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

Usborne Books and More makes fantastic educational books for kids who love to read and kids who hate to read and everyone in between!  Usborne Books carries 1500+ titles for babies through high school and for the child at heart.  July is an amazing month to discover how you can add these wonderful books to the child in your life’s library.

Melissa Mallory, a mother of 4, is a local consultant and loves the family friendly nature of this business and the satisfaction of promoting literacy in the community.  “It is extremely gratifying to work in a business that I can share with my family.  Usborne has several ways to offer these high quality books to families, schools, and organizations so I can tailor my business to suit the needs of my family.”

Some of Melissa’s services include:

Home shows
Catalog shows
E-shows
Business opportunity
Gift registry/wish list registry
Reading Incentive Program
Matching Grant Program
Book Fairs
Cards for a Cause Fundraiser (NEW!)
School/Library Sales

During the month of July, the fabulous full-sized business kit for new consultants (reg. price-$149)  is available for the mini kit price ($69.99 +tax; shipping included)!  Click here for more information.  Sign up today and begin to write your own success story! 

July is also Double Hostess Rewards for qualifying shows.  How does $200 in FREE BOOKS sound?  This is a great opportunity to build the child in your life’s library or stock up on gifts!  Dates are limited so contact Melissa ASAP to reserve your party date.

Melissa is offering all Southernmamas readers the opportunity to receive 15% off your first order!  Email Melissa at mmallory@myubah.com or call 912-856-1450 by June 30 to place your order.  In addition, readers who place an order of $40 or more will be able to purchase up to 3 of Usborne’s wonderful customer specials (starting as low as $3) for each $40 you spend. You can view the current catalog by starting here.

To keep up with monthly specials, promotions, book reviews, and more, join Melissa’s Usborne Books and More fanpage by clicking here and/or sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Melissa Mallory, 912-856-1450, email mmallory@myubah.com,  Facebook: Esteem Reading-Usborne Books and More, www.EsteemReading.com Usborne Books & More is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Below is a guest post from Brenda Marion, who is on the governing board working to get a charter school on Tybee Island beginning with the 2012 school year. For more info on the proposed Tybee Island Charter School, email tybeeislandcharterschool@comcast.net

On July 13, the Savannah Chatham County School Board will vote on whether or not to approve the Tybee Island Charter School application. In order to ensure that each Board member understands that the Tybee community and other stakeholders stand firmly behind this initiative, we are asking that you send each of them an e-mail asking that they vote YES on our application.  Please take some of the talking points below to craft an individualized e-mail to them.

Here are their e-mail addresses:

Joe.buck@sccpss.com; Julie.wade@sccpss.com; Floyd.adams@sccpss.com; Alexander.luten@sccpss.com; Gregory.sapp@sccpss.com; Irene.hines@sccpss.com; lori.brady@sccpss.com; Julie.gerbsch@sccpss.com; ruby.jones@sccpss.com

Below are some talking points:

·Tybee Island has had a school for over 60 years. Tybee children, families and citizens and businesses were extremely supportive of both Tybee’s public school and private school. A school is something that binds a community together and Tybee lost that when St. Michaels closed recently.

· Tybee citizens represent less than 1.5% of the population of Chatham County yet its property owners pay more than 10% of the property taxes for the Savannah Chatham County School System. A small K-5 school is something that we would like to have for our community’s families.

· There are over 100 students who attend SCCPSS k-5 schools who live east of the Lazeretto Creek Bridge. Additionally, there are numerous students who attend private schools. We believe that a school on Tybee would attract a sufficient number of students, would serve as a reason for families with young children to move to Tybee Island and would attract students from elsewhere in Chatham County who are interested in our specialized curriculum.

· We have a facility already in place. Access to a suitable facility is typically a major stumbling block for new charter schools.

· The existing elementary public school for Tybee students is currently at capacity. A Tybee Charter School would help mitigate this problem.

· Tybee students are currently transported to schools all over the County. The SCCPSS Passport to Excellence has as its underlying theme the goal of “neighborhood schools”. A Tybee Charter School would help achieve that goal while also potentially saving money in terms of transportation costs.

· Tybee has a strong and supportive constituency. A Tybee Charter School would have support from various organizations and institutions on many level. Examples include the Tybee Branch of the CEL Library system, the Tybee 4H Center, the Tybee Marine Rescue Squadron, the City of Tybee Island and many others. Additionally, the business community is well-organized and has shown very strong support in the past for Tybee educational initiatives.

