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Keeping Kids Safe Tips to Adjust to School Safety Patrol Program What Backpacks Say About Kids www.parentguide.com FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE 2 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition GuideTRANSCRIPT
FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE
Kick the Kindergarten Blues!Tips to Adjust toSchool
Keeping Kids Safe Safety Patrol Program
The Secrets Children CarryWhat Backpacks Say About Kids
Special Back to School
Edition!
www.parentguide.com
2 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
PARENTGUIDE.COM 3Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Saturday September 2610 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$10/personMembers, Non-Members and Families are Welcome
• Discover ways to recycle, green your lunch, reduce your carbon footprint, conserve water, eat smart, save energy and more!
• Connect with Girl Scouts and volunteers while learning fun ways to make a difference
• Take action to make your home – and world – a better place
www. gswcf.org 800.881.4475
Brooker Creek Preserve3940 Keystone Rd.Tarpon Springs 34688
Event partners:
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Join Girl Scouts of West Central Florida for a
day filled with exciting
“G GREEN” activities!
Register online at www.gswcf.org
Today’s Girl Scouts –more choices,
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Be an Eco-Hero
on National Public Lands Day
4 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Where kidsteach kids aboutmoney and business.
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PARENTGUIDE.COM 5
Editor’s Letter Geodie Baxter Padgett
The Real Cost of Back to School
Just before the start of my first year in high school, my mother handed
me $100 and told me this was all the money i had for school clothes. “spend it wisely,” she
cautioned. of course, i was dumbstruck, and once she noticed my blank, confused stare, she
took a moment to explain a little more.
in the past, we had always had a quite lavish shopping spree before school began, one
that included lunch and trips to numerous high-end department stores with shiny new
clothes. it was an annual adventure, and one that i looked forward to.
but this year was different. We were remodeling our home. something at my father’s
work had suddenly moved him to give up a very high-paying, prestigious job to start his
own law firm. and just for fun, the economy had landed in another recession. in other
words, our life had changed.
i remember looking at the money in my hand and wondering if i could get enough
clothes to start the school year off right, to look chic and cool like all my friends. i’d never had
to be responsible for “budgeting” my money. and as we drove to the mall, i found myself
heading to stores i normally didn’t shop at in order to stretch my dollars.
at first, it felt a little awkward. i really didn’t know how to spend my money (or where
items were in these strange stores). so, i took a minute and thought about it. i knew i would
be most comfortable in pants, and that i could get more pants than dresses for the same
amount of money.
With those thoughts, i concluded that it made sense to shop for pants and tops. i headed
to the nearest sales person and asked where i would find pants in my size, and in just 10
minutes had made my first purchase. in the end, i had successfully purchased four pairs of
pants, four tops to mix and match with the pants and a pair of shoes. i think i even had a
couple dollars left over.
now granted, that was a few years ago (okay, quite a few years ago), and we all know
the likelihood of getting that many clothes for $100 today isn’t very high. nonetheless, this
exercise in budgeting was a good one for me. it taught me a lot about the value of a dollar,
something i had never known before.
this year, i’m going to do something similar with my own children as we begin the
process of back-to-school shopping. they’re not quite ready to be given money outright
to spend. (i can still see my youngest son insisting that a baseball cap is an essential school
clothing item.) but i plan to include them closely in the process of knowing what our
budget is and the cost of items we’re purchasing. i also intend to let them make more of the
choices regarding how their money is spent (this shirt versus that shirt, etc.). my hope is that
through this process, and similar experiences where they’re taught the value of money, my
boys will be far better budgeters than i was when they enter high school. after all, learning
to manage money is just as important as learning to read.
Geodie Baxter Padgett
Quote: Too many people
spend money they
haven’t earned,
to buy things they
don’t want, to
impress people
they don’t like.
- Will Rogers
6 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Saturday, August 22nd 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
If you haven’t visited University Mall recently, you’re missing the new pirate themed children’s play area, expanded restrooms, nursing rooms, FREE Wi-Fi and so much more. Get ready for Back-To-School with great values on school uniforms, the perfect outfi t for the 1st day of school and even a great haircut. University Mall has it all!
A change you can see. Aeropostale • The Children’s Place • Dillard’s Clearance Center • Forever XXI • Old Navy
■ Baby Loves Disco Activities■ Make & Take Cra� s & More
EASIER.Family restrooms. Wi-Fi Lounge. Shopping to suit your life.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING EVENT■ Meet Maya & Miguel from PBS Kids■ Back To School Fashion Show
OVER�����SHOPSwww.UniversityMallTampa.com
PARENTGUIDE.COM 7
FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE
TAMPA BAY
5 Editor’s Letter12 What a Backpack Says About Your Child
Gina Roberts-Grey explores a child’s connection to his backpack.
16 Clothing Your Kids Without Losing Your ShirtGreat tips to outfit your child in style for school.
18 Kick the Kindergarten BluesGoing off to kindergarten impacts the whole family. Learn how to
help every family member handle the adjustment.
24 Be a Champion of Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here’s what
you can do to make it the easiest and most fun!
26 Lunches Kids will LoveSandra Gordon examines why lunch is more important than we
think for kids at school and how we can make it taste even better.
30 2009-10 Guide to SchoolsHere’s a list of Tampa Bay Schools to assist you in making placement choices
for your children.
38 School Safety Patrol Program Still Going StrongThe AAA School Safety Program has been keeping kids safe for decades.
40 Help Us Reduce Childhood InjuriesSchools open, so make sure you know what to do to help keep kids safe.
54 Excelling in EducationRuth Broadwater offers some great tips to get teens started off on the
right foot this school year—and how to keep them headed in the right direction.
56 Improving HandwritingSo many kids are dealing with fine motor skill issues that handwriting may be suffering. Learn how to improve your child’s handwriting with these fun, easy tips.
Events Calendar Visit www.ParentGuide.com
ParentGuide® B A C K T O S C H O O L G U I D E 2 0 0 9 - 1 0TABLE OF CONTENTS
On the Cover Back to school is the most wonderful time of the year as our cover model, Cody, shows us with the his backpack and school clothes. Photographer is Shannon Livingston at shannonlivingston.com.
The Back to School Guide is a publication of the ParentGuide® and Spectrum Communications Media Group, Inc. It is distributed
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Media Group, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the outcome arising from the contents of the publication.
Vol. 13 No. 3
Publisher SC Media Group [email protected]
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Jessica Fisher, Sandra Gordon, Leticia Messam and Gina Roberts-Grey
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Celebrating 12 years of excellence in family publishing!
FOR PARENTS WHO EXPECT MORE
Kick the Kindergarten Blues!Tips to Adjust to School
Keeping Kids Safe Safety Patrol Program
The Secrets Children CarryWhat Backpacks Say About Kids
Special Back to School
Edition!
www.parentguide.com
8 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
PARENTGUIDE.COM 9
KIDS FIRST! Family FlicksFree Fun for the Whole FamilyBring your blanket and pillow. Jammies allowed!
Movies on the WaterfrontThe St. Pete Pier
On the downtown St.Petersburg waterfront- Facing Tampa Bay
Every3rd Saturday at duskSeptember 19
October 17November 21December 19
Log on to parentguide.com for movie schedule and event details
Sponsored in part by:
Movies in the ParkSafety Harbor
Downtown Gazebo on Main StreetAt the John Wilson Park
Every 4th Friday at nightfallSeptember 25
October 23November 27December 25
Family FlicksDunedin Fine Art Center
Every 2nd Sunday, Starts at 1:30pm
September 13October 11November 8
December 13
10 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Visit www.ClearwaterJazz.com
Four Days & Nightsof FREE Jazz!
OCTOBER 15 - 18, 2009 COACHMAN PARKIn cooperation with
This project was funded in part by the Pinel las County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program. Sponsored in part by the State of Flor ida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Flor ida Arts Counci l , and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Neville BrothersChris Botti
& More!
Boney James
TAMPA BAY’S ORIGINAL AND MOST COMPLETE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
®TAMPA BAY
vIsit www.JazzNArtwalk.com
Downtown Clearwater On Cleveland Street
from Ft Harrison to East Avenue
$5000 In Award Prizes!
Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18
don,t miss The SeCONd Annual
This project was funded in part by the Pinel las County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program. Sponsored in part by the State of Flor ida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Flor ida Arts Counci l , and the National Endowment for the Arts.
In partnership with In cooperation with
P e r f o r m a n c e L I n e - u P
The Hy Notes,
The Alan Darcy Experience,
Level 10,
Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Lab Band,
The Bus Stop Band with Chello
& MORE!
PARENTGUIDE.COM 11
Visit www.ClearwaterJazz.com
Four Days & Nightsof FREE Jazz!
OCTOBER 15 - 18, 2009 COACHMAN PARKIn cooperation with
This project was funded in part by the Pinel las County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program. Sponsored in part by the State of Flor ida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Flor ida Arts Counci l , and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Neville BrothersChris Botti
& More!
Boney James
TAMPA BAY’S ORIGINAL AND MOST COMPLETE GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
®TAMPA BAY
vIsit www.JazzNArtwalk.com
Downtown Clearwater On Cleveland Street
from Ft Harrison to East Avenue
$5000 In Award Prizes!
Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18
don,t miss The SeCONd Annual
This project was funded in part by the Pinel las County Cultural Affairs Department/Cultural Development Grant Program. Sponsored in part by the State of Flor ida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Flor ida Arts Counci l , and the National Endowment for the Arts.
In partnership with In cooperation with
P e r f o r m a n c e L I n e - u P
The Hy Notes,
The Alan Darcy Experience,
Level 10,
Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Lab Band,
The Bus Stop Band with Chello
& MORE!
12 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
By Gina Roberts-Grey
What a Backpack Says About Your Childat first glance, a child’s backpack appears to be nothing more than an efficient means of transporting homework, school correspondence or report cards to and from school. every year, thousands of bags made of durable cloth, heavy duty zippers and waterproof canvas are carefully scrutinized by children who diligently select the backpack whose features are most suited to their needs. Whether a backpack’s ergonomic gel straps attract your child’s eye, or he finds the brightly colored piping and embellishments appealing, every child has their own requirements for what his backpack must offer.
unsuspecting parents don’t realize that by purchasing a backpack, they’re bringing home a potential barometer of their child’s mood, a security item, source of comfort or predictor of what happens on the bus. take a closer look at his backpack, and you’ll realize that it tells a great deal about your child and provides great insight into his personality traits and characteristics.
Exteriors… adorned with stickers, key chains and pins, the outside of a child’s backpack provides the first and most blatant clues about him. often, the accoutrements that your child delicately removes from his old backpack, and carefully selects a new location to place on his new bag, are seen as nothing more than useless trinkets to us.
in reality, these accessories represent various passages and rituals that have taken place in your child’s life. you see a plastic keychain he won at a local carnival or a trophy he proudly collected for successfully ringing a bottle with a plastic hoop. the torn and tattered stickers you are badges of honor he collected after feeding countless quarters to a relentless vending machine at the grocery store in pursuit of the exact stickers he needed to complete his collection.
Whatever your child uses to dress-up his backpack, the decorations he selects also send the message that he’s proud of who he is and what he’s accomplished. sports lovers may proudly carry a backpack emblazoned with the logo of a favorite team, while princesses opt for bags with unicorns, uplifting character descriptions such as “diva,” “kitten” and the obvious, but appropriate, “princess.”
PARENTGUIDE.COM 13
interestingly, many children who have never played baseball select a backpack featuring a favorite local team, or the team favored by their friends and parents in an attempt to fit in. children wanting to be noticed or stand out in a playground crowd may chose an outrageous color or unusually shaped bag.
if your child’s backpack manages to remain reasonably clean throughout the year, chances are you’re raising a meticulous person with high regard for his possessions and personal space. a bag filled with crumbs or that touts the stains and traces of yesterday’s lunch doesn’t necessarily mean your child is messy or uninterested in hygiene. looking past the stains, his crumbs and messy bag explain your child is a social individual who is as comfortable sharing snacks with friends on the bus as he is with himself as a person. it can also indicate your child draws security from taking his backpack with him to lunch and on fieldtrips or sees his backpack as an extension of his life at home.
