This week. you’re invited to visit  Maggie’s Morning School, a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405.

Open House Week – Monday April 22 – Friday April 26. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a..m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Come see what makes Maggie’s “The Creative Alternative” for Pre-school and learn about Maggie’s summer program “Earthworks”.

This popular, beloved well-established Savannah school offers hands-on learning and a child-centered approach that encourages exploration and independence through a well prepared environment.

Mission Maggie’s Morning School provides a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a diverse student body in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. The focus is on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each and every child through hands on activities and support by working together with families, well-trained teachers, and community resources.

Description Maggie’s Morning School has been serving Savannah since 1982. The school has 2, 3, and 5 half day and full day programs for children 18 months (by Sept. 1) through age four, and the Bright From the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten program. Maggie’s provides an exceptional and unique learning environment in order to facilitate social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in each child.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K.

For the summer program, Maggie’s serves children 18 months (by Sept 1) through children entering 2nd grade.  Learn more about Maggie’s Summer Camps 2013 by clicking here.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here. Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Congratulations St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island for recently receiving recognition as one of the most challenging high schools in the nation.

This marks the second year in a row for the Savannah private school to receive the honor. The Washington Post’s Jay Mathews has been ranking the most challenging schools in the country for 15 years.

“I’m thrilled that St. Andrew’s is again being recognized for one of our distinguishing characteristics–that we provide a challenging curriculum to all of our students while giving them the individual attention and supportive environment they need to help them meet that challenge,” said Sara Rubinstein, Upper School Head. “Through making our International Baccalaureate program accessible to all students, not just the top 2% of any class, we fulfill our promise to give each St. Andrew’s student the high quality learning environment our families expect and deserve.”

St. Andrew’s is the only private school in Georgia to be recognized on the most challenging list.

View the Post’s challenging high schools list by clicking here.

St. Andrew’s is an independent International Baccalaureate World School committed to being a leader in 21st Century teaching and learning, which includes a curricular focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and character. For more information on the Pre-K 3 through Grade Twelve school, visit www.saintschool.com  or call 912.897.4941.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, www.saintschool.com St. Andrew’s School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Pre-K Lottery Update:

We heard from several moms recently who were surprised by changes to the pre-K wait list this year for Savannah-Chatham public schools. Basically,  if your child was accepted to one of your school choices, then he/she was not put on the waiting list for your other choices. In the past, students who were not accepted to their choices were automatically put on the waiting list. You can read parents’ concerns on the SouthernMamas.com Facebook page.

This change negatively affects those parents whose neighborhood school is not a good school, but they were required to make it one of their choices. Now they’ve been accepted to their neighborhood school & were not even put on the waiting list for their school of choice.

District 1 Savannah-Chatham County School Board Member Julie Wade looked into parents’ complaints & below are the answers she received.

Below are responses to Julie Wade’s questions about this year’s changes in the pre-K waiting list process. The repsonses are from David Feliciano, Chief Data and Accountability Officer for Savannah-Chatham Public School System:

There are two places we provided information on choice scenarios for parents to review and be aware of. One was above the choice selection list on the online application. The other reference was on our public website FAQ for Lottery. Since the lottery has completed, the FAQs have been replaced with FAQ for Registration. Below is a copy of the information that was posted:

——
Pre-K school choice scenarios:
1. The family lives in a school attendance zone that has a Pre-K Program.

• If the family only wants to attend the Pre-K program in their school attendance zone, select the school as the first choice selection and leave the other two blank.

• If the family wants to attend a Pre-K program that is not in their school attendance zone, select the school as the first choice selection and select the attendance zone school as the second choice. The third choice can be left blank.

• If the family wants to maximize their opportunity for entry into a Pre-K program, enter three choices with one of them being the attendance zone school.
2. The family lives in a school attendance zone that does not have a Pre-K program.

• If the family only wants to attend a specific Pre-K program, select the school as the first choice selection and leave the other two blank.