Please vote YES for the Tybee Island Charter School on July 13

The above is a guest post from Brenda Marion, who is on the governing board working to get a charter school on Tybee Island beginning with the 2012 schol year. For more info on the proposed Tybee Island Charter School, email tybeeislandcharterschool@comcast.net

Bacon Park Christian Day School is dedicated to providing children K-6th grade a traditional education combining challenging academics and character development in a Christian family atmosphere.

The school’s small classes will afford children more individual instruction time.

As part of character development, children are taught about honesty, integrity, good manners, and respect for God, family, friends, and community.

If you are looking for a nuturing environment where your child is valued as an individual and family involvement is encouraged, Bacon Park Christian Day School welcomes you to visit the school. More info here.

Bacon Park Chrisian Day School, 5411 Skidaway Road, Savannah, 31406, (912) 484-9880, email bpcds@att.net , www.baconparkchristiandayschool.com Bacon Park Christian Day School is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

(UPDATE: The .5 millage rate increase and no modification days proposal passed 5-4 at the Tues. June 7 board meeting.)

A big thank you to local public education advocate and mom Michelle Solomon for the following guest post:

The Savannah-Chatham Board of Education is meeting on Tues. June 7 to consider the school budget and there are a lot of cuts on the table: furloughing teachers, closing schools, or eliminating band and athletic programs. They are also considering a proposal to avoid the cuts by raising property taxes a small amount – about $70/family depending on your property value, which is less than what most people are getting back because of the devaluations. It’s a small amount to pay for so much.

It would help tons if everyone who cares about the schools would send an email ASAP to the members of the Savannah-Chatham Public School Board saying:
– you support the .5 mil property tax increase that Savannah-Chatham Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Lockamy asked for:
– where you live
– your profession
– where your kids go to school
– your own thoughts on the proposed cuts (optional)

Even if your kids are in private school, or you don’t have any kids in school, it would help to send something – actually, it would probably help even more.

Here are the Board emails, plus an email set up to get copies of the letters that someone will hopefully bring to the Board meeting – you can just cut and paste this list: joe.buck@sccpss.com ; julie.wade@sccpss.com ; floyd.adams@sccpss.com ; alexander.luten@sccpss.com ; irene.hines@sccpss.com ; gregory.sapp@sccpss.com ; lori.brady@sccpss.com ; julie.gerbsch@sccpss.com ; ruby.jones@sccpss.com ; forsavannahschools@gmail.com

And even better than all that, if you can go to the Board meeting and speak in support of the schools, that would make a big difference. The meeting is 6pm Tuesday at Whitney Administrative Complex, 2 Laura St.

For background info on this issue:

Savannah Morning News on the tax proposal
Savannah Morning News on the proposed cuts
Savannah Morning News on property tax devaluations

Is your child struggling with making friends? Social Skills for Individuals and Groups are available at The Mindspring Center in Pooler. Now forming groups for summer and fall sessions.

Social Skills Therapy teaches skills that will promote positive interactions with others, decrease anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

Summer and Fall Group Registration
Ages: Preschool – Adult

Summer Groups:
Preschool and upper elementary & middle school
Dates: Tues. May 31 – Tues. July 14
Day: Every Tuesday and Thursday (7 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 (preschool) and 5:45 – 6:45 pm (elementary/middle)

Fall Groups:
Preschool, early elementary, older elementary, middle school, high school, and adult.
Dates: Begin week of Aug. 13
Day: Depends on group – Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday
(14 weeks = 14 sessions)
Time: Pending

How to Join?

Contact The Mindspring Center to schedule your child’s assessment: call 912-748-6463 or email jennifer@mindspringcenter.com .
Insurance reimbursement may be available. The office can check your benefits.
 

Save 50%

Schedule your child’s assessment on or before June 9 and recieve 50% off of the cost of an assessment. Regular rate: $70. An individualized assessment is required for participation in any social skills group therapy. Offer Expires: June 9, 2011

The MindSpring Center, 1147 West Highway 80, Pooler, GA, 31322, www.facebook.com/themindspringcenter The Mindspring Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Below is a guest post by Jane Madison, an early childhood education expert and pre-K teacher at Saint Peter the Apostle School on Wilmington Island.