Interiors… overloaded with spelling tests and social studies books, many backpacks serve as travel-sized mobile homes. linking his two worlds together, a backpack travels with your child as he crosses in and out of the realms of home and school. often times, items found at school or treasured at home make the daily pilgrimage with your child, secretly tucked away in his backpack. cleaning out his backpack you may learn your child transports a few favorite trading cards or pint-sized doll accessories inside one of the many inner compartments. With these items are close at hand, the backpack serves as a private haven for security items a child may rely on when away from home.
pack rats tend to instinctively select bags with several compartments and storage options, while minimalists prefer one or two main pockets. collectors of playground rocks, pencil erasers and notes passed in class relish backpacks with at least one easy to access pocket on the outside, while children craving privacy gravitate to backpacks with flaps that conceal their contents.
Your child’s backpack can also deliver messages and aide in teaching him lessons of everyday life.
organized and patient children tend to neatly slide papers and books into their backpack, while children who are impetuous and preoccupied with coming home or after school activities often have the contents of their backpack spilling out.
And more... tossing a backpack on the foyer floor is quite different than dutifully hanging it on the back of a chair at the kitchen table. how your child handles and treats his backpack in the first moments of arriving home grants great insight into how his day progressed at school. a bag dragged along the sidewalk shows feelings of exhaustion, disgust or dejection. a bag that’s carried in front of him indicates your child may be excited or anxious to show you its contents or feels he’s carrying something he must protect. happy to present you with a newly graded report or his report card, a child may carry his bag with him all the way to you while a child who had a bad day in school may dismiss his bag at the front door hoping to sever ties with his day at school.
your child’s backpack can also deliver messages and aide in teaching him lessons of everyday life. if your child tends to frequently forget to bring home his daily planner, tying a small piece of colored yarn to the zipper’s pull can trigger a reminder to check for his planner. tucking a picture of your child’s pet or a note of encouragement on an upcoming math test inside a “secret” compartment can teach him to look through his entire backpack to locate homework assignments that may be misplaced.
Gina Roberts-GreyGina Roberts-Grey is a mom and regular contributor to
regional and national parenting magazines. She can be
reached via her website, www.ginaroberts-grey.com.
Online Resourcestired of visiting several stores in search of the perfect backpack? check out these on-line options for stress free shopping from home:
www.ebags.com – features functional name- brand bags often at discounted prices. also offers laptop style backpacks and bags on wheels.
www.evertize.com/backpacks – provide clear and mesh see-through backpacks that offer added element of security and the mochi-pak which is a newly designed saddlebag style backpack for kids that provides even load distribution.
www.youtrek-backpacks.com – featuring unique looks such as camelback, split and lumbar packs for the student who is looking for a backpack that doubles as a suitcase or camping accessory.
14 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay
Dance & Circus Arts of Tampa Bay Beth Brier/Director
1610 N. Hercules Ave., Suite G & H, Clearwater, FL, 33765 www.DanceandCircusArts,com [email protected]
Circus Arts: Trapeze Fabric Hoop Spanish Web Conditioning Flexibility Contortion
Dance Training: Classical Ballet Jazz Tap Modern Hip Hop
Dance: Classical Ballet
Jazz Hip Hop Modern
Tap
PARENTGUIDE.COM 15
Coffee Talk with Cafe Moms
How do I get my child excited about learning?How do I prepare my preschooler for their first school experience?
How do I teach my child to stay on top of things?
Come meet the coaches of Family DirectionsBring your parenting questions and feel free to bring your kids
Support, Education and EncouragementThere when you Need it!
Coffee Talk CoMIng to your neighborhood!
Visit www.yourfamilydirections.com for dates, topics, and locations.
Coffee Talk 915-1600Each month focuses on a new topic
16 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
it seems every time i turn around one of my boys is sporting “high waters” because he’s outgrown his pants. and the girls? Well, it’s just the same. (that’s not really a crop top she’s wearing; her shirt’s just too small.)
sound familiar? children outgrow their clothes rather quickly. and if it’s not the size they’ve outgrown, it must be the style. What’s a parent to do? go shopping, of course. but, before you spend a small fortune on back to school clothes, consider a few of these money saving tips.
Get the family on board there’s nothing more frustrating that to search for a good deal and to have your child refuse to wear the shirt you scored at a great price. instead, talk with your children about your budget. explain to them exactly what needs to happen–purchase clothing for a limited amount of money. together, go through the dressers and closets and discuss what they need, what they want and what’s most important to them. be firm on your budget, but flexible on how it’s spent. make your expectations clear, but get their input and work it into your decisions.
Sell What You Have While you’re all knee deep in the closet, pull out the items that your child no longer wears, likes or that no longer fit. pass these on to a younger sibling. Whatever doesn’t pass muster with him can be sold at a garage sale, a consignment shop, or on ebay. use the funds that this generates to purchase replacement garments. increasing the clothing budget this way can be a great motivation for a child to downsize.
CLOTHING YOUR KIDS WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SHIRTBack to School Shopping That Fits the BudgetBy Jessica Fisher
PARENTGUIDE.COM 17
Buy Used though you or your children may balk at the idea of someone else’s “hand-me-downs,” the reality is that you can find gently used, if not practically brand new clothes second-hand. check out yard sales, thrift stores, consignment stores and ebay for good deals on clothing, shoes and accessories that someone else no longer wants.
Buy Online if you prefer to buy retail, there are still ways to save a pretty penny. making your purchases through the internet can save you more than just the gas money to go shopping in town. depending on where you live, you can avoid paying sales tax, and certain vendors regularly offer reduced or free shipping.
sign up with ebates.com, an online rebate program that gives you cash back on all your purchases. check their database of over 1000 online stores before you shop. retailmenot.com provides a database of online coupon codes that can be redeemed when you make an internet purchase. shops like oldnavy.com and landsend.com regularly host great clearance sales and online specials. their shipping prices are reasonable, and if you need to return something, you can walk it into your local store rather than having to mail it back. (lands end purchases can be returned at sears.)
Buy On Sale/Clearance you want it in your hot little hands right now? no problem. brick and mortar stores offer frequent turnover, oftentimes reducing the prices after something has been on the rack a mere six weeks. check out the clearance section before you even look at the newest arrivals. chances are you’ll find just what your child needs at a fraction of the price. prepare a list of your child’s clothing needs before you hit the mall. stick to the list and don’t be swayed by the sales clerk who wants to sell you more.
Buy Classic purchasing trendy clothing isn’t generally the biggest bang for your buck. discuss the pros and cons with your kids and do some savvy negotiating. consider building a classic wardrobe of basics, such as jeans, tennis shoes and shirts, as well as working in some more hip garments and accessories. communicate to your kids the value of stretching your dollar.
Buy Less it may seem scandalous to reduce their stock of shoes, t-shirts, and hoodies, but debt and bailouts are pretty scandalous, too. let’s teach our kids that excess is really not the best way to go. younger children really don’t need more than 6 outfits if you do laundry on a regular basis. your older children may want more variety. if that’s the case, lean toward garments that will mix and match so that they can make limitless combinations.
Jessica FisherJessica Fisher is a wife, mother, and freelance writer, making her home near San Diego. She regularly writes about
fun, frugality, and the pursuit of a clean house at www.lifeasmom.com.
Communicate to your kids the value of stretching your dollar and teach them that excess is not the best way to go.
Online helps:ebates.comebay.comoldnavy.comlandsend.com
retailmenot.com
18 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
as the lazy days of summer start to disappear, a familiar buzz of activity begins to occur at shopping centers and department stores. children sharpen their pencils and eagerly anticipate the start of the new school year. to a child going off to kindergarten, this experience is often filled with great trepidation. he grows anxious wondering what his new teacher will be like and skillfully persuades you to search for the best and brightest school supplies.
this year, you and your future kindergartener will join the ranks of parents flipping through folders searching for a favorite color and stocking up on glue sticks, all to support your child’s transition into his first day of school.
Whether he’s set on finding the coolest backpack or worried about where to sit on the bus, every child experiences a bit of anxiety about his first day of school. even the most confident of children wonder if the kids in the class like him, if they’ll get lost on the playground or receive a lot of homework. as the big day draws near, you focus on ensuring your child is ready to go to school. you attempt to answer his questions in a way that combines honesty and reassurance.
one source of tension that is easily overlooked is the changes that kindergarten brings for the rest of the family. many parents don’t realize that the focused effort on transitioning a child to kindergarten affects the entire household in a variety of ways. these unexpected effects, coupled with your new kindergartner’s apprehension, can leave a parent feeling lost in the sandbox without a shovel!
knowing what to expect makes this new adventure easier for the whole family. understanding that parents, kids going to kindergarten and siblings remaining at home all need to adjust to the is the first step to a smooth transition for everyone.
talking openly about the fears, questions and preconceived ideas of going to school will help your soon-to-be kindergartener transition from a world where he chooses when to play with legos and when to read a book, to a classroom filled with structure. knowing his worries are normal gives him the added confidence to accept this new challenge. having your supportive and sympathetic ear to listen to him ask five times a day which
line to get into to go to his classroom gives him the security to successfully make the leap toward independence.
if he’s experiencing a great deal of anxiety about being away from home, consider taping a few small favorite photos inside his backpack. having pictures of his family or pets available to sneak a quick last look at can help provide additional comfort. establishing a consistent routine for school pick-up and drop-off lends additional comfort for kids struggling to adjust.
it is also important to not set unrealistic expectations for the first days of school. avoid telling him school “is only an hour” or “there’s no such thing as homework in kindergarten” in an attempt to ease his separation anxiety or stress. be careful not to establish a routine for getting him off to school that will be difficult to maintain. if you set a precedent by driving him to school instead of him taking the bus, it may be more difficult to ease him into taking the bus later in the school year.
Kick the KindergartenBlues A Guide for the Whole Familyby Gina Roberts-Grey
PARENTGUIDE.COM 19
The first day of school opens the door to an exciting new world of opportunities for your family.
School is a family affair younger siblings often experience a sense of loss or displacement during the first days of kindergarten. they do not always understand that the big brother or sister who is typically around to wrestle, fight or read with is no longer at their disposal. they may feel jealous over the attention shown to their kindergarten sibling and may regress in behavior as a means of dealing with their sorrow.
creating a diversion for your younger children helps them cope with the sudden change. take your 3-year-old on an adventure walk for just the two of you after dropping your older child at school. plan to spend a portion of the time at home without your kindergartener focusing on the interests and development of your younger kids. playing dress-up, building forts and sharing a routine grilled cheese sandwich lets younger children know their security is not in jeopardy. enlist your younger child’s assistance to create a special lunch all of you can share before or after school in order to help your children maintain their bond during this transition.
While you’re busy taking care of your children’s concerns surrounding kindergarten it is easy to forget to indulge your emotions. Whether this is your first child to go to school, or the last, you’ll greet this day with mixed emotions. from resisting the compelling urge to follow the bus in route to school or sitting on your ‘baby’s’ bed to have a cleansing cry, you’re sure to notice the immediate difference in the activity at home.
although the maturity and independence of our children is something every parent expects, it is not always easy to welcome this new stage. if your emotions seem to be getting the best of you as you mark this milestone, make plans to go to coffee or for a walk with a friend. Just as your kindergartener needs a support system to muster the courage to get on the bus, parents sometimes rely on the strength of friends to supply the two-ply tissues after the bus pulls away.
