Don’t miss the FREE spring family stargazing & astronomy day @ Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) on Sat. April 20 in Savannah

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens in conjunction with the Oglethorpe Astronomical Association invite you to see a scale model of our solar system, watch our conference center become a portable planetarium, find out how much you would weigh on Mars and how old you would be on Jupiter. Daytime gazing and children’s activities. End the day by watching the 1950’s Sci-Fi flick, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” followed by stargazing on the great lawn.

Free! April 20th from 2pm – 10pm

During the stargazing in the garden, telescopes will be set up for observation. Free & open to the public.

This is a great family event!

Here’s a list of children’s books on astronomy:

“Night Sky Atlas” by Robin Seagell
“Astronomy” by Kristen Lippincott
“Black Holes & Other Space Oddities” by Alex Barnett
“Space” by Simon Holland
“The Solar System: An A-Z Guide” by Christina Wilsdon
“Cosmic Light Shows” by Bobbie Kalman & April Fast
“Find the Constellations” by H.A. Rey
“The Stars: A New Way to See Them” by H.A. Rey

This event is free & open to the public.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (Formerly The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens), 2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA. 31419. Please enter the gate on US Hwy. 17. Please call 912-921-5460 for information, http://bamboo.caes.uga.edu/, On Facebook here

Baby Sign & Read Classes in Savannah for parents with infant and toddlers from the ages of 0-3 yrs old are now being offered by Giving in Love, Inc.

Sign & Read classes focus on parent-child interactions, communication, and reading.

Parents learn how they can nurture their child’s language, cognitive and social-emotional development through three key areas of communication: talking, reading and signing. There are 6 classes in the first session for $85.

Class options are 10:00am or 10:35am on Tuesdays, Wednesday, or Thursdays beginning April 9 through May 14. The classes are 30 minutes long and will be held at 1900 Abercorn St.

For more information, please call (912) 388-1658 or visit us at www.givinginlove.org. “Like” Giving in Love on Facebook here.

Giving in Love, Inc is a non-profit & a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You are invited on a FREE guided tour of an archaeological dig in Savannah. Visit the site where plantations from the 1790s through the 1860s operated and where Civil War activity took place. Watch archaeologists uncover the past. Learn about the exciting history of Savannah.

Free tours are 90 minutes each, Tuesday through Saturday from March 19 through May 11, 2013. Tour times are 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Reservations for parties of 10 or less are not required. For group reservations of 11 or more, and/or for cutomized group tours (schools etc.), please contact Rita Elliott at relliott@newsouthassoc.com . Archaeology is being conducted by New South Associates

*Tours March 19-23 2013 will include the fun & interactive Archaeobus, Courtesy of The Society for Georgia Archaeology.  Abby the Archaeobus is a creation of the Society for Georgia Archaeology, a group of professional and amateur archaeologists as well as interested citizens. The Archaeobus is a former bookmobile retrofitted with archaeology hands-on activities. Abby travels throughout the state, visiting school groups, giving presentations & even touring the State Fair!

The Habersham School plans to bring life back to the beautiful tudor-style Gould Cottage next to Hull Park in Savannah. The Habersham School, a private K-12 parochial school that opened last fall on Wilmington Island, has the Ardsley Park landmark under contract for purchase. Learn more about the school & the final push to secure the site as their future home at a public info session Thursday, March 7, 4:30-6:40 PM @ the Gould Cottage, across Atlantic Avenue from Hull Park.

email info@thehabershamschool.org
www.thehabershamschool.org

Read more about The Habersham’s Plans to relocate to the historic Gould Cottage in Ardsley Park here.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open House
6 PM Tuesday, March 5 2013. The application window closes on March 8 and the school’s lottery is March 18.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a popular, well-loved Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through 5th grade that is now accepting online applications for the Pre-K3 through 5th grade for the 2013-14 school year.

If you would like more information on enrolling your child please contact the school office at 912-238-1973 or visit the school website at www.cemco.org .

