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.

Island Child is more than just a children’s boutique.

The upscale shop on Hilton Head Island also has items you might not expect to find there, such as First Holy Communion dresses. See some of the dresses by clicking here. Island Child will host a trunk show showcasing these dresses in mid February at a date to be announced: dresses, veils, jackets, boleros.

Check out the store online or shop visit the Island Child @ the Village at Wexford on Hilton Head Island.

Island Child – a sponsor of SouthernMamas – also offers first birthday outfits for boys and girls, trendy pettiskirts, more children’s clothing and unique one-of-a-kind items.

Moms often ask us for info on prenatal water aerobics, stroller workouts and mom and baby water exercise classes. We’re thrilled to tell you Oh Baby! Fitness is bringing all of the above to Savannah

These exercise classes for new and expectant moms will be at Chatham County Aquatic Center (7240 Sallie Mood Drive) and Lake Mayer Community Park (1850 E. Montgomery Crossroads).

For details on classes including costs, click here. Oh Baby! Fitness  offers SouthernMamas readers a 10 percent discount off  the classes.  To receive the discount, just enter discount code SOUTHERNMAMAS when you register online for a full session.

Chatham County Aquatic Center classes include:
H2O Baby! Mom and baby exercise classes, 10 AM Saturdays March 5-March 26
H2O Baby! Mom and baby exercise classes, 11 AM Tuesdays March 8-April 12
Pregnancy Water Aerobics, 11 AM Saturdays March 5-March 26
Pregnancy Water Aerobics, 6 PM Mondays March 7-April 25

Lake Mayer Community Park
Stroller Workout, 11 AM Mondays March 7 to April 11
Stroller Workout, 11 AM Thursdays March 10 to April 14

To register, click here.

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.

Here’s a chance to SAVE some money with All American Property Maintenance’s Pre-Season Lawn Care Special.

All American Property Maintenance is recognized for our reliable, professional, affordable and high quality service. They understand that your time is valuable, but even more importantly: that you receive the most value for your money. All American Property Maintenance  guarantees you will not find a better service at a better price anywhere!

The biggest problem All American Property Maintenance hears about other landscape companies is that they’re just not reliable. All American Property Maintenance is different. They do what they say, when they say and you will never have to follow up behind them or wonder if they’ll be there to service your property!

You’ll Never Have to Worry About When We’ll Show Up. If All American Property Maintenance  misses their scheduled day, your NEXT visit is FREE!

To sign up for lawn service, call (912) 308-8544. For more info, click here.

Making Melodies Music Therapy is accepting new clients in the New Year! Sign up for lessons or therapy in January, and receive $5 off each lesson for a month!

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, click here ; call at (912) 293-1161; or email: makingmelodiesmt@gmail.com.

Perfect Valentine’s Day gift idea: a professional photo session for you and your spouse.  

What better way to help each other remember the love and connection between parents? It beats candy and flowers.

One of our top local shutterbugs, Savannah photographer Britt Anderson , is offering a Valentine’s gift portrait special.

For more details regarding sessions, please check the website here.

Contact Britt today at contact@brittandersonphotography or by giving her a call at 912-966-0498. Let Britt capture those memories to last a lifetime.

Britt Anderson Photography is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Bouncing Angels – a Savannah indoor inflatable play and party center- has a welcome tip on how you can receive half-off the admission price: just “like” Bouncing Angels on Facebook.

“LIKE” Bouncing Angels inflatable kids gym on Facebook by clicking here and you will receive:
50% off Regular Admission Fee: Reg. Daily Admission $8 vs. FB $4
50% off Monthly Admission Fee: Reg. Monthly Admission 1 kid vs. $15 FB $7.50
Discounts when Bouncing Angels has Special Promotions
Bring a New Friend and your Admission is free
Week-Ends: 50% off Pop Corn and Cotton Candy
25% off Party Packages

Tell your friends to come a visit Bouncing Angels. Ask the Front Desk for more details. The prices are for as long you are a fan of Bouncing Angels on Facebook.

Open Hours

Monday (Except Holidays or School is Out) Closed
Tuesday thru Thursday 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday, Holidays 11 AM to 8 PM
Sunday 1 to 7 PM

Bouncing Angels inflatable play & party entertainment center is @ the Victory Drive Shopping Center, 2123 E. Victory Drive near Skidaway Road.  Check out the Bouncing Angels Web site here. For more info. call: 912.691.8797.

Attention Savannah-area parents of children ages 0-7.

The Spring 2011 Kindermusik semester in Savannah, Wilmington Island and Richmond Hill starts the week of Jan. 23.

Kindermusik has a wide array of parent-and-me music classes offered in various locations. Click here, then click on the Kindermusik link at the top top to see the exact days, times and details of the classes.

Online enrollment is available now. Class sizes are all limited to 12, so register today to reserve a space for you and your baby!

If you’re new to Kindermusik and would like to schedule a free trial class, contact Kindermusik by email/phone to arrange a free trial class sometime in the next two weeks, before the Fall 2010 semester ends.

For the Spring, Kindermusik plans to be in Savannah on Mondays and Saturdays, Wilmington Island on Tuesdays, and in Richmond Hill on Wednesdays. If you live in W. Chatham/Effingham area and have an idea for a location for Thursday mornings, Kindermusik is willing to host classes in the Pooler area.

Contact Kindermusik in the Savannah area. Call 912.988.KEYS (5397) or email music@instrumentalinks.com.

Petite Feet  is having their semi annual winter sale on all shoes boots and accessories at 25% off!!

