FREE
Austin’s Comprehensive Source for Parents About Schools and Education
PRESCHOOL EDITION
FREE
CREATED BY PARENTS FOR PARENTS
KINDERGARTEN READINESS What Your Big Kid Should Know & How You Can Help
: ear E D I INS chool G
Pres anguage e v a H L Must ts of Sign chool S fi Bene Christian e T he erspectiv P
SPECIAL EDITION
PRESCHOOL GUIDE
COMPARE SCHOOLS SIDE BY SIDE Including Cedar Park, NW Austin, Central and SW Austin Area Private, Full Day, Half Day, Mother Day Out Programs
7100 Brodie Lane ▪Austin, TX 78745 ▪ P: 512.892.2706 ▪ F: 512.899.1161
Discover Explore Embrace Experience Bannockburn Christian Academy combines affordable Bible-based teaching with accredited higher-level learning. At BCA, the mission of our teachers and staff is to guide generations to become passionate followers of Christ one child at a time.
Students, Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, will receive a firm foundation is reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and Bible, as well as enrichment experiences in foreign language, art, technology, physical education, music, and Library skills. Small class sizes provide daily opportunities for the development of a nurturing environment and close relationships among teachers, children and families.
Visit us online @ www.bcaaustin.org 2
FALL 2011
School Choice
Education. Your Kids. Your Choice.
CONTENTS 5
Community Events
6 Shopping Consignment Stores 6
Sign Language: Bridging the Gap
7
Steps to Conquering Clutter in Kid’s Room
8
Preschool Guide
10
Kindergarten Readiness Journey
11 Top Preschool Must Haves 12
Power of Play
13 What is a “Christian” School? We graciously thank our advertisers for their support of School Choice magazine. PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Brandee Davis BDavis@SchoolChoiceMag.com COPY EDITOR Tina Cavanaugh ADVERTISING SALES Advertise@SchoolChoiceMag.com ART DIRECTOR Jaymar Davis COVER PHOTOGRAPY Lisa Wolniewitz Time Knot Forgotten
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sharon Munroe Tina Cavanaugh Donna Detjen Deana Robinson Kirtley Vanessa Gallo Elissa Fontenot Jenn Larson Brigitte Starkey
For additional copies or further information please contact: THE AUSTIN CITY KIDS FOUNDATION P:512-537-OACK (6225) BDavis@AustinCityKids.com www.AustinCityKids.com www.SchoolChoiceMag.com
School Choice is a publication of The Austin City Kids non profit organization based in Austin, TX. Austin City Kids assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. Information may have changed since press time, so please verify all information when contacting a school or educational resource. Views expressed in School Choice do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part of any element of this publication is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. School Choice
FALL 2011
3
Parent to Parent Letter from the Editor By: Brandee Davis
DOING THE CROCODILE DANCE! If you haven’t heard of the crocodile dance then one of two things must be true. 1) You haven’t gotten the latest cd from local children’s performer Staci Gray or 2) You missed the Preschool Preview at Lakeline Mall! No need to fret because we’ve got you covered. This issue of School Choice is dedicated to PRESCHOOLS!! From our 2012 Preschool Guide that lists information about schools from Cedar Park to Southwest Austin to our article on the Top Must Haves Preschoolers, this issue covers the ins and outs of getting your little ones ready for school. This fall my youngest will be going to “big girl” school. As happy and as excited as she is, I find myself reminiscing. Remembering being a sleep deprived new mom trying to get a bottle together for a 4 am feeding. In the course of two weeks, I broke four glass bottles (this was when we first heard of the BPA in plastic bottles) and cried nearly everyday thinking when is this going to get easier. Today my life is filled with the phrase “I can do it myself Mommy!” My three and a half year old is very much “Miss Independent.” She can make her own cup of juice in her BPA-free plastic cup and I haven’t been up at 4 am since I attended Homecoming at my Alma Mater this past fall. I read somewhere the only thing that is constant... is change. It is my hope, as your toddler gets ready for preschool, that this issue helps you get through that transition. Happy Reading,
Brandee Davis
4
FALL 2011
School Choice
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ SchoolChoiceMag
Follow us on Twitter: #AustinCityKids
Email us parents@ AustinCityKids.com
School Choice Community Event
Early Childhood Education Fair
School Choice
FALL 2011
5
Green Tip: Shopping Consignment Stores by Elissa Fontenot and Sharon Munroe In today’s shaky economy learning lessons on money saving tips and budgeting are essential and consignment store shopping is your answer. Involving your kids in the entire process of a shopping trip -from budgeting to finding the right consignment store that meets your needs and purchasing quality items that last -. show them how they can give back to the local community.
