grade.
Find out the subjects that
are covered, when they’re
covered and how they’re
covered.
2Ask about class
size. In most cas-
es, Devers be-
lieves classes will
be smaller in a Christian
school when compared to
a public school. Howev-
er, you can’t be sure. Based
on the information De-
vers has, most local Chris-
tian schools have classes
ranging between 20 and
24 students. You probably
will find some with smaller
classes, though. The point
is: You have to ask instead
of assuming.
3Confirm the cost.
Friends have ruled
out Christian
schools in the past
because they thought it was
too expensive. That might
not be the case, especial-
ly if you’ve first gotten used
to paying for full-time day
care. Devers reports that
local schools range in price
from $4,500 to $8,000.
The high schools are gen-
erally more expensive due
to having to provide higher
salaries for subject-specific
teachers.
4Volunteering is just
that. I once heard
that private schools
required that par-
ents volunteer. That’s tough
if both parents work. De-
vers says that isn’t the case,
and that parents are mere-
ly encouraged to volunteer
as much as possible.
5Sit in on classes. In
general, Devers be-
lieves students en-
counter fewer dis-
tractions in a Christian
school classroom because
there are fewer behavior
problems. He jokes that
he can’t guarantee that,
though. Again, you have to
look inside each school for
yourself. Get a feel for the
students’ characters. “We
encourage students to fol-
low those teachings in the
Bible,” Devers says, “so I
also hope that the students
show more concern for
each other.” With any luck,
this might mean less bully-
ing in Christian schools.
6Get the numbers.
Christian schools
don’t have to ad-
minister the Stan-
dards of Learning tests.
That means no “teaching to
the test,” which many par-
ents and students appreci-
ate. But there is still a way
to get a feel for how well
the students are doing at
each school. Ask for over-
all Iowa Achievement Test
and Stanford Achievement
Test scores. Knowing these
scores can give you a feel
for how successful the stu-
dents are and if your child
will be on a similar level.
7Learn if the school
is conservative
or liberal. I’m not
talking politics
here. I’m talking about
rules. Not every school for-
bids music, but some do,
and “dress code” is differ-
ent everywhere. You have
to go in the school and
see for yourself where the
school falls on the tough-
to-carefree scale.
8Decide if you can
you pay the price -
or do the time. This
commandment is
related to number 7. What
happens when rules aren’t
followed? Smoke in or
outside of school and get
caught, and some schools
will kick you out. Others
give you a warning - one
warning. Misbehave and
you might have to stay after
school - or Mom and Dad
might have to pay $25 and
bring to Saturday deten-
tion. Are you, Mom, ready
for that?
9Think about extra-
curricular activi-
ties before signing
up for the curric-
ulum. Most parents are
pleased to learn that Chris-
tian schools offer a vari-
ety of sports. But that’s not
the case with what Devers
calls the “fine art” extra-
curriculars. You might not
find the drama program or
chess club or debate team
that you’re used to at a pub-
lic school.
10Ensure
that the ad-
vanced class-
es your child
could use for college cred-
it are available. Christian
schools offer a range of ad-
vanced placement classes
and some even participate
in dual-credit courses with
local community colleges -
but exactly what is offered
depends on the school.
www.gokidgoshuttle.comwww.gokidgoshuttle.cominfo@[email protected]
757-228-5378757-228-5378
We’ll help you get them there!We’ll help you get them there!
Prearranged, safe, reliable, alternative transportation
for children and teens.
Contact us now for a free introductory meeting!
Go on-line for a no obligation quote!
• Parents - We take kids to & from school& their activities. Now serving South
Chesapeake & Virginia Beach• Youth Organizations and Daycares -
We offer summer camp and fi eld trip group transporation originating in South Hampton
Roads and northeastern North Carolina
Homework is here to stay - at
least until the next revolu-
tion in education sweeps
into public classrooms. //
In the meantime, parents who think
their children bring home too much
homework might be tempted to let
the assignments go unfinished. That
will, however, only hurt the child in
the long run.
Planning for good habits will make all the difference
BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNELL
GETTING THE HOMEWORK DONE
But parents can take steps to help
their children, in fact the entire fam-
ily, through stressful homework-filled
evenings. Here’s what the experts rec-
ommend in order to help your child
complete assignments in a timely
manner.
Analyze the Assignments: One of
the biggest gripes parents have has to
do with the type of assignments their
children bring home. For starters,
children should never be given new
material as a homework assignment,
say educators. Assignments must be
realistic. Teachers can’t expect chil-
dren to learn a new concept at home.
