School Choice- Preschool Guide

Austin’s Comprehensive Source for Parents About Schools and Education

PRESCHOOL EDITION CREATED BY PARENTS FOR PARENTS

FREEFREE

KINDERGARTENREADINESSWhat Your Big Kid ShouldKnow & How You Can Help

SPECIAL EDITION

PRESCHOOLGUIDE

INSIDE:

Must Have Preschool Gear

Benefits of Sign Language

The Christian School

Perspective

COMPARE SCHOOLS SIDE BY SIDEIncluding Cedar Park, NW Austin, Central and SW Austin

Area Private, Full Day, Half Day, Mother Day Out Programs

2 FALL 2011 School Choice

7100 Brodie Lane ▪Austin, TX 78745 ▪ P: 512.892.2706 ▪ F: 512.899.1161

Bannockburn Christian Academy combines affordable Bible-based teaching with accredited higher-level learning. At BCA, the mission of our teachers and staff is to guide generations to become passionate followers of Christ one child at a time.

DiscoverExplore

EmbraceExperience

Students, Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, will receive a firm foundation is reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and Bible, as well as enrichment experiences in foreign language, art, technology, physical education, music, and Library skills. Small class sizes provide daily opportunities for the development of a nurturing environment and close relationships among teachers, children and families.

Visit us online @ www.bcaaustin.org

School Choice FALL 2011 3

5 Community Events

6 Shopping Consignment Stores

6 Sign Language: Bridging the Gap

7 Steps to Conquering Clutter in Kid’s Room

8 Preschool Guide

10 Kindergarten Readiness Journey

11 Top Preschool Must Haves

12 Power of Play

13 What is a “Christian” School?

CONTENTS

We graciously thank our advertisers for their support of School Choice magazine.

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBrandee [email protected]

COPY EDITORTina Cavanaugh

ADVERTISING [email protected]

ART DIRECTORJaymar Davis

COVER PHOTOGRAPYLisa WolniewitzTime Knot Forgotten

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSSharon MunroeTina CavanaughDonna DetjenDeana Robinson KirtleyVanessa GalloElissa FontenotJenn LarsonBrigitte Starkey

School Choice is a publication of The Austin City Kids non profit organization based in Austin, TX. Austin City Kids assumes no responsibility for errors, changes, or omissions. Information may have changed since press time, so please verify all information when contacting a school or educational resource. Views expressed in School Choice do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or in part of any element of this publication is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher.

For additional copies or further information please contact:

THE AUSTIN CITY KIDS FOUNDATIONP:512-537-OACK (6225)

[email protected]

www.SchoolChoiceMag.com

Education. Your Kids. Your Choice.


Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/

SchoolChoiceMag

Follow us on Twitter:

#AustinCityKids

Email us parents@

AustinCityKids.com

DOING THE CROCODILE DANCE!

If you haven’t heard of the crocodile dance then one of two things must be true. 1) You haven’t gotten the latest cd from local children’s performer Staci Gray or 2) You missed the Preschool Preview at Lakeline Mall! No need to fret because we’ve got you covered. This issue of School Choice is dedicated to PRESCHOOLS!!

From our 2012 Preschool Guide that lists information about schools from Cedar Park to Southwest Austin to our article on the Top Must Haves Preschoolers, this issue covers the ins and outs of getting your little ones ready for school. This fall my youngest will be going to “big girl” school. As happy and as excited as she is, I find myself reminiscing. Remembering being a sleep deprived new mom trying to get a bottle together for a 4 am feeding. In the course of two weeks, I broke four glass bottles (this was when we first heard of the BPA in plastic bottles) and cried nearly everyday thinking when is this going to get easier.

Today my life is filled with the phrase “I can do it myself Mommy!” My three and a half year old is very much “Miss Independent.” She can make her own cup of juice in her BPA-free plastic cup and I haven’t been up at 4 am since I attended Homecoming at my Alma Mater this past fall.

I read somewhere the only thing that is constant... is change. It is my hope, as your toddler gets ready for preschool, that this issue helps you get through that transition.