Cathedral School of Saint Mary Excellence in Education since 1866
901 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701 ● (512) 476-1480
Most consignment stores will bring items that don’t sell or don’t meet store standards to local non-profits for families in need. This lesson allows your kids to see that you shouldn’t just throw out those gently used items and that another child could use and really value the clothes or toys.
Sharon Munroe is owner of Little Green Beans consignment store. To learn more about Little Green Beans please visit our website at www.lilgreenbeans.com.
Sign Language: Bridging the Gap Between You and Your Baby The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood…… - Ralph Nichols It’s lunchtime and 8 month old Sophie is in her high chair-crying in frustration! Could
6
FALL 2011
School Choice
Sophie w a n t m o r e grapes? More water? Her favorite toy? Imagine avoiding that potential meltdown by communicating with your baby in a language you both understand. American Sign Language is the 2nd most popular language in the world. More and more parents and preschools are coming on board, to learn and reap the wonderful and amazing benefits of American Sign Language or modified baby signs. But does it really work? EASING FRUSTRATIONS & BUILDING CONFIDENCE By the time babies are 9 to 10 months old, they are quite capable of knowing what it is
they need or want. What they don’t know is how to tell us with words-which leads directly to frustration for baby and parent alike. All this changes when a baby is able to use signs. With signs like “eat,” “drink,” “hot” and “cold,” literally at their fingertips, babies can make their needs known quickly and quietly without becoming frustrated and resorting to tantrums and tears. Children develop confidence and self-esteem that accompanies “being heard”. Parents are often surprised to learn what their babies are thinking when they are just months old. Babies develop the gross motor skills needed to produce some signs much sooner than the fine motor skills needed for speech. BABY SIGNING MADE FUN! Turning to a baby sign language instructor can take babies and parents much further than the three or four signs many babies learn at home. The classes are fun and interactive and instructors are able to answer many questions for the parents. Tina Cavanaugh is an Independent Certified Baby Signs® Instructor and On the Grow™ Educator in Austin, TX. Visit: www.BabySignsProgram.com/bytinac for class schedule.
STEPS TO CONQUERING CLUTTER IN YOUR KID’S ROOM
Use small colorful containers for items that are used regularly and make sure they are easily accessible. Use labels and/or pictures to designate where things are kept. Donate gently used toys to a local charity or swap them with friends. Designate a day of the week for them to deliver their dirty laundry to the utility room. For children who share a space make sure drawers and shelves have labels to help define boundaries.
Tips provided by Brigitte Starkey, owner of Cure for Space, Professional Organizing Services.
NOW registering for Fall of 2012-2013 School Year Ages from 16 Mos - 5 Yrs Our Open House Monday April 30th, 2012 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Call today, we are filling up fast!
