10 4 2014stsn p29 34 youth

Miss Angela’s In-Home Preschool offers one-on-one teaching

BY ALISON STANTON

When Claire Anderson was looking for a preschool for her twins, Breanna and Taylor, to attend, she decided to enroll them in Miss Angela’s In-Home Preschool in Chandler.

Anderson says her children attended the in-home preschool for two years and finished this June.

“We loved Miss Angela’s,” Anderson says of the classes taught by Angela St. Louis in her home.

Anderson’s children found St. Louis to be so nurturing that they didn’t want to leave the classroom at the end of the school day.

“She has a warm and friendly environment, and academically and socially they were more than prepared for kindergarten. Angela makes school fun and gets them ready for kindergarten by talking about what to expect.”

St. Louis, who opened her in-home preschool in 2004, says she loves working with 3- and 4-year-old students, helping to teach them phonics and art. She also offers plenty of unstructured time for play and fun.

“Right now, we have school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning, which works out well in case there’s a holiday on Monday or families leave on Friday for a vacation,” she says.

The kids are all in one classroom, St. Louis says, but because she keeps her class size so small, she is able to give every student one-on-one instruction and guidance. She is accepting new students.

“If I have them doing a worksheet, I’ll have one for the 3-year-olds and one for the 4-year-olds. And I can work with them individually, and I can work with them on prereading as well.”

St. Louis started teaching when she was in college at a preschool that was on campus. After graduation, she worked as a kindergarten teacher.

“I did some different jobs after that, but I always wanted to get back into teaching. I opened my preschool when my daughter was young, and I just love it,” she says.

As a mom, St. Louis says she understands that starting preschool can be scary—not only for the child, but for the parents, too.

“This is especially true if the child has been at home the whole time before starting school,” she says.

“At my preschool, the kids have the same teacher the entire time, and it’s a very consistent thing for them. I’ve had many families where I teach all of their kids.”

Because she also knows that a great deal of learning happens when kids are

BUSY AND HAPPY KIDS: When Angela St. Louis’ daughter, Samantha, middle, is home from school on vacation, she enjoys helping her mom in her in-home preschool class. Submitted photo

not working on academic subjects, St. Louis says she schedules plenty of other projects that will also teach her students important skills they will learn in school.

“They learn how to sit still during group time, and they learn how to follow directions when we are having art time,” she says.

“And since we learn through play just as much as when we are in class, I have two 20-to-30 minute free-time sessions each day when the kids can choose whatever they want to do.”

Karyn Pacifico’s son Ryan attended Miss Angela’s In-Home Preschool for

two years. She says she was impressed with the small class size and the special things St. Louis does for the kids and parents at holiday time.

“Angela is one-of-a-kind, and the kids and parents alike love her and her school,” she says.

For more information about Miss Angela’s In-Home Preschool, call (480) 899-0553 or visit www. missangelaspreschool.vpweb.com.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com

Bullying: How to recognize it and how to help

BY ALISON STANTON

The stereotypical image of a bully involves a bigger kid pushing a smaller one up against the wall and stealing his or her lunch money.

That isn’t necessarily the case any longer. Jennifer Degraffe, a program coordinator and clinical therapist for Bayless Healthcare, says that bullying can and does happen in a variety of other ways.

For example, she says, social media has really changed the way a kid or teen can bully another.

“Bullying has really evolved due to online social media websites. Bullies can message other kids on sites like Facebook and Instagram, comment on pictures, and make comments about how people look,” she says.

“Bullying is much more than just something that is said at school, or bumping into someone or hitting them.”

Although October is National Bullying Prevention Month, Degraffe says parents should be aware of this issue year round, as well as learn to recognize the common signs that their child might be a victim of bullying.

“Kids who are bullied will often start to withdraw at home, and they might start to become very anxious and hypervigilant about things,” she says.

Children may become depressed as well.

“We often have an idea that being depressed means that someone stays in bed, but it can also mean that the child or teen will be even more reactive, snappy and will frustrate more easily.”