Just because it may not seem like the typical reason to plan a celebration, consider making the first day of school a new family “holiday.” plan a party or special meal to celebrate everyone’s day. use the time back at home to reconnect as a family and for everyone to share the details of their day. you’ll ease everyone into this new phase and create a memorable family tradition at the same time.
the first day of school opens the door to an exciting new world of opportunities for your family. While meeting new friends, encountering bullies and winning spelling contests will be memorable, the very first day of school is a memory he’ll keep with him for many years. knowing how to help everyone prepare for the big day will assist in creating a pleasant and smooth experience for your family.
Gina Roberts-GreyGina Roberts-Grey is a mom and regular contributor to regional and
national parenting magazines. She can be reached via her website,
www.ginaroberts-grey.com.
20 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
some days the responsibilities seem almost unmanageable, but it’s the other days that foster parents cling to – the days of easy smiles and milestones met, like a foster child’s improved report card or better behavior at home. these are the joys of foster parenthood. you see the changes you have made in the life of children who came to you with next to nothing, except perhaps their anger and distrust, children who need your patience as they slowly open up.
this is the life of karen Joiner. over the years, she and her husband terry have fostered no less than 60 children, including, in one case, a foster girl’s newborn baby. at the moment they have four foster children, as well as three they adopted out of care, and another biological child. it’s quite the brood: the Joiners spend $400 every week for groceries.
the family lives in a four bedroom house on seven acres of land. they have almost as many pets as children–parrots, ducks, horses, dogs and cats. “some of the city kids are like, ‘oh, boy, i’m out in the boonies,’” but that wears off fast, says karen. “it’s just a really good environment.”she even has the kids participating in 4-h.
karen Joiner succeeds at foster parenting because she never stops talking to the kids. she keeps the lines of communication open. “i want my kids to be happy,” says karen. “i want them to succeed.”
there are many people who believe that foster care is too much work, that foster kids are bad kids who can’t be helped, that dealing with the social services and court bureaucracy will mean constant frustration. but they don’t know what karen Joiner knows: foster children love you back. they fill her heart as much as she seeks to fill theirs. With every one, karen tries to make a difference. every time she succeeds, she gets a satisfaction like none other. the proof is in the foster kids who still call her after they have turned 18 and are on their own.
there are always more children in need than foster parents available to care for them. this is an occupation where the “help Wanted” sign is always up. is the job challenging? yes. rewarding? you bet. interested? We hope so.
For more information, call Hillsborough Kids, Inc., at 813-643-KIDS.
Fostering love
Presented by Hillsborough Kids, Inc.
PARENTGUIDE.COM 21Call 813-643-KIDS or visit www.hillsboroughkids.org to learn more.
Nurture children. Mentor families.Become a foster parent.
Foster parents can change the world
one family at a time.
22 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
We are not your typical history museum.
We are “hands on,” offering fun and
interactive exhibits for grown-ups and
kids alike. Hop in the saddle and ride
along on a cattle drive. Dress up in period
clothes in the kid-sized Cracker Cabin.
Row a crewing scull up the Hillsborough
River. Guide trains on the Tiny Tampa
play table. So, come and create memories
while reflecting on the past.
Exactly What You Didn’t Expect
801 Old Water Street • Tampa, Florida 33602 813.228.0097 • www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
PARENTGUIDE.COM 23
November 18, 19 & 20, 2009 Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Drive Tampa, Florida 33607
Meeting the Needs of Young Children
and Families
“Every Moment
matters” 9 0
0
2
Early Childhood Council in collaboration with Florida Association for Infant Mental Health
CONFERENCE SPONSORS Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc.
Florida Association for Infant Mental Health The Florida Center for Child & Family Development
Healthy Start Coalition of Hillsborough County Sarasota Partnership for Children’s Mental Health
Children’s Future Hillsborough Success 4 Kids and Families
Infants & Young Children of West Central Florida Lakeshore Learning Center
Parent Guide Children’s Board of Hillsborough County
24 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
certainly you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. after abstaining from food all night, the morning meal is to “break the fast” and reload your body with the energy it needs to get through the day. Without fuel in the tank, you will soon be running on empty.
but there are more reasons to make breakfast a priority for your family. children who eat a good breakfast every morning tend to concentrate better at school, and therefore, are apt to learn better. some have even claimed that breakfast can contribute to better attendance, fewer tardies and higher test scores.
studies have also suggested that there is a lower chance of childhood obesity in kids who eat breakfast. by making sure your children have a morning meal, you will help them spread out their caloric intake throughout the day, thereby reducing the likelihood of overeating later in the day.
however, managing to get food on the table in the wee hours of the morning can be a challenge for the parent who needs to get the team moving in time for the morning dash to school and work. but, don’t throw in the towel! With determination and a little creative organization, you can make mornings and healthy meals a winning combination at your house every day.
Have a plan. While some kids may like a favorite cereal seven days a week, the same- old-same-old can get a little boring. make a list of different food items you could make for each day of the week. With a plan, you’ll avoid having to think creatively at 7:00 a.m., and your kids can know what to look forward to. ask for their input so that they have some ownership in the process as well.
Be a Champion of Breakfast!Help Your Family Start the Day RightBy Jessica Fisher
PARENTGUIDE.COM 25
SOME GREAT BREAKFAST FOODSfruit and yogurt smoothiesyogurtcottage cheese and fruitoatmeal or other hot cerealcold cerealpancakeswafflesFrench toasttoast and cheesebagelsEnglish muffin with peanut buttermuffinssconesapplesaucehard-boiled eggsscrambled eggsegg casseroleomeletsquichebreakfast burritobreakfast sandwich (egg, sausage or ham, cheese on toast or an English muffin)coffee cake
Crockpot Oatmeal and Applesserves1-2
if you prefer your oatmeal to have a thin consistency, add more water. for thicker, chewier oatmeal, use the smaller amount of water.
1-2 cups water1 cup old-fashioned, toasted rolled oats1 small apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced1 t. butter1 t. brown sugar
pour water into small crockpot (1 Qt size). add oats. place apple slices on top of oats. top with butter and sugar. cook on low overnight. serve with a little fresh cream on top.
Cook ahead. there are lots of breakfast foods that can be made ahead of time to save you precious morning minutes. bake up a double batch of waffles or pancakes and freeze them between layers of waxed paper in a zip-top bag. they can easily be reheated in the microwave or toaster. egg dishes or coffee cake can be mixed up the night before and popped in the oven before you head to the shower in the morning. even oatmeal or applesauce ingredients can be placed in the crockpot to cook overnight.
Blend it. smoothies are a nutritious and delicious option. start with 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/2 cup of your favorite fruit. blueberries, bananas and strawberries all work well. blend until smooth. adjust ingredients to suit your personal preferences. often you can blend in high protein items (like tofu or wheat germ) without changing the flavor.
Stick with whole grains. breakfast will not pack as big a punch or have staying power if it is composed of highly processed ingredients, like white bread and flours. choose whole grain cereals and breads. When making pancakes or waffles, use half white flour and half whole wheat flour in the recipe. make oats a regular part of your family’s diet. these changes may take some getting used to, but it will pay off in increased nutrition and energy for your family.
Avoid highly sugared foods. better to let the kids sprinkle some granulated sugar on plain cereal than to buy sugar coated candy bombs for breakfast. they’ll have energy, all right, enough to send them to the moon. save the sweets for dessert and limit your kids’ sugar intake in the morning. their teachers will thank you for it.
Think outside the box. don’t hesitate to serve “non-traditional” foods for breakfast, such as your child’s favorite leftovers, a burrito or a turkey sandwich. it doesn’t have to be a grand-slam special to be a good day-starter.
Jessica FisherJessica Fisher is a wife, mother of six, and freelance writer, making
her home in San Diego. She regularly writes about delicious ways to
feed a family at www.goodcheapeats.com.
Studies have also suggested that there is a lower chance of childhood obesity in kids who eat breakfast.
26 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
you probably knoW that kids shouldn’t leave the house without having a healthy breakfast. but lunch is just as important. eating every four hours or so helps children perform at their peak, whether they’re taking a test in science or running a race at recess.
although most kids can buy lunch at the school cafeteria, bringing lunch from home can be a healthy and fun alternative. here are some hints to help you make nutritious lunches that your child will eat and ask for again and again.
PYRAMID POWER “the healthiest lunches follow the usda food guide pyramid,” says kathleen zelman, r.d., of the american dietetic association, based in atlanta. that is, your child’s lunch should include a serving from each of the major food groups: grains like rice or whole-wheat bread; fruits; vegetables; skim or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese; and a protein food such as beans, peanut butter or turkey. packing a sandwich is a simple way to get many of the food groups into one quick meal. for more information about the food pyramid, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
THINK VARIETY vary the foods your child eats every day so that he stays interested. if you make sandwiches, alternate the type of bread you use. instead of white bread, try english muffins, whole-grain bread, whole-wheat tortillas, pita pockets or whole-grain bagels or crackers. then change the fillings. one day, put peanut butter on the sandwich, and the next day make it tuna or sliced chicken or turkey. if your child eats lunch meat, get the lower fat, lower sodium versions of deli and pre-packaged cold cuts. to make it easy on yourself, use dinner leftovers for your child’s lunch entrees too, such as pasta, soup or chili.
MAKE MILK A PRIORITY milk is an excellent source of bone-building calcium and should be part of your child’s lunch. With the exception of infants and young toddlers, most kids don’t get the daily recommended levels of calcium: 500 milligrams (mg) from age 1 to 3; 800 mg from 4 to 8; and 1300 mg for ages 9 through 18. in fact, only 55 percent of kids ages 3 to 5 and 40 percent of 6- to 11-year olds meet their calcium quota.
Lunches Kids Will LoveBy Sandra Gordon
PARENTGUIDE.COM 27
DON’T FORGET A TREAT for fun, toss in some healthful treats such as low-fat pudding, unsalted pretzels, baked chips, trail mix, no-sugar-added applesauce, unbuttered popcorn, graham crackers, gingersnaps or whole-grain cereal. pound for pound, kids need more energy than adults. so if your child eats moderately and is active, those extras will not add unwanted weight.
BE WELL EQUIPPED for safety’s sake, get the right equipment for packing your child’s lunch. use polyethylene plastic containers that are designed for carrying foods and are safe for the microwave. take note—using margarine or cottage cheese containers is not a good idea. “they’re designed for onetime use and may contain chemicals that may leach into the food,” says felicia busch, a registered dietitian in st. paul, minnesota. make sure to wash your hands before preparing your child’s school lunch and remind your child to wash her hands before she eats.
for foods that need refrigeration and those that contain perishable ingredients such as mayonnaise, always include a cold pack. freeze a cold food or beverage, and pack it frozen into your child’s lunchbox so that it will still be chilled at lunchtime. for soups and other foods that your child should eat heated, preheat an insulated, tightly sealed container such as unbreakable thermos that’s designated for hot foods, by pouring in hot water. When packing perishables, choose an insulated lunchbox or bag rather than paper. remind your kids not to store their lunch in warm spots such as near the classroom window or near the radiator during the colder months.
LET’S EAT how can you make sure that your child eats the lunch you pack and doesn’t toss it or trade it for a classmate’s lunch? here are a few tips:
let your child help you choose the lunch foods while you’re shopping or when you’re making a shopping list. then prepare the food and pack lunch together. children tend to be more interested in a project if they have a hand in it, and lunch is no exception.
since most kids love to eat with their hands, they’ll be more likely to devour fruits and vegetables (and other foods they might otherwise pass up) if you cut them into bite-size pieces or strips. pieces of fruit look even more appealing if you make them into kebabs by spearing them with a straw. add low-fat cheese cubes for a calcium boost. pack a low-fat yogurt dip for fruits or a low-fat ranch dip for carrot and celery sticks and radishes.
When you see your child in the afternoon or evening, ask if he ate lunch that day and how it was. your interest will send the message that you believe lunch is an important part of your child’s day.
for some great menu ideas for nutritious, delicious lunches, visit parentguide.com.