As the school year comes to an end, parents often want ideas for activities during the summer to help their child maintain the skills learned in school. It is also important for parents to know the abilities young children need to be successful in school, and what to work toward.
The goals and activities discussed here are geared toward children finishing a pre-kindergarten program, but all of the activities are useful and fun and can be adapted for younger or older children. Remember, children learn naturally through play.
Children entering kindergarten are expected to identify some letters of the alphabet by name. They should be able to recognize all of the letters in their first name, and also be able to tell you how to spell it. Many children can write their name, but have no idea what the letters are called. Some children can spell their name, but don’t recognize it in print. We want them to be able to do both. To help your child learn how to spell his name, make up a song to the tune of BINGO or Wheels on the Bus, substituting the letters of your child’s name. Then point to the written letters as you sing it.
The pre-kindergarten student at this time of year should be able to hear beginning sounds of words and identify words that start with the same sound, such as ball and bike. (Alliteration)
They should also be able to hear rhyming sounds, and tell you two or three words that rhyme together. Nonsense words DO count in this activity.
In Math, students should be able to count objects to 12 or more, recognize numerals to 10 or more, name shapes and make simple patterns.
Also it is important to help your child to work independently. He should be able to put together a puzzle without talking to you, set a place setting at the table without getting distracted, draw a picture, or write his name without constantly looking to you for approval. A child this age should be able to follow a two step direction without loosing focus. An example of this is, “Go get your bathing suit and come to my room.”

Below is a list of games and activities you can do with your child to help him continue to maintain the skills he has learned in school this year. Only play these games for 10 or 15 minutes each day. If your child wants to play longer you may do so, but you want your child to love learning and have fun while doing it!
Please, please, please read and discuss books with your child everyday, limit TV, DVD’s, and video games and play cards or board games in which people interact with each other, not a screen.

Rhyming and Alliteration
(These games can be played to pass the time when you are someplace you have to wait, or when you’re in the car.)
• Name something that rhymes with_____. , chair, desk, sign, whatever you see
• Tell me a word that starts with the same sound as ____.
• I see two things that start with “b”. Make the b sound, bat and ball
• Name people in the family who have names that start with the same sound
• I’m thinking of something that swims that starts with the “f” sound( make sound) and rhymes with wish, (fish)

 To read the rest of this post in its entirety, click here.

Here’s the help you’ve been looking for for your struggling student – and at a discounted price, as well.

The Tutoring Center, a part of Royce Learning Center, offers one-on-one tutoring for students of all ages and abilities.

Unlike other tutoring programs, The Tutoring Center’s highly skilled tutors work individually with students to develop education plans based on their needs. Tutoring services are offered for all grade levels, preschool through college and adult.

The Tutoring Center at Royce also offers assistance in most academic subject areas, as well as study skills and standardized test preparation.

Students are matched with a tutor who is trained and experienced in areas of need, which often include learning disabilities, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder and other learning differences. Some examples of subject areas include algebra, science, general math, social studies, SAT Prep, reading remediation and writing.

The Tutoring Center is a non-profit organization and is open to students from public and private schools. Fees are based on an hourly rate and scholarships are provide through United Way funding for those with financial need.

For the month of March, The Tutoring Center will waive registration fee for any new contracts. This is a $75 value!! To get the discount, please mention you heard The Tutoring Center on SouthernMamas.com.

For more information, or to sign up for tutoring, click here or call 912-354-4047 and speak with Sally Greenberg, Tutoring Coordinator. You can also email Sally at sgreenberg@roycelc.com .

The Tutoring Center at Royce, www.tutoringatroyce.com, 4 Oglethorpe Professional Blvd., Savannah, GA 31406, 912.354.4047 or email sgreenberg@roycelc.com The Tutoring Center at Royce is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

Now you can finally see “WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN,”  the celebrated pro-charter school documentary about the state of U.S. public education.

The founding members of a proposed local charter school, The Savannah Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy, organized a free showing of the controversial documentary. It will be shown to the public for free at 4 PM Sun. Feb 27 at the Jewish Educational Alliance (JEA), 5111 Abercorn St., Savannah, 31406.

This eye-opening movie about an incredibly important issue was named the Best Documentary of the year by the National Board of Review and cited by the American Film Institute as one of the year’s best movies. WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN”  has launched a movement to achieve real and lasting change in the nation’s schools.