That means that homework assign-
ments should repeat what’s already
been covered in class. And even then,
limits should exist. Take the subject of
math, for example. Academics say it’s
perfectly fine for teachers to ask stu-
dents to complete a few math problems
based on the day’s lesson. But when a
teacher sends a child home with page
after page of the same type of problem,
that may be too much.
Establish a Routine: If your child’s
homework responsibilities seem exces-
sive and your student is having trouble
completing the work, try to establish
a routine that both you and your child
can follow everyday.
Some parents follow a reward system
in order to encourage students to tack-
le homework right away. For example,
you could say, “Life begins after your
homework is done. After that, you can
go skateboarding or watch television or
flip through comic books. All is yours
for the asking once you’re finished.”
Create a Good Study Environment:
Parents should try to minimize poten-
tial distractions during homework time.
Set up a well lit work area with easy ac-
cess to you, in case there are questions.
Some parents might be tempted to turn
off the television and radio during home-
work time, but some kids actually desire
background noise and in fact, may even
need it. Find what works best for your
child and stick to it.
Control Your Frustration: It’s
hard not to get red in the face when
a homework assignment that’s sup-
posed to take 15 minutes ends up tak-
ing two hours, especially if your child
whines and moans through the whole
two hours. But parents can help their
children keep their focus by maintain-
ing their own tempers.
Find out what you’re doing during
the homework that’s causing it to be
stretched out. Possible reactions in-
clude anger, negative comments, pres-
sure tactics, and frustration. Maintain
minimal reaction to all negative behav-
ior on a student’s part. Be neutral, and
when the student finally picks up her
pencil, praise her.
Become and Advocate: If you really
believe your child is overburdened with
homework, or that the assignments are
frivolous and unnecessarily time con-
suming, speak up.
Experts say some school systems have
initiated changes in regards to home-
work after parents brought their con-
cerns to the school staff and principal.
Some parents might be tempted to turn off the television and radio during homework time, but some kids actually desire background noise and in fact, may even need it. Find what works best for your child and stick to it.
Establishing a routine will help keep stress at bay and grades up
BY ALISON JOHNSON
Alena’s before-school checklist
includes brushing her teeth, eating
breakfast and checking that she has
all her homework and her lunch in her
backpack. After school, the fifth grader
has a healthy snack, picks out clothes
for the next day, pulls her homework
out of her bag and lays the papers on
the table where she works. After she
finishes her assignments, she knows
to put her work straight into her bag so
her 2-year-old brother won’t draw on it
or try to stuff it into one of his toys.
“You don’t want to make her feel in-
adequate or that you are Drill Sergeant,
so I’ll simply say something like, ‘Ale-
na, let’s check off your list together,’”
said Webster, who lives in Chesapeake.
“And I’m proud to say that through this
technique, Alena is confident that she
can go to school without concern of
getting in trouble for forgetting home-
work, and I know that she’s prepared
for the day.”
For students of all ages, organization
often isn’t a strong point. Some com-
mon clues: backpacks stuffed with old
crinkled papers, forgotten tests and as-
signments, prolonged homework ses-
sions and lost school supplies. Parents,
meanwhile, struggle to decide what to
throw away and what to save; some
may miss signing needed paperwork
or going to important school events.
Poor organizational skills can not
only hurt a student’s grades but make
school and home life much more stress-
ful, said Amy Scott, Director of the
Sylvan Learning Center of Hampton,
where tutoring programs include ses-
sions on study skills. Checklists like
the ones Webster uses can make a
huge difference to both kids and par-
ents, Scott said.
“Creating systems that work for an
individual child really helps with home
life sanity,” she said. “The quicker you
can get into a daily routine, the better.
I have seen whole grades change based
simply on the way a student does night-
ly homework.”
Luckily, families can fight disorgani-
zation with a variety of approaches, ac-
cording to Scott and other experts:
Getting homework done. The
first step, Scott said, is to pick a specific
spot in the house where each child will
study. Then keep that area stocked with
A few days before school starts, Trudi Webster and her 11-year-old
daughter, Alena, sit down together and write a to-do list of her
school responsibilities. One section covers the morning and an-
other the afternoon, and both hang on her bedroom door.
a bin of the same school supplies they
have in their desks at school. Ideally,
the study spot should be close enough to
parents that they can monitor progress
but not so close that the child is tempt-
ed to ask for help constantly. While a
desk or table is best for some students,
others like to sit on a couch or even lie
on the floor.