Eating every four hours or so helps children perform at their peak, whether they’re taking a
test in science or running a race at recess.
28 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
GREAT FUN FOR THEWHOLE FAMILY!
• Music • • Games •
• Dolphin Watching • • Friendly Pirates •
• Available for Kids Parties •
10:00 a.m. + 2:00 p.m.4:30 p.m. + 7:p.m.
(call for seasonal schedule)
THE ORIGINAL PIRATE CRUISE
An easy-on-the-wallet family beach vacation is right in your own backyard!
Discover incredible deals midweek this summer at theultimate beach playground! The kids will never be bored with RedBeard the Pirate, a treasure trove of activities and crafts, and the giant High Tide Slide. You can relax and sway in a beachside hammock and toast the sunset with a tropical cooler.
Discover the tropical island hideaway …
that’s not so far away. It’s time to
Call 888.565.7900 or visit www.JustLetGo.com/Kids for spectacular savings on Summer rates.
Summer VacationThis year, more than ever,
you need to
TWParentGuide 03-09 1/30/09 3:38 PM Page 1
PARENTGUIDE.COM 29
30 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
2009 School Guide
Name Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Academy of the Holy Names 3319 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa 813-839-5371 PreK-12 850
Academy Prep Center for Education 1407 E Columbus Dr. Tampa 813-248-5600 5th-8th 112
Bayshore Christian School 3909 S. MacDill Avenue Tampa 813-839-4297 K2-12th 235
Bell Shoals Baptist Academy 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Tampa 813-689-9183 PreS-8th 526
Berean Academy 10948 Central Avenue Tampa 813-221-1711 K-12 155
Berkeley Preparatory 4811 Kelly Rd. Tampa 813-885-1673 PreK-12 1200
Bowman Academy 3407 Latania Dr. Tampa 813-961-1822 PreK2-5yo 94
Brookwood Academy 3820 Coconut Palm Dr. Tampa 813-628-4114 6wks-VPK 100
Cambridge Christian School 6101 N. Habana Ave. Tampa 813-872-6744 x271 Preschool - 12th 520
Carrollwood Day School 2606 Casey Rd. Tampa 813-963-2388 PreK2-K 146
Carrollwood Day School 1515 Bearss Avenue Tampa 813-920-2288 1st-12th 600
Center Academy 11520 Land O'Lakes Blvd. Lutz 813-931-1012 4th-12th 75
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School 304 Druid Hills Rd. Temple Terrace 813-985-7145 PreK3-8th 131
Christ the King Catholic School 3809 Morrison Avenue Tampa 813-876-8770 PreK4-8th 480
Citrus Park Christian School 7705 Gunn Hwy. Tampa 813-920-3960 K3-12th 360
Corpus Christi Catholic School 9715 56th St. N. Temple Terrace 813-988-1722 PreK-8th 227
Faith Outreach Academy 7607 Sheldon Rd. Tampa 813-887-5546 K3-12th 145
Family of Christ Christian School 16190 Bruce B.Downs Blvd. Tampa 813-558-9343 PreK-8th 250
Florida College Academy 7032 Temple Terrace Hwy. Tampa 813-899-6800 PreK-9th 150
Grace Christian School 1425 N. Valrico Rd. Valrico 813-689-8815 K4-8th 0
Hebrew Academy of Tampa Bay 14908 Pennington Rd. Tampa 813-963-0706 PreK-8th 1:06
Hillel School of Tampa 2020 Fletcher Avenue W Tampa 813-963-2242 K-8th 176
Hillsborough County Magnet Schools Various locations Tampa 813-272-4692 K-12th varies per school
Holy Trinity Lutheran School 3712 El Prado Blvd. Tampa 813-839-0665 PreK3 - 5th 80
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
18 1881 Catholic www.holynamestba.org varies
17 1998 non-denominational www.academyprep.org varies
7 - 20 1971 non-denominational www.bayshorechristianschool.org 6780-8085
varies 1965 Baptist www.bsbacademy.com varies
13-18 1995 non-denominational www.bereanacademy.com 7200-9400
16-20 1960 Episcopal www.berkeleyprep.org 15260-18360
1:16 early 1960's none www.thebowmanacademy.com varies
varies 1987 none n/a varies
15 1964 non denom Christian www.cambridge-christian.com 5171 - 11300
1:16 1984 non-denominational www.carrollwooddayschool.org varies
1:10 1981 non-denominational www.carrolwooddayschool.org varies
1:10 1968 none www.centeracademy.com varies
7 - 17 1970 Lutheran www.corlutheran.org 2956-5099
22-25 1949 Catholic www.cks-school.org varies
18 1983 non-denominational www.citruspark.org 3600-6000
25-30 1964 Catholic www.corpuschristicatholicschool.org 5107
varies 1984 non-denominational www.faithoutreachacademy.org varies
1:20 1999 Lutheran www.foc-knights.com 5360
1:13 1958 non-denominational www.floridacollegeacademy.net varies
varies 1975 non-denominational www.gracechristiansschool.com varies
varies 1986 Jewish www.hebrewacademyoftampa.com 5900-6800
10 - 12 1971 Jewish www.hillelschool.com 5000-11007
varies per school varies per school none www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet n/a
varies 1958 Lutheran www.htls.org varies
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
®‘s
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
“Education is not received. It is achieved.”
unknown source
Getting off to a great start in school is always a parent's first concern once the school year begins. But sometimes, things don't work out quite asplanned, and parents may decide that they need another option for their child's education.
That's why ParentGuide has put together a complete school guide featuring pertinent information about some of Tampa Bay's finest schools. Keep the listing handy in case you need to refer to it. It may provide with some educational options this year or in future years.
PARENTGUIDE.COM 31
2009 School Guide
Name Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Academy of the Holy Names 3319 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa 813-839-5371 PreK-12 850
Academy Prep Center for Education 1407 E Columbus Dr. Tampa 813-248-5600 5th-8th 112
Bayshore Christian School 3909 S. MacDill Avenue Tampa 813-839-4297 K2-12th 235
Bell Shoals Baptist Academy 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. Tampa 813-689-9183 PreS-8th 526
Berean Academy 10948 Central Avenue Tampa 813-221-1711 K-12 155
Berkeley Preparatory 4811 Kelly Rd. Tampa 813-885-1673 PreK-12 1200
Bowman Academy 3407 Latania Dr. Tampa 813-961-1822 PreK2-5yo 94
Brookwood Academy 3820 Coconut Palm Dr. Tampa 813-628-4114 6wks-VPK 100
Cambridge Christian School 6101 N. Habana Ave. Tampa 813-872-6744 x271 Preschool - 12th 520
Carrollwood Day School 2606 Casey Rd. Tampa 813-963-2388 PreK2-K 146
Carrollwood Day School 1515 Bearss Avenue Tampa 813-920-2288 1st-12th 600
Center Academy 11520 Land O'Lakes Blvd. Lutz 813-931-1012 4th-12th 75
Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran School 304 Druid Hills Rd. Temple Terrace 813-985-7145 PreK3-8th 131
Christ the King Catholic School 3809 Morrison Avenue Tampa 813-876-8770 PreK4-8th 480
Citrus Park Christian School 7705 Gunn Hwy. Tampa 813-920-3960 K3-12th 360
Corpus Christi Catholic School 9715 56th St. N. Temple Terrace 813-988-1722 PreK-8th 227
Faith Outreach Academy 7607 Sheldon Rd. Tampa 813-887-5546 K3-12th 145
Family of Christ Christian School 16190 Bruce B.Downs Blvd. Tampa 813-558-9343 PreK-8th 250
Florida College Academy 7032 Temple Terrace Hwy. Tampa 813-899-6800 PreK-9th 150
Grace Christian School 1425 N. Valrico Rd. Valrico 813-689-8815 K4-8th 0
Hebrew Academy of Tampa Bay 14908 Pennington Rd. Tampa 813-963-0706 PreK-8th 1:06
Hillel School of Tampa 2020 Fletcher Avenue W Tampa 813-963-2242 K-8th 176
Hillsborough County Magnet Schools Various locations Tampa 813-272-4692 K-12th varies per school
Holy Trinity Lutheran School 3712 El Prado Blvd. Tampa 813-839-0665 PreK3 - 5th 80
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
18 1881 Catholic www.holynamestba.org varies
17 1998 non-denominational www.academyprep.org varies
7 - 20 1971 non-denominational www.bayshorechristianschool.org 6780-8085
varies 1965 Baptist www.bsbacademy.com varies
13-18 1995 non-denominational www.bereanacademy.com 7200-9400
16-20 1960 Episcopal www.berkeleyprep.org 15260-18360
1:16 early 1960's none www.thebowmanacademy.com varies
varies 1987 none n/a varies
15 1964 non denom Christian www.cambridge-christian.com 5171 - 11300
1:16 1984 non-denominational www.carrollwooddayschool.org varies
1:10 1981 non-denominational www.carrolwooddayschool.org varies
1:10 1968 none www.centeracademy.com varies
7 - 17 1970 Lutheran www.corlutheran.org 2956-5099
22-25 1949 Catholic www.cks-school.org varies
18 1983 non-denominational www.citruspark.org 3600-6000
25-30 1964 Catholic www.corpuschristicatholicschool.org 5107
varies 1984 non-denominational www.faithoutreachacademy.org varies
1:20 1999 Lutheran www.foc-knights.com 5360
1:13 1958 non-denominational www.floridacollegeacademy.net varies
varies 1975 non-denominational www.gracechristiansschool.com varies
varies 1986 Jewish www.hebrewacademyoftampa.com 5900-6800
10 - 12 1971 Jewish www.hillelschool.com 5000-11007
varies per school varies per school none www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/magnet n/a
varies 1958 Lutheran www.htls.org varies
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
®‘s
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
“Education is not received. It is achieved.”
unknown source
Getting off to a great start in school is always a parent's first concern once the school year begins. But sometimes, things don't work out quite asplanned, and parents may decide that they need another option for their child's education.
That's why ParentGuide has put together a complete school guide featuring pertinent information about some of Tampa Bay's finest schools. Keep the listing handy in case you need to refer to it. It may provide with some educational options this year or in future years.