For more information, call Barbara Grimm at 912-484-6581. For more info on the local proposed charter school The Savannah Classical Academy, proposed to open in 2012, click here

Add this to your list of fun and educational things-to-do with kids in the Savannah area: Take a Tybee Island Beach Ecology Trip led by marine scientist/biologist Dr. Joe Richardson.

A trip to the beach isn’t complete without your kids asking you a barrage of questions about the shells, tides and animals. Wouldn’t it be ideal to have a marine biologist along to give them some answers and make your next beach trip a valuable experience discovering and learning? Take one of Dr. Joe’s beach ecology trips. School groups from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida regularly ask Dr. Joe to lead their Tybee Island beach trips. Read a list of activities and topics the beach ecology walk covers by clicking here.

There are still some available dates and times between now and mid-summer, but contact Joe soon as he is already booking many family, scout, school and tour group trips for the next few months. Call (912) 596-5362 or email  joe@ceasurf.com to set up a beach walk.

For updates regarding what Dr. Joe is finding and doing on his ecology beach walks, check out (and “like”) the “Tybee Beach Ecology Trips” FACEBOOK page by clicking here.
Cost varies depending on group size and with age. Special family rates and small group rates are available. Read more by clicking here. 

Tybee Beach Ecology Trips is a SouthernMamas sponsor.

The newly renovated University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island will reopen later this month.
The Grand Re-Opening for the public – called a Night with the Fish – will be 6-8 PM Fri. Feb. 25, 2011.
Bring your family out to enjoy the newly renovated Aquarium, located just outside Savannah. The public program includes: marine presentations (children’s activities provided), refreshments, and viewing of the renovated aquarium. Cost: $10/person (ages 1-2 are free), and will be booked on a first come-first served basis. From 6 PM-7 PM, there will be 3 short 15 minute educational lectures. At 7 PM, the aquarium will be open for your viewing pleasure. To RSVP for this event, contact Karin Paquin (Assistant Curator) at 912-598-2356 or email kpaquin@uga.edu.

On Sat. Feb. 26, 2011 from 10 AM – 1 PM, the UGA Aquarium will run 30 minute “Behind-the-Scenes” educational tours for the public. Cost will be an additional $5/person on top of the general admission fee. General Admission fees are $4/adult, $2/child (3-12), senior, and military with active ID, and Free for children age 1-2. These tours will be on a first come-first served basis. You cannot pre-register for the Saturday event.

Are you looking for a public school that provides elementary and middle school-aged children in
Chatham County with a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character?

Then take time to attend an information session about the newest proposed charter school in Savannah: The Savannah Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy. The information session, which is open to the public, will be 4 PM Sat. Jan. 29 at the Caraway Café, 202 E. Broughton St.

Contact: Barbara Grimm at 912-484-6581 for more details or visit the school’s website at www.sca.teamcfa.org

For more information on local schoools, including schools open houses and info on the admissions process for lottery-funded (free) pre-K, visit the SouthernMamas Savannah-Chatham School Guide by clicking here.

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.

Check out the new SouthernMamas page Savannah School Open Houses for the Winter 2011.

We’re trying to make the tough process of selecting the right school a little easier and will add more school open houses and general info on the pre-K lottery and how to get your child into the pre-K of your choice.

To have a school open house or other info included in the guide, email the info to anne@southernmamas.com.

The madness that is the Savannah pre-k lottery (i.e. the race to get into your choice of free pre-Kindergarten) starts soon.

Applications for the 2011-2012 Pre-Kindergarten Program will be available Mon. Feb. 7, 2011 through Fri. March 4, 2011.  The FREE Georgia pre-k program is a full-day program available at some public and private schools.

The FREE pre-K classses are funded by the Georgia Lottery and open to children who will be 4 years of age prior to or on September 1, 2011.

At Savannah-Chatham public schools, children will be selected through a lottery process, which will be held in late March 2011. Parents will receive written notification of acceptance or waiting list status. Applications will continue to be accepted after the classes are filled, but they will be placed in a “waiting” folder in the event that openings occur in the Pre-K classes.

To obtain an application, go to any of the sites with the program. The Information desk at 208 Bull Street will also have applications.

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.

Savannah-Chatham Public Schools: Speciality Elementary Schools (These public schools either don’t have an attendance zone/neighborhood district or they also accept children outside of their attendance zone/neighborhood district)

Bartow Elementary
Math, Technology and Design Program
1804 Stratford St. Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5300
Has 20 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K spots; children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Charles Ellis (P-8)
Montessori Academy
220 E. 49th St., Savannah GA 31405
912.395.5470
Has 40 lottery-funded (Free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Garrison Elementary (P-8)
School of Visual and Performing Arts
649 W. Jones St., Savannah, GA 31415
912.395.5975
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots and no specific attendance zone/neighborhood district.