Petite Feet’s knowledgeable personal service ensures that each child is fitted correctly. The boutique has hard-to-find sizes. And you don’ t have to fight for parking spot. Petite Feet at 5521 Abercorn next to Fresh Market and across from Publix is in a super convenient location with easy in-and-out parking. The kid-friendly store even has puzzles, TV, children’s book and toys keep the tots busy while you shop.

But best of all are the popular brands Petite Feet carries – all the ones you’ve been searching for, but have a tough time finding in our area: UGG boots for toddlers and kids; Lilly Kelly, Keen, Merrell, Michael Kors, Morgan & Milo, Naturino, Ralph Lauren, Robeez, Roxy, Sanita, See Kai Run, Simple, Sketchers, Sperry Top-Sider, Teva and many more.

Visit their website at www.petitefeetsavannah.com for more brands and information.

Petite Feet is a sponsor of SouthernMamas.com.

Calling all musical beans and parents! Enroll your 6-17 month child in Ms. Amy’s Musical Beans class and:
Learn musical activities to recreate at home
Stimulate baby’s brain development
Build coordination
Enhance language and problem solving skills
Nurture a strong, secure, musical, and loving bond between you and baby

Find out more at a free class offered for SouthernMamas readers at 9 AM this Saturday Jan. 8 at Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah . Email ASAP to be included to Ms. Amy at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com  

The free class is a way to check out Ms Amy’s parent-and-me early childhood music education classes. She has a new six-week term of classes that start Jan. 12 for the Wednesday classes and Jan 15 for Saturday classes. Times and age groups: 9-9:45 AM (6 – 17 months), 10-10:45 AM(18 months – 2 years), and 11-11:45 AM (3 – 5 years).

Contact Ms. Amy’s School of Music in Savannah  via email at msamyschoolofmusic@gmail.com with any questions or if you would like a registration form. Payment is accepted for the term at the first class. Classes are held at 2421 Waters Ave. near Daffin Park.

UPDATE: Holly Radway is the winner!! Congratulations Holly. Thanks to everyone who entered to win!!!

This week a SouthernMamas reader will win a free 6-week session of kiddie indoor soccer with Savannah Celtic FC , which offers an amazing program for children between the ages of 30 months and 4 years old. Savannah Celtic Early Goals works to develop coordination and comfort with a soccer ball at their feet.

The winner will win her/his pick of one of two sessions:

Tuesday 5- 5:45pm Jan. 11 to Feb. 15 at SuperGoose Indoor Arena OR

Sunday 2-2:45pm Jan. 23 to Feb. 27 SuperGoose Indoor Arena

To enter to win, visit the Savannah Celtic FB Facebook page by clicking here, “like” it and write a comment about why you want your child to preschooler to play soccer this winter. Be sure to mention you read about Savannah Celtic on Facebook. We’ll pick a name at random and announce the winner here Friday. Good luck!

This winter Savannah Celtic is offering sessions INDOORS at an indoor soccer facility. Enjoy the safety of an enclosed field (walls are always good with this age), the warmth of a heated building, and the sight of your little ones having a blast playing soccer.

Now in its 8th season, ’Early Goals’ is a fun, action-packed soccer program specifically designed to cater for the youngest players ages 2 (30 months) to 4. Coaches will work on simple motor skills, ball familiarity and hopefully plant the seed for a lifetime of enjoyment.

With one session a week, ’Early Goals’ is a safe, non-competitive environment which focuses on the fundamentals of the ’beautiful game’. The season ends with a scrimmage and selection of fun activities. Every session will be overseen by one of Savannah Celtic’s professional club coaches.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? To register for the Winter 2011 season, click here.

For more info or to register your child, click here.

Here’s a New Year’s Resolution worth keeping.

Join the Savannah Striders as they train for the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon which will be held in Savannah on Nov. 5, 2011. The training program is designed for all levels of walkers and runners. There will be a free orientation meeting on Jan. 20 at 7 PM at the meeting room of the Exchange Restaurant on Waters and Stephenson Ave. Call 912-631-1532 for more information or go to www.savystrider.com.

Enjoy the modern-day classic movie, “Night at the Museum” and come discover what happens with the Savannah History Museum exhibits after-hours! Dinner and breakfast will be served.

6 PM Sat. Jan. 22 to 8:30 AM Sun. Jan. 23 at Savannah History Museum, 303 MLK, Jr. Blvd.

Ages 4 and older. A parent must be present. Reservations Required. Call or email for details.
(912) 651-6823 ext. 3 or email childrensevents@chsgeorgia.org

Cost: $25 per person; $22 per Coastal Heritage Society member

Stylist extraordinaire JC Davis at Park West Salon in downtown Savannah across from Forsyth Park is offering SouthernMamas readers a great deal for the New Year: a free hair cut with any color service booked between Jan. 4 and 8.

If you are looking for a stylist/colorist you can trust, you need to book an appointment with JC Davis – a hair stylist for 9 years and American Board Certified Hair Colorist. 

I recently started going to JC because my highlights were in need of serious help. JC was very honest and upfront about ways to improve my hair color without having to spend a bunch of money at every appointment. She’s a true pro with training from Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell and Bumble & Bumble. She was with Greener Grass Hair Color and Design for the past 6 ½ years and is pleased to announce her return back to the downtown area at Park West Salon.

JC Davis is a SouthernMamas sponsor. Just mention you read about JC Davis on SouthernMamas to receive your discount at the time of service.

Stylist JC Davis at Park West Salon is located at 106 West Gwinnett St Suite 1A, 912-349-4856, www.parkwestsalonsavannah.com
or email ccarol_s@yahoo.com