The internationally-recognized Montessori method of teaching helps children reach their full potential in all areas of life by teaching them to take responsibility for their own learning. Montessori learning activities promote the development of critical-thinking skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. The Montessori method of education has long been seen as an approach that successfully meets children’s individual needs while teaching them to become contributing citizens to our society.

An Organized Environment

The entire school is set up to support the child’s self-directed learning. Together, the teacher and student form a relationship based on trust and respect that fosters self-confidence and a willingness to try and explore new things.
Highly-Trained Teachers

The Montessori teacher functions as a facilitator, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record-keeper, and meticulous observer of each child’s behavior and growth. At Coastal Empire, all teachers are Montessori-trained and Georgia elementary teacher-certified.
Proven Teaching Methodology

At Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, children are provided a basis for critical and abstract thinking through activity-based education. Montessori educational practices are characterized by:
• Child-centered rather than teacher-directed
• Hands-on and activity oriented as opposed to textbook curriculum
• Based on continuous progress
• Self-directed with a control-of-error system
• Based on recognition of progress as opposed to numerical grades
• Dynamic in that children are encouraged to move around and make choices of activities
• Set on a three-year age span of children within the classroom; older children teach younger children, building self-esteem and a sense of community
• Materials are introduced through individualized instruction; Montessori teachers help children to take responsibility for their own learning
• Emphasis is on concrete learning that leads to the abstraction of concepts and skills
• Children working for the joy of working and the sense of discovery
• An environment that provides a natural sense of discipline.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, supported by the Montessori philosophy and method, educates the Whole Child. By nurturing the total development of the child and fostering respect for self, peers, community, and nature, the child will be prepared to take their place in society and work toward a peaceful world.

For more information on Montessori Education please visit the following websites:
www.montessori-ami.org (Association Montessori International)
www.amshq.org (American Montessori Society)

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School, 301 Buckhalter Rd., Savannah, 31405, (912)238-1973, www.cemco.org  Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

JEA Preschool Savannah will host a Meet & Greet for prospective parents and caregivers on Wednesday, March 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open to children ages 16 months to 4 years in August 2013. Enrollment is now open.

During the Meet & Greet, attendees will have an opportunity to meet the director Jodi Sadler and teachers, learn about a typical preschool day, and view architectural renderings of new classrooms and an outdoor learning space, which are currently under development.

Free childcare will be available during the presentation. Healthy snacks will be served. Reservations are required; please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228) or email preschool@savj.org  to reserve a spot.

JEA Preschool Savannah has been in the planning stages for the past two years. The school was created to provide for the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The age-appropriate curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, will focus on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within the special facilities of the JEA.

“I am truly excited about the creation of our program of excellence, JEA Preschool Savannah,” said Sadler, a longtime educator and former assistant principal at Chatham Academy. “When parents and children walk into the school, I want them to see and feel two things: love and security. I know that the quality of the program, excellence of the facilities, and perfect location will make this one of the most attractive and dynamic programs in the area.”

The dynamic preschool will include spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The preschool’s core curriculum will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily as early as 7 a.m. and until 6 p.m. to serve the needs of working families.

JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

About JEA Preschool Savannah
JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors in August 2013. The school, which will serve the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years, focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting. The core curriculum, led by qualified and experienced teachers, is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enrollment is now open. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

The Archaeobus is coming to Savannah March 18 2013 to get kids excited about exploring our past!

Abby the Archaeobus is a creation of the Society for Georgia Archaeology, a group of professional and amateur archaeologists as well as interested citizens. The Archaeobus is a former bookmobile retrofitted with archaeology hands-on activities. Abby travels throughout the state, visiting school groups, giving presentations & even touring the State Fair!

The Archaeobus will visit the Armstrong Atlantic State University campus March 18 from 10 am-4:30 pm. She will be parked at the end of University Drive, next to University Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

The University Anthropology club will also be volunteering. It will be fun and educational for the kids and adults!

Questions? Contact the anthropology club on campus at anthropologyclubarmstrong@yahoo.com  or their facebook “Armstrong Anthropology Club.”