“If sprawling on the floor is what
works, go with it,” Scott said. “The
important thing is that they’re not in
a different place every day. You want
them to think, ‘I’m in my homework
space, and I’m not leaving it until I’m
done.’ Their minds will make the rep-
resentation that this is a place to learn
and study.”
If possible, families should set a time
period each afternoon or evening when
everyone - not just the kids - sits down
and works on something, said Mary Jo
Bracken, a guidance counselor at Toano
Middle School in James City County.
As students do their homework, par-
ents might read, get on the computer
or catch up on bills. That “quiet time”
can change on different days of the week
based on schedules.
“It creates an expectation for kids:
this is what our family does,” Bracken
said. “Kids really respond to consisten-
cy. I also think parents get overloaded
just like kids, and slowing down helps
everyone focus on what they need to
get done.”
Students, particularly those with at-
tention problems, also tend to do best
when they tackle one assignment at a
time, said Mary Frances Ballard, a re-
tired middle school teacher who now
owns Orderly Places, a Peninsula-based
organization business. Rather than un-
packing all their books and papers at
once, Ballard suggests students take out
one thing at a time. When that assign-
ment is done, they can return it to the
bag and take out the next.
“That’s a great strategy for kids to
learn as they mature: focus on one
piece of work, concentrate on it until
it’s completely done, and done well, and
then move on,” Ballard said. “A big pile
just tends to be a big distraction.”
Parents can help kids learn to prior-
itize tasks as well, Scott said. Under-
standably, most students want to do
the easiest subject first; if they hate
English, they’ll want to do their gram-
mar worksheet last. Sometimes that’s
fine, Scott said, but kids should think
more about what is most important. If
tests count for 50 percent of a grade
and homework 10 percent, studying for
a science test is a better use of prime
homework time than finishing every
last math problem.
Finally, if a student regularly strug-
gles to complete homework in the time
suggested by a teacher, schedule a con-
ference, Bracken advised. Also watch
for signs a child may be too loaded up
with non-school activities, including ex-
haustion, poor eating habits and fall-
ing grades.
Long-term planning. The ability
to look ahead doesn’t come naturally to
many kids. They will finish homework
assignments due the very next day but
not get an early start on projects, study
for future tests or take the time to orga-
nize their notes and supplies. To avoid
last-minute scrambles, students need
to begin considering those tasks as dai-
ly homework too, Bracken said.
“Especially as a child gets older, there’s
no such thing as ‘no homework,’” she said.
“So instead of asking, ‘do you have any
homework?’ - which gives them the
chance to say no - say, ‘Please show me
your planner.’ If there’s nothing written
in there for two or three days, contact
that teacher. More than likely, the stu-
dent isn’t writing things down for some
reason, and you need to nip that in the
bud.” Parents also can track future spe-
cial assignments and tests on many teach-
ers’ Web sites.
Scott suggests posting a large fam-
ily calendar in a central location such
as the kitchen, with a different color
pen assigned to each child. That cal-
endar would display weekly extracur-
ricular and family activities and impor-
tant school assignments and events. So
if a test falls on Wednesday and there’s
soccer practice Tuesday night, a student
should plan to do some studying on Mon-
day night. Parents could even schedule
weekly “family meetings” to spot busy
stretches ahead of time.
“It helps kids get out of the, ‘Oh no, it’s
the night before and I haven’t done any-
thing!’ situation,” Scott said.
Breaking long-term assignments into
smaller steps also heads off panic mode.
If a child has a written book report due in
a month, for example, the parent might
help develop a plan: select and check out
the book by the end of the first week, read
a certain amount the second week, finish
it the third week and get the writing done
during the last (or speed the schedule up
if the child would rather finish earlier).
For tests, students could plan to skim
a certain number of pages each night,
saying facts and sentences that need
memorizing out loud (a minimum of
15 times is most effective, according to
Bracken). In the days just before a test,
students could ask a parent to quiz them
and then focus on problem areas.
Fighting clutter. Cleaning out
school backpacks and folders daily or
at least weekly is a crucial part of stay-
ing organized, experts say. But no mat-
ter what grade a child is in, school stuff
can quickly take over a house - and just
as quickly get lost.
With young children, the challenge
is all the art and daily class work that
come home. Bethany Lay, a Senior
Consultant with Creative Memories,
suggests asking three basic questions
when deciding what to save: is it time-
less (early handwriting samples, small
handprints), does it tell a story (report
cards, special projects) and is it some-
thing you wish your parents had saved?
Kids also should have the chance to de-
cide what’s most special to them, which
parents might not be able to predict.