Happy Reading,

Brandee Davis

Parent to ParentLetter from the Editor

By: Brandee Davis


School Choice Community Event

Early Childhood Education Fair


Green Tip: Shopping Consignment Storesby Elissa Fontenot and Sharon Munroe In today’s shaky economy learning lessons on money saving tips and budgeting are essential and consignment store shopping is your answer. Involving your kids in the entire process of a shopping trip -from budgeting to finding the right consignment store that meets your needs and purchasing quality items that last -. show them how they can give back to the local community.

Most consignment stores will bring items that don’t sell or don’t meet store standards to local non-profits for families in need. This lesson allows your kids to see that you shouldn’t just throw out those gently used items and that another child could use and really value the clothes or toys.

Sharon Munroe is owner of Little Green Beans consignment store. To learn more about Little Green Beans please visit our website at www.lilgreenbeans.com.

901 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, TX 78701 ● (512) 476-1480

Cathedral Schoolof Saint Mary

Excellence in Education since 1866

Sign Language: Bridging the Gap Between You and Your Baby The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood…… - Ralph Nichols It’s lunchtime and 8 month old Sophie is in her high chair-crying in frustration! Could

Sophie w a n t

m o r e grapes? More

water? Her favorite toy? Imagine avoiding

that potential meltdown by communicating with your baby

in a language you both understand. American Sign Language is the 2nd most popular language in the world. More and more parents and preschools are coming on board, to learn and reap the wonderful and amazing benefits of American Sign Language or modified baby signs. But does it really work?

EASING FRUSTRATIONS & BUILDING CONFIDENCEBy the time babies are 9 to 10 months old, they are quite capable of knowing what it is

they need or want. What they don’t know is how to tell us with words-which leads directly to frustration for baby and parent alike. All this changes when a baby is able to use signs. With signs like “eat,” “drink,” “hot” and “cold,” literally at their fingertips, babies can make their needs known quickly and quietly without becoming frustrated and resorting to tantrums and tears. Children develop confidence and self-esteem that accompanies “being heard”. Parents are often surprised to learn what their babies are thinking when they are just months old. Babies develop the gross motor skills needed to produce some signs much sooner than the fine motor skills needed for speech.

BABY SIGNING MADE FUN!Turning to a baby sign language instructor can take babies and parents much further than the three or four signs many babies learn at home. The classes are fun and interactive and instructors are able to answer many questions for the parents. Tina Cavanaugh is an Independent Certified Baby Signs® Instructor and On the Grow™Educator in Austin, TX. Visit:

www.BabySignsProgram.com/bytinac for class schedule.


STEPS TO CONQUERING CLUTTER IN YOUR KID’S ROOM

� Use small colorful containers for items that are used regularly and make sure they are easily accessible.

� Use labels and/or pictures to designate where things are kept.

� Donate gently used toys to a local charity or swap them with friends.

� Designate a day of the week for them to deliver their dirty laundry to the utility room.

� For children who share a space make sure drawers and shelves have labels to help define boundaries.

Tips provided by Brigitte Starkey, owner of Cure for Space, Professional Organizing Services.

NOW registering forFall of 2012-2013 School YearAges from 16 Mos - 5 Yrs Our Open HouseMonday April 30th, 2012 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Call today, we are filling up fast! 8203 W. Hwy 71

Austin, Texas 78735 SW Austin in Oak Hill off of Hwy 71 W.

(512)-301-MOMS (6667)

www.swfamilyfellowship.com

3407 Red River, Austin, Texas 78705 ▪ 512-472-3313

New Family Information SessionWednesday, October 19, 2011

12:15-1:30 Lunch includedOR

5:30-7:00 Light snacks included

Reserve a spot by 10/17 Contact Mary Eifert

512-472-3313 or [email protected]

St. PaulLutheran School

Austin’s only Montessori/Unity-based Preschool

Teaching balanced lives from the ground up!

18 Months to 5 years of Age Half-Day, Year Round

Language, Phonics, Math, Music, Art, Yoga, Truth for Tots and play, play, play!

Wee Wisdom Preschool is a spiritual community that is actively committed to inspiring and guiding our children as they grow in knowledge, wisdom and faith.

www.WeeWisdomSchool.org512-335-4449

Lisa Hammel, M.Ed., Director

Now Enrolling!


