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PLUS SXSWedu STAAR Assessments to be Released Early Occupational Therapy: Trust Your Gut
TOP MOM PICKS: Smart & Fun Summer Camps
Getting High School & College Ready St. Gabriel’s is a place where...
st. gabriel’s catholic school
• Virtues thrive • Curiosity and wonder are nurtured • Love, kindness and service to others are cherished • Leaders are formed • Learning is fun and exciting • EXCELLENCE IS PURSUED • Best effort and achievement are valued • Christ lies at the center of our world 2
Spring 2013
School Choice
OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, April 16, 2013 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. More information:
www.sgs-austin.org 512-327-7755
Junior Kindergarten - Eighth Grade All Faiths Welcome
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e y
MAGAZINE 4
CONTENTS
Parent to Parent Celebrating Spring!
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School Choice in the News
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SXSWedu Technology Begins With You
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Preschool Preview Guide
14 TOP PICKS: Smart & Fun Summer Camps 2013
School Choice Magazine is a free, advertiser supported publication. We graciously thank our advertisers for their continued support. PUBLISHER Brandee Davis BDavis@AustinCityKids.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gordon Falk Oxford Learning
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Marina Herrera Greta von Paumgartten Advertise@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
ART DIRECTOR Jaymar Davis JDavis@Beempowered.net
Caren Arnold Big Sky Pediatric Therapy
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. Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. For additional copies or further information please contact:
THE AUSTIN CITY KIDS FOUNDATION P:512-537-OACK (6225) www.AustinCityKids.com www.SchoolChoiceMag.com
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Parent to Parent Letter from the Editor
S
pring is in the air! Tis the season for bluebonnets, long days, and apparently winter jackets! (Gotta love Texas weather) But seriously, this is right around the time that I start getting nervous about what to do with the kids during the summer. We love going to the pool with friends and hanging out at local inflatable bounce houses, but now that they are older I really want a camp that keeps them engaged academically. In this issue check out our SCM Mom recommendations on “Smart & Fun Summer Camp Guide” Spring is also the perfect time to figure out what preschool to send your child who is at the corner of “I’m a big kid!” and “Not Quite 5 by September 1st”. We’ve updated our list of preschools in our Preschool Preview Guide. Still unsure of your preschool choices? Come out on April 27th to Big Sky Pediatric Therapy as Our Austin City Kids presents “Insider’s
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Guide to Choosing the Right School”. Meet with select area schools and get practical tips to guide you as you look for the best school for your child. Find more information about the Big Sky on back cover Looking for something that we didn’t include in this issue? Then let us know! Email me at Bdavis@schoolchoicemag.com Happy Reading,
Brandee Davis
/schoolchoicemag
/austincitykids
Mascots & players from local sports teams, pony rides, kids cooking classes,face painting, baby races, magnetic climbing walls, trampolines, lots of exhibitors, performances by School of Rock, Magician Black Bert, Music together & More.
All ticket sales will be donated to the FIT (Food In Tummies) program by the Jr. League of Austin. The Blood & Tissue Center of Central Texas will be doing a blood drive on Saturday and Sunday in front of the center. Anyone who donates blood gets in free. Players and Mascots from RR Express and Austin AzTex Magician Black Bert and Peter the Adequate Kids from the School of Rock Dance and/or Karate Demonstrations Music and Story telling by MusIc Together Yoga and Story Time Tour of a fire truck by the Austin Fire Department
Rock Climbing wall Two bungee trampolines Magnetic climbing wall Pony Rides Diaper Derby Chair Massages
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School Choice in the News would be distributed by non-profits to children currently in public schools. Recipients must be low income or at risk of dropping out. Among these children, priority is given to those in failing schools.
