The PTAs for Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, Garrison Elementary, Jacob G. Smith Elementary & Heard Elementary along with SouthernMamas.com are sponsoring a non-partisan forum for candidates running in the May 20, 2014 election for President of the Savannah Chatham County School Board.

All 5 candidates have confirmed participation: Sadie C. Brown, Jolene Byrne, Chester A. Ellis, George Seaborough, Dave Simons.

Come & hear where the candidates stand on issues that directly affect our children’s lives.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014
6:30-8 PM
Savannah Jewish Educational Alliance
5111 Abercorn St. Savannah, Ga.31405
Details here.

FREE & open to the public.
FREE childcare will be available with RSVP by Monday, May 5th to Jennifer Rich at 912-355-8111 or programming@savj.org

April 21 is the deadline to register to vote in the May 20 Savannah-Chatham school board president election. Click here to register to vote or update your registration.

St. Andrew’s School - a private school on Wilmington Is. in Savannah – recently received recognition as one of the most challenging high schools in the nation. This marks the third year in a row for the Savannah private school to receive the honor.

From the over 2,000 public and private schools ranked, St. Andrew’s placed 18th overall and received the highest ranking of any private school nationwide. The Washington Post’s Jay Mathews has been ranking the most challenging schools in the country for over 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. “The honor speaks to our providing a meaningful and rigorous college prep curriculum to 100% of our students through our open access International Baccalaureate Program.”

View the Post’s challenging list by clicking here.

Savannah Arts Academy was also included on the list & ranked at No. 268.

St. Andrew’s School St. Andrew’s is an independent, International Baccalaureate World School in Savannah, Georgia. For more information on the private Pre-K through Grade 12 school, visit www.saintschool.com

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

Day and Specialty Camps at St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island in Savannah

June 9 – August 1

Come join St. Andrew’s School for a summer of fun, excitement, and learning at St. Andrew’s School Summer Camp! St. Andrew’s summer camp programs include a daily “Day Camp” along with a wide array of weekly “Specialty” camps. St. Andrew’s camps are led by teachers, community leaders and highly qualified counselors with a passion for working with young people and helping them learn and develop skills.

Summer Camp details here.

St. Andrew’s School St. Andrew’s is an independent, International Baccalaureate World School in Savannah, Georgia. For more information on the private Pre-K through Grade 12 school, visit www.saintschool.com

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

Read the SouthernMamas.com Savannah Summer Camps 2014 Guide by clicking here.

JEA Preschool Savannah Summer Camp 2014 provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where children will make new friends, enjoy exciting activities, learn new skills, and experience age-appropriate independence.

JEA Preschool Savannah staff is mature, professional, and loving with years of experience in working with the young child. They are trained in CPR, fire safety and first aid. Children will experience a wide range of activities including art, science, water play (with swimming instruction for the three and four year olds), music, games, cooking and more.

JEA Preschool Savannah welcomes children and families from the entire community and is the place to send your young child for lots of safe, summer fun. You do not have to be JEA member to attend.

- Weekly Shabbat celebrations for all ages
- Swimming lessons for children ages three and four
- Beaches, Bugs, and Babies as the summer theme
- Hands on experiences and activities
- Special guests and activities
- Half day and Full day options

2014 Summer Theme:

Bugs, Beaches, and Babies
Through intentional, play-based experiences, JEA Preschool Savannah provides the tools for lifelong learning. Those experiences will include learning about shells, waves and sand, as well as exploration of bugs and insects. Children will develop their fine motor skills when they paint with shaving cream on the art wall and their gross motor skills on the climbing structure in our new outdoor space.

Click here to register for the JEA Preschool Savannah Summer Program.

Download the Summer Program Guide here.

About JEA Preschool Savannah JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves 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 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org or click here .

JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE SAVANNAH SUMMER CAMPS 2014, CLICK HERE.

Vote May 20 for Savannah-Chatham School Board President

Be a savvy parent. Know your candidates.
The PTAs for Garrison Elementary, Jacob G. Smith Elementary, Charles Ellis Montessori Academy & Heard Elementary along with SouthernMamas.com are sponsoring a non-partisan candidates’ forum.

Come & hear where the candidates stand on issues that directly affect our children’s lives.  Chances are this school board will be responsible for appointing our next superintendent.