Sch

oo

l C

ho

ice

Pre

scho

ol P

revi

ew G

uide

201

2

PRESCHOOL GUIDE 2012 - 2013Cedar Park - Northwest Austin Area Schools Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Avg. Class

Size Tuition Application Fee Registered With State and/or Accreditation School Hours More about the School

Challenger School15101 Avery Ranch Blvd, 78717www.ChallengerSchool.com

Molly BauerPhone: 512.341.8000

Pre-K through 1st GradeHalf and All Day Classes 24 $2,800 -

$9,480 $70 Yes 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Visit Challenger School online at www.ChallengerSchool.com

Dr. John’s Sports Center1800 Clover Lane, Cedar Park 78613www.DrJohnsSportsCenter.com

Director: John KrampitzPhone: 512.259.7545

Pre-Kindergarten designed for active children ages 4 & 5. Offering full and half day curriculum utilizing

Scholastic’s Big Day for Pre-K.

15

Full day child care $160/week. Half

Day Big Day for Pre-K

$100/week.

None, $50 deposit applied to tuition Yes

Child care 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Big Day for Pre-K 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

: Dr. John’s Sports Center is a neighborhood recreation center that offers Pre-Kindergarten, After School Care, Summer Camps, Sport Development Clinics and Recreational Leagues for children

ages 4 - 12.

Goddard School of Cedar Park1905 El Salido Pkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613www.GoddardSchool.com

Director: Lisa TatePhone: 512.258.5292

Infant Child Care, Preschool, Private Kindergarten, Summer Camps, After

School Care

Low Ratios based upon

age

Part time and full time options, call for details

Varies based upon program Yes 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.We are one of a very few schools in the country to have national accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Accreditation Commission.

Little Acorn Academy3200 Hatch Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613www.LittleAcornAcademy.com

Director: Stephanie NowellPhone: 512.331.5400

6 weeks - Afterschool/Summer Camps

Below state ratios

From $295-875/mo $100 Yes 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Our unique 3-track lesson plans give our teachers options to mold the weekly and monthly lessons to their class and their ever

changing abilities and interests.

Serendipity Learning Center900 Nelson Ranch Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613www.SerendipityLearningCenter.com

Director: Cathy LoveladyPhone: 512.401.0800 Infant Care, Preschool, After School

Low Student to Teacher

Ratio

VisitSchool Website

$75 One time registration fee$50 Supply Fee Yes 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Our school offers a loving, rich and alive learning environment that combines a nurturing family atmosphere with a progressive

approach to education.

Summit Christian Academy2121 Cypress Creek Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613www.SummitEagles.org

Registrar:Kim WalkerPhone: 512.250.1369 PreK-12th Grade ACSI/SACS PreK 14

Kinder 16

PreK $5,475Kinder $8,315

1st -6th: $8,495

K-12th: $100.00 Exempt, Private School 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.At Summit Christian Academy, we offer an Impact Education

program, classes meet on a weekly basis. Elementary students explore the countries and cultures where missionaries serve.

Wee Wisdom Preschool 9905 Anderson Mill Road, 78750www.WeeWisdomSchool.org

Director:Lisa Hammel, M.Ed.Phone:512.335.4449 Montessori/Traditional 18 mos.-5 yrs.

Toddler l & ll 12:2, 3-5yrs

20:2

$225/2 days $450/4 days

$150 registration fee$50/semester materials fee Yes M/W, T/Th or M-Th

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Austin’s only Montessori/Unity-based PreschoolTeaching balanced lives from the ground up!

Curriculum includes: Language, Phonics, Math, Music, Art Yoga, Truth for Tots and play, play, play!

Young People’s Workshop (2 Locations)3640 Bee Cave Rs (SW Austin)3620 Hillside Drive (Brushy Creek)

Director: Monica MorenoPhone: 512.329.5611

Spanish ImmersionInfants, Toddlers, Preschool, Prek,

After School and Camps

Varies depending on

age

Depends on Age Yes NAEYC- Pending 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The core curriculum at YPW Spanish Immersion Preschool is designed to spark and maintain children’s interest in Spanish by

engaging them in creative and enjoyable cultural activities such as dancing, singing, cooking, art projects, and games.