8203 W. Hwy 71 Austin, Texas 78735 SW Austin in Oak Hill off of Hwy 71 W. (512)-301-MOMS (6667)
www.swfamilyfellowship.com
ow
N lli
ro
En !
ng
St. Paul
Lutheran School
Austin’s only Montessori/Unity-based Preschool Teaching balanced lives from the ground up! 18 Months to 5 years of Age Half-Day, Year Round Language, Phonics, Math, Music, Art, Yoga, Truth for Tots and play, play, play! New Family Information Session Wednesday, October 19, 2011 12:15-1:30 Lunch included OR 5:30-7:00 Light snacks included
Reserve a spot by 10/17 Contact Mary Eifert 512-472-3313 or mary.eifert@stpaulaustin.org
3407 Red River, Austin, Texas 78705 ▪ 512-472-3313
Wee Wisdom Preschool is a spiritual community that is actively committed to inspiring and guiding our children as they grow in knowledge, wisdom and faith. www.WeeWisdomSchool.org 512-335-4449 Lisa Hammel, M.Ed., Director School Choice
FALL 2011
7
School Choice Preschool Preview Guide 2012
PRESCHOOL GUIDE 2012 - 2013 Cedar Park - Northwest Austin Area Schools Name of School
Admission Contact
Challenger School 15101 Avery Ranch Blvd, 78717 www.ChallengerSchool.com
Dr. John’s Sports Center 1800 Clover Lane, Cedar Park 78613 www.DrJohnsSportsCenter.com Goddard School of Cedar Park 1905 El Salido Pkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613 www.GoddardSchool.com
Molly Bauer Phone: 512.341.8000
Summit Christian Academy 2121 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613 www.SummitEagles.org
Avg. Class Size
Tuition
Pre-K through 1st Grade Half and All Day Classes
24
$2,800 $9,480 Full day child care $160/ week. Half Day Big Day for Pre-K $100/week. Part time and full time options, call for details
Director: John Krampitz Phone: 512.259.7545
Pre-Kindergarten designed for active children ages 4 & 5. Offering full and half day curriculum utilizing Scholastic’s Big Day for Pre-K.
15
Director: Lisa Tate Phone: 512.258.5292
Infant Child Care, Preschool, Private Kindergarten, Summer Camps, After School Care
Low Ratios based upon age
6 weeks - Afterschool/Summer Camps
Below state ratios
From $295875/mo
Infant Care, Preschool, After School
Low Student to Teacher Ratio
Visit School Website
PreK-12th Grade ACSI/SACS
PreK 14 Kinder 16
PreK $5,475 Kinder $8,315 1st -6th: $8,495
Montessori/Traditional 18 mos.-5 yrs.
Toddler l & ll 12:2, 3-5yrs 20:2
$225/2 days $450/4 days
Spanish Immersion Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, Prek, After School and Camps
Varies depending on age
Depends on Age
Programs Offered
Avg. Class Size
Tuition
Serves Grades Pre-K through 8th
10-12
$5,500 $8,200
Little Acorn Academy Director: 3200 Hatch Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Stephanie Nowell www.LittleAcornAcademy.com Phone: 512.331.5400 Serendipity Learning Center 900 Nelson Ranch Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613 www.SerendipityLearningCenter.com
Programs Offered
Director: Cathy Lovelady Phone: 512.401.0800
Registrar:Kim Walker Phone: 512.250.1369
Wee Wisdom Preschool 9905 Anderson Mill Road, 78750 www.WeeWisdomSchool.org
Director: Lisa Hammel, M.Ed. Phone:512.335.4449
Young People’s Workshop (2 Locations) 3640 Bee Cave Rs (SW Austin) 3620 Hillside Drive (Brushy Creek)
Director: Monica Moreno Phone: 512.329.5611
Central and Southwest Austin Area Schools Name of School
Admission Contact
Bannockburn Christian Academy 7100 Brodie Lane, 78745 www.BCAaustin.org
Admissions: Mandy Maclay Phone: 512.892.2706
Cathedral School of Saint Mary 910 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701 www.SMCSchoolAustin.org
Director: Greg Vidal Phone: 512.476.1480
Private School PreK - 8th
12
Schedule a Visit
St. Gabriel's Catholic School 2500 Wimberly Lane, 78735 www.SGS- Austin.org
Admissions: Erin Guerra Phone: 512.327.7755
Private School PreK-8th
10
Schedule a Visit
St. George’s Episcopal School 4301 North IH 35, 78722 www.stgeorges-austin.org
Director: Laura Colangelo Phone: 512.452.6063
Offers classes for children ranging from 18 months to PreK (4 to 5 year old)
See Website
$415 - $675 per month
Southwest Family Fellowship MDO 8203 West Hwy 71, 78735 www.SWFamilyFellowship.com
Director: Lorinda Moya Phone: 512.301.6667
Mother’s Day Out Program
1 to 6
$275 Infants $225 2-5 year olds
Handwriting Without Tears, Zoophonics and Creative Curriculum
10
$860 a month
The Rise School of Austin 5206 Balcones Drive, 78731 www.RiseSchoolAustin.org
8
FALL 2011
School Choice