In an attempt to make themselves as hard to notice as possible, children and

teens who are being bullied will become physically withdraw, Degraffe says.

“It’s like they are trying to become invisible and not be the target.”

Although a parent’s first reaction might be to jump in and fix the problem, Degraffe says that when a child reports that they have been bullied, moms and dads should first spend some time talking to their child.

“How a parent reacts can cause a kid to push away, which will make it worse. Just be there in the moment with your kids and try to understand their perception of the situation,” she says.

Parents should ask how long the bullying has been going on and if the child is the only target.

NO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING:

Brenda Vallana, CUSD instructional specialist, explains when a student or parent from CUSD reports an instance of bullying, it is documented via a form and fully investigated. Submitted photo

“Just be there, and talk with them about how they are feeling and what is going on in the situation.”

Brenda Vallana, an instructional specialist for the Chandler Unified School District, says the district has a no-tolerance policy on bullying.

“All teachers are required to watch a video on bullying, and by law it should be reported—first verbally and then via a form,” says Vallana, who is also a certified trainer for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program.

“The incident is then investigated and

kept confidential. Either the student or the parent can make the report.”

In addition to talking to their children every day about their peers, who they hang out with and what is going on at school, Vallana says parents should be good role models when they get angry.

“Be a good example to your kids, and don’t get mad at waiters or other drivers,” she says.

It’s also important for parents to talk about what it means to be kind to others.

“Teach them about what not to do, like pushing, teasing or being mean, and also tell your children what to do if someone is bullying them, like ignoring it, walking away or telling an adult.”

Parents should reassure a child who has been bullied, Degraffe says.

“Tell them ‘Thank you for coming to me. I love you, and I want to make sure you are safe and OK.’ Also, tell them this is not about them, but about the bully. Say, ‘Don’t believe what the bully is telling you.’”

For more information about CUSD’s policy about bullying, visit www.cusd80. com/bullyingresources

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com

Cheer team hosting rummage sale, seeking vendors

The Santan Junior High School’s cheerleading team will host a rummage sale and vendor fair at the school, 1550 E. Chandler Heights Rd., from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The team encourages the public to donate items such as clothes, home décor, kitchenware and furniture for the sale. They can be dropped off between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, and Tuesday, Oct. 22. Those who are unable to attend the dropoff events can contact Heidi at

sjhscheerboosters@gmail.com or text (480) 560-5324.

Vendor spaces, which measure 10 feet by 10 feet, are available for purchase for $25. Sellers must provide their own tables, canopies and/ or display materials. In addition, it’s asked that vendors donate one item of a $10-minimum retail value to the event’s raffle. The cost for space and money raised by selling raffle tickets will directly benefit the Santan Cheer Boosters.

Only one vendor per direct-selling

Ex-Basha QB among 36 national scholar-athlete finalists

Officials of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame named 36 finalists for the 2014 NFF High School National Scholar-Athlete Awards.

On that prestigious list is Zachary Werlinger of Chandler, the scholarathlete of the year among a group of 39 high schoolers honored last March for their football ability, scholarship achievements and commitment to their communities by the NFF Valley of the Sun Chapter.

Last season Werlinger was named as the first-team All-State quarterback by AZ Central/Arizona Republic as a senior at Basha High School. This fall he is a preferred walk-on at the University of Arizona.

Werlinger is among six college freshmen nominated by the West Region of the NFF, and one nominee from each of five regions will be announced the week of Oct. 9, by the national organization. The five winners will travel to New York City to be honored during the NFF Chapter Awards Luncheon, presented by Under Armour, on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the legendary Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

group (e.g., Arbonne Candles, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, etc.) will be accepted. The event coordinators reserve the right to limit other product types. Vendor spaces also have the option of being solely informational, as selling items is not required. To reserve space, vendors can contact Erin Quick at erin.quick11@ gmail.com.