For more information about the bus, visit  http://diggingsavannah.wordpress.com/archaeobus/ For the professor overseeing the club activities contact Professor Barbara Bruno 912.344.2970 or barbara.bruno@armstrong.edu .

We’re thrilled to tell you about a new Savannah preschool opening this year in a centrally-located area.

The JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, will open its doors in August 2013!

Enrollment is now open. The registration forms are available for download on the JEA Preschool Savannah website. Visit it by clicking here.

The new preschool will include renovated and spacious classrooms and outdoor learning space where children will participate in hands-on learning.

The school will serve the needs of children ages 16 months through 4 years.

The curriculum focuses on the social, emotional and cognitive growth of young children in a Judaic setting led by qualified and experienced teachers.

The core program is available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call the Director Jodi Sadler at 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

JEA Preschool Savannah, 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, www.savannahjea.org, 912-355-8111 (ext. 228), email preschool@savj.org  JEA Preschool is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program is not only available at public schools.

Many private child-care centers in Savannah also offer Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s The Children’s House, and YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process than that @ Savannah-Chatham public schools. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due. Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Below are a list of Savannah-area child-care centers that offer the FREE Georgia Pre-K Program (A big thank you to SouthernMamas reader Lynn Adams for compiling this list).

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

Click here for more info on Georgia’s FREE Pre-K program.

Locating a Georgia’s Pre-K Program
To locate a Georgia’s Pre-K Program, use the online Provider Search (instructions provided on the search page), contact the Georgia’s Source for Finding Quality Child Care toll-free at 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS (877-255-4254) to speak with a child care resource and referral consultant, or call Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-656-5957 (toll-free at 1-888-4GA-PREK) and ask for the Pre-K consultant of the day.

Savannah-area child care centers that offer Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program

“In His Arms” Educational Center 7816 Hwy 80 East Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 897-6826

ABC Child Care Center #1 1106 E. 48th Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-1442

A. J. Ward Montessori Preschool, Inc. 7501 Waters Avenue Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-1900

Another Adventure Day Care 8805 White Bluff Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 927-4313

Bright Horizons Little One Center 1300 East 66th Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 303-0668

Childcare Network #20 12441 White Bluff Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 925-7338

Childcare Network #21 7360 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-2299

Childcare Network #22 350 Johnny Mercer Boulevard Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 897-0085

Children’s House 600 E. 7lst St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 819-7200

El Shaddai Academy 5650 Skidaway Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 351-0064

EOA Head Start and Early Administration Building 1120 May Street Savannah GA Head Start (912) 238-2865

First Steps Preschool of Pooler 205 N. Skinner Avenue Pooler Child Care Learning Center (912) 341-8012

Hunter Army Airfield Child Development Services 1284 Middleground Rd. Savannah Department of Defense (912) 315-9034

Kicklighter Academy 7219 Seawright Dr. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 355-7633

Little Country Day Care Preschool #1 7951 Hwy. 21 Port Wentworth Child Care Learning Center (912) 844-0042

Little Miracles Learning Center 4 Chestnut St. Bloomingdale Child Care Learning Center (912) 748-3686

Lady Bamford Early Childhood Education Center 1410 Richards Street Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 944-1671

Dutchtown Childrens Center 911 Dutchtown Rd. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 925-4566

Savannah Youth University 204 Tibet Ave. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 927-9537

Maggie’s Morning School 6610 Abercorn St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 352-8404
Terry’s Childcare and Learning Center 1728 Staley Ave. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-5868

West Broad Street YMCA Early Learning Center 1110 May St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-1951

West Chatham YMCA Child Learning Center 165 Isaac G Laroche Drive Pooler Child Care Learning Center (912) 748-1408

Windsor Forest High School 12419 Largo Dr. Savannah Local School System (912) 395-3400

Windy’s Preschool 425 Tattnall St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 234-0575

Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School 151 Coach Joe Turner Drive Savannah Local School System (912) 395-6750

Wright’s Child Care 1121 E. 35th St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 233-4306

YMCA Childcare Plus 6400 Habersham St. Savannah Child Care Learning Center (912) 354-6223

Georgia’s FREE Pre-K Program @ Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

Pre-K Lottery Applications for the 2013-2014 school year at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available at Savannah-Chatham school sites and online on February 25, 2013. The deadline to submit the application is March 22, 2013.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

In order to apply for the lottery, parents must provide the following documentation to the school prior to the March 22, 2013 deadline:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
*Five-year-old children who have not previously attended the Pre-K program and who have developmental delays that impact their readiness for school may also enroll at the request of their parents.