At that point, parents can decide what
to scan into a computer and what to
store in a protective box, said Lay, who
uses that approach with her 7-year-old
daughter. “Scan the things that main-
Quality Education with a Christian EmphasisAffordable Rates • Degreed & Qualifi ed Staff
(757) 596-5808 765 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News,VA
(Oyster Point, Next to Casey Honda)
visit us at www.RLCNN.org/[email protected]
We Offer:• Preschool for ages 2½ - 4
(8:30 am - 12:30 pm)• 5 yr old Kindergarten (Full Day)
• Summer Camp • Hot Meals• Before & After School Programs
(6 am dropoff, 6 pm pickup)
Curriculum:• “Open Court” Reading
• “Saxon” Phonics & Math• “Abeka” Science & Social Studies
• Friday “Chapel”
Call today to fi nd out about our workshops and
mini-camps!
422.4337 Virginia Beach
Ready, Set, Ready, Set,
Cook!Cook!
• Weekly Classes• Birthday Parties• Team Building• SOL Field Trips
• After School Enrichment Programs
tain their value even when scanned,”
she said. “So if there is a project where
they have used a handprint, you would
want to keep it because if scanned, you
lose the original size. But if they wrote
a story, scanning will still preserve the
words and the handwriting.” Another
alternative is to take pictures of the
child holding crafts and keep those in
photo albums or computer files, Bal-
lard added.
As kids get older, frequently-used
items such as lunch menus, field trip
information and details on long-term
projects can go on the refrigerator or
a bulletin board, or into a file box in
an easy-to-find location. To store pa-
pers and worksheets a child will need
to review later in the year, keep a “study
materials” bin in the student’s home-
work area, advised Jamika Woodburn,
a mother of two and owner of Organize
Station, a home and business organiza-
tion company based in Yorktown.
Woodburn recommends bins be-
cause they hold more than folders and
tend to get less messy. Students also can
use a color-coded system: red folders
and notebooks for all their math ma-
terials, for example, and blue for histo-
ry. “They can pull whatever they need
right out,” Woodburn said. “They won’t
be digging through their backpack to
see if by some miracle it’s wadded up
at the bottom.”
As for backpacks, shoes and other
needed school supplies, parents can set
a place for kids to leave them each af-
ternoon and evening, Ballard said. “Peg
racks, hooks or milk-crate type boxes -
one for each child - work well,” she said.
“The closer to the door, the better, and
as much as you can keep off the floor,
the better. You don’t want things mi-
grating all over the house.”
That goes for adults’ stuff, too, Brack-
en added. A house doesn’t have to be
perfectly organized, but parents can
be good role models by tackling one
or two problem spots at a time. “May-
be you sort through the recipes or the
magazines, or rearrange the linen clos-
et,” Bracken said. “You can involve the
kid. You can tell them, ‘Today I’ve de-
cided to organize this.’ More than like-
ly, they’ll act like they don’t hear a word
you’re saying. But really, they are lis-
tening.”
And, hopefully, getting more orga-
nized themselves.
Ideally, the study spot should be close enough to parents that they can monitor progress but not so close that the child is tempted to ask for help constantly.
•• NAEYC Accredited•• Hands-on Learning Experience•• Enhance Your Child’s Social Skills•• Strengthen Emotional, Physical and Intellectual Growth
NOW ENROLLING!NOW ENROLLING!
www.sunnybrookdayschool.org
Founded 1960
3380 Edinburgh DriveVirginia Beach, VA 23452
757.340.2266757.340.2266
50 Years Of Excellence!50 Years Of Excellence!
Ages 2 1/2 thru KindergartenCall to schedule a tour
An Affordable, Independent, Private School Celebrating our 60th year
583-RYAN (7926)844 Jerome Avenue • Norfolk, VA 23518
www.ryanacademy.org
Serving Students in Grades 1 - 12
Academic Excellence
Differentiated Instruction
Small Class Sizes
Athletics, Art and Music
Transportation Services
Before & After Care
OPEN HOUSE DATESWednesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm
Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 pm757-499-6064 for a tour of the school or visit the website:
A Higher Education on the
Elementary School Level
A HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BEGIN IN THE EARLY YEARS!
www.ivyleagueacademy.net
If your tween is in her last year of elementary school, it’s not too early to prepare for the
challenges of middle school. A good book can help your child adjust, and answer any
questions that might pop up over the next year. These books aren’t anything like the text-
books the students use in school and most definitely are not written for parents (although
they will help you remember some of that growing-up angst.) Each features simple wording,
large print and lots of illustrations, making it easy to read in one or two sittings:
Getting ready for
middle school? These
titles might help the
transition.