• If the family wants to maximize their opportunity for entry into a Pre-K program, enter three choices.

Note: If a family is selected for a Pre-K slot, they will no longer be on any wait list.

——

When the lottery was designed, it was designed to support community schools. Two specific rules impacted parent choices in the lottery:

• Priority is to be given to families that live within the Pre-K Center attendance zone.

• Families are required to list their attendance zone Pre-K Center as one of three choices.

Once a Pre-K slot is provided within the county, families are taken off of any other wait list. This was done to prevent families from holding wait list positions when they are already attending a Pre-K program within SCCPSS.

Q: For those that were not placed anywhere and are on two or three wait lists, can they withdraw from some of the wait lists?

A: Parents can remove their child from any wait list and still remain on others. Only when they accept a slot into a Pre-K program they are removed from others. The family that is on Shuman’s list can call the school and have their child pulled from the wait list. The child will still be listed on the other Pre-K program wait list. We will post this information on the website and provide it to the schools as this particular scenario was not covered.

Options for consideration:

The second rule listed above can be removed from the system. In doing so, families can pick and choose any Pre-K center of their choice, have the option of only entering one, two, or up to three Pre-K center, and don’t have to list their attendance zone school.

The above are responses to District 1 Savannah-Chatham County School Board Member Julie Wade’s questions about this year’s changes in the Pre-K waiting list process. The responses are from David Feliciano, Chief Data and Accountability Officer Savannah-Chatham Public School System.

Worried about where your child is going to attend preschool next year or trying to find a FREE, quality state-funded pre-K program in Savannah?

If so, you’ll be thrilled to learn about Maggie’s Morning School, a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school. This popular, beloved well-established Savannah school offers hands-on learning and a child-centered approach that encourages exploration and independence through a well prepared environment.

Mission
Maggie’s Morning School provides a developmentally appropriate, quality learning experience for a diverse student body in a safe, creative, and nurturing environment. The focus is on the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each and every child through hands on activities and support by working together with families, well-trained teachers, and community resources.

Description
Maggie’s Morning School has been serving Savannah since 1982. The school has 2, 3, and 5 half day and full day programs for children 18 months (by Sept. 1) through age four, and the Bright From the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Pre-Kindergarten program.
Maggie’s provides an exceptional and unique learning environment in order to facilitate social, emotional, physical and intellectual development in each child.

Please come visit the school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405 and see why Maggie’s Morning School is  “The Creative Alternative!”

Upcoming events at Maggie’s Morning School which are open to the public include: 

1) Gently-Used Sale Saturday April 20, 8 a.m. – Noon. School parking lot. Indoors if there is inclement weather.

2) Open House Week – Monday April 22 – Friday April 26. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a..m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Come see what makes Maggie’s “The Creative Alternative” for Pre-school and learn about Maggie’s summer program “Earthworks”.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K.

For the summer program, Maggie’s serves children 18 months (by Sept 1) through children entering 2nd grade.

Call (912) 352-8404 or (912) 352-8065 for more info or click here.  Tell them SouthernMamas.com sent you!

Stay connected by “liking” Maggie’s Morning School on Facebook here.

Maggie’s Morning School, 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405, www.maggiesmorningschool.org,  On Facebook here. (912) 352-8404, (912) 352-8065 Maggie’s Morning School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The deadline to apply for the lottery was March 22, 2013. The computerized lottery will run at 5pm on April 10, 2013. Emails will be sent to all parents by 6pm with their child’s placement in the lottery. Letters will also be mailed to parents on April 11, 2013.

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. More info here.

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 .

Searching for the ideal school for your child? Come see what St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has to offer.

Lunch & Learn

Friday, March 22 – UpperSchool (Grades 9 – 12)
Friday, April 19 – Middle School (Grades 5 – 8)
Enjoy lunch on St. Andrew’s, take a tour and learn what St. Andrew’s has to offer. Reservations at 897.4941, x. 306

Walk About Wednesdays
Drop in to see classes in session and meet with school administrators
Middle & Upper School 9:00 a.m.
Lower School 10:30 a.m.
Reservations at 897.4941, x. 306

 St. Andrew’s School  – a Pre-K 3 through 12th grade independent private school on Wilmington Island, Savannah – is now accepting applications. Learn more here.

ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL, An Independent School, 601 Penn Waller Road, Savannah, 31410, WWW.SAINTSCHOOL.COM St. Andrew’s School 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

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.

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.

Open houses 2012 targeting the 2012-13 School Year (to have your school’s info added, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com)

Savannah Christian Preparatory School
The only Lower School in the area to have earned a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
Prospective Parent Open Houses
Meet the teachers, tour the facilities and see how the school prepares students to do well in class and for life!
The Lower School at Chatham Parkway Campus: PreK-5th grades
Thursday, December 6th at 10 am
Thursday, January 31st at 10 am

The Lower School at DeRenne Avenue Campus: PreK-5th grades
Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 pm
Tuesday, December 4th at 10 am
Wednesday, January 30th at 10 am

The Middle School at DeRenne Avenue Campus: 6-8th grades
Thursday, November 29th at 6:30 pm

“Developing the whole person to the glory of God”
For more information visit Savannah Chrisitan Preparatory School website at www.savcps.com  OR contact the Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks ’81 at 912.234.1653 ext. 106 or dfairbanks@savcps.com

Just a reminder: Savannah-Chatham public school start times are a bit different for the 2012-2013 School Year. Check out the times above.

The bell schedule is separated by school levels and includes a different tier for each grouping based on elementary, K-8 Schools, Middle and High.

School starts in Savannah-Chatham County on Mon. Aug. 27, 2012.

Bell time change for May Howard and Hodge

District officials approved this new bell schedule for schools earlier this summer, but parent groups from May Howard and Hodge asked that their school bell times be changed.

Instead of starting at 9:15 a.m. and getting out of school at 4:10 p.m., those schools will start earlier in the morning and release students earlier in the afternoon. Hodge parents complained that working parents need to drop their children off at school as early as 7 a.m. but there is no supervision at that time. May Howard parents complained that the late release time conflicts with after school activities.

Healthy School Start Times

If you think middle and high schools are starting too early, check out a growing grassroots coalition working for safe, healthy school hours for all students at www.StartSchoolLater.net  and their online petition (http://signon.org/sign/promote-legislation-to.fb1?source=s.fb&r_by=1521139 ).

Interested in putting your child’s name into the lottery for the 2012-2013 Savannah-Chatham public schools FREE pre-kindergarten program? Here are some important dates:

Applications for the 2012-2013 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Monday, February 27, 2012 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The child must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2012. Parents must provide proof of residence and a certified birth certificate when submitting the application. Please note: Contact Coastal Empire Montessori for that school’s application dates as the school has a seperate enrollment process.

Only one application per child may be submitted at a maximum of three sites. If applying at three sites, your first choice must be in your attendance zone. The application with the appropriate documents must be submitted to each school. Submission of more than 3 applications will result in the child being disqualified.

Children will be selected through a lottery drawing which will be held April 3, 2012 at school sites. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April.

Parents may go to any of the sites with the program to obtain an application. The Information Desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications. Click here for local schools that offer the free pre-K program. Learn more about the program here.

Interested in putting your child’s name into the lottery for the 2012-2013 Savannah-Chatham public schools FREE pre-kindergarten program? Here are some important dates:

Applications for the 2012-2013 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Monday, February 27, 2012 through Friday, March 23, 2012. The child must be four years of age on or before September 1, 2012. Parents must provide proof of residence and a certified birth certificate when submitting the application. Please note: Contact Coastal Empire Montessori for that school’s application dates as the school has a seperate enrollment process.

Only one application per child may be submitted at a maximum of three sites. If applying at three sites, your first choice must be in your attendance zone. The application with the appropriate documents must be submitted to each school. Submission of more than 3 applications will result in the child being disqualified.