Heard Elementary
Advanced Learning with Core Knowledge Program
414 Lee Boulevard, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6630
Has 40 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Hodge Elementary
Medical/Allied Health Program
3609 Hopkins St., Savannah, GA 31405
912.395.5200
Pre-K slots number not available

Jacob G. Smith Elementary
Traditional program with Core Knowledge
210 Lamara Drive, Savannah GA 31405
912.395.6530
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Largo-Tibet Elementary
International Baccalaureate Primary Years
Programme Candidate School
430 Tibet Ave., Savannah GA 31406
912.395.3450
Pre-K slots number not available

Marshpoint Elementary
International Baccalaureate
Primary Years Programme
135 Whitemarsh Island Rd, Savannah GA 31410
912.395.4000
Has 20 lottery-funded (free) Pre-K slots. Children in the school’s attendance zone receive first priority. Any remaining spots are open to children outside the attendance zone.

Several local schools welcome prospective students and families at January Open Houses, during which you can tour the school, meet teachers and ask questions. This is not a complete list of schools having open houses. If there’s a school you’re interested in call, it’s best to call the school to find out when they will host their open house.

EF Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts (K-8) Open House, 649 W. Jones St.
5-7 PM Thurs. Feb 3 with a presentation at 6 PM
The new arts K-8 school at Garrison prepares students for the district’s premier high school, Savannah Arts Academy. The school does not have an attendance zone/district
Parents who would like to chose a specialty school for their child rather than their neighborhood school may apply for admission.
(912) 395-5975
http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/gvpa/default.aspx

An information session (not an open house) about a new charter school proposed for Savannah
The Savannah Classical Academy: A Challenge Foundation Academy aims to provide elementary and middle school-aged children in Chatham County with a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character.
A public information session will be 4 PM Sat. Jan. 29 at the Caraway Café, 202 E. Broughton St.
Contact: Barbara Grimm at 912-484-6581 for more details or visit the school’s website at www.sca.teamcfa.org

 The New Covenant Preschool Open House
Thurs. Jan. 13, 6:30-8:00 PM
2201 Bull St., Savannah (corner of Bull and 38th St.) Come out and enjoy an evening of family fun while learning more about The New Covenant Preschool for your family. Activities will include: tours of the facility, face painting and balloon animals, food, door prizes, and more.
Enjoy a free trial day with New Convenant Preschool
Take advantage of the school’s 50 percent off Registration (Good through Jan. 30, 2011)
Email newcovenantpreschool@ymail.com or call (912) 232-7012
www.newcovenantpreschool.com

Jacob G Smith Elementary School Open House, 210 Lamara Drive
5:30 PM Thurs. Jan. 20
5:30 PM PTA Meet and Greet in the Media Center
6 PM School overview, Q&A with principal Jane Tyler and school families
6:30 PM See the school in action as school families return to school for Family Science Night
912.303. 6530

Savannah Christian Preparatory School Open Houses 
DeRenne Avenue Lower School Open House PreK-5th
**PreK will be available 2011-2012 school year
Wednesday, January 12th 10 am
Chatham Parkway Lower School Open House PreK-5th
Thursday, January 13th 10 am
Personal tours of both campuses and all grade levels are available by appointment by calling our Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks at 912.234.1653 ext. 106.
Savannah Christian Prep offers multiple testing opportunities and two acceptance dates this year.
Early Acceptance- Announced February 9th
Testing Dates
Saturday, January 22nd Lower School
Saturday, January 29th Middle and Upper School
General Acceptance- Announced March 9th
Testing Date
Saturday, February 26th Lower, Middle, and Upper School
Openings maybe still available after the General Acceptance date. Please contact our Director of Admissions, Debbie Fairbanks at 912.234.1653 ext. 106 to discuss openings and to set up individual testing opportunities.

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

Located at 2201 Bull St., near the heart of downtown Savannah, The New Covenant Preschool provides:
• Warm and inviting child-friendly atmosphere
• Enthusiastic, experienced, and engaged teachers
• Developmentally appropriate learning activities
• Enrichment classes in foreign language, music, and movement
• Daily Drop- In Care (subject to availability)

Special Offers:
Receive 50% off Registration (Good thru Nov. 30)
Enjoy 1 Free Trial Day

For more information, call (912) 232-7012, or visit the New Convenant Preschool Website at www.newcovenantpreschool.com
Call today to schedule a tour!