The event is seeking entertainment at little to no cost for entertaining shoppers’ kids. Limited food truck space is also available.

The Valley of the Sun Chapter is among the largest and most active of 120 chapters in the NFF. It was founded in 1947, with early leadership from Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Hall of Fame Army football coach Earl “Red” Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice. The NFF is a nonprofit educational organization that runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship, leadership and athletic achievement in young people.

D-backs give $2,500 to Santan Elementary Improv comedy classes launch

Santan Elementary School was among the 10 STEM clubs and teachers who received a $2,500 grant from Chase and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation prior to the baseball team’s Friday, Sept. 26, game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Santan Elementary School will use the funds for its LEGO Robotics Acceleration and Challenge Period. On hand to receive the donation were fifth-grade teachers Wendy Banas and Kierstin Yamashita.

That evening, the Arizona Diamondbacks welcomed 14,000 Arizona students and their families to the ballpark as part of the D-backs Science of Baseball and STEM Showcase, presented by Chase and Insight.

The entire upper level at Chase Field was filled with Arizona youth who are learning more about science, technology, engineering and math through a unique program that was highlighted throughout the ballpark.

More than 63 schools have taken part in the program, with 3,000 students and teachers participating in a pregame STEM parade on the field. Each of the pregame parade participants received a free D-backs Science of Baseball T-shirt, compliments of Chase.

Throughout the ballpark, fans visited interactive exhibits and met with experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Several of the exhibits will be operated by STEM club students, teachers and families who received 2,000

complimentary tickets from Chase. Volunteers from Chase and Insight distributed STEM Showcase maps at the gates, and a robot created by students was used for the Pepsi T-shirt Toss.

“The future of Arizona depends on our youth and the Science of Baseball program, and the STEM showcase has really tapped into an area that will have a major impact for generations to come,” says D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall.

“We are thrilled to work with our

corporate partners Chase and Insight on such a meaningful program for Arizona families.”

Students at the game received a workbook that allowed them to learn STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way, including the science behind scoring, baseball statistics, geometry of the field, trajectory of a ball flight, engineering of the Chase Field retractable roof and the time it takes to cool the ballpark to its game-time temperature of 78 degrees.

WAITING FOR THE WORLD TO CHANGE

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

Recently,

I had the opportunity to visit a physician's office for a general health check-up. As I entered the beautiful office, I expected to be greeted with a warm “Hello” or “Welcome.” Instead, I did hear, “Please fill out the form on this clipboard.” To this I responded, “Hello! How are you?”

After my greeting the receptionist reacted more positively to me. However, the visit didn't seem to get better. After waiting for 18 minutes in the lobby, I was finally called back to the exam room and waited yet another 14 minutes (yes, I was counting at this point).

Improvisational comedy classes for kids and teens are offered by improvMANIA Improv Comedy Troupe beginning Saturday, Oct. 4. Classes for kids ages 6 to 12 are held from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturdays; cost is $50. Classes for teens ages 13 to 18 are held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; cost is $75. Each four-week class ends with a showcase for friends and families. Class size is limited. improvMANIA is at 250 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 3, Chandler.

To learn more, email info@ improvMANIA.net or visit www. improvMANIA.net.

By the time I was able to see the doctor, it was over 30 minutes past my scheduled appointment time. It really was an eye-opener that there are still many health practices out there that do not place customer service as a priority.

At Chamberlain Orthodontics, we value our patient's time as much as I do for myself and my family. I want to give you my personal promise: We strive to always run on time with our appointments and make it a priority to keep you, and us, on schedule. If you have any thought of improving your smile through orthodontics, and desire an office that puts your needs as their priority, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We will be thrilled to meet with you and give you honest feedback about options to reach that goal in a timely manner.

Haunted house benefit scheduled

Casey Likes’ second annual haunted house to raise funds for Matthew’s Crossing will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at 764 W. Carob Way, Chandler.