BY KRISTEN DE DEYN KIRK
Buy the book
The Worst-case Scenario Survival Handbook: Middle school by David Borgenicht, Ben H. Winters and Robin Epstein Chronicle Books, $10.99
This book has the best table of contents with fi ve chapters and “how-to” subheads. Your tween could read it all before school starts or just refer to it as he or she faces a new concern. Some of the advice includes “how to rescue a sinking grade” (hold a strategy session with the teacher; ask a friend for help; play “20 questions”); “how to survive the locker-room change” (keep everyone talking; take off one item of clothing at a time and replace it with the similar gym uniform piece; wear a thin t-shirt under your school clothes, keep it on, and place your gym shirt on top of it); and “how to cope when a clique shuts you out” (force yourself to smile; fi nd a hobby you can share; focus on one-on-one friendships). The illustrations tend to include more girls but most of the advice is relevant for boys and girls, and each will appreciate the “girls only” and the “boys only” chapters.
American Girl’s A Smart Guide to Starting Middle School by Julie Williams American Girl Publishing, Inc., $9.95
This narrow, colorful book draws you in with its easy-to-hold size and a variety of formats, from bulleted lists and questions and answers to paragraphs packed with information and questions to ask yourself. New middle schoolers will especially appreciate the illustrated guide on how to work a combination lock. They can also take a color-coded quiz to see what activities might be best for them to join. At fi rst, your tweener might not be as interested in the “teacher” section, but if he or she faces a concern with one, you might try turning to page 32, where different teacher “types” are broken down. The author offers pros and cons and do and don’t advice that will help your tween cope (and might make it easier for you if you go in for a parent-teacher conference.)
Amelia’s Middle School Survival Guide by Marissa Moss Simon & Schuster, $14.99
This book continues the mix of being light on words and heavy on illustrations, but it’s defi nitely different from the other two books in that there’s a story being told. It’s written like an illustrated diary (sort of like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but with more illustrations and side notes) and has two sections, Amelia’s Most Unforgettable Embarrassing Moments and Amelia’s Guide to Gossip. Advice is packed inside this book - but it’s not as easy to fi nd. This might be the one that your tween reads last in this mix of three books, or maybe when she’s already been in middle school for a while (or is even graduating onto high school) and she wants to laugh at all that’s happened - the good, the bad, and the can-only-happen-in-middle-school-thank-God! stuff.
Preschool Classes - Ones - Pre-K9am-12pm
Music & Outside Play
Kindergarten9am-2pm
Spanish, P.E., Music
Infant - All Day Car8am - 6pm
We offer fl exiblebefore and after care for
$5.50 per hour
Summer campsSummer Stay & PlayJune 6th - August 16th
First Presbyterian Church
820 Colonial Ave.Norfolk, VA 23507
635-0667www.fpcnorfolk.org
FirstPresbyterian
Preschool
Experience theLove of Christ
ALLIANCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOLSEach day making a difference … one child at a time!
5809 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth 757.488.5552 alliancechristianschools.org
• Challenging academics, Pre-K3 to 12th grades• Excellent teacher-student ratio• Honors and dual-credit college classes • Extremely affordable Christian worldview education• Full competitive sports program, Metro Conference• Conveniently located off I-664 at Portsmouth Blvd• Currently enrolling all grades
Celebrating 40 years of Christian Education in 2011
Open Houses for summer and fall enrollment begin in January. Visit the websites for dates and times.
HRACS is an organization of biblically based, evangelical schools committed to
promoting Christian education and to fostering cooperation among Christian schools.
Hampton RoadsAssociation of
Christian Schools
For detailed information visit www.hracs.org
Alliance Christian School..........................www.alliancechristianschool.orgAtlantic Shores Christian Schools............www.shoreschristian.orgCalvary Christian School System.............www.calvarycss.orgCalvary Classical School...........................www.calvaryclassical.orgCornerstone Christian School ..................www.cornerstonechristianschool.us.Denbigh Baptist Christian School ............www.dbcs4christ.comFirst Baptist Christian School...................www.fi rstbaptistchristian.orgGreenbrier Christian Academy.................www.gcagators.orgHampton Christian Schools......................www.hamptonchristianschools.comIvy League Academy.................................www.ivyleagueacad.comMt. Pleasant Christian School ..................www.mtpleasantchristian.org Norfolk Christian Schools.........................www.norfolkchristian.orgOaktree Academy......................................www.oaktreeacademy.orgPortsmouth Christian Schools..................www.portsmouthchristian.org Stonebridge School ..................................www.stonebridgeschool.comSummit Christian Academy......................www.summitchristianacademy.orgTabernacle of Prayer Christian School ....757-625-1875Warwick River Christian School...............www.warwickriver.orgWilliamsburg Christian Academy.............www.williamsburgchristian.org
If you’re thinking about placing your child in a private school, it’s your turn to do a little
homework. Private schools aren’t all the same and finding the one that’s right for your
child isn’t always easy. // Here’s how to begin your search, and compare the schools
you’re interested in. Be sure to take notes when you visit, either virtually or in person.