“Waiting for ‘Superman,” the celebrated pro-charter school documentary about the state of U.S. public education, is playing in Savannah, but not for long.

The film is opened at the Carmike Wynnsong 11, 1150 Shawnee St. last weekend and is only playing this week.

This Thurs. Nov. 11 is the last night that the controversial documentary will be at the theater. Call 912-920-3994 for showtimes.

We’re sorry to hear that this eye-opening movie about an incredibly important issue is only going to be playing in Savannah for less than a week.

Making Melodies Music Therapy is now in Savannah and surrounding areas.

Making Melodies offers quality individual music therapy sessions, as well as adaptive piano and guitar lessons, for children ages newborn to 18 years.

Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music Therapy can address the following developmental domains:

• communication skills
• academics
• motor skills
• emotional/behavioral development skills
• social skills
• adaptive skills

Making Melodies also offers adaptive guitar and piano lessons, which are tailored to meet the needs of specialized population including children with:

• developmental disabilities
• physical disabilities
• learning disabilities

These lessons use a therapeutic approach in teaching the skills needed to play the piano and guitar, while increasing self discipline, increasing all motor domains, and improving self esteem through accomplishment.

Sessions are offered in your home, making it extremely convenient and comfortable for you and your child! For more information on how your child can benefit from music therapy, visit www.makingmelodiesmt.com For more info, contact Caitlin Whitaker, MT-BC, via email at makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com or call (912) 293-1161

A slew of open houses at schools are happening this season. If you are looking into schools for the 2011-12 school year, below are a few open houses to check out. To access this list throughout the school year, visit the Savannah private school open house page, included in the Pages list on the left side of the main page of SouthernMamas.

If you’d like to have a school included in this list, please email the info to anne@southernmamas.com:

Savannah Children’s Book Festival at Forsyth Park
10 AM-4 PM Sat. Nov. 13
Celebrate the joy of reading and the power of the written word and the magic of storytelling. Meet children’s book authors and illustrators from around the country.
Presented by Live Oak Public Libraries and the City of Savannah
Featuring Anna Dewdney author of “Llama Llama Red Pajama”, Judy Schachner author of “Skippyjon Jones”, Music Alive! and more.
Rain location: Savannah Civic Center
For more info, call 912.652.3689
www.liveoakpl.org

Below is a guest post from Lowcountry homeschool expert Donna Cartwright of Beaufort-County-based Mama & Company:

Interested in homeschooling but don’t know where to start?
Click here! Southern Mama Readers get a ONE FREE CONSULTATION email. Email your question to mama@mamaandcompany.com

Are you a thinking of homeschooling? I was in your shoes not too long ago! She did a lot of research and asked a few friends who homeschooled what they do. I learned more about curriculums they use and local support groups. Joining a local homeschool cooperative allowed me to talk to other mamas and see what they like as a curriculum and also how they taught inside their homes. I just loved meeting new people and making new friends. Homeschoolers are a unique commmunity.

If you’re a military family like we are, the only stability really for the children is the parent who stays home with the child. Let’s face it, the other parent (whether Mama or Daddy) deploys for months to years at a time. Homeschooling is taking this ‘stability’ to the next level.

Check out some books at the library about home schooling to help you decide if you want to do this. Only you can make the decision but be realistic with what you can handle and cannot. You certainly don’t want to take the kids out of school and realize this is not for you.

Take advantage of the ONE FREE CONSULTATION email offer to get your homeschool question answered. Email mama@mamaandcompany.com. For more homeschooling info, click here.

The above was a guest post from homeschooling expert Donna Cartwright of Mama & Company.

For more homeschooling resources in Savannah and the Lowcountry, click here.

KOOLSCIENCES4KIDZ presents: Saturday morning sessions of physical science activities at Southwest Middle School, 6030 Ogeechee Road, Savannah.
One session for grades k-5; a second session for grades 6-8. Medical students from Mercer University Medical Mentors program will be involved with teaching and will present free science sessions related to the medical field.
For session dates, sample topics, or to sign up, click here.
Cost.: $48 a month. Includes materials
912-660-3442 email: Mathscmatters@aol.com