Director: Emily Greer, M.S., CCC-SLP Phone: 512.891.1682
5
r
Registered With State and/or Accreditation
School Hours
More about the School
$70
Yes
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Visit Challenger School online at www.ChallengerSchool.com
None, $50 deposit applied to tuition
Yes
Child care 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Big Day for Pre-K 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
: Dr. John’s Sports Center is a neighborhood recreation center that offers Pre-Kindergarten, After School Care, Summer Camps, Sport Development Clinics and Recreational Leagues for children ages 4 - 12.
Varies based upon program
Yes
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
We are one of a very few schools in the country to have national accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Accreditation Commission.
$100
Yes
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Our unique 3-track lesson plans give our teachers options to mold the weekly and monthly lessons to their class and their ever changing abilities and interests.
$75 One time registration fee $50 Supply Fee
Yes
6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Our school offers a loving, rich and alive learning environment that combines a nurturing family atmosphere with a progressive approach to education.
K-12th: $100.00
Exempt, Private School
8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
At Summit Christian Academy, we offer an Impact Education program, classes meet on a weekly basis. Elementary students explore the countries and cultures where missionaries serve.
Yes
M/W, T/Th or M-Th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Austin’s only Montessori/Unity-based Preschool Teaching balanced lives from the ground up! Curriculum includes: Language, Phonics, Math, Music, Art Yoga, Truth for Tots and play, play, play!
$150 registration fee $50/semester materials fee
Yes
NAEYC- Pending
7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The core curriculum at YPW Spanish Immersion Preschool is designed to spark and maintain children’s interest in Spanish by engaging them in creative and enjoyable cultural activities such as dancing, singing, cooking, art projects, and games.
Application Fee
Registered With State and/or Accreditation
School Hours
More about the School
$150
Yes
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
BCA combines affordable Bible-based teaching with accredited higher-level education for South Austin families.
See Website
TX Catholic Education Dept
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
As Christian educators share the privilege and responsibility of facilitating the growth of the whole child.
Pre-Kindergarten Packet Available Online
Catholic, non-church affiliated
Morning Class (8 a.m. - Noon) Afternoon Class (11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
St, Gabriel’s Catholic School delivers the academic advantage of 21st century skills and tools that children need to be successful in today’s world and to help others as well.
Under the auspices of St. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with George’s Episcopal Church. Before and After Care
St. George’s Episcopal School is an inclusive community, inspiring preschool children to love learning by nurturing each child’s mind, body and spirit.
$250.00 Registration Fee
$100 yearly registration
Ministry of the Church
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The mission of SWFF Mother’s Day out program is to offer a fun, caring and educational experience while in a Christian environment.
$75.00 $400 Registration Fee
Yes
8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Rise School of Austin offers a unique blend of services to children with special needs as well as without special needs. The program is a highly stimulating social environment for children who can participate in a group setting with 3:1 ratios. School Choice
FALL 2011
9
School Choice Preschool Preview Guide 2012
Application Fee
The Kindergarten Preparedness Journey:
What Your Big Kid Should Know BEFORE the First Day of School by Deana Robinson Kirtley Assisting children as they begin their journey toward formal education is a process that begins long before the first day of Kindergarten. There are six essential basics that every pre-kindergartner should master before the first day of school. These basics can help kick start a student’s future academic success.