Once you have all your data, it’s time to sit down with your family to discuss the pros and cons
of each school. // Good luck in your search.
What you should know before you commit
BY JENNIFER C. O’DONNELL
The private school search1. What is the school’s academic
philosophy? (Classical, Montessori, Waldorf, etc.)
2. Is the school religiously affi liated?
3. How is technology incorporated into the curriculum?
4. Are AP or IB programs available?
5. What is the student/teacher ratio?
6. How diverse is the student body?
7. How long has the headmaster been with the school?
8. What are the headmaster’s credentials?
9. What is the staff turnover rate?
10. What is the school’s overall appearance?
11. Are sport, art, or music programs available?
12. Does the school appear to be safe and secure?
13. Is the school’s location convenient for you?
14. Is the staff helpful?
15. How would you rate your school visit?
16. Is fi nancial aid available to you?
17. What is your child’s impression of the school?
18. How does the school manage discipline problems?
19. Is tutoring available to students?
20. Are clubs and other organizations available to the student body?
21. Do you agree with the school’s
policies and procedures?
22. Is it possible to sit-in on classes before you commit?
23. How large is the school’s endowment?
24. How many faculty members have advanced degrees?
25. How large is the student body?
26. What are the tuition fees?
27. Is transportation to and from school available and at what cost?
28. Are parents permitted (or required) to volunteer at the school?
29. Is the school co-ed or single sex?
30. Is the school ranked academically and if so, what is the school’s ranking?
31. Is the school accredited and by what organization?
32. How does the school help new students adjust?
Need help choosing a religious school? See our guide on Page 10.
Portsmouth CatholicRegional School
2301 OREGON AVENUE • PORTSMOUTH VA • 757.488.6744 • WWW.PORTSMOUTHCATHOLIC.NET
CALL NOW: 488-6744
❖ Established 1876
❖ Christian Value-Based Education
❖ Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 through 8th Grade
❖ Art ❖ Drama ❖ Music
❖ Dedicated Science Lab
❖ Computer
❖ Technology
❖ Spanish Instruction
❖ Physical Education
❖ SMART Boards in all Classes
❖ Tidewater Catholic Basketball League
❖ Before and After School Care
Full Accreditation SACS/VCEA
OPEN HOUSE January 30th 2011 1-3pm
Tours Daily At Your ConveniencePortsmouth Catholic Regional School
• Christian Environment
• Small class size
• Well-trained, educated teaching staff
• Competitive Rates
• Enrichment Programs
Year-Round Program16mos. - Pre K
Full time/Part time
Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School
3900 Virginia Beach Blvd.Virginia Beach 23452
884 Bells Mill Road Chesapeake, Virginia 23322 phone: 757-547-9550 web: www.themountleads.org
THEVIRGINIAN-PILOTREADER'SCHOICEAWARDPILOTMEDIAREADER'SCHOICEAWARD
Mount Lebanon Christian Academy
We offer Before & After Care
Ages 2 1/2 (fully potty-trained), thru 3rd grade.
We utilize the ABEKA Curriculum:Spanish, Music, & ComputerFull Day Program, Academic Program
Now Enrolling:Now Enrolling:
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and“Train up a child in the way he should go, andwhen he is old, he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:16when he is old, he will not depart from it.” ~ Proverbs 22:16
50% OFFTuition For
Student Referrals
Being a kid can be serious busi-
ness; with all that reading,
writing and arithmetic - not
to mention recess - the student
body can become a hungry body by the
time lunchtime rolls around.
But for mom or dad, thinking about
a tasty, sensible lunch for the starving
student can pose plenty of challenges.
The first is finding something that ap-
peals to their child, the second is find-
ing something that can be eaten in the
short time allotted for lunch. Food not
only needs to be delish, but ready-to-
eat, or at least have a very minimal
fuss factor.
If you don’t pack a lunch, your child
most likely won’t go hungry but they
may be eating things you aren’t that
thrilled with; prepared school lunch-
es are often highly caloric, fat-lad-
en, sodium-packed and full of other
icky things.