Central and Southwest Austin Area Schools

Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Avg. Class Size Tuition Application Fee Registered With State

and/or Accreditation School Hours More about the School

Bannockburn Christian Academy7100 Brodie Lane, 78745www.BCAaustin.org

Admissions: Mandy MaclayPhone: 512.892.2706 Serves Grades Pre-K through 8th 10-12 $5,500 -

$8,200 $150 Yes 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. BCA combines affordable Bible-based teaching with accredited higher-level education for South Austin families.

Cathedral School of Saint Mary910 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701www.SMCSchoolAustin.org

Director: Greg VidalPhone: 512.476.1480

Private SchoolPreK - 8th 12 Schedule a

Visit See Website TX Catholic Education Dept 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. As Christian educators share the privilege and responsibility of facilitating the growth of the whole child.

St. Gabriel's Catholic School2500 Wimberly Lane, 78735www.SGS- Austin.org

Admissions: Erin GuerraPhone: 512.327.7755

Private SchoolPreK-8th 10 Schedule a

VisitPre-Kindergarten Packet

Available OnlineCatholic, non-church

affiliated

Morning Class (8 a.m. - Noon)Afternoon Class

(11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)

St, Gabriel’s Catholic School delivers the academic advantage of 21st century skills and tools that children need to be successful in

today’s world and to help others as well.

St. George’s Episcopal School4301 North IH 35, 78722www.stgeorges-austin.org

Director: Laura ColangeloPhone: 512.452.6063

Offers classes for children ranging from 18 months to PreK

(4 to 5 year old)See Website $415 - $675

per month $250.00 Registration Fee Under the auspices of St. George’s Episcopal Church.

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with Before and After Care

St. George’s Episcopal School is an inclusive community, inspiring preschool children to love learning by nurturing each child’s mind,

body and spirit.

Southwest Family Fellowship MDO8203 West Hwy 71, 78735www.SWFamilyFellowship.com

Director: Lorinda MoyaPhone: 512.301.6667 Mother’s Day Out Program 1 to 6

$275 Infants$225 2-5 year

olds$100 yearly registration Ministry of the Church 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The mission of SWFF Mother’s Day out program is to offer a fun, caring and educational experience while in a Christian

environment.

The Rise School of Austin5206 Balcones Drive, 78731www.RiseSchoolAustin.org

Director: Emily Greer, M.S., CCC-SLPPhone: 512.891.1682

Handwriting Without Tears, Zoo-phonics and Creative Curriculum 10 $860 a month $75.00

$400 Registration Fee Yes 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Rise School of Austin offers a unique blend of services to children with special needs as well as without special needs. The

program is a highly stimulating social environment for children who can participate in a group setting with 3:1 ratios.


by Deana Robinson Kirtley

Assisting children as they begin their journey toward formal education is a process that begins long before the first day of Kindergarten. There are six essential basics that every pre-kindergartner should master before the first day of school. These basics can help kick start a student’s future academic success.

Kindergarten Basics:When entering a Kindergarten program a student should be able to:

; Sit for 15 minutes during large group instruction and stay focused on the lesson being taught. Children can “practice” this task-oriented skill in many ways. Offer them the experience of a loosely structured reading time at local libraries or bookstores. You may also choose to provide children the opportunity to be involved in more structured environments such as a Pre-Kindergarten or a Sunday school class.

; Recognize and identify every upper and lower case letter of the alphabet in random order. Parents can help develop this skill by reading aloud to their child daily and familiarizing him/her with letters and letter sounds while tracking the words and letters during the reading. Taking time to ask simple questions about what has been read is also very beneficial.

; Recognize and identify numerals 0-10. Some schools with high academic standards may require numerals 0-20. Students are expected to count aloud and have an understanding of one-to-one correspondence. Parents can help develop this important skill by counting with their child. Practice by placing objects in front of your child and have them point as they count out loud. Allow your child to repeat this counting task with a variety of objects in a variety of settings.