Paxton and Patrick Present Details of Tax Credit Scholarship Plan
As chairman of the Senate’s Education Committee, Patrick has been a vocal champion of school choice reform, which he says not only provides increased opportunities for low-income students trapped in failing schools but also improves the public education system as a whole by fostering competition. Legislation that would dramatically increase the number of charter schools in the state is also among his top priorities this session. “In order to give the children of Texas a better education and a brighter future we must focus on creating more choices for parents including charter, online learning, and the ability for parents to find the right school for their child,” stated Patrick. “Several hundred-thousand students are stuck in low-performing schools today,” said Patrick. “This should not be acceptable to anyone. Senate Bill 23 gives low-income families the ability to seek out the best educational options for their children.”
On March 8th, State Sens. Dan Patrick and Ken Paxton filed Senate Bill 23 that enacts the Texas Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program. Senate Bill 23 allows businesses to donate to the Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program and receive a credit against their franchise or insurance premium tax liability. The donations
Paxton, along with fellow freshman Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, also filed “taxpayer savings grant” legislation that would allow parents to receive reimbursement for a portion of state costs for sending their children to public schools if they choose to enroll in a private school. State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco filed a similar proposal in the House.
Commissioner Williams accelerates release schedule for STAAR Assessments Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williams announced he is accelerating the scheduled release dates for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™), with all general assessments to be released in August following statewide administration of the tests this spring. “As we have rolled out the STAAR assessments, some have viewed the inability to see the actual tests as a reason to invalidate the entire process,” said Commissioner Williams. “I have heard those concerns and am accelerating the release of all the assessments while maintaining the validity of results for the upcoming spring administration.” At the Commissioner’s direction, the following 2013 STAAR assessments will be released: • • • • • •
Grades 3-8 – Math, Science, Reading, Writing, Social Studies High School Math – Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II High School Science – Biology, Chemistry, Physics English I Reading, English II Reading, English III Reading English I Writing, English II Writing, English III Writing World History, World Geography, U.S. History
“I hope the release of these assessments eliminates some of the concern surrounding STAAR,” said Commissioner Williams. “In reviewing these tests, I believe parents will find attainable expectations coupled with a high level of rigor that is tied directly to course content in every grade level.”
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SAVE THE DATE:
May 8, 2013 Rally for Public Charter Schools Texas State Capitol, Austin The policies that impact charter schools will be deliberated on during this legislative session. Hearing directly from charter school leaders, parents and teachers is one of the best ways for state legislators to understand how vital charter schools are to providing a great public education for Texas students. Join us as we stand together in support of Texas public charter schools! To confirm your participation, contact Jennifer Limas-Mota, TCSA Director of Grassroots Advocacy at 512-584-8272
Technology Innovation Begins With You
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ccording to Bill Gates, educational technology innovation has been over 35 years in the making, and we have gained very little ground. Mr. Gates began his SXSWedu keynote address with two photos juxtaposed on the big screen. On the left was a photo of the large mainframe computer on which he learned to program back in the 1970’s. On the right was a group of children gathered around a tablet. That mainframe cost about one million dollars and possessed about one-fiftieth of the computing power of a Smartphone. Moreover, smartphones are often given free these days in exchange for a service contract, and tablets can be purchased for as little as $200. Technology has evolved at lightning speed while technology costs have decreased just as radically.
By Gordon Falk years has exponentially dropped, we now spend twice as much educating each child than we did in the 1970’s, yet student test scores have remained flat. In other words, decision makers up and down our school systems are tired of throwing good money at bad ideas that don’t improve student performance. The result is a deeply rooted, general reluctance to be the first campus or district to implement innovations. Anticipating his audience would crave an antidote to the dark cloud of frustration that descended on the ballroom, Mr. Gates provided a dose of sunshine in the form of some courageous, innovative CEOs whose companies have successfully penetrated the fortress we lovingly know as our school system. One success story was a charter school organization named Summit Public Schools. Summit is proud to serve as a proving ground for technological innovation as it strives for student success. And it is working. You may have seen Summit featured in the documentary, Waiting for Superman. In 2011, its Redwood City, CA campus was ranked among Newsweek’s top ten most transformative schools in the nation.