Candidates’ Forum
Forum moderator: WSAV Coastal Sunrise morning anchor Dave Kartunen
JEA
5111 Abercorn St.
Savannah, Ga. 31405
Wed. May 7, 6:30-8 PM
FREE Childcare will be available with RSVP by Monday, May 5th to Jennifer Rich at
912-355-8111 or programming@savj.org
FREE & open to the public

The May 20 Savannah-Chatham School Board President election is especially important because the contract for Superintendent Dr. Thomas B. Lockamy, Jr. will be up for a board vote in 2016. So the new school board may pick his successor, which will set the direction for the school system for years to come. The president is the only position that will change. Everyone else is running uncontested to keep their seats. The current president, Joe Buck, is term limited out so the president seat is open.

This election can directly affect the lives of our children.

Know your candidates

All 5 candidates (Sadie C. Brown, Jolene Byrne, Chester A. Ellis, George Seaborough & David Simons) plan to attend this May 7 non-partisan candidates forum at the JEA.

Julie Wade – Board of Education Representative, District One at Savannah-Chatham County Public School System – will give a brief introduction about some important issues that the board will be dealing with and talk about some ways parents can get involved in school governance.  The candidates will introduce themselves and then answer questions submitted by the public.

FREE Childcare will be available with RSVP by Monday, May 5th to Jennifer Rich at 912-355-8111 or programming@savj.org

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Is. is pleased to join forces with one of America’s best summer learning programs.  Horizons is a six-week academic, cultural and recreational summer enrichment program that helps students from a diverse, low-income population build problem-solving skills, foster awareness of community responsibility and instill respect for oneself and others.

This first summer St. Andrew’s will host Kindergarten and 1^st grade students on campus.  The program will grow, adding one grade each summer.

“The entire St. Andrew’s community has embraced this new partnership with Horizons.  We have students volunteering their time this summer, several key individuals joining the Horizons Board of Directors and some of our teachers serving as Horizons faculty,” said Mark Toth, Head of St. Andrew’s School. “With any partnership, our goal is to create relevant and meaningful opportunities for our students, families and faculty.”

Christy Edwards, Horizons Savannah’s Executive Director, says, “We are thrilled to have another independent school join our team and especially pleased to better serve families in Savannah’s eastside islands area.  St. Andrew’s School has recently been recognized as an innovator in education by Apple and The Washington Post, and I am pleased that Horizons students will be the true beneficiaries from this collaborative effort.”

St. Andrew’s School
St. Andrew’s is an independent, International Baccalaureate World School in Savannah, Georgia. For more information on the private Pre-K through Grade 12 school, visit www.saintschool.com

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

JEA Preschool Savannah Summer Camp 2014 provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where children will make new friends, enjoy exciting activities, learn new skills, and experience age-appropriate independence.

JEA Preschool Savannah staff is mature, professional, and loving with years of experience in working with the young child. They are trained in CPR, fire safety and first aid. Children will experience a wide range of activities including art, science, water play (with swimming instruction for the three and four year olds), music, games, cooking and more.

JEA Preschool Savannah welcomes children and families from the entire community and is the place to send your young child for lots of safe, summer fun. You do not have to be JEA member to attend.

- Weekly Shabbat celebrations for all ages
- Swimming lessons for children ages three and four
- Beaches, Bugs, and Babies as the summer theme
- Hands on experiences and activities
- Special guests and activities
- Half day and Full day options

2014 Summer Theme:

Bugs, Beaches, and Babies
Through intentional, play-based experiences, JEA Preschool Savannah provides the tools for lifelong learning. Those experiences will include learning about shells, waves and sand, as well as exploration of bugs and insects. Children will develop their fine motor skills when they paint with shaving cream on the art wall and their gross motor skills on the climbing structure in our new outdoor space.

Click here to register for the JEA Preschool Savannah Summer Program.

Download the Summer Program Guide here.

About JEA Preschool Savannah JEA Preschool Savannah, located in the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves 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 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org or click here .

JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

FOR MORE SAVANNAH SUMMER CAMPS 2014, CLICK HERE.

St. Andrew’s School is pleased to announce plans for the 29th annual Live Auction and Gala set for March 8 at the Savannah Golf Club.

This year’s Platinum Sponsor is 24e DESIGN CO. which is located on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.

Guests will be able to choose from numerous fine art selections, bid on a wide variety of silent and live auction items, and enjoy a delicious dinner. Last year’s event seated 180 guests for dinner and raised over $100,000.

The Live Auction promises to be exciting with fascinating trips and entertaining parties offered. There is truly something for everyone.

The Live section of the auction has gifts such as:
 Room Makeover from 24e
 Samuel Adams Brewery Tour in Boston with 3-night stay
 Black lab puppy
 Parties, Trips, Spa Packages, and much more!