32 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
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2009 School Guide 2009 School Guide
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
Name Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Immanuel Lutheran School 2913 S John Moore Rd Brandon 813-685-1978 PreK4-8th 160
Incarnation Catholic Church and School 511 Webb Rd. Tampa 813-884-4502 PreK-8th 400
Independent Day School 12015 Orange Grove Dr. Tampa 813-961-3087 PreK3-8th 500
Jesuit High School 4701 N Himes Avenue Tampa 813-877-5344 9th-12th 680
Kings Avenue Baptist Church 2602 S Kings Avenue Brandon 813-685-3095 PreK3-5th 70
Land O' Lakes Christian School 5105 School Road Land O'Lakes 813-995-9040 K4-12th 200
Lee Academy for Gifted Education 8613 Twin Lakes Blvd. Tampa 813-931-3316 PreK-12 82
Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W Sligh Avenue Tampa 813-935-8552 PreS-PreK 88
Northdale Lutheran School 15709 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa 813-961-9195 K-12th 30
Oak Grove United Methodist School 2707 Waters Avenue W Tampa 813-935-4956 PreK-5th 80
Odessa Christian School 19521 Michigan Ave. Odessa 813-792-1825 Kindergarten - 10th 85
Philip Shore Elementary School of the Arts 1908 2nd Avenue Tampa 813-276-5712 K - 5 350
Providence Christian School 5416 Providence Rd. Riverview 813-689-7127 K3-12 180
R' Club Early Learning Academy 12420 Telcom Dr. Temple Terrace 813-979-0002 PreK-5th 51
Seffner Christian Academy 11605 US Hwy 92E Tampa 813-626-0001 K2-12th 610
St. Lawrence Catholic School 5223 N. Himes Ave. Tampa 813-879-5090 PreK - 8th 560
St. Mary's Episcopal Day School 2101 S.Hubert Avenue Tampa 813-258-5508 PreK4-8th 425
St. Peter Clavers School 1401 N Governor Tampa 813-224-0865 PreK3-8th 85
Tampa Adventist Academy 3205 N. Blvd. Tampa 813-228-7950 PreK-10th 108
Tampa Catholic High School 4630 N Rome Avenue Tampa 813-870-0860 9th-12th 735
Tampa Preparatory School 727 W Cass St. Tampa 813-251-8481 6th-12th 580
The Goddard School 13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd. Tampa 813-978-8100 Infant - PK 132
Tropical Acres Christian Academy 12107 Rhodine Road Riverview 813-677-8036 6 wks-12th 35
United Methodist Church-Early Childhood Center 2902 Fletcher Avenue W Tampa 813-963-0356 1yo-K 180
West Gate Christian Preparatory School 5121 Kelly Road Tampa 813-884-5147 K3-12th 195
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
20 1980 Lutheran www.ilsbrandon.com varies
20-25 early 1960's Catholic www.icstampa.org varies
varies 1968 non-denominational www.idsyes.com varies
1:12 1899 Catholic www.jesuittampa.org varies
15 1985 Baptist www.kacs.us 2300-3900
15 1978 Baptist www.fbclol.org varies
1:10 1983 none www.leegiftedacademy.com 8700-9500
11 2000 none www.lowryparkzoo.com
1:10 2000 WELS Lutheran www.northdalelutheran.org varies
15 early 1960's Methodist www.ogumsschools.officelive.com 3420-4320
16 - 20 2006 Independent Interdenominational Christian www.odessachristinaschool.org 5850 - 6500
18 1922 public http://shore.mysdhc.org n/a
25 1965 Baptist www.providencechristianschool.net varies
10 - 15 2005 non-denominational www.rclub.net varies
varies 1983 non-denominational www.seacrusaders.com varies
varies 1959 Catholic www.stlawrencecatholicschool.org varies
varies 1953 Episcopal www.smeds.org 107000
varies 1894 Catholic n/a scholarships
varies 1919 Seventh Day Adventist www.taacademy.com varies
varies 1962 Catholic www.tampacatholic.org
16 1974 non-denominational www.tampaprep.org varies
varies 2008 none www.goddardschool.com varies
varies 1986 Baptist n/a varies
12 - 18 1970 Methodist www.lmumc.org varies
15 1972 Baptist www.westgate.org varies
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PASCO COUNTYName Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Faith Christian Academy 175 Springtime St. Spring Hill 352-686-9350 prek, k-5 48
Genesis Preparatory School 7710 Osteen Rd. New Port Richey 727-846-8407 6th-12th 110
Longleaf Learning Center 3035 Alachua Place New Port Richey 727-375-2664 2yo-5th 180
Notre Dame Interparochial School 1117 Suzanne Dr. Spring Hill 352-683-0755 prek-8th varies
Pasco County School System 7227 Land O'Lakes Blvd. Land O'Lakes Lakes 813-794-2000 K-12 62,530
Spring Hill Christian Academy 3140 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill 352-683-8485 prek3-12 241
The Genesis School-East Campus 6609 River Rd. New Port Richey 727-845-1111 2yo-5th 100
The Genesis School-East Campus 8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd. New Port Richey 727-372-9333 2yo-5th 150
West Hernando Christian School 2250 Isiwaw Blvd. Spring Hill 352-688-9918 k3-12 241
Wider Horizons School 4060 Castle Ave. Spring Hill 352-686-1934 prek-12 160
World of Knowledge Montessori Sch 1935 Abacus Rd. Holiday 727-934-3028 18m - 8th 95
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies 1990 non denominational Christian n/a varies
15 1993 non denominational www.genesisprep.com 12000
varies 2002 none www.longleaflearningcenter.com varies
18 1985 Catholic www.ndischool.com varies
varies early 1900's public www.pasco.k12.fl.us n/a
15 1994 non denominational/Christian www.springhillchristianacademy.com varies
varies 1977 none www.genesiselementary.com varies
varies 1977 none www.genesiselementary.com varies
varies 1996 non denominational Christian www.whcs.net varies
20-25 1981 none www.widehorizonsschool.com varies
varies 1981 none www.flwokmontessori.com varies
PARENTGUIDE.COM 33
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2009 School Guide 2009 School Guide
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
Name Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Immanuel Lutheran School 2913 S John Moore Rd Brandon 813-685-1978 PreK4-8th 160
Incarnation Catholic Church and School 511 Webb Rd. Tampa 813-884-4502 PreK-8th 400
Independent Day School 12015 Orange Grove Dr. Tampa 813-961-3087 PreK3-8th 500
Jesuit High School 4701 N Himes Avenue Tampa 813-877-5344 9th-12th 680
Kings Avenue Baptist Church 2602 S Kings Avenue Brandon 813-685-3095 PreK3-5th 70
Land O' Lakes Christian School 5105 School Road Land O'Lakes 813-995-9040 K4-12th 200
Lee Academy for Gifted Education 8613 Twin Lakes Blvd. Tampa 813-931-3316 PreK-12 82
Lowry Park Zoo 1101 W Sligh Avenue Tampa 813-935-8552 PreS-PreK 88
Northdale Lutheran School 15709 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa 813-961-9195 K-12th 30
Oak Grove United Methodist School 2707 Waters Avenue W Tampa 813-935-4956 PreK-5th 80
Odessa Christian School 19521 Michigan Ave. Odessa 813-792-1825 Kindergarten - 10th 85
Philip Shore Elementary School of the Arts 1908 2nd Avenue Tampa 813-276-5712 K - 5 350
Providence Christian School 5416 Providence Rd. Riverview 813-689-7127 K3-12 180
R' Club Early Learning Academy 12420 Telcom Dr. Temple Terrace 813-979-0002 PreK-5th 51
Seffner Christian Academy 11605 US Hwy 92E Tampa 813-626-0001 K2-12th 610
St. Lawrence Catholic School 5223 N. Himes Ave. Tampa 813-879-5090 PreK - 8th 560
St. Mary's Episcopal Day School 2101 S.Hubert Avenue Tampa 813-258-5508 PreK4-8th 425
St. Peter Clavers School 1401 N Governor Tampa 813-224-0865 PreK3-8th 85
Tampa Adventist Academy 3205 N. Blvd. Tampa 813-228-7950 PreK-10th 108
Tampa Catholic High School 4630 N Rome Avenue Tampa 813-870-0860 9th-12th 735
Tampa Preparatory School 727 W Cass St. Tampa 813-251-8481 6th-12th 580
The Goddard School 13401 Tampa Oaks Blvd. Tampa 813-978-8100 Infant - PK 132
Tropical Acres Christian Academy 12107 Rhodine Road Riverview 813-677-8036 6 wks-12th 35
United Methodist Church-Early Childhood Center 2902 Fletcher Avenue W Tampa 813-963-0356 1yo-K 180
West Gate Christian Preparatory School 5121 Kelly Road Tampa 813-884-5147 K3-12th 195
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
20 1980 Lutheran www.ilsbrandon.com varies
20-25 early 1960's Catholic www.icstampa.org varies
varies 1968 non-denominational www.idsyes.com varies
1:12 1899 Catholic www.jesuittampa.org varies
15 1985 Baptist www.kacs.us 2300-3900
15 1978 Baptist www.fbclol.org varies
1:10 1983 none www.leegiftedacademy.com 8700-9500
11 2000 none www.lowryparkzoo.com
1:10 2000 WELS Lutheran www.northdalelutheran.org varies
15 early 1960's Methodist www.ogumsschools.officelive.com 3420-4320
16 - 20 2006 Independent Interdenominational Christian www.odessachristinaschool.org 5850 - 6500
18 1922 public http://shore.mysdhc.org n/a
25 1965 Baptist www.providencechristianschool.net varies
10 - 15 2005 non-denominational www.rclub.net varies
varies 1983 non-denominational www.seacrusaders.com varies
varies 1959 Catholic www.stlawrencecatholicschool.org varies
varies 1953 Episcopal www.smeds.org 107000
varies 1894 Catholic n/a scholarships
varies 1919 Seventh Day Adventist www.taacademy.com varies
varies 1962 Catholic www.tampacatholic.org
16 1974 non-denominational www.tampaprep.org varies
varies 2008 none www.goddardschool.com varies
varies 1986 Baptist n/a varies
12 - 18 1970 Methodist www.lmumc.org varies
15 1972 Baptist www.westgate.org varies
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PASCO COUNTYName Address City Phone Grades Enrollment
Faith Christian Academy 175 Springtime St. Spring Hill 352-686-9350 prek, k-5 48
Genesis Preparatory School 7710 Osteen Rd. New Port Richey 727-846-8407 6th-12th 110
Longleaf Learning Center 3035 Alachua Place New Port Richey 727-375-2664 2yo-5th 180
Notre Dame Interparochial School 1117 Suzanne Dr. Spring Hill 352-683-0755 prek-8th varies
Pasco County School System 7227 Land O'Lakes Blvd. Land O'Lakes Lakes 813-794-2000 K-12 62,530
Spring Hill Christian Academy 3140 Mariner Blvd. Spring Hill 352-683-8485 prek3-12 241
The Genesis School-East Campus 6609 River Rd. New Port Richey 727-845-1111 2yo-5th 100
The Genesis School-East Campus 8100 Mitchell Ranch Rd. New Port Richey 727-372-9333 2yo-5th 150
West Hernando Christian School 2250 Isiwaw Blvd. Spring Hill 352-688-9918 k3-12 241
Wider Horizons School 4060 Castle Ave. Spring Hill 352-686-1934 prek-12 160
World of Knowledge Montessori Sch 1935 Abacus Rd. Holiday 727-934-3028 18m - 8th 95
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies 1990 non denominational Christian n/a varies
15 1993 non denominational www.genesisprep.com 12000
varies 2002 none www.longleaflearningcenter.com varies
18 1985 Catholic www.ndischool.com varies
varies early 1900's public www.pasco.k12.fl.us n/a
15 1994 non denominational/Christian www.springhillchristianacademy.com varies
varies 1977 none www.genesiselementary.com varies
varies 1977 none www.genesiselementary.com varies
varies 1996 non denominational Christian www.whcs.net varies
20-25 1981 none www.widehorizonsschool.com varies
varies 1981 none www.flwokmontessori.com varies
34 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
2009 School Guide 2009 School Guide
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
TUTORING SERVICEName Address City Phone Grades
Huntington Learning Center Various locations 800-Can Learn K-12 Tutoring Services
Sylvan Learning Various locations 888-Educate PreK-College Prep Tutoring Serv
The Tutors 30750 US Hwy 19 N. Palm Harbor 727-786-8887
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies per center varies per center none www.huntingtonlearning.com varies
varies per center varies per center none www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com varies
varies per center varies per center none www.thetutors.net varies