Registration for FREE Pre-K @ Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

After your child is selected in the lottery, you will have until 5/3/2013 to register your child. After that date, schools begin calling children from the Wait List.

If your child is on the Wait List and you are contacted about an open space, you will have 48 hours to register your child. After that time, schools call the next child on the Wait List.

Parents must provide the following documentation at registration:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
GA Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
GA Ear, Eye and Dental Certificate (EED)
Social Security Card
IF APPLICABLE, proof of the following: (food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, Peachcare for Kids)

For a list of pre-K sites @ Savannah-Chatham public schools, click here.

Pre-K classes @ Savannah-Chatham public schools

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 59 Georgia Lottery funded Pre-K classes with additional classes at Coastal Empire Montessori. The Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to age eligible four year olds (must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the school year) residing in Chatham County. Our program provides a full day (6.5 hours) of appropriate instructional services to students for the regular school calendar year. The purpose of the Pre-K Program is school readiness and transition to Kindergarten for success in later school years.

With the exception of our two Montessori schools, all of our classes use the High Scope Curriculum. All teachers are certified with at least a four-year degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Teachers provide instructional activities and learning experiences in the areas of language/literacy, math, art, science, social studies and creative expressions. There is a minimum of 5.0 hours of instruction per day. The remaining hours (1.5) of the instructional day includes rest/nap, meals and outside play. Field trips are an integral part of the Pre-K experience.

A maximum of twenty-two (22) students receive services in each class. More information about the Georgia Lottery funded Pre-kindergarten Program can be obtained by going to www.decal.ga.gov .

For more info contact:
Mrs. LaWanda Ransom
Project Director, Pre-Kindergarten
208 Bull Street, Room 210
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: (912) 395-1154
Fax: (912) 201-4166
Email: lawanda.ransom@sccpss.com

Kindermusik Savannah/Bluffton Spring classes begin the first week of February!

Kindermusik has classes for various age groups, in several locations.

Monday mornings: classes Kindermusik’s new location in Bluffton, SC. Meet at Play!, (53 Persimmons St.), for classes for newborns (0-20 months) & toddlers (18 months to 4 years).

Tuesdays: Richmond Hill classes from 0-6 years old.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings: classes in Savannah, for newborns and toddlers.

Kindermusik offers sibling discounts & referral bonus credits, for bringing in new families into the Kindermusik program, so tell your family members, neighbors and moms’ groups!

All enrollment is done online and payment is done on a monthly automatic debit/credit system. Need to drop out? No problem! Just send Kindermusik a written notice (email is fine!) before the 1st of the next month and they won’t bill your card the following month. Want to stay enrolled? Just as easy! Enrollment is ongoing, so once you enroll, you stay enrolled until you let Kindermusik know otherwise – simple!

Any questions?

For more info about Kindermusik Savannah/Bluffton, call 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com , or visit www.88keysga.com  today.

Kindermusik…Offering Music & Motion Classes for ages newborn to 7….where A Good Beginning Never Ends

More info on all of the above by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to the annual FREE PULSE Art and Technology Festival, Jan 30 – Feb 3, 2013 @ Jepson Center for the Arts.

Telfair Museums’ always popular PULSE: Art and Technology Festival will return to its late January time slot in 2013, with an exciting schedule of mind-bending interactive art, performances and hands on workshops for futurists of all ages.

2013′s lineup includes the robotic sculpture and video of Hye Yeon Nam and dynamic inventor performer Onyx Ashanti. For a schedule of events click here.