Although the term “brown bag-
ging” sounds homey, pack away nos-
talgia and pack lunches in soft-sided,
insulated, closable and easy-to-clean
lunch boxes. Children’s names can
easily be written on the outside of
these containers with a permanent
marker. Using a lunch box like this
not only cuts down on the waste of
disposing of a paper bag daily, but
also gives some protection to the
contents inside.
Likewise, a washable, durable, in-
sulated beverage container is good for
bringing water or fruit juices and keep-
ing them cool until lunchtime with a
few ice cubes added to the contents be-
fore sealing.
BIG MAC PASTA SALADFun elbow macaroni noodles combine with veggies and low fat Italian dressing for a delicious (and interactive!) lunch salad. Use frozen peas and corn; they will be ready to eat by lunch time.
Ingredients1 or 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and cooled2 tablespoons low fat Italian dressing or olive oilHandful grape tomatoes1/4 cup frozen peas1/4 cup frozen cornHandful of hard cheese cubes, like cheddar
MethodPlace pasta in a medium-sized plastic container with lid. Keep dressing or oil in a separate ziptop bag or plastic container until ready to use. In a third ziptop or plastic container combine tomatoes, peas and corn. In a fourth ziptop or plastic container, place cheese. When ready to prepare, pour dressing or oil on top of pasta,
replace lid, and shake to coat. Remove lid and add tomatoes, peas, corn and cheese.
PUFFY PIZZA POCKETFlaky biscuit dough combines with classic pizza fl avors for a delicious lunch entree. Turkey pepperoni keeps the pizza lower fat; substitute with chopped vegetables like broccoli and eggplant if you wish.
Ingredients1 can refrigerated biscuit dough1/4 cup tomato sauce1/4 cup mozzarella cheese1/4 cup turkey pepperoni1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning blend
MethodPreheat oven to 350F. Press each biscuit fl at approximately into a fi ve-inch round. Spread on a little tomato sauce, sprinkle on some cheese, place on top some pepperoni and add a couple of dashes of spices. Be careful not to overfi ll the pockets or contents will leak out. Fold the biscuits over into a half-moon shape, crimp closed and place, evenly spaced, on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 20 and 25 minutes, remove and cool.
Yields six pockets.
Let’s do lunch!
BY PATRICK EVANS-HYLTON
Taste and nutrition coexist happily in these easy brown bag recipes
HUM(MUS)-DINGER OF A SANDWICHProtein rich hummus and fun veggies combine to make a quick-and-healthy sandwich
Ingredients1 whole wheat tortilla2-3 tablespoons prepared hummusShredded broccoliShredded carrotsSugar snap peas
MethodKeep tortilla in a ziptop food storage bag until ready to use. Keep hummus in a separate ziptop bag or plastic container until ready to use. In a third ziptop or plastic container combine shredded broccoli, shredded carrots and sugar snap peas. You can buy shredded broccoli as “broccoli slaw mix” or make your own. Carrots can also be purchased pre-shredded. When ready to prepare, lay out tortilla and spread on hummus. Top with mixed vegetables and roll up. (If you’d like a recipe for an easy and delicious homemade hummus, email me: [email protected])
TURKEY “SUSHI” ROLLSDelish lavash bread stuffed with turkey and trimmings is rolled and sliced like sushi. Complete the illusion with gummy Swedish fi sh as a sweet treat, and pack chopsticks to complete for a bento-esque box lunch.
IngredientsLavash bread or whole wheat tortillaBaby carrots1 tablespoon-plus all-fruit apricot jam/spread3 slices deli turkey breast1 tablespoon cream cheeseRomaine lettuceBaby spinach leaves
MethodLay lavash bread on a cutting board. Toss a handful of baby carrots in a food processor with the apricot jam and pulse until combined; add more jam if needed. Spread the jam mixture on the lavash bread, lay turkey slices on top, and spread on cream cheese. Tear lettuce and spinach in small pieces and lay atop cream cheese. Roll up the lavash bread and cut into pieces to resemble sushi rolls.
CHOCOHINI MUFFINSFresh zucchini is disguised in these delicious muffi ns, made extra special with miniature chocolate chips .
