We love this!  St. Andrew’s School – a private school on Wilmington Is. in Savannah – has a new STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) iLab.

Approximately 1,500 square feet of underutilized, existing space in the St. Andrew’s Lower School has been transformed into a STEM Interactive Lab.

The project, designed and completed by JT Turner, includes an adaptable lab and separate classroom with teleconferencing capabilities.

Today donors were invited to officially dedicate the space and cut the ribbon. Second grade students wasted no time. As the scissors sliced through the ribbon, these eager students were ready to start their hands-on science lesson.

This addition enhances the school’s ability to provide interactive instruction in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Front Row: Lower School Students
Back Row (L to R): Dr. Kelley Waldron (Lower School Head), Kris Powers, Josh & Kelley Keller, Dale Holloway ’82 (Board Chair), Jim Sheffield, Neil Johnson, Mark Toth (Head of School)

St. Andrew’s School 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.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, Savannah, 31410. 912.897.4941, email admission@saintschool.com On Facebook here.   On Twitter here. St. Andrew’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

The Independent Learning Network, Inc. in Savannah offers courses to homeschoolers.

ILN offers individualized educational plans for academic levels 3-12, tutoring, monthly field trips and summer programs.

Registration begins October 1 2014. Learn more here. 

Introduction to Spanish – $95.00
October 7-23
Tues/Wed/Thur
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Students will explore the Spanish language and culture in a small group setting. Emphasis is on interactive activities that are designed to engage students in practicing the language using real-world situations. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to spoken and written Spanish, as well as demonstrate cultural awareness. All materials included. Limited spaces available for ages 12-adult

Introduction to Computer Science – $125.00
October 7-30
Tue/Thur
3:00-4:30 p.m.
Students will be introduced to the field of computer science, fundamentals of computing and computational concepts necessary for high- level computer programming and engineering. This course has been specifically designed for students with no prior programming experience and does not require any background in Computer Science. All materials included. Limited spaces available for ages 12-adult

Career Readiness Program – $1,950.00
Oct 1-May 30
Grade levels 9-12
Career Assessment • Portfolio Development • Character Building • Financial Literacy Professional Development •Internship Placement • Job/College Placement
This focused year-long program is customized to each student’s interests and aptitude. Weekly mentor sessions consist of individual or small group meetings under the direction of a dedicated career coach.

———————-
Flexible payment options available
Consult your tax professional about deductions for educational expenses

For additional information and to register, please call (912) 355-7557 or visit www.iln-ga.org

The Independent Learning Network, Inc. (ILN) is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the academic excellence of home-based and other non-conventional learners.

The ILN resource center is located at 7160 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Suite #101. Hours are by appointment.

Independent Learning Network, 7160 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Suite 101, 912-355-7557, www.iln-ga.org On Facebook here. Savannah Independent Learning Network is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Bring A Friend To School
Thursday, September 25
St. Andrew’s School
Students in grades 1 – 12 from other schools are invited to spend the day at St. Andrew’s. Attend classes, join us for lunch and learn more about St. Andrew’s. Contact Windee Helle at 897.4941, x. 452 to make a reservation.

What Every Parent of Young Children Should Know
Friday, September 26
9:15 a.m./Coffee & Meet-Greet
10 a.m. Presentation
St. Andrew’s School
This informative session, presented by Tricia Yates (Pre-K Teacher)provides an overview of literacy development in early childhood. The program includes resources and strategies to give your child the building blocks to develop strong reading skills and a love of literacy. Reserve your spot at 897.4941, x. 400.

St. Andrew’s School 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.

St. Andrew’s School, 601 Penn Waller Rd, Savannah, 31410. 912.897.4941, email admission@saintschool.com On Facebook here.   On Twitter here. St. Andrew’s is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

Bring the kids to celebrate Science, Engineering, Technology and Math at Georgia Southern University at STEM Festival 2014

This FREE fun-filled community event will be Sept. 20, 2014
10 AM – 4 PM

Nessmith-Lane Building
*847 Plant Drive on the Georgia Southern Campus

50+ Exploration stations will provide hands-on activities for children young and old. Activities appropriate for elementary, middle and high school will be available.

STEM Fest activities include:

See robotics in action
Learn how video games are created
Make ice-cream with liquid nitrogen
Blast off Alka-Seltzer rockets
Gaze at the stars in Georgia Southern’s Planetarium
Learn about Georgia Archaeology with the ArchaeoBus
Participate with NASA
Go on a mission with the Army
See competition awardees and their presentations
and much more

Free guest parking will be available in lot #32; bus parking available in lot C behind the Nessmith Lane building
Food will be available for purchase.

Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM Education, Georgia Southern University, (912) 478-2549, stem@georgiasouthern.edu

FOR MORE FREE KIDS’ EVENTS IN SAVANNAH & THE LOWCOUNTRY, CLICK HERE.

Teachers & homeschool groups, have you applied yet for Musical Explorers, Savannah Music Festival’s new partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute?

Musical Explorers has been a huge hit with New York City schools, and in 2014-15 Savannah Music Festival will be the first organization in the nation to adapt Musical Explorers for a community outside of New York.

Deadline to apply has been extended to Mon. Aug. 18. More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

Musical Explorers is a K-2 arts education program where students learn about their community, their city, their state and all the diverse musical styles that can be found in Georgia and the southeast. They also learn basic music skills and vocabulary. During the 2014-2015 school year, students explore various music styles including blues, classical, African-American spirituals, jazz, Slave Shouts, and bluegrass, embarking on a musical journey through the cultures found in and around Savannah.

For each genre of music, the students are “introduced” to a local artist, and songs and activities associated with the artist (3 artists per semester, 6 artists total). At the end of each semester, students meet the musicians they’ve learned about in the classroom live on stage, performing the songs from the curriculum in an interactive concert.

Click here watch a brief video, with footage put together by Carnegie Hall, that gives you the teacher’s perspective. (Just imagine your students going to the Lucas Theatre for the concert instead of Carnegie Hall!)

Some more program features:
*Two interactive concerts (fall and spring) per year in downtown Savannah featuring mulitcultural vocalists
*Two professional development workshops for participating teachers (fall and spring)
*An online, interactive Teacher Guide with accompanying musical excerpts, featuring lessons and creative extensions for yearlong coursework, geared toward both music and general classroom teachers
*Online, printable student activities

This program is absolutely free for participating schools!

More information on the program and an application for 2014-15 can be found  by clicking here.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is. presents the second annual Countdown to Kindergarten. This is a celebration for rising kindergartners and their families.

FREE ADMISSION FOR RISING SOUTH CAROLINA KINDERGARTENERS!

August 15, 2014, 5p-8p. Countdown to Kindergarten provides parents with an opportunity to connect with representatives from school districts, state agencies and community to learn about available educational, health and community resources. Let the countdown begin!

About The Sandbox, An Interactive Children’s Museum

The Sandbox is an interactive children’s museum dedicated to the positive development of young children through educational play in an atmosphere that fosters family and community. Established in 2005, and located on the south end of Hilton Head Island, The Sandbox is the only non-profit play and learning center of its kind in the Low Country featuring region-related exhibits, crafts and programming specifically designed to stimulate curiosity, evoke creativity and motivate learning in children ages eight and under. For more information about The Sandbox, visit www.thesandbox.org  or call (843) 842-7645.

For more information, call The Sandbox at 843-842-7645 or e-mail crinehart@thesandbox.org .

The Sandbox Children’s Museum, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is., 29928 www.thesandbox.org

Attention homeschool families in the Greater Savannah area

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens (formerly called The Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens ) is happy to announce the addition of four new educational programs to their popular Roots & Shoots Environmental Education curriculum.

These wonderful new programs include lessons on the water cycle, pollinators, nature poetry and Odonatas (dragonflies!). Please click here for more information

These educational programs are based on Georgia state standards for science grades K-6. Some programs start in September and all programs fill up quickly.

Registration begins next week on Monday, July 7th. C ost is $5 to $8 per child per program. More information here. 

The May 2014 sale on Melissa & Doug “Sunny Patch” items at Barnett Educational Supplies, Savannah has been extended to June 16!

Buy 2 and Get One FREE during the month of May 2014.

Store Hours:
M-F 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sun Closed during April, May and June

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

BRING A FRIEND TO SCHOOL

On Friday, May 9, St. Andrew’s School – a private school on Wilmington Is. in Savannah –is inviting rising Pre-K through Grade 11 students to shadow a current St. Andrew’s student.  A prospective student will attend classes, be our guest for lunch and learn more about the St. Andrew’s community.

Call 897.4941, x. 452 to reserve a spot for your son or daughter.

St. Andrew’s School 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.

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

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

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

MORE PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT CANDIDATE FORUMS:

• 6 PM Wed. April 23: Downtown Neighborhood Association Debate at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St.
• 6 PM Tues. April 29: Junior League of Savannah Debate at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St.
• 6:30 PM Wed. May 7: PTA/Southernmamas.com Forum at the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St.

FREEBIES JUST FOR SHOWING YOUR ‘I VOTED’ STICKER MAY 20

Check out the Savannah businesses that will offer sweet freebies on May 20 when you show your ‘I voted’ sticker. May 20 is the Savannah-Chatham school board president election.