Guests to this year’s moviethemed haunt are invited to bring a nonperishable food item or a cash contribution to Matthew’s Crossing. Last year, Casey’s haunted house collected more than 200 food items and about $200 in cash.

Casey, a young actor who has appeared in commercials, films, television and on stage, is a seventh grader at Willis Junior High School. Matthew’s Crossing is a Chandlerbased nonprofit charitable organization providing assistance for individuals and families in need in the East Valley.

To learn more, contact Diana Likes at likesdiana1@aol.com.

CHANDLER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Sept. 29-Oct. 10: Fall intersession

Oct. 13-14: Teacher inservice workdays

Oct. 15: School resumes

CTA-Independence Hawks

Family Fun: Family Fun Night will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at CTA-Independence. Parents and students are invited to bring their dinner and lawn chairs to picnic outside and have a fun night with the family. The event will feature music, P.E. equipment and craft booths for a little shopping.

VIP visitors: Sixth graders were lucky enough to attend a presentation by members of the VFW. The gentlemen spoke to students about their experiences as veterans.

—Wendi Olson

Hancock Heat

Running Club: Running Club begins Thursday, Nov. 3. It will be held before school this year, from 7:40 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through February. Parent volunteers are needed for the success of Running Club; email Coach Gee at gee.ashley@cusd80.com if able to help.

Fall Intersession: Students will be on fall intersession through Oct. 14. Students return to school on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The staff would

like to wish everyone a happy and safe intersession.

—Andrea Dickson

Tarwater Toros

Calendar:

Oct. 21-24: Book Fair

Oct. 24: Fall Festival, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

—JoAnne Cawley

Hamilton High Huskies

Hamilton Night Out: Hamilton Night Out, a fundraiser for Hamilton High’s AFJROTC Boosters, will be held from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Main Event, 8545 S. Emerald Dr., Tempe. Cost is $20 for unlimited fun, including bowling with shoes, gravity ropes, laser tag, billiards, shuffleboard and a $5 game card. All schools are welcome.

—Heide Domzalski

CARDINALS MILK AND COOKIES

VISITOR: After receiving word that Hancock Elementary School would be receiving a visit from an Arizona Cardinals player through their “Milk & Cookies” program, 50 lucky third-grade students had their names drawn to meet Dave Zastudil. The punter, along with mascot Big Red, joined the third graders in the media center on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Students had fun dancing with Big Red, listening to Zastudil read them stories and munching on milk and cookies. It was an exciting way to celebrate literacy with a hometown hero. Submitted photo

Master Shin’s students ‘break’ for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

BY TIM J. RANDALL

No one ever said that fundraising was easy. The students of Master Shin’s World Class Tae Kwon Do learned this firsthand recently during an effort to collect money for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The second annual Kicking for Miracles event, held at Santan Junior High, was not your garden-variety bake sale or raffle. This was a demonstration of athletic talent, mental focus and skill of the highly technical Korean martial art.

About 120 of the students at the Dojang, or formal training hall, showcased their prowess in an exhibition of board breaking. To participate in the event, the pupils were required to collection donations for the hospital.

The top fundraiser, Xavier, a Shin trainee, netted $1,560.

“Most of our students are children,” says Caressa Shin, co-owner of Master Shin’s. “We would love to see all kids have the chance to participate in taekwondo. So giving to Phoenix Children’s makes a really good connection.”

The wood-splintering event raised $15,427 for Phoenix’s only stand-alone children’s hospital. This amount was significantly above the 2013 fundraiser break-a-thon which garnered $14,000.

“The hospital is very appreciative for our event,” notes Shin.

Special guests also participated in

the event, including a grateful patient at Phoenix Children’s, 7-year-old Ethan, who spoke about his stay at the hospital, and then smashed a board with the best of the Tae Kwon Do attendees.

Weatherman Chris Dunn of CBS 5 News also joined in the wood attack as a celebrity board breaker.

In all, quite an impressive lumber supply was generated with 1,200 boards broken. Shin is already looking forward to the third kick-a-thon.