; Demonstrate the development of large and small motor skills. Kindergarten students should be able to hop, skip, jump, throw a ball and walk without assistance up and down stairs. Parents can help develop these skills by encouraging the use of outdoor play with balls and pedal powered toys. Kindergarten students should also be able to control crayons, scissors and a pencil. To help develop these skills, parents should encourage the use of small toys such as Legos. Dressing dolls or action figures also boosts motor skills.

; Exhibit self-regulation. Kindergarten students will need to regulate his/her behavior even in distracting situations. Parents can help build self-regulation skills by providing positive encounters while teaching children to control emotions and reactions. Self-regulation allows children to be successful in and out of the classroom whether listening and following instructions to complete a task or playing on the playground.

; Demonstrate independence. Kindergarten students must

The KindergartenPreparedness Journey: What Your Big Kid Should Know BEFORE the First Day of School

512.892.2706 | bcaaustin.org7100 Brodie Lane | Austin, TX 78745

Serving gradesPre-K to 8th


willingly carry a backpack, zip a zipper, put on a coat, tie a shoe and go to the restroom without aid from an adult.

Preparing for the First Day of SchoolStart now developing a daily routine and follow it consistently. Role-play a variety of school scenarios—drop-off and pick-up times, eating at the lunch table, and appropriate play at recess.

Before the first day of school arrives, take your child to see the school. While you may not be able to meet with the teacher, a simple visit to the school will help your child feel more at ease. If possible, schedule a visit in a Kindergarten classroom, and ask any questions you might have.

As the school year nears, start your child on the school schedule. Wake your budding scholar early. Time yourselves while getting dressed and eating breakfast on the school schedule. This will help alleviate surprises when the big day finally arrives. The night before school starts, allow your child to help in packing his/her backpack for school. Be sure to place it by the door for easy access. To relieve possible anxiety, rehearse what the school-morning routine will bring, and put your child to bed in plenty of time for a good night’s sleep!

Deana Robinson Kirtley is currently the Lead Kindergarten teacher at Bannockburn Christian Academy. Deana has 18 years of teaching experience, including 6 years in the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms. She is currently in her final semester of Texas State University’s master’s program specializing in Family and Child Development.

As parents, we know that the correct gear can help enhance a positive situation or curtail a minor catastrophe. We know that you have your hands full, so we’ve scoured the market to bring you our ten favorite items to get your family ready. It’s time to gear up for preschool success!

1Allergy alert bracelets can speak visually for your child in situations

where he may not be able to verbally communicate his needs. Allerbling makes fully customized children’s medical alert bracelets that are both fun and approachable, allowing children to communicate at a glace with teachers and caregivers while reinforcing through imagery what foods are off limits.

($18.00; www.Allerbling.com)

2Pint sized backpack -Skip Hop’s Zoo Pack.

(Price:$22.00)

3Reusable snack bags -Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened

(Price: $9.99-$12.99)

4Insulated lunch kit - Built NY’s Big Apple Buddies Lunch Bags

(Price: $19.99)http://www.builtny.com)

5Name labels - Mabel’s Labels (Starting at $21.00)

www.mabelslabels.com

6Nap mat/cot - Joovy have stepped it up with the introduction of the

Foocot. (Price: $69.99)www.Joovy.com

7Sleep trainer alarm clock - Baby Zoo’s Momo Sleep Trainer.

(Price $39.99)www.Amazon.com

8Enrichment activities - Babbabox delivers engagement activities

for children 3-7 years old directly to your door each month. Created by a busy mom, each box contains all the materials you need for each activity- no additional shopping required! (Price $29.99 per month)

www.babbaco.com)

Jenn Larson is the VP and Austin Founder of Bump Club and Beyond- Visit www.bumpclubandbeyond.com for more information and to sign up for an event.

Top Preschool Must Haves by Jenn Larson

512.892.2706 | bcaaustin.org7100 Brodie Lane | Austin, TX 78745

Serving gradesPre-K to 8th


The Power of PlayEnhancing Your Child’s Social & Cognitive DevelopmentBy Vanessa Gallo

The room is filled with floating bubbles and the sound of voices singing. Two-year-old Brandon pops a bubble between his hands with two claps. And his peer, Sarah, stands nearby popping her own bubbles with her fingers, hands and face. To her mother she says, “I got one” as a bubble pops on her nose.