24e DESIGN CO. is Savannah’s premiere modern furniture store, specializing in contemporary furniture design, interior design and home décor. Their support helps to ensure a successful fund raiser for the Pre-K through Grade 12 private school in Savannah. All monies raised from the event go directly to support students and teachers in the classroom.

For tickets to the event, visit www.saintschool.com/liveauction

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

You’re invited to an Open House at St. James Catholic School in Savannah  5:30 PM Thursday March 13.

Come see all that St. James Catholic School in Savannah has to offer! Stay connected & informed about St. James Catholic School by liking them on Facebook here.

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Open House 5:30 PM Thursday March 13

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St. James Catholic School, 8412 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, Georgia 31406, www.sjcs-savannahga.org, (912) 355-3132, email christinawi@sjcs-savannahga.org  St. James is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

We’re thrilled that a Savannah mom whose child attends Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is running for Savannah Chatham County school board president.

Jolene Byrne is a mother, an educator and the only parent in this race with a child in public school.  Jolene Byrne is the candidate you’ll want to support if your children will eventually attend or are already attending public schools.

Learn more about Jolene Byrne by liking her Jolene Byrne For School Board President Facebook page here & visiting her campaign Web site here.

Byrne, 34, divides her time between teaching sociology at Armstrong Atlantic State University and directing the religious education program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah. She previously taught sociology at Savannah State University.

Byrne is active in our community. She has tutored students at the West Broad YMCA as a volunteer for the Junior League, helped to organize children’s health awareness events, and regularly volunteers at the Inner City Night Shelter. Jolene is passionate about the power of public education to lift up individuals, families and entire communities.

Just a snippet from Byrne:

“I am running because I believe in the power of public education to lift up children, families, and entire communities. It is fundamentally wrong that any child should be denied an excellent education just because they don’t live in a particular zip code or don’t win a lottery. While some schools are failing our children, others are models of success. I believe we should be replicating these models so more children have the opportunity to attend schools that work…”

Read more about Byrne here.

Byrne is running in the non-partisan race to replace Dr. Joe Buck as President of the Savannah-Chatham County School Board. Buck cannot run again because of term limits.  The election is May 20, 2014.

Calling all alumni, great readers and “kid- friendly” businesses!

Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah is holding their 1st Annual Read-a-Thon Fundraiser Feb. 26 and 27th!

Maggie’s is encouraging alumni, interested community members and those in child related businesses to come and read a book or two!

Feel free to dress up, wear a hat, bring a puppet or a prop! Advertise your company to over 150 school and staff families and at the same time help our preschool reach their reading and pledge goals. As a 501c3 non-profit preschool, Maggie’s Morning School depends on donations and help from the community. Financial donation receipts will be provided for tax purposes.

Funds raised will be used for playground improvements.

Call the school at 352-8404 if you would like to participate.

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

What is the plan for your child’s education this Fall? Do you have a child entering preschool this year? Or perhaps you have an older child and are thinking about a change?

Consider Veritas Academy! Veritas Academy is a family oriented Classical and Christian school located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district.

Veritas is a unique school where a gracious environment and joyful learning are combined with high standards and challenging academics; teaching students to think, speak, and write with excellence. As Veritas administrators say “We seek to honor Christ in all we do.”

Come and visit Veritas for their Open House on Tuesday, February 18 at 9 am.

For an address and details, please visit veritassavannah.org or call 238-1222.

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here. On Twitter @VeritasGryphons.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade, located at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222, www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

For parents who want their children to attend  St. James Catholic School in Savannah: Open Registration is 9-11 AM Tues. Feb. 18. Come reserve your spot for next year.

Stay connected & informed about St. James Catholic School by liking them on Facebook here.
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Open Registration Tues Feb. 18 2014 9-11 AM
______________________

St. James Catholic School, 8412 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, Georgia 31406, www.sjcs-savannahga.org, (912) 355-3132, email christinawi@sjcs-savannahga.org  St. James is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

You’re invited to an open house at Savannah Honor Academy, which will be a new independent K-5 school in midtown Savannah. Please click here for more information.

Open House
Sunday March 2
2 pm at 22 E. 38th Street ((the yellow house on the corner of 38th & Drayton). Reservations are required. RSVP to MarlaCocalis@yahoo.com to reserve a spot.

Refreshments & childcare will be provided.

Click here for more information.

Connect with Savannah Honor Academy on Facebook here.