“Every year we plan on going bigger and better,” she says. “It is a way for the hospital to win while celebrating our members’ accomplishments.”

Master Shin’s World Class Tae Kwon Do, a 3-year-old business, is the brainchild of Master Dongkwan Shin who has “trained in the martial arts for over 25 years and has been teaching in the United States for 10 years,” says Shin. The philosophy of the school is to instill confidence, focus and respect in their students according to Dongkwan and wife, Caressa, both black belts. The duo enjoys the challenges of teaching the discipline to the next generation of belt holders.

“Our school stands out in its level of service, facility quality and commitment to excellence for our students,” says Shin.

With classes offered for ages 4 and older and to all levels of ability, Master Shin’s, located at 4055 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 2, is doing great things for

FUNDRAISERS: Master Shin’s World Class Tae Kwon Do raised $15,427 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital at its Kicking for Miracles event. Submitted photo

advancing students’ enjoyment and participation in taekwondo, while delivering a powerful blow of good for the community.

Randall is a freelancer for the SanTan Sun News. He can be reached at news@santansun.com.

YOUTH CHRONICLES

Miranda Dawn Thornton of Chandler is a recent graduate of Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. Miranda graduated with a Master of Science in biological sciences.

Candace Cook, Blakelee Evans, Nicole Grounds, Audrey Nissly, David Poulin, Julia Prellberg, Lindsey Rather and Kaitlyn Wright of Chandler are on the spring 2014 academic Dean’s List at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California. The students were honored for a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better.

Impact of Hope holds benefit

Erica Martin, community relations director of Impact of Hope, has resided in Chandler for the last 18 years. As a South Chandler resident, she invites her community to join her to reach out and impact those who are suffering from diseases and illnesses and are in need of financial help through Impact of Hope.

Impact of Hope benefit will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Grace North Church, 4135 W. Opportunity Way, Anthem.

Impact of Hope will be hosting a benefit to help raise money for two extraordinary families in need of help; the Sinclair family of Peoria and the Daniels family of Buckeye.

Logan Sinclair, 7, was diagnosed with anaplastic medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer in 2011. Logan is in remission, however, he is dealing with the effects of the surgery when the doctors removed his tumor. He has also been diagnosed with

for

Sun Lakes author publishes kids’ book

A new interactive children’s book by Sun Lakes author and retired elementary school art teacher Patricia Koepp, and published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, features music and fun activities, along with a charming singalong story.

“Mr. Mittens’ Magical Mittens: Listen, Read and Sing-Along Workbook” introduces Mr. Mittens, a playful tuxedo cat, and comes with a music CD. The

two families

posterior fossa syndrome that affects his speech, vision and balance.

Jamie Daniels, a single mother of two daughters, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer nine years ago. She battled and overcame the cancer. However; Jamie was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer a few years later, which has spread to her liver.

of Hope hopes to raise $10,000 to aid these families in their

By purchasing a benefit T-shirt at $10, individuals will receive a ticket into the benefit, a free dinner and a seat for the talent showcase and silent auction.

The money raised will be distributed evenly between the two families.

story is followed by a coloring book section and sheet music of the song on the CD.

Readers can find merchandise based on the book at www.cafepress.com/ mrmittenskittenkaboodle. The book is available from bookstores nationwide or from www.barnesandnoble.com, www. amazon.com or www.tatepublishing. com/bookstore.

Makutu’s Island pays it forward

Makutu’s Island husband-and-wife owners Kiran Bapatla and Kiran Vedantam donated $2,000 to two local charities that promote the welfare of children and Arizona families at Chandler City Hall.

With Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny on-hand, Chandler-based charities ICAN and Matthew’s Crossing food bank received the donation from Chandler’s popular indoor amusement area for kids.

In an effort to strengthen its partnership with the community, Makutu’s Island is seeking to partner with local schools to provide fundraisers, inschool and after-school programs at the facility.

Makutu’s Island is located at 6919 W. Ray Rd, in Chandler.