Here’s a look at the schedule for particularly family-friendly day of the event.
Saturday, February 2
10 am
Huggable Nature workshop with Hye Yeon Nam*
10 am
Game cabinet workshop and pop up arcade
with Babycastles*
2-5 pm
PULSE Family Day: 3D printing, music technology
3 pm
Demonstration and performance by Onyx Ashanti
5-7 pm
Live gameplay: Johann Sebastian Joust

*Advance registration is required, call 912.790.8823

Telfair’s Jepson Center for the Arts, 207 W York Street, Savannah,  31401, www.telfair.org

Let the nail-biting begin.

Pre-K Lottery Applications for the 2013-2014 school year at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available at Savannah-Chatham school sites and online on February 25, 2013. The deadline to submit the application is March 22, 2013.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

To participate in the Pre-K Program, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2013, and must be a resident of Chatham County.

In order to apply for the lottery, parents must provide the following documentation to the school prior to the March 22, 2013 deadline:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
*Five-year-old children who have not previously attended the Pre-K program and who have developmental delays that impact their readiness for school may also enroll at the request of their parents.

Registration

After your child is selected in the lottery, you will have until 5/3/2013 to register your child. After that date, schools begin calling children from the Wait List.

If your child is on the Wait List and you are contacted about an open space, you will have 48 hours to register your child. After that time, schools call the next child on the Wait List.

Parents must provide the following documentation at registration:

Proof of Residence (current gas, water, electric bill, or lease)
Certified Birth Certificate
GA Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
GA Ear, Eye and Dental Certificate (EED)
Social Security Card
IF APPLICABLE, proof of the following: (food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, Peachcare for Kids)

For a list of pre-K sites @ Savannah-Chatham public schools, click here.

Pre-K classes @ Savannah-Chatham public schools

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has 59 Georgia Lottery funded Pre-K classes with additional classes at Coastal Empire Montessori. The Pre-Kindergarten program provides services to age eligible four year olds (must be four years of age on or before September 1 of the school year) residing in Chatham County. Our program provides a full day (6.5 hours) of appropriate instructional services to students for the regular school calendar year. The purpose of the Pre-K Program is school readiness and transition to Kindergarten for success in later school years.

With the exception of our two Montessori schools, all of our classes use the High Scope Curriculum. All teachers are certified with at least a four-year degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education. Teachers provide instructional activities and learning experiences in the areas of language/literacy, math, art, science, social studies and creative expressions. There is a minimum of 5.0 hours of instruction per day. The remaining hours (1.5) of the instructional day includes rest/nap, meals and outside play. Field trips are an integral part of the Pre-K experience.

A maximum of twenty-two (22) students receive services in each class. More information about the Georgia Lottery funded Pre-kindergarten Program can be obtained by going to www.decal.ga.gov .

For more info contact:
Mrs. LaWanda Ransom
Project Director, Pre-Kindergarten
208 Bull Street, Room 210
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: (912) 395-1154
Fax: (912) 201-4166
Email: lawanda.ransom@sccpss.com

Private schools also offer the free pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s  The Children’s House, and  YMCA Childcare Plus: but many have a different application process. If you’re interested in a private child care that has it, call the school to find out when their applications are due.  Many are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The popular & educational Toddler Tuesday program @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center is back to two times. The class will be offered from 10-10:45 AM and again from 11-11:45 AM.

Toddler Tuesdays is a fun weekly program that celebrates nature @ Oatland Island Wildlife Center, 711 Sandtown Rd. Savannah, GA, 31410.

At Toddler Tuesday, children & their parents/caretakers experience nature through themed activities including live animal encounters, wildlife nature walks, storytelling, songs, interactive finger-play & crafts.

Oatland’s naturalist Michelle Kelly leads these exciting & educational sessions.

Admission rates & driving directions here.

Pre-registration required. Call 395-1500

Toddler Tuesday Program Fees: General: $5 per child $5 per adult Friends of Oatland Members: $5 per child, up to 2 adults FREE!

Program fee includes program and entrance to Oatland Island Wildlife Center and trails.

TODDLER TUESDAY THEMES
January to March 2013

January 29th, 2013: Alligator
It’s an all-included Alligator gathering! The alligator is my friend. He can be yours too…if you join me for Toddler Tuesday on this day.