PINELLAS COUNTYName Address City Phone Grades
Academy Prep Center for Education 2301 22nd Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-322-0800 5h-8th
Admiral Farrigut Academy 501 Park St. N. St. Petersburg 727-384-5505 PreK-12th
Bay Pines Lutheran School 7589 113th Lane N. Seminole 727-397-3204 K-8th
Bellair Montessori Academy 905 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Clearwater 727-584-2867 2yo-12yo
Blossom Montessori Schl for the Deaf 5990 142nd Avenue N Clearwater 727-539-7627 2.5yo-15yo
Broach School 4500 43rd Street N. Clearwater 727-526-5700 1st-12th
Calvary Christian High School 110 A. N. McMullen Booth Road Clearwater 727-449-2247 9th - 12th
Camelot School 6751 Ulmerton Rd. Largo 727-536-9911 2nd-5th
Canterbury School of Florida 1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE St. Petersburg 727-525-1419 PreK - 4th
Canterbury School of Florida 990 62nd Avenue NE St. Petersburg 727-525-1419 5th - 12th
Center Academy 2104 Palm Harbor Blvd. Palm Harbor 727-781-2986 4th-12th
Enrollment Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
126 15 1997 none www.academyprep.org varies
400 varies 1933 none www.farrigut.org varies
115 varies 1973 WELS Lutheran www.bpwels.com 3456
68 18-20 1944 none www.bmakids.com varies
varies 10 2003 none www.blossomschool.org varies
70 10 late 1980's none www.broachschool.com varies
220 varies 2000 Christian www.cchs.us 8850
120 varies 1982 none www.mycamelotschool.com varies
430 18 1968 Episcopal www.canterbury-fl.org 10130 -15020
430 18 1968 Episcopal www.canterbury-fl.org 10130 -15020
75 1:10 ratio 1968 none www.centeracademy.com varies
THROUGHOUT TAMPA BAYName Address City Phone Grades
Creative World Various locations 1-800-362-5940 Infants-PreK
Discovery Point Various locations 770-622-2112 Infants - Toddlers
Kindercare Various locations 1-800-kindercare 6 weeks to 12 years of age
LaPetite Academy Various locations 877-861-5078 Infants-K
Primrose Schools Various locations 770-529-4100 Infants-PreK
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies per center varies per center none www.creativeworldschools.com varies per center
varies per center 20 years in business none www.discoverypoint.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.kindercare.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.lapetite.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.primroseschools.com varies per center
PARENTGUIDE.COM 35
2009 School Guide 2009 School Guide
Log on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
TUTORING SERVICEName Address City Phone Grades
Huntington Learning Center Various locations 800-Can Learn K-12 Tutoring Services
Sylvan Learning Various locations 888-Educate PreK-College Prep Tutoring Serv
The Tutors 30750 US Hwy 19 N. Palm Harbor 727-786-8887
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies per center varies per center none www.huntingtonlearning.com varies
varies per center varies per center none www.tutoring.sylvanlearning.com varies
varies per center varies per center none www.thetutors.net varies
PINELLAS COUNTYName Address City Phone Grades
Academy Prep Center for Education 2301 22nd Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-322-0800 5h-8th
Admiral Farrigut Academy 501 Park St. N. St. Petersburg 727-384-5505 PreK-12th
Bay Pines Lutheran School 7589 113th Lane N. Seminole 727-397-3204 K-8th
Bellair Montessori Academy 905 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Clearwater 727-584-2867 2yo-12yo
Blossom Montessori Schl for the Deaf 5990 142nd Avenue N Clearwater 727-539-7627 2.5yo-15yo
Broach School 4500 43rd Street N. Clearwater 727-526-5700 1st-12th
Calvary Christian High School 110 A. N. McMullen Booth Road Clearwater 727-449-2247 9th - 12th
Camelot School 6751 Ulmerton Rd. Largo 727-536-9911 2nd-5th
Canterbury School of Florida 1200 Snell Isle Blvd. NE St. Petersburg 727-525-1419 PreK - 4th
Canterbury School of Florida 990 62nd Avenue NE St. Petersburg 727-525-1419 5th - 12th
Center Academy 2104 Palm Harbor Blvd. Palm Harbor 727-781-2986 4th-12th
Enrollment Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
126 15 1997 none www.academyprep.org varies
400 varies 1933 none www.farrigut.org varies
115 varies 1973 WELS Lutheran www.bpwels.com 3456
68 18-20 1944 none www.bmakids.com varies
varies 10 2003 none www.blossomschool.org varies
70 10 late 1980's none www.broachschool.com varies
220 varies 2000 Christian www.cchs.us 8850
120 varies 1982 none www.mycamelotschool.com varies
430 18 1968 Episcopal www.canterbury-fl.org 10130 -15020
430 18 1968 Episcopal www.canterbury-fl.org 10130 -15020
75 1:10 ratio 1968 none www.centeracademy.com varies
THROUGHOUT TAMPA BAYName Address City Phone Grades
Creative World Various locations 1-800-362-5940 Infants-PreK
Discovery Point Various locations 770-622-2112 Infants - Toddlers
Kindercare Various locations 1-800-kindercare 6 weeks to 12 years of age
LaPetite Academy Various locations 877-861-5078 Infants-K
Primrose Schools Various locations 770-529-4100 Infants-PreK
Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
varies per center varies per center none www.creativeworldschools.com varies per center
varies per center 20 years in business none www.discoverypoint.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.kindercare.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.lapetite.com varies per center
varies per center varies per center none www.primroseschools.com varies per center
36 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
2009 School Guide 2009 School GuideLog on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
Enrollment Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
75 1:10 ratio 1969 none www.centeracademy.com varies
26 varies 1984 Wells Lutheran www.christthelordlutheranchurch.org varies
260 varies 1984 none www.clearwateracademy.org 9996
700 varies 1962 Catholic www.ccchs.com varies
54 varies 2004 Christian www.cotischool.org varies
197 8-15 2000 non-denominational www.myccacademy.org varies
130 varies 1983 none www.delphi.org 6480-9610
250 1:18 1964 non denom www.dunedinacademy.com varies
250 22 1975 Lutheran www.flccclearwater.org varies
1:7 varies 2007 none www.greatexplorations.org
15 varies early 1950's Seventh Day Adventist n/a varies
270 varies 1956 Catholic www.holyfamily-school.com 4466
862 varies 1984 Baptist www.ircs.org varies
540 15 1953 non denominational www.keswickchristian.org 2580-8632
266 varies 1975 non-denominational www.lakesidechristianschool.org 6400-7900
180 varies 1983 none www.newhorizonsprivateschool.com varies
69 16 1999 non-denominational www.northbaychristian.com varies
700 16 1971 Baptist www.nck12.com 7500-10000
205 varies 1981 Baptist www.oldsmarchristianschool.net varies
288 18-30 1962 Catholic www.myoll.com 4900
155 8 - 20 1982 Lutheran www.osls.net varies
52 varies 1999 none www.floridamontessori.com varies
200 varies 1983 none www.floridamontessori.com varies
105,000 varies early 1900's none www.pinellas.k12.fl.us n/a
210 1:6-1:12 ratio 1995 none www.shma.us starts 6450
15 10 2008 non denominational www.santinabayacedemy.com varies
40 varies 1982 none www.shadycreekpreschool.com varies
950 varies 1923 non-denominational www.shorecrest.org 7500-18830
380 19 1971 non denominational Christian www.skycrestchristianschool.org 5895-6005
20 open 1997 none www.springvalleyschool.com varies
254 varies 1959 Catholic www.stpatrick-lago.org varies
478 15-18 1968 Episcopal www.st.pauls.edu varies
430 varies 1971 Interdenominational www.stpetechristian.org 5895 - 6895
104 varies 1989 none www.stpeteprep.com varies
264 20 1969 Catholic www.st_raphaels.com varies
varies varies 1954 Catholic www.cathedralofstjude.org varies
80 15 - 20 1998 none www.suncoastwaldorf.org 2850 - 9750
69 varies 2006 Catholic www.transfigparish.org varies
11 combined 1997 none www.waldenmiddleschool.org 5000
310 20 1996 non denominational Christian www.westlakechristianschool.org varies
Name Address City Phone Grades
Center Academy 6710 86th Avenue N Pinellas Park 727-541-5716 4th-12th
Christ the Lord Christian School 2045 N. Hercules Avenue Clearwater 727-441-8239 k-k - 8th
Clearwater Academy 801 Drew St. Clearwater 727-446-1722 PreK-12th
Clearwater Central Catholic High School 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd. Clearwater 727-531-1449 9th-12th
Coti Community Christian School 206 23rd Ave. Indian Rocks Beach 727-517-0775 age 2 - K /after school
Countryside Christian Academy 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater 727-799-1618 PreK2-8th
Delphi Academy of Florida 1831 Drew St. Clearwater 727-447-6385 Preschool - 8th
Dunedin Academy 1408 County Road 1 Dunedin 727-580-2042 Preschool - 12th
First Evangelical Lutheran School 1644 Nursery Rd. Clearwater 727-461-34444 PK3-8th
Great Explorations 1925 Fourth St. N St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 2yo-VPK
Gulf Coast Seventh Day Adventist School 6001 7th Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-345-2141 K-8th
Holy Family Catholic Church School 250 78th Avenue NE St. Petersburg 727-526-8194 PreK2-8th
Indian Rocks Christian Schools 12685 Ulmerton Rd. Largo 727-596-7192 PreK2-12th
Keswick Christian School 10101 54th Avenue N. St. Petersburg 727-393-9100 PK2-12
Lakeside Christian School 1897 Sunset Pt. Rd. Clearwater 727-461-3311 K5-12th
New Horizons Country Day School 2060 Nebraska Ave. Palm Harbor 727-786-1854 12m-5th
Northbay Christian 1625 Union St. Clearwater 727-462-0134 PreK-8th
Northside Christian School 7777 62nd Avenue N. St. Petersburg 727-541-7593 PK-12
Oldsmar Christian School 650 Burbank Road Oldsmar 813-855-5746 K4-12
Our Lady of Lourdes School 730 San Salvador Dr. Dunedin 727-733-3776 VPK-8th
Our Savior Lutheran School 5843 Fourth Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-344-1026 PK3-8th
Palm Harbor Montessori-East Lake 1961 East Lake Rd. Palm Harbor 727-781-8980 Primary 2-5
Palm Harbor Montessori 2355 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor 727-786-1854 12m-8th
Pinellas County School System 301 Fourth St. SW Largo 727-588-6000 k-12
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy 2669 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater 727-724-1767 PreK-8th
Santina Bay Academy 32820 US Hwy 19 North Palm Harbor 727-216-9738 6th - 12th
Shady Creek Montessori 2095 Bellair Rd. Clearwater 727-535-8512 Preschool-2-4yo
Shorecrest Preparatory School 5101 1st Street NE St. Petersburg 727-522-2111 K-12
Skycrest Christian School 129 Belcher Rd.N. Clearwater 727-797-1186 k-8
Spring Valley School 2109 Nebraska Ave. Palm Harbor 727-781-1234 4-19yo
St. Patricks Catholic Church 1507 Trotter Rd. Clearwater 727-581-4865 PreK-8th
St. Paul's School 1600 St. Paul's Drive Clearwater 727-536-2756 PreK3-8th
St. Pete Christian School 2021 62nd Ave. N. St. Petersburg 727-522-3000 PreK - 4th
St. Pete Prep Learning Center 6030 1st Street N. St. Petersburg 727-522-7879 1-4yo
St. Raphael Church School 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE St. Petersburg 727-736-5082 k-8th
St. Jude Cathedral School 600 58th St. N. St. Petersburg 727-347-8622 ec3-8th
Suncoast Waldorf School 1857 Curlew Rd. Palm Harbor 727-786-8311 Preschool - 8th
Transfiguration Parish School 4000 43rd St. N. St. Petersburg 727-527-2880 2yo-5yo
Walden A Private Middle School 2728 53rd Street S. St. Petersburg 727-321-7441 6th-8th