Kindergarten Basics: When entering a Kindergarten program a student should be able to:
;; Sit for 15 minutes during large group instruction and stay focused on the lesson being taught. Children can “practice� this taskoriented skill in many ways. Offer them the experience of a loosely structured reading time at local libraries or bookstores. You may also choose to provide children the opportunity to be involved in more structured environments such as a Pre-Kindergarten or a Sunday school class.
;; Recognize and identify every upper and lower case letter of the alphabet in random order. Parents can help develop this skill by reading aloud to their child daily and familiarizing him/her with letters and letter sounds while tracking the words and letters during the reading. Taking time to ask simple questions about what has been read is also very beneficial.
10
FALL 2011
School Choice
;; Recognize and identify numerals 0-10. Some schools with high academic standards may require numerals 0-20. Students are expected to count aloud and have an understanding of one-toone correspondence. Parents can help develop this important skill by counting with their child. Practice by placing objects in front of your child and have them point as they count out loud. Allow your child to repeat this counting task with a variety of objects in a variety of settings.
;; Demonstrate the development of large and small motor skills. Kindergarten students should be able to hop, skip, jump, throw a ball and walk without assistance up and down stairs. Parents can help develop these skills by encouraging the use of outdoor play with balls and pedal powered toys. Kindergarten students should also be able to control crayons, scissors and a pencil. To help develop these skills, parents should encourage the use of small toys such as Legos. Dressing dolls or action figures also boosts motor skills.
;; Exhibit self-regulation.
Kindergarten students will need to regulate his/her behavior even in distracting situations. Parents can help build self-regulation skills by providing positive encounters while teaching children to control emotions and reactions. Self-regulation allows children to be successful in and out of the classroom whether listening and following instructions to complete a task or playing on the playground.
;; Demonstrate
independence.
Kindergarten
students
must
willingly carry a backpack, zip a zipper, put on a coat, tie a shoe and go to the restroom without aid from an adult.
Preparing for the First Day of School Start now developing a daily routine and follow it consistently. Roleplay a variety of school scenarios—drop-off and pick-up times, eating at the lunch table, and appropriate play at recess. Before the first day of school arrives, take your child to see the school. While you may not be able to meet with the teacher, a simple visit to the school will help your child feel more at ease. If possible, schedule a visit in a Kindergarten classroom, and ask any questions you might have. As the school year nears, start your child on the school schedule. Wake your budding scholar early. Time yourselves while getting dressed and eating breakfast on the school schedule. This will help alleviate surprises when the big day finally arrives. The night before school starts, allow your child to help in packing his/her backpack for school. Be sure to place it by the door for easy access. To relieve possible anxiety, rehearse what the school-morning routine will bring, and put your child to bed in plenty of time for a good night’s sleep! Deana Robinson Kirtley is currently the Lead Kindergarten teacher at Bannockburn Christian Academy. Deana has 18 years of teaching experience, including 6 years in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. She is currently in her final semester of Texas State University’s master’s program specializing in Family and Child Development.
Top Preschool Must Haves by Jenn Larson
As parents, we know that the correct gear can help enhance a positive situation or curtail a minor catastrophe. We know that you have your hands full, so we’ve scoured the market to bring you our ten favorite items to get your family ready. It’s time to gear up for preschool success! Allergy alert bracelets can speak visually for your child in situations where he may not be able to verbally communicate his needs. Allerbling makes fully customized children’s medical alert bracelets that are both fun and approachable, allowing children to communicate at a glace with teachers and caregivers while reinforcing through imagery what foods are off limits.