February 5th, 2013: Indigo Snake
It is the year of the Snake in Chinese Culture. Come to Toddler Tuesday and celebrate the New Year with our honorary serpentine friend Bella.

February 12th, 2013: Honey Bees
We are sure to have a sweet time learning about these magnificent pollinators. We’ll make a craft and then make a bee line straight to the hives to see the bee dance in action. Warning, you may have to bee-have!

February 19th, 2013: Bovine Birthday Bash
Mooo- ve on over to Oatland for this Toddler Tuesday– It’s Sapphire the cow’s birthday! We’ll sing songs, roll play and stroll over to shower Sapphire with birthday love.

February 26th, 2013: Dolphin Discovery
Did you know that dolphin call each other by name? Come to this program and we’ll make a splash learning amazing facts about these highly intelligent creatures that are so common along the GA coast.

March 5th, 2013: Sing, Sing a Songbird
You don’t want to miss this Toddler Tuesday. We are learning all about nature’s best singers, the songbirds. We’ll sing a few songs ourselves then take the class outside and hear these spring time serenades first hand!

March 12th, 2013: ‘Possum Party!
You are cordially invited to Petunia the ‘Possum’s 2nd birthday party. We’ll lean about Possums and celebrate her birthday Toddler Tuesday style. It’s a birthday bash you won’t want to miss.

March 19th 2013: Sheep to Shawl
Baa baa black sheep gonna’ sheer your wool…for the sheep to shawl festival coming up the weekend after this TT. We’ll get an early start studying these wooly creatures. Bring your strollers because we are heading over to the barn to give our very own Dottie a sheep treat.

March 26th, 2013: Rabbit Rendez-vous
What Oatland animal loves the springtime? You’ll have rabbits on your mind during this holiday time; so why not have one in the classroom? We have a warm and fuzzy time learning about these lovely little lagomorphs, so hop on over to Oatland for this TT event.

More to come in Spring 2013. Stay tuned.

To learn more about Scribble’s portfolio prep or art classes for kids, call 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com .

Scribble Art Studio in Savannah & Pooler also offers private & group art classes, adult art parties. For gifts, Scribble as art kits & gift certificates . For more information, contact artist Carrie Christian at 912-323-0123 or email ScribbleArtStudio@hotmail.com . Click here for more info. Scribble Art Studio is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

A popular Savannah spot for group parent-and-me music sessions for tots & private instrument lessons for older kids – Ms. Amy’s School of Music – has space in the following parent-and-me music sessions:

*the Tuesday Toddler Tunes (ages 18 m. – 2 1/2) class at 11 AM and

*the Music Makers (ages 3-5) class on Wednesdays at 11 AM.

You’re invited to attend a free trial class. Music, dance, instrument, and make believe and more! $10 per class after trial!

For a complete list classes offered, days, and times, visit Ms. Amy’s School of Music website here.

Connect with Ms. Amy’s School of Music on Facebook here. For more info, visit www.msamyschoolofmusic.com, email msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com , 912.659.0993, 1 ½ blocks from Daffin Park at 2421 Waters Ave. Ms. Amy’s School of Music is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

If you are interested in checking out the various speciality programs offered by Savannah-Chatham public schools, applications are now available and open house dates are set!  (These public schools such as Garrison Elementary, J.G. Smith Elementary, Charles Ellis etc either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district).

Specialty Application Timeline
Specialty Applications will be available at all sites beginning Monday, January 7, 2013.
The Specialty Application deadline at each site is Friday, February 8, 2013, at 12:00 p.m.
A Lottery will be conducted on Monday, February 25, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at each site.
Notification Letters will be sent sent on March 4, 2013.
The final date for student registration is Monday, March 25, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

To view the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Specialty Programs 2013-2014 Open House Schedule, click here.

Savannah Technical College is now accepting entries for the 17th annual Manufacturing Appreciation Week (MAW) student design competition. The competition is open to all elementary, middle and high school students in Georgia.