Mr. Gates flashed two more photos before our eyes. On the left was a 1970’s school teacher standing at a blackboard. On the right was a 2013 school teacher standing at a whiteboard. When we compare what computing power we get for the buck now, vs. thirty years ago, and make the same comparison with our educational model, it makes our school system appear to have been stuck in the mud for the past two generations. (To be fair, Gates’ juxtaposition of the blackboard and whiteboard wasn’t an entirely accurate portrayal, because many schools have implemented smart boards, and some have even begun issuing tablets to their students). His message was that innovation in educational technology is critical if the United States is to provide our children with the most effective learning experience in the world. Educational technology now Bill Gates with DreamBox Learning Founder and CEO allows us to personalize what has always Jessie Wooley-Wilson at the SXSWedu Keynote Address been a mass approach. The technology is already there – it has been for several years Diane Tavenner, CEO, attributed much of – but we have implemented only a very Summit’s student success to the provision modest amount of the computing power of personalized instruction through new that is available to help our children learn. technology. Another ray of light emanated from Jessie Woolley-Wilson, the CEO of Surprisingly, the major obstacle isn’t budget. DreamBox. DreamBox has developed an In fact, Mr. Gates pointed out that, while online math program that uses intelligent, the cost of computing in the past thirty adaptive, technology to create personalized
learning plans. DreamBox produces interactive manipulations to help each student learn underlying concepts, rather than just how to give a correct answer. Ms. Woolley-Wilson explained the strategy that broke through the bureaucratic reluctance: offering a free online version to individual consumers. Delighted parents told other parents, who in turn shared DreamBox with their children’s classroom teachers, who then shared it with their colleagues, and up the chain went DreamBox until it reached decision makers whose fears of failure were mitigated by the successes that parents and teachers had already experienced. Innovative companies with useful tools for our children – organizations that have overcome the resistance to change – are successfully penetrating the system. These pioneering innovators provide encouragement. We’re learning that change in our schools happens upward, not downward. We, the parents, collectively are the driving force for innovation in our children’s classrooms. Do you want your child to benefit from a similarly high-quality education as Summit Prep’s students enjoy? Do you want the personalized learning that technology like DreamBox can provide your child? Try new tools at home so you can inform the powers that be. Tell your child’s classroom teacher when you discover a useful tool. Demand courageous, visionary thinking from school administrators, not bureaucratic rhetoric. Most human beings are “bandwagoners,” not early adopters, but someone has to lead. Is it you? technology innovation has been over 35 years in the making, and we have gained very little ground. Mr. Gates began his SXSWedu keynote address with two photos
Gordon Falk is Executive Director of Oxford Learning Centers in Austin Texas, and president of the board of directors of the Texas Association of Education Service Providers (TAESP). He has been a leader supplemental education in Austin for nineteen years. School Choice
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School Choice Preschool Preview Guide 2013
UPDATED: PRESCHOOL PREVIEW GUIDE 2013 - 2014 Name of School
Admission Contact
Country Home Learning Center 13120 N. US HWY 183 www.countryhomelearningcenter.com Kinderdance Austin 1704 Southeastern Trail, 78664 www.austindanceandgym.com Goddard School of Cedar Park 1905 El Salido Pkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613 www.GoddardSchool.com
North Austin Director: Janet McElreath Phone: 512.331.1441
Director: Heather Hardesty Phone: 512.468.7419
Director: Lisa Tate Phone: 512.258.5292
Little Acorn Academy Director: 3200 Hatch Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Stephanie Nowell www.LittleAcornAcademy.com Phone: 512.331.5400 Stepping Stone Schools Various Locations www.SteppingStoneSchool.com Austin International School 4001 Adelphi Ln, 78727 www.austininternationalschool.org
casa montessori
Casa Montessori 404 B Atlanta Steet, 78767 www.casa-montessori.org
To find your school visit the “Campuses” tab on our website Director of Admission: Christine Christy Phone: 512.331-7806 Head of School: Martha Winters Phone: 512.474.4119
Programs Offered Infant Child Care, Preschool, AdvancED, After-school Care
A dance, motor development, gymnastics, and fitness program for children ages 2 to 12.