Savannah Honor Academy, email marlacocalis@yahoo.com,  www.SavannahHonorAcademy.com, Savannah Honor Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Dynamic new Savannah preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance, is accepting enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year.

JEA Preschool Savannah , located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, serves children ages 16 months through 4 years. JEA Preschool Savannah is open to both JEA members and non members.

Please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215) or email preschool@savj.org for more information.

JEA Preschool Savannah 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, focuses on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within newly renovated facilities at the JEA.

The dynamic preschool includes spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The children also have the opportunity for extracurricular activities which include swimming, Crossfit for Kids, and outdoor exploration. The school is centrally located with easy parking and affordable tuition.

The preschool’s core curriculum is Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending two, three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily from as early as 7 a.m. 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, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves 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 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org or click here .

JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Let the anxiety begin.

Applications for the 2014-2015 school year for state-funded FREE Pre-K at Savannah-Chatham public schools will be available online and at the Pre-K school sites on March 19, 2014. The deadline to submit the application is April 4, 2014.The Lottery will be held electronically on Wednesday, April 16, 2014.

The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools. Some of the programs don’t have enough spaces for all those who want to attend.

To participate in the Pre-K Program at Savannah-Chatham public schools, children must be four years of age* on or before September 1, 2014, 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 April 4, 2014 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PUBLIC SCHOOL PRE-K APPLICATION, LOTTERY & REGISTRATION, CLICK HERE.

(Some private childcare facilities also offer the free, state-funded pre-K program including Maggies’ Morning School, Savannah Youth University, Candler’s The Children’s House, and YMCA Childcare Plus: but 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. Registration for pre-K at Maggie’s Morning School started Feb. 3. Details here.  )

Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah will begin open registration for the 2014-2015 school year on February 3rd, 2014.

Maggie’s Morning School will NOT have a weekend open house for the BFTS (lottery state funded) Pre-K program as in the past. Instead, parents may register any time beginning on Monday February 3rd. Please note, this is popular preschool and registration is taken on a first come first served basis. So if you want your child to attend, register as early as possible.

Children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 for the Pre-K. Required documents include proof of birth and proof of residence; registrations will not be accepted without both documents.

Maggie’s Morning School is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

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

Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah will begin open registration for the 2014-2015 school year on February 3rd, 2014.

Maggie’s Morning School will NOT have a weekend open house for the BFTS (lottery state funded) Pre-K program as in the past. Instead, parents may register any time beginning on Monday February 3rd. Please note, this is popular preschool and registration is taken on a first come first served basis. So if you want your child to attend, register as early as possible.

Children must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 for the Pre-K. Required documents include proof of birth and proof of residence; registrations will not be accepted without both documents.

Maggie’s Morning School is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

For the school year, Maggie’s serves children ages 18 months (by Sept 1) through 3 classes of State-Funded (FREE) Pre-K. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

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

You’re invited to an Open House at St. James Catholic School in Savannah this Sun. Jan. 26.

Come see all that St. James Catholic School in Savannah has to offer! Stay connected & informed about St. James Catholic School by liking them on Facebook here.

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Open House Sun. Jan. 26 2014 Sunday 8:30 AM-1 PM

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St. James Catholic School, 8412 Whitfield Ave., Savannah, Georgia 31406, www.sjcs-savannahga.org, (912) 355-3132, email christinawi@sjcs-savannahga.org  St. James is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island invites you to their ONLY All-School Open House event of the 2014-2015 application year at 1:30 PM Jan. 26.

St. Andrew’s is Savannah’s only independent, college-preparatory school with Apple Distinguished School status for three years running; partnered with Thrive Cafe, Savannah’s only green-certified restaurant for healthy lunches; and recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School for focus on global competency.

Here are some other features to consider:
> As one of the Washington Post’s Most Challenging High Schools, students have early placements this year to University of Georgia, Yale, Colorado, and the United States Naval Academy.
> There are no more than two classrooms per grade in lower school with a 9:1 student to teacher ratio, and fifth graders are part of the middle school program.
> The three year old and four year old kindergartens have a curriculum that includes a literacy specialist, mathematics and science specialist, art specialist, music specialist, and physical education specialist. World language in the form of Mandarin Chinese and Spanish are also part of lower school.
> A community garden managed by lower schoolers is integrated into the curriculum and supplies food for the dining hall this year in the innovative Farm to Table philosophy.
> Bussing from Southbridge communities and Skidaway communities through both downtown and Isle of Hope provide access for families to the “only independent school on the islands!”
> A robust scholarship and financial aid program makes the experience available to countless mission-appropriate families seeking the best for their child.