Westlake Christian School 1551 Belcher Road Palm Harbor 727-781-3808 k-8
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PARENTGUIDE.COM 37
2009 School Guide 2009 School GuideLog on to parentguide.com for more school listings and updates!
Enrollment Class Size Year Established Affiliation Web Address Tuition
75 1:10 ratio 1969 none www.centeracademy.com varies
26 varies 1984 Wells Lutheran www.christthelordlutheranchurch.org varies
260 varies 1984 none www.clearwateracademy.org 9996
700 varies 1962 Catholic www.ccchs.com varies
54 varies 2004 Christian www.cotischool.org varies
197 8-15 2000 non-denominational www.myccacademy.org varies
130 varies 1983 none www.delphi.org 6480-9610
250 1:18 1964 non denom www.dunedinacademy.com varies
250 22 1975 Lutheran www.flccclearwater.org varies
1:7 varies 2007 none www.greatexplorations.org
15 varies early 1950's Seventh Day Adventist n/a varies
270 varies 1956 Catholic www.holyfamily-school.com 4466
862 varies 1984 Baptist www.ircs.org varies
540 15 1953 non denominational www.keswickchristian.org 2580-8632
266 varies 1975 non-denominational www.lakesidechristianschool.org 6400-7900
180 varies 1983 none www.newhorizonsprivateschool.com varies
69 16 1999 non-denominational www.northbaychristian.com varies
700 16 1971 Baptist www.nck12.com 7500-10000
205 varies 1981 Baptist www.oldsmarchristianschool.net varies
288 18-30 1962 Catholic www.myoll.com 4900
155 8 - 20 1982 Lutheran www.osls.net varies
52 varies 1999 none www.floridamontessori.com varies
200 varies 1983 none www.floridamontessori.com varies
105,000 varies early 1900's none www.pinellas.k12.fl.us n/a
210 1:6-1:12 ratio 1995 none www.shma.us starts 6450
15 10 2008 non denominational www.santinabayacedemy.com varies
40 varies 1982 none www.shadycreekpreschool.com varies
950 varies 1923 non-denominational www.shorecrest.org 7500-18830
380 19 1971 non denominational Christian www.skycrestchristianschool.org 5895-6005
20 open 1997 none www.springvalleyschool.com varies
254 varies 1959 Catholic www.stpatrick-lago.org varies
478 15-18 1968 Episcopal www.st.pauls.edu varies
430 varies 1971 Interdenominational www.stpetechristian.org 5895 - 6895
104 varies 1989 none www.stpeteprep.com varies
264 20 1969 Catholic www.st_raphaels.com varies
varies varies 1954 Catholic www.cathedralofstjude.org varies
80 15 - 20 1998 none www.suncoastwaldorf.org 2850 - 9750
69 varies 2006 Catholic www.transfigparish.org varies
11 combined 1997 none www.waldenmiddleschool.org 5000
310 20 1996 non denominational Christian www.westlakechristianschool.org varies
Name Address City Phone Grades
Center Academy 6710 86th Avenue N Pinellas Park 727-541-5716 4th-12th
Christ the Lord Christian School 2045 N. Hercules Avenue Clearwater 727-441-8239 k-k - 8th
Clearwater Academy 801 Drew St. Clearwater 727-446-1722 PreK-12th
Clearwater Central Catholic High School 2750 Haines Bayshore Rd. Clearwater 727-531-1449 9th-12th
Coti Community Christian School 206 23rd Ave. Indian Rocks Beach 727-517-0775 age 2 - K /after school
Countryside Christian Academy 1850 N. McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater 727-799-1618 PreK2-8th
Delphi Academy of Florida 1831 Drew St. Clearwater 727-447-6385 Preschool - 8th
Dunedin Academy 1408 County Road 1 Dunedin 727-580-2042 Preschool - 12th
First Evangelical Lutheran School 1644 Nursery Rd. Clearwater 727-461-34444 PK3-8th
Great Explorations 1925 Fourth St. N St. Petersburg 727-821-8992 2yo-VPK
Gulf Coast Seventh Day Adventist School 6001 7th Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-345-2141 K-8th
Holy Family Catholic Church School 250 78th Avenue NE St. Petersburg 727-526-8194 PreK2-8th
Indian Rocks Christian Schools 12685 Ulmerton Rd. Largo 727-596-7192 PreK2-12th
Keswick Christian School 10101 54th Avenue N. St. Petersburg 727-393-9100 PK2-12
Lakeside Christian School 1897 Sunset Pt. Rd. Clearwater 727-461-3311 K5-12th
New Horizons Country Day School 2060 Nebraska Ave. Palm Harbor 727-786-1854 12m-5th
Northbay Christian 1625 Union St. Clearwater 727-462-0134 PreK-8th
Northside Christian School 7777 62nd Avenue N. St. Petersburg 727-541-7593 PK-12
Oldsmar Christian School 650 Burbank Road Oldsmar 813-855-5746 K4-12
Our Lady of Lourdes School 730 San Salvador Dr. Dunedin 727-733-3776 VPK-8th
Our Savior Lutheran School 5843 Fourth Avenue S. St. Petersburg 727-344-1026 PK3-8th
Palm Harbor Montessori-East Lake 1961 East Lake Rd. Palm Harbor 727-781-8980 Primary 2-5
Palm Harbor Montessori 2355 Nebraska Avenue Palm Harbor 727-786-1854 12m-8th
Pinellas County School System 301 Fourth St. SW Largo 727-588-6000 k-12
Safety Harbor Montessori Academy 2669 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater 727-724-1767 PreK-8th
Santina Bay Academy 32820 US Hwy 19 North Palm Harbor 727-216-9738 6th - 12th
Shady Creek Montessori 2095 Bellair Rd. Clearwater 727-535-8512 Preschool-2-4yo
Shorecrest Preparatory School 5101 1st Street NE St. Petersburg 727-522-2111 K-12
Skycrest Christian School 129 Belcher Rd.N. Clearwater 727-797-1186 k-8
Spring Valley School 2109 Nebraska Ave. Palm Harbor 727-781-1234 4-19yo
St. Patricks Catholic Church 1507 Trotter Rd. Clearwater 727-581-4865 PreK-8th
St. Paul's School 1600 St. Paul's Drive Clearwater 727-536-2756 PreK3-8th
St. Pete Christian School 2021 62nd Ave. N. St. Petersburg 727-522-3000 PreK - 4th
St. Pete Prep Learning Center 6030 1st Street N. St. Petersburg 727-522-7879 1-4yo
St. Raphael Church School 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE St. Petersburg 727-736-5082 k-8th
St. Jude Cathedral School 600 58th St. N. St. Petersburg 727-347-8622 ec3-8th
Suncoast Waldorf School 1857 Curlew Rd. Palm Harbor 727-786-8311 Preschool - 8th
Transfiguration Parish School 4000 43rd St. N. St. Petersburg 727-527-2880 2yo-5yo
Walden A Private Middle School 2728 53rd Street S. St. Petersburg 727-321-7441 6th-8th
Westlake Christian School 1551 Belcher Road Palm Harbor 727-781-3808 k-8
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38 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
many people fondly remember the color of the belt or the shiny badge they proudly wore as a safety patroller. there’s a certain sense of pride and prestige synonymous with the coveted belt and badge. While the color of the belt has evolved over the years, the core principles and leadership skills that are acquired from being a aaa school safety patrol remain unchanged.
the aaa school safety patrol program was born out of the desire to keep students on foot safe during their commute to and from school. so in 1920, aaa enlisted the help of elementary and middle school-aged children in higher grades to do just that. those who serve in this capacity are hand-picked by a designated safety patrol advisor at their school. their responsibilities range from getting children on and off school buses safely, guiding them through parking lots and helping them avoid general traffic hazards.
now, the program is the largest safety program in the world with more than 500,000 children participating at over 50,000 schools throughout the country. to continue the program’s success, aaa provides the necessary tools to participating school to train their patrols, keep them safe and recognize their achievements.
“We truly believe in the capabilities of each patroller and their ability to save lives and become traffic safety advocates and in the potential this program has to create responsible leaders,” said yoli buss, director, driver improvement programs at aaa auto club south. eleven-year-old toni morrison, spent her last year at mitchell elementary in tampa as a safety patroller.
“being a patrol taught me how to be a leader by watching out for kids and showing them how to be safe,” she said. toni’s duties at the car line at mitchell involved greeting the students and their parents as they were dropped off. “i really enjoyed helping people start their day with a smile.”
each year, aaa honors its finest safety patrols across the country with the aaa national patroller of the year awards—an accomplishment bestowed on patrollers who best exemplify leadership qualities and perform their duties beyond the expected. the aaa school safety patrol lifesaving award is the highest award given to patrollers. recipients are select patrol members who, while on duty, have saved the life of a person in imminent danger. Winners, their parents and safety patrol advisor are rewarded with an all-expense-paid trip to Washington d.c. that boasts a distinguished award ceremony and a fun-filled agenda.
the electric lime green belt and shiny silver badge are symbols that bear significance all across the country. they are striking reminders that the students who wear them lend their time, energy and dedication to making each school day and each child a little bit safer.
for more information about the aaa school safety patrol program, please visit aaa.com/safetypatrol.
School Safety Patrol Program Still Going StrongBy Leticia Messam
PARENTGUIDE.COM 39
Safety Patrol Fun Facts:famous past patrollers include:
past presidents Jimmy carter and bill clintonbaseball hall of famer tom seaver
the new color of the patrol belt is electric lime. it used to be orange.
the aaa lifesaving medal has been presented by u.s. presidents ford, Johnson, kennedy and eisenhower; vice presidents mondale, humphrey, nixon and barkley; first lady mamie eisenhower; justices of the u.s. supreme court; cabinet officials; and other dignitaries.
Leticia MessamLeticia Messam is a new mom and the manager of traffic safety programs for AAA Auto Club South in Tampa, Florida.
The New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club Presents:
The Mistletoe MarketA Holiday Boutique!
Saturday December 5 10:00 am-4:00 pm
5/3 Bank, Wesley Chapel at the Shops at Wiregrass
Food! Fabulous Drawings! Fun!To be a vendor or for information:
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40 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
SCHOOL’S OPEN! school is starting, school is starting! that’s the proclamation we overjoyed parents make every year in late august when we know our children will be going back to school. seriously though, we all want our children to be safe, and back-to-school season can be a pretty hectic time of year. that’s why aaa has launched it’s annual schools open-drive carefully! campaign every year since 1946.
loads of children will be walking our neighborhood streets and, sometimes, not so cautiously. as motorists we need to be responsible, and we are held responsible, for watching out for pedestrians. make sure you come to a complete stop when a school bus driver pulls out the large red stop sign from the side of the bus. children may be crossing the street in front of the bus where it’s hard to see them. any lapse of judgment on your part could cause a fatal accident.
We should also teach our children how to stay safe while traveling to and from school. tell your kids to be aware of their surroundings at all times. they should wait for the bus as far back from the street as possible and not attempt to get on the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver signals for them to approach. if your children walk to school, tell them to cross only at the corners of the street and, of course, to look both ways at least twice before they cross if a crossing guard is not available. if you can’t walk with them, try to buddy up your child with another child in your neighborhood who walks to school. for safety tips to go over with your child visit: pedestrian safety, bicycle safety and bus safety. going back to school can be very exciting for our kids. We want it to be a pleasant experience for them, and for us. so teach your children how to stay safe and make sure you take all necessary precautions before that first day approaches.
Help Us Reduce Child InjuriesBy Jessica Brady
PARENTGUIDE.COM 41
Other Info: the greatest threat children face today is motor vehicle crashes. Whether on foot, bike, or as a passenger in a car, these crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 and older. the problem escalates during the months kids are in school. kids are vulnerable for several reasons.
• they are small and less visible to motorists.
• it is more difficult for children to judge traffic situations, because their peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult’s.
• children do not always possess the capability to make sound judgments.
• children can be easily distracted, especially when around other kids.
in short, kids are not adults— and it’s up to drivers to compensate for these differences.
School’s Open Campaign used widely by schools and communities across the nation, aaa’s annual school’s open - drive carefully! program uses colorful graphics and a wide variety of products and publications to deliver this important safety message. since aaa began school’s open - drive carefully! in 1946, the program has successfully contributed to lowering school-related pedestrian fatalities.
To help protect children, AAA urges motorists to follow these safety tips:
• slow down near schools and in residential areas.
• drive with your headlights on—even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you.