Before/ After Care
Tuition Call center for pricing
Yes
Programs Contact Heather held all over for more details Austin
Infant Child Care, Preschool, Private Kindergarten, Summer Camps, After School Care
Yes
Part time and full time options, call for details
6 weeks - Afterschool/Summer Camps
Yes
From $295-875 per month
Infant, PreK, Advanced PreK , Private Kindergarten and After-school care
Yes
Contact a school near you!
Pre- Kindergarten - 5th grade Language immersion including Spanish & French
Yes
Annual Tuition Varies $10,800
Montessori Preschool Program
No
Schedule a tour
West Austin Youth Academy 1314 Exposition Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 www.waya.org
Come Take a Tour! Come and see for yourself! The academy is located within the WAYA Facility. Call (512) 473-2528 to set up a tour of the facility. Tour times are set up Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. We are happy to show you around our facility and tell you all about what we have to offer!
Currently Enrolling for Pre-Kindergarten 2013-2014 | AGES: 4’s turning 5 | Monday - Friday 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Our program includes: Gardening, Karate, Music, Gymnastics 8
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School Choice
Programs Offered
Before/ After Care
Tuition
Catholic Private School Junior Kindergarten - 8th Grade
Yes
Half Day: $818 Extended Day Options are Available
Theme based half day preschool 9 am -1 pmMusic, Soccershots, Sportball and More
Late Stay Option
Varies
PreK-12th Grade Private, College Prep School
Yes
Visit website for details.
MDO for ages 6 months - 23 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years
Yes
Varies
Varies
Schedule Tour.
An all abilities school Each classroom employs a teacher who has a Master’s Degree in Special Education
No
$885 - $1250 per month Financial Aid Available
Infants, Toddlers and Preschool Program 2 - 5 Days a Week
Yes
Varies Waitlist - $50
Admission Contact
St. Gabriel’s Catholic School 2500 Wimberly Lane, 78735 www.sgs-austin.org
Admission: Erin Guerra Phone: 512.327.7755
West Austin Youth Academy 1314 Exposition, 78703 www.waya.org
Director: Amy Crosslin Phone: 512.473.2528 ext 20
Kirby Hall School 306 W. 29th Street, 78705 www.kirbyhallschool.org
Admission: Helen Roberts Phone: 512.474.1770
Riverbend Christian School 4214 Capital of Texs Hwy N www.riverbend.com
Preschool Director: Judy Barker Phone:512.327.4067
The Magnolia School 2903 RR 620 North, Director: Ellen Carter, M. Ed. Preschool, Private School, 1:1 Tutoring, www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com Phone: 512.590.2564 and Training The Rise School of Austin 5206 Balcones Drive, 78731 riseschool.org
Director: Emily Greer Phone: 512.891.1682
Westlake UMC Preschool 1460 Redbud Trail, 78746 www.westlake-umc.org
Director: Sharon Coleman Phone: 512.327.1337
The Rise School OF AUSTIN
Where Special Kids Shine! For adm ission infor mat i on: Visit us at r iseschool.org or cal l
512.891.1682 to schedule a tour
“These are very special kids. They need to have the same right to flourish and feel good about their lives and learn and make progress as the kids that don’t have the needs these kids do.” - Mack Brown
“Where Special Kids Shine.”