The MAW Student Design Contest is held annually in conjunction with Manufacturers’ Appreciation Week and is designed to promote awareness of the important role manufacturing plays in the economy of the State of Georgia for elementary to high school students statewide.

Manufacturing is the process of creating physical objects that will be used by someone or used to build something else. Manufacturing provides jobs for approximately 408,427 Georgians. The nearly 9,000 manufacturing facilities in Georgia are devoted to making products as diverse as textiles to automotive parts. Students should consider products made in their hometowns, counties or statewide to include Georgia products in their designs to illustrate the role that manufacturing plays in our community. Art for placemats and posters should portray manufacturing specific to the student’s local area, while T-shirt designs should depict manufacturing taking place in the entire state.

Elementary school children may compete in the placemat competition; middle school students compete in the poster contest and high school students participate in the T-shirt design competition. The artwork submitted to Savannah Tech will be entered in the statewide competition where three winners will be chosen in each of the groups. The first, second and third place in each category will be honored at the Governor’s Awards Luncheon in April 2013. The first-place winners receive monetary scholarships for $500. The second-place winners receive $300 scholarships and the third place winners receive $100 scholarships. The top entries for placemat, poster and T-shirt designs will be displayed at the luncheon.

Entries must comply with the guidelines established by the Technical College System of Georgia. Elementary school placemat designs must be 11”x 17”; middle school posters must be created on 22” x 28” poster board and high school T-shirt designs must fit in a 12” square. Art may be computer-generated or created with paint, watercolors, pencils, markers, crayons, charcoal, etc. but should be completely dry before shipping/delivery. All work must be flat and 3-D objects cannot be glued or pasted to submissions. Please note that designs will not be returned to contestants.

Entries must be labeled on the back, upper-right corner of each submission with the student’s name, school, school phone number and the words, “Savannah Technical College.”

Artwork must be received by the STC Marketing and Communications Office at the Savannah Campus by Friday, January 25, 2013 for consideration. Mail or deliver entries to: Savannah Technical College, 5717 White Bluff Road, Savannah, GA 31405, Attention: Office of Marketing and Communications. Entries may also be delivered to the Effingham Campus (2890 Hwy 21 South, Rincon, GA 31326) or Liberty Campus (100 Technology Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313).

For more information contact STC Director of Communications Amy Shaffer at 912.443.5512 or ashaffer@savannahtech.edu .

For additional information on Georgia Manufacturing Week or the MAW student design competition, visit www.georgiamaw.org .

Kindermusik by “88 KEYS PIANO” announces the opening of a NEW location in Bluffton SC!

Beginning in January, Kindermusik will be holding classes on Monday mornings in Bluffton at Play!, located at 53 Persimmons St. FREE DEMO DAYS will be held on Mon. Jan. 7 & Mon. Jan. 14 to introduce everyone to Kindermusik’s newest location. You can enjoy a free Kindermusik class with their child.

Classes will be available for babies (0-20 months) and for toddlers (18 months – 4 years old). Even though the DEMO classes are free, families need to enroll online at the Kindermusik website (www.88keysga.com ) because enrollment is limited.

Also, classes in Savannah will be held on Wednesday and Thursday mornings, and online ongoing enrollment is available NOW. Classes in Richmond Hill begin in January on Monday mornings.

For more info, call 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com , or visit www.88keysga.com  today!

Kindermusik…Offering Music & Motion Classes for ages newborn to 7….where A Good Beginning Never Ends

More info on all of the above by clicking here.

Marina Lindblom, 88 KEYS PIANO/Kindermusik, 912.988.KEYS (5397), email music@88keysga.com, www.88keysga.com . Kindermusik is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Dog Days
Practice your reading skills with one of our registered therapy dogs. Readers, ages 5 and up.

Always check with the branch for schedule changes. More details here.

Oglethorpe Mall Library, 925-5432, Saturday, March 9, 12 p.m.

Southwest Chatham Library, 925-8305 Saturday, March 9, 12 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 12 p.m.

Pooler Library, 748-0471 Monday,  Feb. 25  4:30 Monday, March 18, 4:30 p.m.