The school is intentionally sized at no more than 500 students. As other schools in the region grow for growth’s sake, St. Andrew’s remains committed to the most important factor in education–the relationship between the teacher and student. School administrators pledge to be an environment where every child is known and valued–a personalized educational experience.

Come to the open house Sunday to hear St. Andrew’s parents, teachers, and students share their stories.

For admission information, visit www.saintschool.net/admissions . For academic information, visit www.saintschool.com

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

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

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE. Deadline to do so is Feb. 7 2014.

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System offers 23 Specialty Programs throughout the district from elementary through high school including kindergarten.

Specialty Application Timeline Specialty Applications is available beginning Jan. 8 2014.

• Specialty Program Applications for the 2014-2015 school year will be available online and at the school sites.
• The Specialty Lottery will be held electronically. At its conclusion, an email will be sent to parents with a status update for their child.
• Each Specialty Program has entrance requirements, please click here for Specialty Program Entrance Criteria.

Parents may select up to three choice programs.

To view the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Specialty Programs 2014-13 Open House Schedule, click here. Contact information for each school can be found under the Site List tab here.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE. Deadline to do so is Feb. 7 2014.

The Pre-K Lottery for Savannah-Chatham public schools is different & will be at a later date.

Questions? There is going to be a representative from the Savannah-Chatham public school system at the Pooler MOPS preschool/school fair Wed. Jan. 22 at First Presbyterian Church in Pooler. The school fair is open to the public. You do not have to be a MOPS member to attend. Details here.

You’re invited to an open house at Savannah Honor Academy, which will be a new independent K-5 school in midtown Savannah. Please click here for more information.

Open House
Jan. 28th
5:30pm at 22 E. 38th Street (corner of 38th and Drayton). Reservations are required. RSVP to MarlaCocalis@yahoo.com .

Click here for more information.

Connect with Savannah Honor Academy on Facebook here.

Savannah Honor Academy, email marlacocalis@yahoo.com,  www.SavannahHonorAcademy.com, Savannah Honor Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Dynamic new Savannah preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance, is accepting enrollment for the 2014-2015 school year.

JEA Preschool Savannah will host an Open House for prospective and enrolled parents and caregivers on Wednesday, January 15 beginning at 9:30am.The new preschool, located at the Jewish Educational Alliance community center at 5111 Abercorn Street, serves children ages 16 months through 4 years.

During the event, parents will have an opportunity to meet preschool director Jodi Sadler and the faculty, as well see the classrooms in session. Please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215) or email preschool@savj.org  for more information.

JEA Preschool Savannah 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, focuses on literacy, writing, math, science, music, art and movement all within newly renovated facilities at the JEA.

“I am truly excited about the success of our program and its future,” said Sadler, director of JEA Preschool Savannah. “When parents and children walk into the school, I believe they see and feel two things: love and security. I know that the quality of the program, excellence of the facilities, and perfect location makes this one of the most attractive and vibrant programs in the area.”

The dynamic preschool includes spacious classrooms and an innovative outdoor space where children can explore, interact with and connect to the environment. The children also have the opportunity for extracurricular activities which include swimming, Crossfit for Kids, and outdoor exploration. The school is centrally located with easy parking and affordable tuition.

The preschool’s core curriculum is Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children have the option of attending two, three or five days per week. Extended hours are available daily from as early as 7 a.m. 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, opened its doors in August 2013. The school, which serves 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 Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Extended hours are available daily, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. For more information on JEA Preschool Savannah, please call 912-355-8111 (ext. 215), email preschool@savj.org  or visit www.savannahjea.org .

JEA Preschool Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Veritas Academy, meeting in the heart of the Savannah historic district, is committed to providing a Christ-centered, classical and covenantal Pre-K through 12th grade education. “That in everything Christ might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18) –Even, and especially, in the hearts and minds of our children.

Mission: The mission of Veritas Academy is to assist parents in teaching their children to think, speak, and act Christianly, and to seek, discern, and apply Truth all their lives by providing an education of excellence that is Christ-centered, classical, and covenantal.

Veritas Visits: Please drop by to observe classrooms, meet teachers, review curriculum, ask questions and get answers! For more information please contact Veritas Academy at 912-238-1222 or visit www.VeritasSavannah.org .