Rise School of Austin Trustee and University of Texas Longhorns Head Football Coach
5206 Balcones Drive Austin, TX 78731 ▪ (512) 891-1682
School Choice
Spring 2013
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School Choice Preschool Preview Guide 2013
Name of School
How Occupational Therapy Turned This Kiddo with Sensory Issues Into a Therapist
O
- By Caren Arnold
ccupational Therapy changed my childhood and actually motivated me to become a therapist. My mom loves to tell this story, but I will do the best I can. My parents always described me as a “colicky” baby. My dad would come home from work and take over “baby duty and literally wear holes in the carpet from hours of walking and bouncing me up and down to keep me from crying. Since I was my parents’ first child, they did not know any difference. Around preschool age, my mom noticed that I was extremely difficult to get dressed in the morning. I could not be hurried, no matter what. I would pick out my clothes the night before, however, the next morning they just did not feel “right”. The icing on the cake was when I was enrolled in ballet class and had to wear a tutu and leotard to class with all my other four-year-old friends. My mom would give me plenty of warnings, “You know that we have dance class later this afternoon, and I drive carpool today.” then again, “Ok, you have 30 minutes before we leave, so go ahead and get dressed”. This did not work, I had a wrestling match with the leotard, trying to tug, pull, and rip that “thing” off. Once I got it off, my mom picked me up, and the leotard, crumpled on the floor, and put me in the back of our minivan. She said, “We’re going to pick up the carpool, you can choose to go to ballet with, or without, clothes”. Needless to say, I managed to put them on and whimpered throughout the whole lesson. These behaviors continued until kindergarten where I attended a public school with open classrooms for less than a week. For those of you who are unfamiliar, this was actually two classrooms merged into
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one, but without a wall to separate. The teacher immediately labeled me as having an “attention issue” and urged my parents to seek out a different option for my education. I was then enrolled in a private school, which had smaller classrooms and a kindergarten class with two teachers. Around the same time, I began playing basketball where my main priority was “picking at my shirt and shorts” while staring off into space. It wasn’t until I was older that I actually understood the rules of the game even though I played several years. I basically learned to watch the other girls run up and down the court and followed their lead. Everyone came to the conclusion that there was certainly a problem, but what was it? My parents had been told that I might need special education services, I could have an attention issue but nothing really fit my symptoms. Fortunately, my kindergarten teacher noticed that I was floundering as well. She would give me directions 4-5 times, and I still had no idea what she asked. I would be enthralled with the man outside mowing the lawn, rather than circle time, and the morning “fits” about my wardrobe continued. My kindergarten teacher recommended an occupational therapist. At the time, my parents had little idea what an occupational therapist was, or did. I started with the therapist, and my life began to change. Things became easier. It turns out that I had sensory issues, mostly auditory and tactile that affected the way I interacted with my environment. Although, I cannot remember all of the activities that I did with the
therapist, I can remember a change. It was a feeling of being calm within my body, better equipped to deal with my environment, and less likely to have a tantrum and more focused or “in tune”. Now that I have studied occupational therapy extensively, I understand why that happens. I thank my parents for getting me help, and I thank my kindergarten teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, who knew (in the early 1980’s) what sensory integration was and for not just labeling me as a child with ADD/ADHD. In my clinic here in Austin, as a practicing occupational therapist, there are two things I urge parents to remember. First, teachers are often times our first line of defense. They spend so much time with your child, become invested, and are able to detect issues. The sooner an issue is detected, it can be addressed, and your child can get help. Second, parents are the child’s best advocate. It sounds so simple, but listen to your “gut”. If you feel there is a problem, contact your pediatrician to talk. If my parents had not explored further options for me, I would have lost a year, or more, in a overwhelming kindergarten classroom, perhaps being started on medication for attention issues, and on, and on.
Glossary of Terms Occupational Therapy
1
A
child’s job or occupation is to play, be independent in self-care activities, and succeed in school. Occupational therapists treat children with disorders that may inhibit their ability to be successful in these areas. An occupational therapist will address this by teaching fine motor activities (how to hold and manipulate objects), visual-motor activities (eye hand coordination), activities to increase upper body strength and endurance, teach the body how to appropriately react to sensory information and self-care skills.
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3
Speech Therapy
S
peech Therapy treats delays and disorders in the areas of speech, voice, language communication, swallowing, feeding and cognition. A speech therapist will use a variety of treatment methods to improve a child’s ability to communicate wants and needs, understand others, improve fluency of language, articulation, and improve memory and retention. A speech therapist will also evaluate and treat children with feeding and swallowing concerns to safely manage liquids and foods.