Islands Library, 897-6233 Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.

We’re thrilled to share with that the popular Music with Mar classes will start in January 2013 in Pooler, Rincon & on Skidaway Island, in addition the Savannah class.

Music with Mar is a fun & smart music & movement parent-and-me class.

Classes in Savannah:
11 AM Tuesdays in the music room of St James Catholic Church (8412 Whitfield Ave. Fronts on Montgomery Cross Road), Savannah;

Classes in Pooler

9:30 AM Mondays @ St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Pooler

Classes on Skidaway Island, Savannah

1 PM Tuesdays, Skidaway Island Presbyterian Preschool

Classes in Rincon

10 AM Wednesdays  in the Ashley Education Building at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Rincon

Classes start in January 2013

For children ages 6 months-6 years old and a parent/caregiver. Cost is $7/class per family (up to 4 children) or a block of 5 classes (to be used any time during a 2 month period) is $30. For more information, email megank@musicwithmar.com . “Like” Music with Mar on Facebook by clicking here to stay updated on classes.

Music with Mar is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser, On Facebook here.  Email megank@musicwithmar.com .

Enrollment for the new Savannah charter school – Savannah Classical Academy – is under way for the 2013-2014 school year.

Enrollment at the new charter is December 8, 2012 – February 22, 2013.

Applications available online at www.savannahclassicalacademy.org  or at the following locations starting January 7th, 2013:
Mondays- Carnegie Library 5:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesdays- Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church 5:30-7:30pm
Saturdays-W.W. Law Community Center 12-2pm

Contact: Savannah Classical Academy at 912.398.2391 info@savannahclassicalacademy.org

AT A GLANCE
• Tuition-free, public charter school
• Opening – August 2013
• Serving students in Savannah/Chatham County
• Initially serving grades K-6; serving grades K-12 by 2019
• Key characteristics and components:
o Based on a classical liberal arts model with a strong civics component
o Explicit phonics for teaching of reading
o Teaching of Latin
o School culture demanding moral virtue, decorum, respect, discipline, and studiousness among students and faculty

Savannah Classical Academy will be located at the site of the former St. Pius High School, 705 Anderson St. For more info, click here.

Studio 2424 announces the grand opening of MusikGarten family music sessions for toddlers and babies at the Averitt Center in Statesboro starting in 2013, in addition to the classes offered in Savannah.

Registration is now until Jan 3rd, for the session beginning January 10th. Register for classes here.

The class sessions are designed to nurture children’s music aptitude by engaging them with their families in singing and movement activities which help attune the ear, refine the voice, and develop an ease with rhythmical movement and expression. Instrumental activities range from marking simple rhythms with sticks, chimes and drums, to singing and playing strings and keyboards from notation. Details about classes here.

FREE preview classes! Curriculum for homeschoolers and nursery schools also available.

Register for classes here.

To sign up for a free preview class, click here.

Musikgarten Studio 2424 also offers parent-and-me classes for ages 0-5 at 10 AM & 4:30 PM every Wednesday at Monkey Joe’s, 311 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah. Pre-register at www.gmwmg.com

Studio 2424 – Music is FUNdamental: Come over and PLAY! Savannah, Pooler, Hilton Head, Statesboro tel: 912-434-1604 or 866-645-7501, http://www.gmwmg.com Studio 2424 is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Open House
The Habersham School will be offering an evening Open House on January 15th at 6pm. Please contact The Habersham School at 912-509-0540, or info@thehabershamschool.org .

Patriot Previews
The true culture of a school is best experienced during a personal tour. Tours of The Habersham School are available every Thursday from 8:15 am – 9:00 am by appointment only. This is the time to visit the classrooms, meet the Head of School and Principal, and discuss the school’s unique mission. Please call to reserve your spot.

Mailing Address
The Habersham School
PO Box 31037
Savannah, GA 31410

Current School Location
Grace Church of the Islands
6901 Concord Road
Savannah, GA 31410

Phone: 912-509-0540
Fax: 912-335-4038
Email: info@thehabershamschool.org

Website: http://thehabershamschool.org/