It’s hard to just have one, but Barnett Educational Supplies staff in Savannah narrowed down their list of must-haves to share with you! Stop in they’ll show you why these products are number one on their list.

Test Prep Math Word Problem flash cards, $2.99

Test Practice books available in grades 1-8, $15.99

Test Prep flash cards available in grades 2-6, $12.99

Shop Local, Shop Barnett!

Store Hours:
M-F 9:00am – 7:00pm
Sat 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sun Closed during April, May and June

Please like Barnett on Facebook here to stay updated on their sales.

Barnett Educational Supplies, 38 W De Renne Ave., Savannah, 31405-6742, tel: 912-356-1878, email barneduc@bellsouth.net www.barnetteducationalsupplies.com , Barnett Educational Supplies is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Berry College Eagles cameras in Rome Ga. have been monitoring an eagle nest.

This past weekend Feb. 22 & 23 2014, the eggs began to hatch! Check out these video clips of an egg hatching & one of the mommy eagle interacting with her eaglet. (Please subscribe to our new SouthernMamas.com YouTube page here.)

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.

Children with disruptive behaviors and/or communication challenges can be much more difficult to parent.

Over time you may feel that your current parenting style has become less effective and feel unable to manage your child’s behavior. Kids react to parents, parents react to kids, and over time both create more coercive behaviors toward each other. Because of the continuing struggle, as a parent you may lower your expectations and/or stop paying attention.

Parent training available in Pooler works to make corrections now. It helps to stabilize the home situation and prepares your child for a successful peer interactions too. This training provides proactive strategies that you can take home and use immediately as well as provide a better understanding as to why these power struggles occur.

With training, you will learn how to interact with your children without power struggles. Learn how to reward appropriate behaviors, and create expectations that shift the pattern.

Please click here to register for the Parent Skill-Building Workshop in Pooler.

Register now by clicking here.
$10 per person
$20 per couple

Your workshop leader is Jennifer McGee, Ed.D, LPC. Jennifer has more than 15 years experience working in the special needs community and working with children who experience behavior, communication and anxiety challenges.

Dr. Jennifer McGee provides individual and family counseling for children and adults; she also provides social skill group therapies.

If you have questions about the workshop or would like to schedule for individual counseling or social skills groups, please contact the office by phone or email.
Contact: Jennifer Ranicki
The Mindspring Center
jennifer@mindspringcenter.com
912-748-6463

Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center, a wellness center at heart located in Pooler & serving greater Savannah, 1147 US Highway 80 West, Pooler, Ga 31322, (912) 376-1506, email: info@RanickiChiropractic.com , www.RanickiChiropractic.com  Ranicki Chiropractic Wellness Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

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

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.  )

The ArchaeoBus will return to Savannah this month!

On Feb. 28, Abby the ArchaeoBus will be on the Armstrong campus. Armstrong students and home school students are particularly encouraged to attend from noon-5 PM (field trips will be attending between 9 AM-noon).

Armstrong location

Then on March 1, the ArchaeoBus will be in the Savannah Mall from 10am – 5pm.

Abby the Archaeobus, a creation of the Society for Georgia Archaeology, is a former bookmobile retrofitted with archaeology hands-on activities. Abby travels throughout the state, visiting school groups, giving presentations, and even touring the State Fair! To learn more about the bus please visit http://thesga.org/category/archaeobus/

Savannah Mall location

In addition to the bus, the Armstrong Anthropology Club will have tables set up for educational crafts for all ages! These include Buddhist Mandala sand painting, Alutiiq animal mask making and rock art designing, and Native American beaded jewelry creating.

This educational event is free and open to the public. The goal is to reach out to the community to acquire a larger audience interested in historic preservation.

Digging Savannah Walking Tours

February 22 and April  5- Skidaway Island Guided Hike

Spanning more than 5,000 years of history and prehistory, the park’s archaeology sites give us the opportunity to trace Skidaway Island’s past from Native Americans to moonshiners. AASU archaeologist Laura Seifert will lead the hike, which starts at the Big Ferry Trail head.

The hike is $10 per person (this includes your park pass) or free for Friends of Georgia State Parks members. Buy tickets here.

March 15- Walking Tour of Downtown Savannah

Savannah is famous for its beautiful historic downtown, but the ground beneath your feet is just as historic. Learn about the unseen and forgotten archaeology sites. AASU archaeologist Laura Seifert will lead the tour, which starts at the flagpole at Battlefield Park (next the railroad museum) at 2pm. The tour is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to diggingsavannah@gmail.com  or via the Facebook event site.

