Checking Out Schools, part 4

Providence Preparatory is new to the Rome area, having begun in August 2011.  It is an alternative to public and private schools, one that many home schooling families are choosing.  Many parents want to train their children spiritually, which means they need consistent and meaningful time with them.  But, these same parents want academic excellence for their children, yet not wanting to send their child to a local school system five days a week, which reduces parental influence.

PPA is a University Model School, and is one of over 50 schools of this type in the United States. The Rome campus is located at the corner of Kingston Highway and the Loop.  It is housed at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church facilities.  It provides a solution for many families seeking a viable educational alternative for their children. Through this model, students are prepared for higher education while being developed spiritually.  Providence Prep serves students in Kindergarten through 7th grade.  Plans are to add a grade level each year.

The core academic classes, Math, Language Arts, Science and History, are offered along with elective classes.  Student to teacher ratios are kept small at a maximum of 16:1.  Like a university, students enroll by semester.  The scheduling allows students to take one class or all of their classes at PPA.  Unlike traditional education choices, families can choose to enroll their student in the classes that will fit within their budget or schedule each semester.

Providence Prep is an educational alternative that, until now, has not been among the typical educational choices available to parents in Rome. Its significance lies in its ability to effectively utilize parents in partnership with highly-qualified professional instructors to gain better academic results.   The school has started the accreditation process through the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC), and plans to also seek accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

An informational meeting will be held on March 8 and April 12 at 10 a.m.  For more information contact Pam Finnegan 706-235-6655

Checking Out Schools, part 3

It is not too early to begin looking at the next level of education for your child.

You are invited you to visit Berry College Elementary and Middle School. BCEMS is a kindergarten – eighth grade lab school, and is an integral part of Berry’s Charter School of Education and Human Sciences. The school is located on the Mountain Campus of Berry College, a lovely three-mile drive up the “Stretch Road” from the Ford Campus.

There are few schools in the world like BCEMS; they exemplify the ideal of what is possible in education when students are given access to rare pools of extraordinary talent and resources.  At BCEMS, kids grow to love learning in a joyful environment, and that is truly the most valuable objective that could ever be achieved. 

BCEMS offers activities beyond the academics. Some of the activities include: athletics (basketball, golf, cross country, track and tennis), dance & yoga, scouting and more. Students at BCEMS also benefit from the assistance of college students in the classroom.

To learn more, visit:

http://www.berry.edu/academics/education/elementary/ or follow the Quick Link from the main Berry College site to Berry College Elementary and Middle School. 

Checking Out Schools, part 2

If you are interested in a premier preschool program for your 3 - 5 year old, then check out Berry College Child Development Center.  The school is housed in the log cabin area on the Berry campus, which are known as cottages.  There is a fabulous playground, and the ever present deer population roaming outside on the grounds.

Berry has PreK3 and PreK4 classes which are open to the public. Many families put their child on the waiting list as early as birth, though there are spaces available for Fall 2012! One of the pre-requisites before enrolling in the CDC is that your child is potty trained.  They boast that tuition is lower than other private schools, and meals are included in your fees.  Yoga and Spanish are also included in the tuition. For additional fees your child can participate in Kindermusik ABC Music and Me classes, and computer skills.  All of these extras are taught on site!

One of the most outstanding components at the CDC is the adult:child ratio of 1:5.  This is because the center has energetic college students that work in the classroom with the certified teachers.

You can learn more about Berry's Child Development Center here.   Open House will be held on February 24 from 8:30 - noon and 4 - 6 pm.

Pray for Brandon

My other blog, tarted as a way to share our National Park trips with friends and family. These trips are taken with the Williams family. They are more than travel buddies, they are our neighbors, friends, Berry alums, and educators. Their children have spent many hours with our kids.  We share holidays together, dinner, dessert, a hike or bike ride at Berry. 

Waiting for  the bus in Boston

Brandon is 16 years old, and has endured years of  medical procedures. I call him a human pin cushion.  Without going through his whole medical history, the last 18 months have been especially trying for his family as he has dealt with intestinal issues.  Next week he will go to Scottish Rite to have a colectomy with an ileoanal j pouch.  Basically he will have a his large intestine removed, and have a temporary bag, which the j pouch will replace once that part of the surgery heals. The surgery will take place on Wednesday February 1. Please pray for Brandon, his doctors, nurses and his parents, Stephen & Beth.  

Brandon loves to play video games, and Aaron is always happy to  join him.  This is Brandon at age 10.