Children will be selected through a lottery drawing which will be held April 3, 2012 at school sites. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April.

Parents may go to any of the sites with the program to obtain an application. The Information Desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications. Click here for local schools that offer the free pre-K program. Learn more about the program here.

For open houses when you can check out the pre-k schools, click here.

Trying to find the perfect school for your child for the upcoming 2012-13 school year?

Check out our school open house listing here to find open houses happening this winter at Savannah-area public and private schools.

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School Open Houses
6 PM Jan 26 & Feb 3 2012; 11 AM Feb 18 & Feb 25 2012

Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School is a Montessori Learning Community serving children three years old through the second grade. The school is growing and will add a grade each year until a full compliment of elementary classrooms is reached. Currently, the school has openings in the 3-year old program, 4-year old program, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Third Grade and Fourth Grade for the 2012-13 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)

For more local school open houses happening this winter 2012, click here.

The General Assembly reduced the Pre-Kindergarten (lottery) budget substantially. As a result of this funding reduction, the academic calendar for the free Pre-Kindergarten program was reduced.

Those budget reductions mean pre-K students in Savannah-Chatham Public Schools don’t start the 2011-12 school year until Tues. Sept. 20. (The start day for the rest of the Savannah-Chatham public school students is Aug. 22. ) Pre-Kindergarten staff and students will then follow the district’s academic calendar for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year.

We wonder how these changes for the Pre-Kindergarten school year for Savannah-Chatham public schools is affecting the pre-K waiting lists at coveted public schools? Has anyone noticed parents opting out of free public pre-Ks or taking their names off the waiting lists as a result of the delayed school year start or because of pre-K teachers transferring out of pre-K to other grades?

Vacancies are now available for the Pre-K program in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. The following locations have openings:

• East Broad Elementary- 400 East Broad
• Gadsden Elementary- 919 May Street
• Haven Elementary- 5111 Dillon Street
• Heard Elementary- 414 Lee Blvd.
• Low Elementary- 15 Blue Ridge Ave
• Spencer Elementary- 100 Bouhan Street
• Thunderbolt Elementary- 3313 Louis Street
• Woodville-Tompkins- 151 Coach Joe Turner Drive

For info on qualifications for pre-k, click here

Jumpbunch is an International Sports and Fitness program serving children and families throughout the US and India!

JumpBunch of Greater Savannah is currently offering classes in Savannah and Richmond Hill at Children’s Village, PALS, Early Learning, Maggies Morning School, Richmond Hill Montessori, Southern Montessori and many more locations.

FREE INTRODUCTORY CLASS July 11 AT 9:30 am

JumpBunch is offering a 10 week session beginning on July 18 – September 26
The class offered will be Monday morning at 9:30 am located at New Life Church at 16252 Hwy 144 E in Richmond Hill, GA. (No class held Monday 5 September)

The cost for the 10 weeks is only $65 (Jumpbunch offers a military discount of 10$ off)

Each week, Jumpbunch offers a cardio workout, muscle resistance training and introduces a new sport activity in a fun, hands-on, non-competitive environment. At this stage, Jumpbunch is building confidence and coordination.

Some of the fun sports Jumpbunch offers are: Lacrosse, Hockey, Football, Soccer, Bowling, Kickball, Cheerleading and parachute games and best of all equipment for each class will be available for each child. No equipment to buy!!

Jumpbunch offers a Mommy and Me class, Toddler and Preschool curriculum.

www.jumpbunch.com
And check Jumpbunch out on Facebook: Jumpbunch of Greater Savannah by clicking here.

If you have any additional questions, please call Coach Jenny at 912-445-0312

Jumpbunch is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Searching for a nurturing and challenging Pre-K for your child for 2011-12? Stop by to visit First Presbyterian Preschool’s private Pre-K half-day program at 520 Washington Ave. in Ardsley Park.