• look for clues such as aaa school safety patrollers, bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.
• scan between parked cars and other objects for signs of children.
• practice extra caution in bad weather.
• always stop for school buses that are loading or unloading students.
As motorists we need to be responsible, and we are held responsible, for watching out for pedestrians.
42 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Real KidsReal ParentsReal Answers
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F. Felicia Ferrara, Ph.D. is the ParentCoach. She has over 25 years experience as a evaluator involved in
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She maintains a a private practice in Tampa, Florida.
PARENTGUIDE.COM 43
A Time to BondN O V E M B E R 1 – 8 , 2 0 0 9
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Fami l y t ime i s mak ing a big comeback here in Tampa Bay.
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44 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Coaching provides individuals and/or families with the tools, support and structure to accomplish their goals.
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46 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
ALL CHILDREN CAN HAVE A QUALITY EARLY LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT IS ESSENTIAL
IN BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
is your first resource for information on early childhood care and education services and programs in
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PARENTGUIDE.COM 47
In 1997, the late Governor Lawton Chiles and the State of Florida sued the tobacco industry due to
increasing Medicaid costs caused by diseases related to tobacco. A direct result of the lawsuit was the
development of the Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) program. SWAT is Florida’s statewide
youth organization that mobilizes, educates, and equips Florida youth to stand up against and de-glamorize
Big Tobacco. The goal is to empower youth to work towards a tobacco free future. SWAT provides
leadership-building opportunity for middle school and high school students through training in tobacco
issues, confidence building, media literacy, advocacy, public speaking, presentation skills, and policy
development. SWAT youth develop skills that will benefit them for life.
The Hillsborough County Health Department – Tobacco Control Program would like to thank
all SWAT advisors in Hillsborough County Schools for assisting SWAT students in their battle
to prevent big tobacco from marketing and targeting them as REPLACEMENT smokers.
Students Working Against Tobacco
We fight against manipulative tobacco efforts that lures new smokers.We stop tobacco companies from infiltrating our culture.
HillsborougH County HealtH Department tHe leaDer in proteCting tHe publiC’s HealtH
The mission of the Hillsborough County Health Department: Promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Florida.
Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications are being archived for at least three years and may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
Hillsborough County Health Departmentwww.hillscountyhealth.org
Source: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Tobacco/SWAT.html
48 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
PARENTGUIDE.COM 49
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Interested in full-time online public school option? K12, the leader in online education for grades K-12, is now available, tuition free, in many Florida school districts for the 2009-2010 school year!
Visit us online for enrollment information and a complete list of upcoming events near you.
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K12 gets kids thinking big.It’s what happens when they find fractions in the kitchen. Combine ingredients to make compounds. See that science makes cookies.
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54 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
school is your child’s Work. from kindergarten through high school, children need to put the bulk of their energies into successfully completing their education. of course, some of this responsibility falls on parents, and often times, parents have opposing viewpoints on academic performance, whether or not a child should be rewarded for her grades and just how “involved” the parents should be in their child’s education.
here is some info for concerned parents to you help decide what motivating methods to employ with your teen.
Using financial incentives does not take away from your child’s innate drive to achieve—it gives them much-needed compensation for a “job well done.” teenagers are very money-conscious and are beginning to assume responsibilities for vehicles for transportation and for cell phones for communication. they need some source of income.
Teenagers who work during high school get seduced by easy cash flow without real-life expenses. this has been shown to reduce academic performance rather than to teach responsibility. (this does not apply to all adolescents. some, who are very motivated for academic achievement remain so while holding a job; others don’t, however, and end up dropping out.)
Studies have indicated that students who are compensated for their grades do perform better academically. the “pass or fail” approach to grading was a dismal failure as achievement-oriented teens get intrinsic rewards from the higher grades. so, why not compensate them accordingly?
A suggested system of incentives for academic achievement is: a = $20; b =$15; c = $10; d = -$15; f = -$20. but adjust the system to your child and their ability. a student capable of straight a’s may not benefit from receiving awards for c’s because that level of performance is below their capacity. other children, however, with average iQs should be compensated for “average” performance, provided they performed to capacity.
Students get paycheck every six weeksmake it special, and take them clothes shopping or on another outing to spend their rewards. if you can, match the amount earned and put in savings for them.
Cell phones are great incentives, butthe texting epidemic has been shown to distract students from engaging fully in class; cell phones should be off during class time. use care if this is what you choose to motivate your child’s academic performance.
Excelling in EducationParent tips for helping their teen succeed in schoolBy Ruth Broadwater
PARENTGUIDE.COM 55
to assist young adults with homework, the family first must value education, stressing the importance of school above all else, including involvement in extracurricular activities.
one family i counseled was the son was a football jock, but the son’s grades were falling to average or below when his capacity was much higher. football was removed from his agenda until his grades came back up—he was not pleased, but he learned that tackling learning was more important than tackling opponents.
americans apparently rank 10th in the world for education—our population is not the highest in academic achievement, and america has one of the highest drop-out rates (not to mention teenage pregnancies) out of the developed countries.
but families can create a culture of academic achievement by emphasizing education, even if the parents in the family don’t have any. i’m working with a family from haiti whose second-oldest daughter plays cello and is attending Julliard with her school orchestra. this family stresses the importance of education and developing the talents of its members, despite the parents coming from poverty with no formal education themselves. if a child is told that education is important for her or his success from the time he or she first enters preschool, they will adopt an attitude of academic achievement. the oldest female child from this same family bypasses boyfriends to succeed in school!
remember: emphasize “homework before playtime” as a two-fold plan to inculcate self-discipline and educational achievement. read to your children daily, and as they become readers themselves, encourage “reading” time before bedtime to sustain the habit.
But families can create a culture of academic achievement by emphasizing education, even
if the parents in the family don’t have any.
balance is keychildren should have a well-balanced agenda of physical (including healthy eating and exercise), mental, spiritual, social (including charitable work) and leisure activities. ideally, the parents should role-model this lifestyle themselves and encourage involvement with their children as soon as they are old enough to participate. a happy, successful and ultimately healthy human being develops good habits, interests, hobbies and a social conscience that endures over time.
56 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
When michelle groover, a chandler, ariz. mother, noticed that her 8-year-old son could use some improvement on his handwriting, she asked his teacher for suggestions. along with writing exercises, the teacher suggested that he do things like play with lego’s. that’s probably not something that parents think of when they want their child to write better. but it does help because improving your child’s handwriting is about more than just putting pencil to paper.
Starting Young “When children are 3 and 4 years old you can introduce letter formation,” explains margaret pierson, a licensed occupational therapist and co-owner of scribble 2 script™, a scottsdale-based company that offers classes and camps for children to help develop their fine motor skills. “however, their little hands are typically not developmentally ready to hold and control a crayon or pencil to write.”
pierson suggests that to get children this age started you can have them practice the letters using things like finger paints, shaving cream or sand. make sure they are forming their letters correctly by starting the letters at the top. to start developing the grasp for pencil holding, have them work with small pieces of chalk, mini markers and broken crayons.
Skill Building “help children develop fine motor skills through activities such as cutting out coupons, puzzles and etch-a-sketch, before expecting fine control in handwriting,” says dr. cory hansen, an assistant professor in elementary education at arizona state university. other activities that can help to build fine motor skills include playing with play dough, art projects, using tweezers to pick objects up, using a spray bottle to spray plants, turning over cards and coins, using scissors and lacing things like cards or macaroni.
as important as fine motor skills are for writing, they aren’t the only thing that a child needs. children need to be developed in other areas as well. they need to have good visual perception in order to be able to recognize numbers and letters. having poor trunk control or upper body strength can affect the fine motor skill development. to increase trunk control and strengthen the upper body, encourage activities where the child will be laying on their tummy, such as playing with blocks or coloring.
there are some additional things you can do to try to help your child learn to write better:
Write. “We recommend spending only five minutes a day practicing,” suggests megan eldridge, a licensed occupational therapist and co-owner of scribble 2 script™. “it is best for parents to supervise this time to insure that their child is forming the letters correctly.” try to also create a relaxed atmosphere for their daily writing.
Make it Fun. “have your 7-year-old practice writing the names of his favorite pokemon characters and your 10-year-old write a paragraph describing her dream room,” says eldridge. having them write on something that is relevant and fun will keep them interested longer.
Improving Your Child’s HandwritingBy Jacqueline Bodnar
PARENTGUIDE.COM 57
We recommend spending only five minutes a day practicing. Children learn more when something is fun!
Got a left-handed writer?When a child writes with their left hand they cover up their writing making it difficult to see what they’re doing. having good posture and proper paper placement is especially important. they can pick up some bad habits like bending the wrist forward and holding the pencil between the thumb and all four fingers. to help your lefty improve their handwriting skills, align the paper to the left of their midline. the paper should be titled so the arm is at a right angle and the upper right corner of the paper is toward the child. the child’s wrist should be straight and the hand should remain below the line they are writing on.
Online Resourcesabc teachwww.abcteach.comthey offer free worksheets including some that are left-handed friendly.
edhelperwww.edhelper.comdaily writing prompts, worksheets and customizable options. registration fee is $19.99 per year.
handwriting for kidswww.handwritingforkids.comthis site has free worksheets with no registration required.
handwriting help for kidswww.handwritinghelpforkids.comthey have a variety of free worksheets and offer workbooks for a fee.
learning pagewww.learningpage.comthis site offers free registration and worksheets.
Equipment. make it more fun by letting children write with smelly markers, glitter glue and metallic crayons. there are eye-catching colored pencils, pens and markers that most kids love to use. using a pencil grip can also help some children master the tripod grasp of the pencil.
Purpose. dr. hansen suggests that you give your child purposeful goals like scrapbooking or making birthday cards and place settings at a table. other meaningful activities include journal writing, preparing the grocery list and filling out thank-you cards.
Classes. “practicing handwriting shouldn’t involve lines and lines of rote letter practices,” says pierson. “one of our primary goals with all our services is to make sure our kids have fun.” children learn more when something is fun and most enjoy taking a class or attending a summer camp. these classes give children the chance to play games to enhance their fine motor skills and explore fun ways of practicing their letters, like writing in instant snow and with exploding paint.
Importance of Improvement try a variety of ways to work with your child to improve their handwriting. keep at it until you find something that works and that they take an interest in. “it is important to remember that children with poor handwriting often struggle with low self-esteem,” says eldrige. “instead of assuming that your child is lazy or that they just don’t care about their handwriting, it is necessary to understand why your child is struggling.”
Jacqueline BodnarJacqueline Bodnar is a freelance writer that lives in Port Orange, Fla. with her husband and two children.
58 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
Staying Healthy and living longer is due in large part to proper nutrition and adequate exercise. Unfortunately as we grow older managing these things becomes more difficult. That is why we offer Nutritional support as well as Chiropractic care to help maintain your health. We do accept insurance and Medicare as well as other cost saving programs. If you have any questions please call us and speak with one of our doctors.
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Birth is a traumatic experience for Mom and Baby. Subluxations (minor misalignments) in the spine can create many health related issues. Our Doctors use safe effective treatments for examining infants and adults. It is important to get an evaluation as soon as possible after the birth. You should bring Dad too so that the whole family healthy. For more information give us a call or visit our website at: www.familylifehealthcenter.com 727-447-4647
There is a familiar phrase: As the tree is bent so grows the tree. This is believed to be a Korean proverb but holds true when you think of a developing spine. Children need Chiropractic so that their backs develop properly. Not to mention all the other health benefits. We not only have great Chiropractic Care but also Nutritional support for the whole family
Family Life Chiropractic Health Center is located at:131 Garden Ave. N Clearwater, FL 33755
Chiropractice For the Whole Family
Phone: 727-447-4647 www.familylifehealthcenter.com
PARENTGUIDE.COM 59
60 PARENTGUIDE 2009 Back to School Special Edition Guide
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