Brandon with the weasel the kids found in a house  in New Hampshire during our New England trip.  There is a story here, and no one tells a story quite like Brandon!

Beth, Brandon, Emily & Stephen in Boston

Brandon & Mom on the Golden Gate bridge

Brandon has a loving, supportive family, friends and church family.  He has a terrific outlook on the situation, but he would rather be fishing, kayaking, or watching NASCAR!  I look forward to Brandon getting to resume the activities he loves!

Colorado is calling Nobles/Williams travel crew in May, and we need Brandon ready to skip some rocks!

Checking Out Schools, part 1

Kindermusik of Berry College serves families all over Rome, Floyd County and other neighboring counties.  Our families are often looking for the best school for their child.  Rome is fortunate to have many great choices for families to consider.  This series of posts will highlight the plethora of schools in the area. 

Saint Mary's School was founded in 1945, and continues a tradition of academic excellence.  This Parochial school is hosting an open house on Tuesday, January 31 at 6 pm and another on Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm. 

Here are some fast facts about St. Mary's taken from their web page.


We Are:

• Pre-K through 8th grade with two classes per grade level
• 55% Catholic and 45% Protestant
• Members and Parishioners from over 30 local area churches
• A parochial school with an average class size of 18 students
• A Christian ministry where 30% of students receive tuition assistance

Why Families Choose Us:

• An intimate family atmosphere committed to involvement, support, and service
• Reputation of academic excellence since 1945
• Commitment to Christian values, principles, and teachings
• Fully certified faculty, half of whom hold Masters Degrees or higher
• SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Accredited since 1981
• Balanced program of academics, social development and Christian formation
• Emphasis on developing values, self-discipline, and work ethic
• Record of alumni success both at public and private college prep programs
• Safe learning environment

For more information contact Christa Jackson at 706-234-4953 ext. 15 or cjackson@smsrome.org

NEXT POST: Berry College Child Development Center

What about???

Spring semester is underway for Kindermusik of Berry College, and you may have some questions or some "what if's?"

Is there Kindermusik of Martin Luther King Day?  NO, the college is closed. No classes will meet on Monday, January 16.

What if we have inclement weather, how will I know if Kindermusik classes are meeting?  Typically,  if the Floyd County schools are closed due to weather conditions, then Kindermusik will not meet.  There will be announcement on Kindermusik of Berry's Facebook page, here on the blog, and on the office phone (706-233-4091).  Sometimes the schools delay opening or they get out early because of weather conditions, in those cases make sure you call or check an online source.  You can also check www.hometownheadlines.com for an announcement.

What if I miss a class because my child is sick or we are out of town?  Can I come to a different day/time? Yes!  You may want to email knobles@berry.edu to make sure that the class is meeting that week, as occasionally a teacher is out of town.

Where can I see a schedule of classes? Click here to find the schedule! 

Can relatives visit the class, i.e, grandma and grandpa?   Music making is a family affair, so we love it when they visit!

Is there a handicap access to the Ford buildings?  Yes.  Park in the small parking lot, and follow the sidewalk toward the reflection pools.  Look for the handicap ramp and side entrance.   This will take you to the first floor, turn left to get to the elevator.  It's a long haul, but you don't have to maneuver any steps.  If you still have questions, ask a teacher to help you!

When does the semester end?  Unless we have weather issues (and last year we did!), classes end the of April. Teachers will announce spring break dates which are typically in March.

More "what if's" next time!  Stay warm.

Spring Classes begin January 9

Happy New Year!

Kindermusik of Berry  College resumes on Monday January 9.  The college students return to classes the same day! Be early to get a good parking space, look out for student drivers, and be prepared for strange looks from students not familiar with Kindermusik.

If you haven't enrolled for the new semester your choices are limited for the Our Time classes (ages 18 months - 3 years).  You can choose Monday at 5:45 p.m. or Thursday at 6:30 p.m.  There is one space in the Tuesday 9:30 a.m. class.

The Village classes (newborn - 18 months) have plenty of availability on Tuesday 10:15 a.m. and Thursday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 9:15 has 2 spaces available and the Monday evening, 6:30 class is FULL.   

Classes for Imagine That (ages 3.5 -  5 years) is full on Monday afternoon, but there is space on Thursday 11 a.m. and one space on Friday at 10:15 a.m.

Email knobles@berry.edu before you send your registration to check on the latest availability.

Also, remember that your balance is due at the first class unless you have made other arrangements for payment.  Does that interest you?  Then send me an email, and let's make it work!