The Pre-K is open to the community and offers families an educational, warm Christian environment. The school day is from 9 AM-noon. For interested families, an optional Lunch Bunch is offered three days a week from noon-2 PM. Other optional enrichment classes offered after school for an additional charge include: Spanish, soccer, Jump Bunch and art.

Visitors are welcome to visit the school classrooms, meet the teachers and ask questions. Call Ann Anderson, First Presbyterian Preschool Director at 912-351-0609.

In addition to Pre-K, First Presbyterian Preschool also offers a morning program that includes a class for 1-year-olds (walking); a class for 2-year-olds; and a class for 3-year-olds. The school follows the Savannah Chatham School calendar, beginning the day after Labor Day and ending on the last Friday in May. During summer, two three-week “camp” sessions are offered.

Teachers approach learning “developmentally”, offering age-appropriate activities to meet each child’s developmental needs. The school’s comfortable, welcoming environment allows children to gain socialization skills as they work in a combination of large and small manipulatives and participate in Circle Time, a daily story, art, music and outdoor play. First Presbyterian’s associate pastor shares a Bible story weekly.

The First Presbyterian Preschool program boasts a dedicated staff of qualified teachers. Class size is limited to eight. The “Ones” and “Twos” have two teachers each, while the “Threes” and “Pre-K” have one teacher each. Director Ann Anderson is a veteran Early Childhood educator and floats among the four classrooms. Instructors are CPR certified and trained in First Aid.

On a personal note, as a First Presbyterian Preschool parent, I couldn’t be happier with the school, the engaging and energetic teachers and the director Ann Anderson, who greets families at the door each school morning, making children feel welcome and excited about the school day ahead.  The staff, the parents and the children all enjoy being at First Presbyterian Preschool, the true sign of a quality school.  

First Presbyterian Preschool, 520 Washington Ave., Savannah, GA 31405, 912.351.0609, http://savannahfpc.org/pre-school/

Registration is under way at many Savannah-area preschools for the 2011-12 school year. Click here for a list of our readers’ picks for local preschools.

Veritas Academy at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah will have a preview morning and information session Wed. April 23 8:30-9:30AM. For more info on Veritas, call 912-238-1222 or visit www.veritassavannah.org.

Good luck to everyone enduring the nerve-wrecking lottery drawings this week for Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Free Pre-K. And congratulations or condolences to those of you who found out your Pre-K fate at any of today’s lotteries.

I am a little embarrassed to admit I teared up a bit when my son’s name wasn’t among the top 40 called at today’s Charles Ellis lottery (We’re No. 56 out of 98 for 40 slots, so there’s still a slim chance on the waiting list for a coveted spot, right? Right?)

Of course, lottery attendance isn’t mandatory for those of you who applied to a Savannah-Chatham Pre-K Program. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status at the end of April. But for those who can’t wait until then, here is a schedule of the rest of the week’s lotteries. (Thank you to Mindy Nash for this schedule!)

2011-2012 SCCPSS Pre-K Lottery Drawing Schedules
Whitney Administrative Complex
2 Laura Street, off President’s Extension

Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Thunderbolt, Butler, Georgetown
11 AM White Bluff, Spencer, J. G. Smith
12:30 PM Shuman, Port Wentworth, Pooler

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM Windsor High, Howard, Heard
11 AM Gould, Hesse, Gadsden
12:30 PM Garrison, Haven, Bartow

Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time School
9:30 AM: Southwest, Marshpoint
11 AM: Isle of Hope, Bloomingdale
12:30 PM: East Broad, Godley

We all know how hard it is to make the right decision on where to send our children to school.

Pooler MOPS tries to make the decision a little bit easier by hosting a School Fair each year.

This year, the Pooler MOPS School Fair is Wed. Feb. 2 from 9 AM-noon at First Presbyterian Church of Pooler 305 HWY 80SE, Pooler. There will be public, private and home schools represented. The event is open and free to the public.

Interested schools can contact Liz St.Lawrence at poolermops@gmail.com if they would like to attend. A list of confirmed schools can be found by clicking here.