Opportunities to play are really opportunities to learn. During play children learn and practice social skills, develop cognitive abilities like problem solving, and refine language skills. Renowned psychologist Jean Piaget summed it up best: “Play is child’s work.”

Pretend Play, Real Learning

The ability to pretend emerges by 18 months of age and pretend play becomes more sophisticated by 3 years. It may seem like make believe to the adult eye, but it’s what a child uses for practicing adult roles like going to the grocery store or taking care of a baby, and acting out familiar events and actions like eating breakfast or getting ready for bed.

Young children also enjoy learning through physical play because it helps them refine budding motor skills. It teaches them to control their bodies, develop confidence and understand their abilities and limits.

Physical play can also redirect frustration and pent up energy caused from the stress of encountering new situations.

Make a Play Date

Peers become more interesting to young children, especially throughout the preschool years and beyond. A prominent researcher of social development, Kenneth H. Rubin et al., recently demonstrated that infants imitate simple toy actions of their peers as early as 12 months. Not only does this finding suggest that children as young as 1 year are trying to make sense of what their peers do, it supports the importance of the role peers play in a child’s development.

Scheduling play dates with other parents and children is an effective and fun way to provide your child with unstructured time to explore and play at her own pace and with peers. What makes the playgroup setting so effective is that it offers an arena for your child to practice social skills with peers but with the security of having you close by for guidance and reassurance. Play is a powerful thing for both you and your child. It emerges on its own, but your involvement and guidance play an important role in your child’s social and cognitive development.

Vanessa Gallo is a Program Developer and Trainer at Gymboree Play & Music-offering an array of developmentally appropriate play, music and art classes as well as School Skills for when they are beginning to prepare for preschool.

To try a Gymboree class for free call 512.444.9626 or visit gymboreeclasses.com


Physical play can also redirect frustration and pent up energy caused from the stress of encountering new situations.

Make a Play Date

Peers become more interesting to young children, especially throughout the preschool years and beyond. A prominent researcher of social development, Kenneth H. Rubin et al., recently demonstrated that infants imitate simple toy actions of their peers as early as 12 months. Not only does this finding suggest that children as young as 1 year are trying to make sense of what their peers do, it supports the importance of the role peers play in a child’s development.

Scheduling play dates with other parents and children is an effective and fun way to provide your child with unstructured time to explore and play at her own pace and with peers. What makes the playgroup setting so effective is that it offers an arena for your child to practice social skills with peers but with the security of having you close by for guidance and reassurance. Play is a powerful thing for both you and your child. It emerges on its own, but your involvement and guidance play an important role in your child’s social and cognitive development.

Vanessa Gallo is a Program Developer and Trainer at Gymboree Play & Music-offering an array of developmentally appropriate play, music and art classes as well as School Skills for when they are beginning to prepare for preschool.

To try a Gymboree class for free call 512.444.9626 or visit gymboreeclasses.com

WHAT IS A “CHRISTIAN” SCHOOLChristian Education—a Valuable Experience in Learningby Donna A. Detjen, M.Ed.

As an administrator of a private Christian school, I am often asked by prospective families, “Why should we choose a Christian school?” The heart and soul of my answer lies in the fact that, first and foremost, Christian schools are Christian. A Christian educational perspective does not malign other schools—private, public or home. It is, instead, the central theme of every educational endeavor every day throughout the school year.

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

All schools provide core content areas of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies, but Christian schools often add a fifth core that is held equally important—Bible. At a Christian school, every course is taught from a Biblical perspective and a Christian world-view.

Parents should look closely at the school view of the nature of God and the nature of children. In addition to teaching and learning practices, careful consideration should also be given to concepts of right and wrong and how these impact school-wide instruction. It is paramount that parents consider these factors in the decision to enroll their children.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

No school can successfully guide its learners without parent participation and involvement. Christian schools of excellence recognize that parents are every child’s first teacher and are charged with the Biblical mandate to train and guide their children.

Students will be most successful when parents align with the school expectations for behaviors, instructional practices and beliefs. If parents display lack of support for the school staff, policies or procedures in their speech and actions, students will be confused and divided in their commitment.