Ingredients1 1/3 cup sugar2 eggs, beaten2 teaspoons vanilla3 cups fi nely grated zucchini1 cup vegetable oil2 teaspoons baking sodaDash salt3 cups all-purpose fl our2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice1 cup miniature chocolate chipsCooking spray
MethodPreheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs and vanilla. Add zucchini and oil and combine. Stir in baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, combine fl our, cinnamon, allspice and chocolate chips. Add to zucchini mixture and stir to incorporate. Coat muffi n tin cups with cooking spray and spoon in zucchini mixture to fi ll cups about three-fourths full. Bake on oven’s middle rack until tops of muffi ns are golden, about 25 to 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center of a muffi n should come out clean. Set on wire rack fi ve minutes; remove from tin and cool for 20 minutes. Yields one dozen muffi ns.
SUPER SIDESHere are some ideas for super side dishes to toss in the lunch box:
Toasted whole-wheat raisin bread cut into “fi ngers”Small tangerines, apples, bananas and other fruitMelon cubesBaby carrots or carrot sticksSugar snap peasCucumber coinsA few cubes of a hard cheese, like cheddarBox of raisinsIndividual applesauce containerWhole grain chips and salsaCereal barPeanut butter and crackersAir-popped pop corn
Christopher AcademyPreschool - 5th Grade
ENROLLMENT
OPEN HOUSEJanuary 21, 2011 6:15 P.M.
· Short formal presentation · Classroom tours · Admission Packets
www.christopher-academy.org3300 Cedar Lane, Portsmouth, VA 23703
757-484-6776Fostering a love of learning since 1970 ~ Member of the VAIS.
MONTESSORI MONTESSORI ACADEMY OF VAACADEMY OF VA
Montessori is a scientifi c method of education utilizing hands on materials to teach small group and individual students. Montessori classrooms are characterized by multi age grouping, student chosen individualized work, (which is guided and directed by a teacher) and student mentors in a collaborative, peaceful environment. Scientifi c
studies indicate that Montessori education leads to students with better academic and social skills. The Montessori Academy absolutely makes this innovative philosophy possible in our community,
with their well trained certifi ed faculty and administration.
Experience the Montessori Difference
757-497-18824774 Alicia Dr. • Virginia Beach, VA 23462
WWW.MONTESSORIVA.COMWWW.MONTESSORIVA.COM
757-436-39951468 Kempsville Rd. • Chesapeake, VA 23320
Now Enrolling
For2011-2012
Creative Learning in a Country Like Atmosphere
“Serving the community since 1979”
Ages 2 - 8State LicensedQualifi ed Teachers3 acre CampusSpanishBefore/After Care
Summer Camps June 1 - August 19Now Enrolling for Summer
Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten6:30am - 6:30pm • Monday - Friday
4249 Taylor Rd. Chesapeake 23321(at Silverwood West)
(757) 484-8783www.CCDS4KIDS.com
Trinity Lutheran School offers admission to academicallyqualifi ed students without regard to gender, race, religion,
ethnic background or national origin.
Serving local children since 1960 • Preschool through Grade 8Academic Excellence • Spiritual Environment
A candidate school for International Baccalaureate PYP
VAIS Accreditation since 1976 • Scholarship AssistanceExtended Care • Bus Transportation
OPEN HOUSEJanuary 9, 2011 • 2 - 4 pm
Conveniently located minutes from the James River Bridge and Monitor Merrimac Tunnel
Experience Trinity, call for an appointmentSheila Moore
[email protected] • 757.245.25766812 River Road, Newport NewsCall 622-8174
610 Mowbray ArchNorfolk, VA 23507
Accredited by the International Montessori Council
Programs for children 2 yrs. through 8th grade
Now Accepting Fall 2011-2012 Applications
Mission Statement: To provide a prepared Montessori environment which is nurturing, consistant and safe, and to aspire to serve the total development of the child, including academic, emotional and social needs.
GHENTGHENTMONTESSORIMONTESSORI SCHOOLSCHOOL
V i s i t u s o n l i n e a t w w w . a p p l e t r e e k i d s . o r g
Starting JANUARY 1st New Hours 6 A.M. - 6 P.M.Specialized curriculum that
is developmentally age appropriate for your child.
Programs include:• Full Time Infant and Toddler Child Care• Full Day and Part-Time Preschool Program For Ages 2 and Up• Private School for Kindergarten - 5th Grade• Before and After School Program • Full Day Summer Camp Program
Preschool, Before & AfterSchool Care & Summer Camp601 W. Washington St.Suffolk, VA 23434(757) 539-9000
Apple Tree Academy501 W. Washington St.Suffolk, VA 23434(757) 539-9000
Preschool, Private School K-1st, Before & After School Care & Summer Camp601 Volvo ParkwayChesapeake, VA 23320(757) 547-9530
Openings at all four locations
Infant - Toddler410 N. Broad StreetSuffolk, VA 23434(757) 539-9267