Physical Therapy
P
hysical therapy helps to increase a child’s mobility, range of motion, strength, endurance, postural support and balance, so that they are better able to play and move at home and in the community. Physical therapy is also used to address sports related injuries.
Caren Arnold is an Occupational Therapist and owner of Big Sky Pediatric Therapy. She graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN . In her spare time she enjoys running, swimming and traveling.
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TOP PICKS: SMART & FUN SUMMER CAMPS
Why an Academic Summer Camp? Academic summer camps or summer learning programs create a vibrant community of kids sharing a common interest in a particular subject. No matter the academic subject, summer learning programs are designed to provide challenging, intellectually stimulating . Unfortunately summer slide does not refer to the latest water park attraction. With no teachers and no books, will your kids really remember everything in the fall? The answer is NO! Research shows that each fall teachers across the nation spend as much as up to 6 six weeks reteaching concepts to get students caught up. The information that students lose is called “summer brain drain”. About 40% of math skills and 30% of language skills can go out the window over the summer.
Little Wing austin.littlewing.com Little Wing, School of Rock’s answer to early childhood music education. We believe that if we want kids to love music, then we must give them loved music to listen to. At Little Wing, your child will participate in engaging activities set to classic songs that have inspired adults AND kids throughout history.
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Badgerdog Literary Publishing Co www.badgerdog.org Creative Writing Camp Rising 3rd Grade + Austin’s award-winning writers inspire students to write creatively and gain practice revising and editing their work during threeweek workshops.
Girlstart Summer Camp www.girlstart.org Entering 4th - 8th graders Girlstart’s summer camp allows girls to explore STEM in a hands-on, fun, informal, and all girl environment that supports them with STEM skills they will use for life. Each week, summer camp participants engage in 40 hours of challenging content balanced with informal learning experiences, time for
reflection, and opportunities to share their thoughts and ideas.
Oxford Learning www.oxfordlerning.com/ littlereaders Little Readers - Ages 3-6 Little Readers® is the only learning and reading tutor program that offers cognitive skills development (the basis for all learning) along with an enriched academic curriculum for children aged three to six .
Kinderdance austindanceandgym.com Kinderdance has it all! This camp includes dance, motor development, gymnastics, and fitness program that combines academic readiness skills which are specifically designed for children ages 2 to 12.
Created by Parents for Parents
School Placement Consulting Agency Helping Families Find the Right School
New to Austin? Looking for the Right School? Don’t have much time?
1. Pizza Hut Book It! Summer Break Challenge From June 15th to August 15th, kids who were in grades K-6 during the 2012-2013 school year and who meet the challenge of reading 5 book can enter to wint a summer fun prizw package. Visit bookitprogram.com for more details.
2. Reading Programs at Your Local Public Library Whether you live in the greater Austin area, Round Rock, Pflugervillle, Georgetown or Cedar Park, chances are your local public library has a wonderful summer reading program! In addition to logging the books your kids read, area libraries are also hosting free events throughout the summer to keep kids engaged. Visit your local library for more details.
3. Scholastic Summer Challenge Beginning May 6th be a part of a national initiative to get kids of all ages ready and ready for back to school with a fun, friendly competition. The more minutes kids read, the more rewards and recognition they earn for themselves and their school. For details on how to get your school involved visit www.scholastic.com/summer 4. Feed Your Brain Summer Reading Program Our goal is to help you find the right SCHEDULE A FREE DISCOVERY CONSULTATION school for your child. Receive 15% Off Comprehensive Package | Just Mention this Ad
512.576.2500
We provide each of our families with individual AustinCityKids.com attention and first hand knowledge of local and out of state Upcoming Events | Free to Attend educational opportunities.
Half Price Books’ reading program ends July 31st. Kids ages 14 and under can earn Half Price Book “bucks” for reading at least 300 minutes in the months. The top reader in each age group at each store will also win a $20 HPB gift card!! Special note : Grown ups may read aloud to kids who are still learning. Pick up a reading log at your local Half Price Book store or visit www.hpb.com/community
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
TYPES OF PLACEMENTcom Register at www.AustinCityKids. K-12 Private School
BALLET • TAP • FITNESS • CREATIVE DANCE • GYMNASTICS SONGS • NUMBERS • COLORS • SHAPES & WORDS
Preschool
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMPS!