ACCREDITATION

An accredited school ensures peer evaluation and accountability through the accrediting agency. Accreditation also assures acceptance of academic credits and grades when a child moves beyond the school.

When considering the cost of Christian education, parents are encouraged to see the tuition as an investment in their child’s future, not just an expense. The value gained through a quality program of Christian schooling will provide benefits for a lifetime.

The best Christian schools invite parent contributions and input on a variety of levels. Only by working together, can parents and educators teach the whole child—heart, mind and soul.

Donna Detjen, M.ED is in her 17th year as an educator in Texas and in her second year as the principal of Bannockburn Christian Academy. Donna completed her graduate Principal Certification through Texas State University. She can be contacted at [email protected].

“Where Special Kids Shine.”

5206 Balcones Drive Austin, TX 78731 ▪ (512) 891-1682

4301 N. IH 35Austin, Tx 78722

512.452.6063www.stgeorges-austin.org

Community

Quality

Nurturing

Spiritual DevelopmentInclusive

St. George’s Episcopal School

Established 1966

18 Months Pre-K

Rea

l M

om

s. R

eal

Talk

.

100% fresh, pure & delicious meals for babies through

toddlers.

Available for delivery at homes, schools, and offices, or

pick-up at locations aroundAustin.

www.whirledpeasbabyfood.com

512-222-PEAS (7327)10% off your next order!

Promo code: “schoolchoice: 4/1/2012 (limit 1 per customer)

Parent workshop

s

by Tina C.

Na n n y C e r t i fi c a t i o

ns

Play

clas

se

s

Call Tina @ (512) 814-0004www.babysignsprogram.com/bytinac

Childcare Center Workshops

Free

Stor

y Tim

esPresentations at Moms Groups

13343 N Hwy 183 @ Anderson Mill, Suite 200 512-258-PLUG (7584) • www.plugandplayaustin.com

make your life work

50 FREE POSTCARDSwww.SHWEIKI.com

4” X 6” Full Color 2 sided 10pt Gloss w/UV

SUPER SHWEIKI SPECIAL!

FULL COLOR

1,000MAGAZINES

8.5” X 11” • 16 pages • 60# Gloss Paper

10,000FLYERS

8.5” x 11” • 70# Gloss Paper

FULL COLOR

4” x 6” • 10pt Gloss Card Stock • UV one side

5,000POSTCARDS

FULL COLOR

PRINTING...

TO THE RESCUE

HASSLE FREE

www.SHWEIKI.com

www.SHWEIKI.com QUOTE & SAMPLESFREE

The SHWEIKI Get-All-Three Guarantee

PRICE.QUALITY. SPEED.

Scan this code with your smartphone

Scan Here To Get Our Crystal Clear Guarantees

50 FREE POSTCARDSwww.SHWEIKI.com

4” X 6” Full Color 2 sided 10pt Gloss w/UV

SUPER SHWEIKI SPECIAL!

FULL COLOR

1,000MAGAZINES

8.5” X 11” • 16 pages • 60# Gloss Paper

10,000FLYERS

8.5” x 11” • 70# Gloss Paper

FULL COLOR

4” x 6” • 10pt Gloss Card Stock • UV one side

5,000POSTCARDS

FULL COLOR

PRINTING...

TO THE RESCUE

HASSLE FREE

www.SHWEIKI.com

www.SHWEIKI.com QUOTE & SAMPLESFREE

The SHWEIKI Get-All-Three Guarantee

PRICE.QUALITY. SPEED.

Scan this code with your smartphone

Scan Here To Get Our Crystal Clear Guarantees

Where Moms and Moms-to-be

Bump Club and Beyond is the first and only social event group in Austin for moms and moms-to-be. From girls' night out, lunch & dinner seminars, shopping events, exercise classes and much, much more, we have something for every woman currently experiencing pregnancy and beyond.

Motherhood has never looked better!

with our community at www.bumpclubandbeyond.com and facebook.com/therealbumpclubaustin

CONNECT

Get connected

School Choice- Preschool Guide

Documents

Transcript of School Choice- Preschool Guide