1
Insulated lunch kit Built NY’s Big Apple Buddies Lunch Bags
4
(Price: $19.99) http://www.builtny.com)
5
Name labels - Mabel’s Labels (Starting at $21.00) www.mabelslabels.com
Nap mat/cot - Joovy have stepped it up with the introduction of the Foocot. (Price: $69.99) www.Joovy.com
6
7
Sleep trainer alarm clock - Baby Zoo’s Momo Sleep Trainer.
Serving grades Pre-K to 8th
($18.00; www.Allerbling.com)
2
Pint sized backpack -Skip Hop’s Zoo Pack.
(Price:$22.00)
3 512.892.2706 | bcaaustin.org 7100 Brodie Lane | Austin, TX 78745
Reusable snack bags -Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened
(Price $39.99) www.Amazon.com Enrichment activities Babbabox delivers engagement activities for children 3-7 years old directly to your door each month. Created by a busy mom, each box contains all the materials you need for each activity- no additional shopping required! (Price $29.99 per month) www.babbaco.com)
8
Jenn Larson is the VP and Austin Founder of Bump Club and Beyond- Visit www. bumpclubandbeyond.com for more information and to sign up for an event.
(Price: $9.99-$12.99) School Choice
FALL 2011
11
The Power of Play Enhancing Your Child’s Social & Cognitive Development By Vanessa Gallo The room is filled with floating bubbles and the sound of voices singing. Two-year-old Brandon pops a bubble between his hands with two claps. And his peer, Sarah, stands nearby popping her own bubbles with her fingers, hands and face. To her mother she says, “I got one” as a bubble pops on her nose. Opportunities to play are really opportunities to learn. During play children learn and practice social skills, develop cognitive abilities like problem solving, and refine language skills. Renowned psychologist Jean Piaget summed it up best: “Play is child’s work.”
Pretend Play, Real Learning The ability to pretend emerges by 18 months of age and pretend play becomes more sophisticated by 3 years. It may seem like make believe to the adult eye, but it’s what a child uses for practicing adult roles like going to the grocery store or taking care of a baby, and acting out familiar events and actions like eating breakfast or getting ready for bed. Young children also enjoy learning through physical play because it helps them refine budding motor skills. It teaches them to control their bodies, develop confidence and understand their abilities and limits.
12
FALL 2011
School Choice
Physical play can also redirect frustration and pent up energy caused from the stress of encountering new situations.
Make a Play Date Peers become more interesting to young children, especially throughout the preschool years and beyond. A prominent researcher of social development, Kenneth H. Rubin et al., recently demonstrated that infants imitate simple toy actions of their peers as early as 12 months. Not only does this finding suggest that children as young as 1 year are trying to make sense of what their peers do, it supports the importance of the role peers play in a child’s development. Scheduling play dates with other parents and children is an effective and fun way to provide your child with unstructured time to explore and play at her own pace and with peers. What makes the playgroup setting so effective is that it offers an arena for your child to practice social skills with peers but with the security of having you close by for guidance and reassurance. Play is a powerful thing for both you and your child. It emerges on its own, but your involvement and guidance play an important role in your child’s social and cognitive development. Vanessa Gallo is a Program Developer and Trainer at Gymboree Play & Music-offering an array of developmentally appropriate play, music and art classes as well as School Skills for when they are beginning to prepare for preschool. To try a Gymboree class for free call 512.444.9626 or visit gymboreeclasses.com
n of
g ol of ., e y g e o, s
s o o h o r s e a d. t r
d g e s o
ll m
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
WHAT IS A “CHRISTIAN” SCHOOL Christian Education—a Valuable Experience in Learning by Donna A. Detjen, M.Ed. As an administrator of a private Christian school, I am often asked by prospective families, “Why should we choose a Christian school?” The heart and soul of my answer lies in the fact that, first and foremost, Christian schools are Christian. A Christian educational perspective does not malign other schools—private, public or home. It is, instead, the central theme of every educational endeavor every day throughout the school year.
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE All schools provide core content areas of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, but Christian schools often add a fifth core that is held equally important—Bible. At a Christian school, every course is taught from a Biblical perspective and a Christian world-view. Parents should look closely at the school view of the nature of God and the nature of children. In addition to teaching and learning practices, careful consideration should also be given to concepts of right and wrong and how these impact school-wide instruction. It is paramount that parents consider these factors in the decision to enroll their children.
18 Months
No school can successfully guide its learners without parent participation and involvement. Christian schools of excellence recognize that parents are every child’s first teacher and are charged with the Biblical mandate to train and guide their children. Students will be most successful when parents align with the school expectations for behaviors, instructional practices and beliefs. If parents display lack of support for the school staff, policies or procedures in their speech and actions, students will be confused and divided in their commitment.
ACCREDITATION An accredited school ensures peer evaluation and accountability through the accrediting agency. Accreditation also assures acceptance of academic credits and grades when a child moves beyond the school. When considering the cost of Christian education, parents are encouraged to see the tuition as an investment in their child’s future, not just an expense. The value gained through a quality program of Christian schooling will provide benefits for a lifetime. The best Christian schools invite parent contributions and input on a variety of levels. Only by working together, can parents and educators teach the whole child—heart, mind and soul. Donna Detjen, M.ED is in her 17th year as an educator in Texas and in her second year as the principal of Bannockburn Christian Academy. Donna completed her graduate Principal Certification through Texas State University. She can be contacted at donnad@ bcaaustin.org.
Pre-K
St. George’s Episcopal School
Community
Established 1966
Nurturing Inclusive
Spiritual Development
Quality
4301 N. IH 35 Austin, Tx 78722 512.452.6063 www.stgeorges-austin.org
“Where Special Kids Shine.” 5206 Balcones Drive Austin, TX 78731 ▪ (512) 891-1682 School Choice
FALL 2011
13
512-258-PLUG (7584) • www.plugandplayaustin.com
make your life work
100% fresh, pure & delicious meals for babies through toddlers. Available for delivery at homes, schools, and offices, or pick-up at locations around Austin. www.whirledpeasbabyfood.com
10% off your next order!
512-222-PEAS (7327)
Promo code: “schoolchoice: 4/1/2012 (limit 1 per customer)
Prese
ntatio
ns at
by Tina C. Moms
Group
s
op
Parent works h
ps
es tor y
Tim a
eS
ns C e r t i fi c
Fre
ny
tio
c la s s e
ay
Nan
s
s
ter Worksho
en Childcare C
Pl
Real Moms. Real Talk.
13343 N Hwy 183 @ Anderson Mill, Suite 200
Call Tina @ (512) 814-0004 www.babysignsprogram.com/bytinac
E E R F E L S S HA . . . G N I T N I R P E U C S E R E H T TO IK I. c o m
The SHWEIKI Get-All-Three Guarantee
w w w. S H W E
PRICE. QUALITY. SPEED. SUPER SHWEIKI SPECIAL!
50 FREE POSTCARDS www.SHWEIKI.com 4” X 6” Full Color 2 sided 10pt Gloss w/UV
Scan Here To Get Our Crystal Clear Guarantees
Scan this code with your smartphone
5,000 POSTCARDS
10,000 FLYERS
1,000
MAGAZINES
FULL COLOR
FULL COLOR 4”x 6”• 10pt Gloss Card Stock • UV one side
FULL COLOR 8.5” x 11” • 70# Gloss Paper
8.5” X 11” • 16 pages • 60# Gloss Paper
FREE QUOTE & SAMPLES www.SHWEIKI.com
Where Moms and Moms-to-be
CONNECT Bump Club and Beyond is
the first and only social event group in Austin for moms and moms-to-be. From girls' night out, lunch & dinner seminars, shopping events, exercise classes and much, much more, we have something for every woman currently experiencing pregnancy and beyond. Motherhood has never looked better!
Get connected
with our community at www.bumpclubandbeyond.com and facebook.com/therealbumpclubaustin