Boarding School
City of Round Rock McConico Community Room Ages 4–6 • 1:00–4:00pm June 24-28 & July 8-12, 22-26
Charter SATURDAY, SEPT.School 24TH, 2-5 P.M.
UT Commons Center Traditional Learning Public School (ACROSS FROM THE DOMAIN) Customized School Guide
Schedule a Complimentary Phone Consultation Today 512-537-OACK (6225) FEBRUARY 2012 DETAILS RELEASED ON www.austincitykids.com OCTOBER 2011
Georgetown Recreation Center Ages 4–6 • 1:30–3:30pm July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26 & July 29-August 2 $55 to $100 per week depending on location For more information on camps & our other classes visit
www.austindanceandgym.com or contact Heather Hardesty at 468-7419
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Kimberly Roberts has been shopping and selling their outgrown kids’ items at consignment sales for several years. “I started out just shopping the sales, and it was when I started selling our items that I realized how beneficial these sales were for my family,” says Kimberly Roberts, owner of Here We Grow Again-Austin and mom of two. “As a stay at home mom, stretching the budget is important to me and I wanted to bring this sale to Austin so that other moms, expectant moms, grandmas and others could save hundreds of dollars purchasing nearly-new items at a fraction of retail.”
size 16), toys, shoes, outdoor play equipment, books, strollers, high chairs, décor, and much more—anything to do with kids! Registration to consign is now open. For more information on this community and family-focused event, visit the Here We Grow Again website at herewegrowagain.com/ austin or contact Kimberly Roberts at 512-699-2641.
Here We Grow Again is a four-day sale, which is held twice a year, that not only allows parents to add to their income by selling their gentlyused kids’ items, but is also a place to find great bargains on items they need. Here We Grow Again has been the top-rated sale in San Antonio for the last three years and continues to grow with each sale. Our consignors clean out their closets, playrooms, and toy chests of items their children have outgrown or no longer use. They select the price, print out and attach a price tag and drop off their items prior to the sale. The Here We Grow Again team then displays and sells the items. After the sale, consignors receive a check! The Spring/Summer Here We Grow Again sale will be held April 1114, 2013 at the Gateway Square shopping center. Thousands of items will be for sale and will include kids clothing (newborn to children’s
REGULAR CAMPS 6TH - 8TH GRADE
JUNIOR CAMPS 4TH - 5TH GRADE
THE GIRLSTART GAMES
UNDER THE SEA
June 10-14 June 17-21 June 24-28 .....
June 10-14 June 17-21 June 24-28 .....
BOUTIQUE DETECTIVE
TOY SHOP MYSTERY
July 8-12 July 15-19 .....
July 8-12 July 15-19 .....
.....
Week-Long Summer Day Camps in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
.....
ECO GIRL
ECO GIRL
July 22-26 July 29-Aug 2
July 22-26 July 29-Aug 2
REGISTER TODAY! Call 512-916-4775 or visit our website at: www.girlstart.org 14
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THERE ISIS THERE A A SCHOOL SCHOOL FOR EVERY FOR EVERY CHILD Our Austin City Kids helps families select the right school for their children. Since 2009, we worked to place gifted children, preschoolers, or any child whose parents want to make sure he or she is in the right educational environment. For more information on Our Austin City Kids services please call 512.537.6225 or email us at BDavis@austincitykids.com
Parent Education Class: INSIDER’S GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT SCHOOL Join Austin City Kids’ founder Brandee Davis to learn practical tips to help you find the right school for your preschooler or elementary school student. Saturday, April 27th, 9 am - 10:30 am
LET US HELP GUIDE YOU THERE 16
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Big Sky Pediatric Therapy 925 Westbank Dr. Ste 200 Cost: $25 per person or $40 per couple PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED ATXinsidersguide.eventbrite.com