Veritas Visits

9:00-10:00 am

Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here. On Twitter @VeritasGryphons.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade, located at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222, www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Veritas Academy, meeting in the heart of the Savannah historic district, is committed to providing a Christ-centered, classical and covenantal Pre-K through 12th grade education. “That in everything Christ might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:18) –Even, and especially, in the hearts and minds of our children.

Mission: The mission of Veritas Academy is to assist parents in teaching their children to think, speak, and act Christianly, and to seek, discern, and apply Truth all their lives by providing an education of excellence that is Christ-centered, classical, and covenantal.

Veritas Visits: Please drop by to observe classrooms, meet teachers, review curriculum, ask questions and get answers! For more information please contact Veritas Academy at 912-238-1222 or visit www.VeritasSavannah.org .

Veritas Visits

9:00-10:00 am

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tuesdays, January 7 & 21, 2014

Stay connected with Veritas Academy by liking their page on Facebook here.  On Twitter @VeritasGryphons.

Veritas Academy , Pre-K through 12th grade, located at the Independent Presbyterian Church, 207 Bull St., Savannah 31401, 912-238-1222, www.VeritasSavannah.org Veritas Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

You’re invited to a FREE Holiday Technology Shopping Presentation for Parents at St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island.

7 PM Thurs. Dec. 12 Bell Hall Media Center at St. Andrew’s School
Parent Presentation on Best Technologies for Families
Free of Charge & Open to the Public
897.4941

National technology expert, Katie Koestner, is “coming to town” and you can be sure that good boys and girls will delight and benefit from what she has to teach us. Bring your gift ideas and technology questions, and get ready add to your list.

Update your knowledge on what’s developmentally appropriate for children of all ages when it comes to iPads, iPhones and Internet access.

Meet the Presenter: Katie Koestner

Katie Koestner appeared on the cover of TIME Magazine and is the subject of an HBO Movie. She has lectured at over 2500 institutions throughout North America, including Harvard, Princeton, Wharton, Stanford, the Pentagon, Phillips Academy, Vanguard, the Girl Scouts of America, and the US Departments of Justice, Defense and Education. She has appeared on Oprah, CNN, MTV, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Later Today, Entertainment Tonight, as well as dozens of other national news programs. She is the author of over 100 books, articles, blogs, and chapters on internet safety and healthy relationship issues. Katie is the architect of federal student safety legislation. On the topic of Cyber-Safety and Cyber-Smarts, Ms. Koestner’s witty, fast-paced programs are packed with all the essentials. Katie’s humor and stories keep her audiences engaged. Her clear instruction distills complicated information into manageable morsels.

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

You’re invited to Maggie’s Morning School McTeacher’s Night” @ McDonald’s on Eisenhower and Waters in Savannah.
Tuesday, November 19
5-8 p.m.
The  3rd annual McDonald’s McTeachers Night will include facepainting, a play space, and raffle prizes! 20% of all sales between 5 and 8pm are donated to Maggie’s Morning School. Kids can see their teachers work the counter & visit with other families.

Maggie’s Morning School is a NAEYC accredited private, non-profit pre-school at 6610 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31405.

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. Maggie’s Morning School in Savannah offers part-time preschool for 4-year-olds.

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

Expose your children to more live music concerts.

Attend St. Andrew’s School Performing Arts Concert, 6 p.m. Tuesday Dec. 10 @ Trustees Theatre on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah.

Free and Open to the Public

Featuring St.  Andrew’s string, choral and orchestra students

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

Harvest Dinner @  St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island

Friday, November 22
6:00 PM

Eat In or Take Out

$15/person

Chicken Tetrazzini, Veggies & Dessert

(Vegetarian Available)

St. Andrew’s new dining partner, Thrive Cafe, is preparing a slow cooked, farm to table meal with dessert provided by Rainy Day Bakery. Entertainment by St. Andrew’s student vocalists. All proceeds to benefit Children Inspiring Hope, a non-profit founded by St. Andrew’s Alum, Amy Gaylor, which seeks to help students develop intercultural understandings and respect through school partnerships in the United States and Ghana. Learn more at http://www.childreninspiringhope.org

Reserve your spot for dinner online by clicking here.

Thrive Café provides all student & faculty meals at St. Andrew’s School, a private independent school. The partnership is designed to bring healthy, affordable food to the Pre K – Grade 12 school on a daily basis.

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

Come find out all that St. Andrew’s School on Wilmington Island has to offer your child.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

OPEN HOUSE for Prospective Families

1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

St. Andrew’s School

Pre-K 3 through Grade 12

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