For more information, please visit http://diggingsavannah.wordpress.com/  or www.facebook.com/DiggingSavannah

For specific concerns, email diggingsavannah@gmail.com

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

Attention parents of future women engineers!

Don’t miss this Saturday’s Girls Engineer It! Day in Savannah, sponsored by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Open to sixth- to 12th-grade students, as well as teachers & parents, Girls Engineer It! is focused on teaching hands-on STEM activities to introduce students to an Engineering/STEM career path.

Girls Engineer It Day
1-5:30PM Sat. February 1, 2014
at Woodville Tompkins Career High School, 151 Coach Joe Turner St, Garden City, Ga 31408.
To register and for more information, go to the SWE Facebook Page by clicking here.

Engineering is fun. Let these engineers prove it to your kids!

Students will go through 3 activities focused on different kinds of engineering taught by local technologists. The day starts with a STEM Expo which are small activities provided by local companies, surrounding universities and professional organizations. Then they will break the students into groups to begin the 3 (1 hr a piece) activities.

While the students are learning, there will be a separate event for the adults. Organizers will educate adults on everything they might need to keep the students interested in STEM, college prep, financial aid, and even community opportunities for internships. Adults will also learn their own STEM activity that they will be able to take home to teach the students what they learned.

Cost of $5 a student. The event is limited to 200 students (100 middle and 100 high school). THIS EVENT SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR. Questions? Email geid@swe.org . More info here.

Looking for a fun place to play & learn with the kids this week?

Check out Savannah Children’s Museum, next to Georgia State Railroad Museum. The museum offers daily kids’ activities Tuesdays-Sundays, weather permitting.

Savannah Children’s Museum is opening in 2 phases. Exploration Station is phase 1 and is a unique 1 acre, 2 level outdoor exhibit area set in the ruins of a Central of Georgia Railroad building.

SCHOOL YEAR HOURS:
From August 31st, 2013 until June 1 2014, Savannah Children’s Museum will be open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays. SCM will be open on most “Holiday Mondays” including (Feb. 17 2014) when Savannah Chatham County Schools are not in session. Summer hours start in June.

ADMISSION COST:
$7.50 per person ages
1 and older or
Take the Leap and purchase a 1 year Family Membership! Membership info here.

Daily programming subject to change.

Friday 1/31 (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM: Story Time: (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Saturday 2/1 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM: Family Fitness (Brings the whole family together to learn about nutrition, health, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. This program is designed for children and adults to be participating together for maximum FUN and learning)
1 PM: Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
2 PM: Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
3 PM: Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Sunday 2/2 programs (Open 11-4)
1 PM Wild about Reading! (a literacy based program that will include a read-aloud along with book based activities such as crafts, puppets, children’s theater, early reading skills, early writing skills etc. On Sundays, this program is for school age (ages 5-10).
3 PM Wonderful World of Recycling (introduces children to eco-friendly ideas and practices as well as nature-based education. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12)

Tuesday 2/4 programs (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Wednesday 2/5 programs (Open 10-4)
2 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Thursday 2/6 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM Toddler Art ( program specifically geared to introduce toddler age children to new art-focused experiences that are highly sensory. This program is generally appropriate for ages 2-4.)

Friday 2/7 programs (Open 10-4)
12:30 PM Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Saturday 2/8 programs (Open 10-4)
11 AM: Family Fitness (Brings the whole family together to learn about nutrition, health, and fitness in a fun and engaging way. This program is designed for children and adults to be participating together for maximum FUN and learning)
1 PM: Super Science (This is an experiment based science program that will introduce children to interesting science concepts through REALLY COOL investigations! This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
2 PM: Awesome Art (This goes beyond crafts to teach about different medias, artists, and techniques in a child friendly way. This program is generally appropriate for ages 4-12.)
3 PM: Story Time (a classic read-aloud program for children of all ages. The books read during each story time will be chosen based on the ages of children participating)

Sunday 2/9 Super Museum Sunday FREE ADMISSION
There will be no regularly scheduled daily programming on February 9 at Savannah Children’s Museum, as it is Super Museum Sunday. Admission is free to all of the CHS sites. If you choose to come to Savannah Children’s Museum on Super Museum Sunday, you will be given a (first come, first served) 30 minute window of play and exploration in order to accomodate all of guests.

Stay connected with Savannah Children’s Museum by liking their Facebook page here.

Savannah Children’s Museum, 655 Louisville Rd., Savannah, 31401, (912) 651-4292, email info@savannahchildrensmuseum.org, www.savannahchildrensmuseum.org Coastal Heritage Society is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser