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NEWSLines: DECEMBER 2011

In this issue:

• NNPS Receives Grant
• New Labs Unveiled
• NNPS Wins Awards
• Online Tool Keeps Parents In the Loop
• Middle School On the Run
• News & Notes: District staffers win awards
• Mark your calendar

NNPS RECEIVES GRANT

Funds aid military dependents.

Newport News Public Schools has won a $2.5 million grant to boost math scores and help military students and their families with the challenges of relocation and deployments.
The three-year Department of Defense Education Activity award adds math coaches at seven schools and specialized counselors at six schools.

In a partnership with Old Dominion University, the grant also will underwrite training for NNPS teachers, counselors and assistant principals. It is one of 26 grants made nationally to school systems that serve a high number of students with ties to active-duty military personnel.

NNPS has more than 6,300 such students, who make more than a fifth of the division. The target schools that will benefit from the grant have the highest number of military dependents: General Stanford, Lee Hall, Greenwood, Kiln Creek and Richneck Elementary Schools and Passage and Dozier Middle Schools.

The grant will pay for the addition of eight employees to the NNPS ranks: four math coaches, three counselors and a grant administrator, Beverly McDonald, a former NNPS principal. Six teachers are already working to earn state certification as math specialists. The counselors also will earn certification, as military student specialists.

The focus on math is prompted by statistics that indicate a difficult transition for students from elementary school to middle school. The grant aims to improve math scores on standardized tests by 5 percent for students in grades 3-8 each year of the grant. The math coaches will work with teachers at their schools to improve math instruction.

The counselors will divide their time among six schools. General Stanford Elementary School, located on Fort Eustis and with a school population made up almost exclusively of military dependents, already focuses on the personal, social and emotional needs of military families. The military also provides a family liaison at the school. The addition of half-time counselors at the other schools will reduce the student-counselor ratio for military dependents and provide them with specialized programs.

Amanda Corbin-Staton, Lee Hall principal, says military-connected students and civilian students whose families move frequently challenge schools similarly. Records need to be transferred promptly and students need to be assessed. Corbin-Staton adds that schools need to be “open, welcoming and valuing of human and instructional diversity.”

Military dependents have additional resources to help with transitions at the installations where their parents work. Corbin-Staton, who helped bring about the partnership with ODU, adds that deployments, separation and loss pose challenges for military students.

Staffs at the target schools are expected to receive training on the needs and challenges of military children. Programs will include family activities and workshops, field trips, deployment groups and buddy programs for students. Students will participate in service projects aimed at including them in a wider community.

According to Becky Shields, a military spouse and counselor at Dozier and Passage Middle Schools, middle-school students will have peers to help ease the transition to a new school. Their parents and family members can share their concerns at a coffeehouse forum. Shields also plans support groups and individual counseling.

Career Pathways Supervisor Ann Ifekwunigwe wrote the grant application with Corbin-Staton and Principals Sean Callender, Raquel Cox, Karen Lynch, Victor Martinez, Deborah Pack and Janelle Spitz. Ifekwunigwe also credited math supervisors Letha Brooks and Rhonda Perkins.

For more information, please contact a Military Support Counselor:
General Stanford: Lisa Coffman Lisa.Coffman@nn.k12.va.us
Greenwood and Lee Hall: Alicia Lightell Alicia.lightell@nn.k12.va.us
Kiln Creek and Richneck: Kevin McCaughan Kevin.mccaughan@nn.k12.va.us
Dozier and Passage: Rebecca Shields Rebecca.shields@nn.k12.va.us
 

NEW LABS UNVEILED

Partnerships encouraged.

A Science Expo and Open House at Crittenden Middle School Nov. 15 gave Newport News Public Schools the chance to show off renovated science labs and enlist the help of members of the community as Science Lab Partners.

Federal stimulus funds were used to refurbish labs at six middle schools and high schools. The classrooms were designed by architects and teachers to permit lectures, group discussions, experiments and investigations without the need to move from room to room. They include enhanced safety features, SMART Boards and wireless capability.

The refurbished labs will boost NNPS’ efforts to focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and help prepare a 21st-century work force for government and private-sector jobs.

Representatives from Newport News Shipbuilding, NASA Langley, Jefferson Lab, Canon Virginia and other employers in the area were invited to the open house.

The employers were invited to create or reinforce partnerships with the district by speaking to students, serving as science-fair judges, providing job-shadowing and internship opportunities, hosting field trips, “adopting” a school through a business partnership or sponsoring a STEM club.

NNPS magnet schools (Deer Park and Newsome Park Elementary Schools, Crittenden and Washington Middle Schools and Heritage High School and the Aviation Academy) and the Career Pathways initiative already align with the STEM focus. The Business & Education Summit to be held next March will focus on STEM programs and will be held at Jefferson Lab.

The district is participating in a Virginia Department of Education grant to offer STEM training to fourth- and fifth-grade teachers and is working with the state to bring a STEM Governor’s Academy to the area.

Crittenden students provided tours of the new labs during the open house. Representatives from local scientific, engineering and health-care communities participated in the event.

NNPS WINS AWARDS

Division cited for best, green practices.

Newport News Public Schools has been awarded the Virginia School Plant Managers Association (VSPMA) Facilities Masters Award. The award recognizes school districts that meet national standards of excellence in facilities and maintenance operations. Newport News Public Schools is one of two districts in Virginia to earn the award at the platinum level this year, the highest distinction a school district may receive. This award is earned by those who are recognized for providing access to information on inspections, efficient work orders systems and performance audits, while implementing initiatives.

The school division’s plant services department maintains 75 school and support buildings encompassing nearly 4.5 million square feet and more than 900 acres of land owned by the School Board. The department supports and manages renovations, building and ground maintenance, energy conservation and environmental safety.

The award was sponsored VSPMA and SchoolDude.com to help educational operations professionals develop outstanding facility maintenance programs. VSPMA recognized the 2011 Facilities Master Award program winners at its annual conference in Roanoke.

Newport News Public Schools also has been certified as a 2011 Virginia School Boards Association Green Schools Division. NNPS is one of 37 school divisions in Virginia to be certified green; the district received a silver award.

To earn the designation, NNPS was evaluated against 30 benchmarks for energy efficiency, waste management, green building and educational opportunities. The school district has implemented energy improvement programs, launched recycling programs, integrated conservation into the curriculum, and created outdoor classrooms. In addition, most of the cleaning products used are environmentally friendly. Native plants and recycled mulch are used in landscaping, and wetlands (part of the landscape at five schools and two other sites) are left undisturbed.

The VSBA Green Schools Challenge is designed to encourage implementation of specific environmental policies and practical actions that reduce carbon emissions. Districts meeting several criteria can become certified “Green School Divisions.” The competition is sponsored by Moseley Architects, Link Energy and Building Solutions, Trane, Ameresco and Johnson Controls. 
    

ONLINE TOOL KEEPS PARENTS IN THE LOOP

Student information available.

Families of NNPS students can stay informed and involved through Parent Express, an online communication tool. Through the convenience of secure online access, middle-school and high-school parents can view student assignments and grades, attendance, diploma information and other important data. Parents can stay in the  know throughout the school year

In addition, families will be able to request changes to your student information including emergency contacts and phone numbers.

ParentExpress is free to use. Parents may register in person at their child’s school to receive instructions and user names and pass codes, which will allow access into Parent Express wherever Internet service is available.

Contact the ParentExpress coordinator at your student’s school to register. The parent portal may not be available during the winter break because of scheduled maintenance and upgrades

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the website: http://www.nnschools.org/parentexpress/

MIDDLE SCHOOL ON THE RUN

Students stand out in track.

Here are the top finishers in the Middle-School All-City Track Meet held at Todd Stadium Nov. 2.

Girls 100-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Mitchell, Dashai    Ruffin, Danyetta Holman, Mykayla Logan, Ja’qunna Sawyer, Ashlyn Anderson, Shantiela Robinson, Jazmin Johnson, Kahlia Rose, Madison Benson, Yazmin	Hines Gildersleeve Crittenden Crittenden Hines Dozier Passage Huntington Hines Dozier

Girls 200-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Moure, Jade Perry, Jaidah Spivey, Armani McConner, Miyanla Jones, Essence Price, Quanye Steele, Niyala Banks, Whitney Grant-Oliver, Kiara Cambian, Alexus	Dozier Huntington Crittenden Washington Gildersleeve Crittenden Dozier Achievable Dream Hines Passage

Girls 400-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	McCray, Nijah Custodio-Montalvo, Judah Smith, Makaila McGill, Jayla Duong, Alyssa Eliaba, Edwina Daniels, Crystal Wiggins, Tajae Oladipo, Ajibola Bishop, Megan	Crittenden Crittenden Hines Crittenden Gildersleeve Passage Dozier Hines Dozier Hines

Girls 800-Meter Run

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Lyons, Cha-Qera Semmes, Maia White, Terrinae Mardis, Haley Crooks, Carey Davis, Jiamond Danehy, Tessa McKelvie, Cassidy Oliver, Brittany Garcia, Eihtra	Gildersleeve Washington Crittenden Gildersleeve Washington Hines Hines Hines Gildersleeve Crittenden

Girls 1,600-Meter Run

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9	Blowe, Sydney  McDowell, Helen Hatter, Haille DeWall, Skyler Hatter, Taylor Bell, Nakyia DiMarino, Alyssa Stepp, Hailee Coon, Sarah	Gildersleeve Gildersleeve Hines Washington Hines Washington Hines Gildersleeve Washington

Girls 4x100-Meter Relay

Place	Team
1 2 3 4	Hines Middle School  'A' (Mitchell, Dashai; Sayers, Ashlyn; Smith, Makaila; Rose, Madison Dozier Middle School  'A' (Anderson, Shantiela; Moure, Jade; Benson, Yazmin; Davis, Trinity Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Holman, Mykayla; Spivey, Armani; Price, Quanye; Logan, Ja’qunna Gildersleeve Middle School  'A' (Berry, Julia; Gilliam, Aeilani; Ruffin, Danyetta; Jones, Essence

Girls 4x400-Meter Relay

Place	Team
1 2 3	Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Custodio-Montalvo, Judah; Ward, Patricia; McGill, Jayla; McCray, Nijah Gildersleeve Middle School  'A' (Beverly, Ciara; McDowell, Helen; Blowe, Sydney; Lyons, Cha-Qera Dozier Middle School  'A' (Wilkins, Breana; Daniels, Crystal; Johnson, Mischaela-Brigitte;  Dajoya, Gracie

Girls 200-Meter Dash Junior Varsity

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Bradley, Tralah Dupree, Debra Wilkins, Breana Byrd, Elona Johnson, Andrea Richards, Jaden Herrington-Hatcher, Anayah Moore, Kaymone Blunt, Simani Jones, Ashlie	Huntington Crittenden Dozier Hines Passage Washington Hines Crittenden Hines Dozier

Girls 800-Meter Run Junior Varsity

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Johnson, Mischaela-Brigitte Long, Kellie Pinos, Alexis Rosa, Morgan Curran, Daniela Rodriquez, Kristiana Gretsky, Emily Hatcher, Sarah Dicks, Jazmin Gorton, Maya	Dozier Hines Huntington Passage Hines Crittenden Dozier Hines Dozier Gildersleeve

Girls 4x100-Meter Relay Junior Varsity

Place	Team
1 2 3	Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Dale, Victoria; Duncan, Syan; Dupree, Debra; Moore, Kaymone Passage Middle School  'A' (Johnson, Andrea; Freeman, Jennyn; Degnan, Reese; Rosa, Morgan Huntington Middle School  'A' (Hunter, Brynne; Cheneau, Kai; Hunter, Breaun; Pinos, Alexis

Boys 100-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Bivins, Tyson Robinson, William Stanley, Saimon Cooper, Jarrett McRae, Jevonn Washington, Damon Martin, Omar Fontenot, Jeremiah Kempf, Aaron Blackmon, Isaiah	Passage Huntington Passage Hines Dozier Crittenden Crittenden Washington Gildersleeve Gildersleeve

Boys 200-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Hicks, Kentuan Stuples-Watson, Triston Bullock, Vincent Wells, Travon Powell, Pryce Baines, Bryan Morrison, Malik Shackelford, Tra’Sean Chapman, Shelton Copeland, Destynee	Dozier Hines Crittenden Crittenden Crittenden Passage Hines Achievable Dream Huntington Washington

Boys 400-Meter Dash

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Porter, Reginald Graham, Shayne Marrow, Jermaine Knight, Jordan Ford, Terrance Shapiro, Connor Banks, Malik Hinmon, Chad Corbett, Shemar Kelly, Aubrey	Huntington Huntington Crittenden Dozier Passage Washington Hines Crittenden Washington Passage

Boys 800-Meter Run

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Murphy, Connor Neal, Kevin Hines, Kashawn Jones, Eli Falwell, Jeremy Alligood, Logan Holloway, Joe Tynes, Ky'wuan Jones, David Guishard, Aaron	Washington Huntington Huntington Dozier Hines Gildersleeve Achievable Dream Huntington Passage Passage

Boys 1600-Meter Run

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Frink, Rickey Pendleton, Tony Salsberry, Zack Webster, Noah Hodges, Aaron Elliot, Cameron Cooke, Deric Stuart, Chris Moore, Alex Abraham, Michael	Huntington Washington Hines Gildersleeve Gildersleeve Passage Dozier Huntington Washington Hines

Boys 4x100-Meter Relay

Place	Team
1 2 3	Huntington Middle School  'A' (Robinson, William; Davis, Treveon; Chapman, Shelton; Stuart, Chris Passage Middle School  'A' (Ford, Terrance; Guishard, Aaron; Bivins, Tyson; Stanley, Saimon Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Washington, Damon; Bullock, Vincent; Smith, Sherrod; Martin, Omar

Boys 4x400-Meter Relay

Place	Team
1 2 3	Huntington Middle School  'A' (Porter, Reginald; Hines, Kashawn; Graham, Shayne; Neal, Kevin Washington Middle School  'A' (Shapiro, Connor; Murphy, Connor; Corbett, Shemar; Pendleton, Tony Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Whitfield, Khai; Marrow, Jermaine; Powell, Pryce; Wells, Travon

Boys 200-Meter Dash Junior Varsity

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Lewis-Green, Janiri Burroughs, Doran Hudson, Geoffrey Weekley, Khalyn Hayward, Jaylon Jackson, Jakari Brown, Kyle Parson, DaVon Walker, Oliver Regis, Ihsan	Crittenden Huntington Passage Passage Passage Crittenden Dozier Dozier Huntington Hines

Boys 800-Meter Run Junior Varsity

Place	Student	Team
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10	Hinestroza, Giovanni Mabry, J'sun Nix, Isaiah Regis, Ihsan Mamea, Isaac Mendez-Butler, Julian Johnson, Caleb Lee, Keshaun Ellis, Keshawn Morris, Sincere	Washington Huntington Dozier Hines Dozier Huntington Huntington Hines Passage Passage

Boys 4x100-Meter Relay Junior Varsity

Place	Team
1 2 3	Huntington Middle School  'A' (Burroughs, Doran; Drummond, Keon; Mabry, J'sun; Richardson, Antoine Passage Middle School  'A' (Hudson, Geoffrey; Morris, Sincere; Weekley, Khalyn; Guishard, Aaron Crittenden Middle School  'A' (Florez, Daniel; Gladden, Chance; Lewis-Green, Jarniri;  Jackson, Jakari

Girls Team Standings

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Crittenden Middle School Gildersleeve Middle School Hines Middle School Washington Middle School Dozier Middle School Huntington Middle School Passage Middle School Achievable Dream Middle School

Boys Team Standings

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Huntington Middle School Crittenden Middle School Hines Middle School Passage Middle School Dozier Middle School Washington Middle School Gildersleeve Middle School Achievable Dream Middle School

NEWS & NOTES: DISTRICT STAFFERS WIN AWARDS

Warwick High School senior Sahba Abolfazli spent a week of her summer planning a mission to Mars. Abolfazli was one of four dozen Virginia students chosen to participate in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars academy at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton.

Before attending the academy, students completed a six-month, distance-learning program on aerospace exploration. During the program, Abolfazli built, programmed and tested robots, toured NASA labs and facilities and talked with researchers, scientists and astronaut Roger Crouch. Abolfazli worked on the Mission Integration team, one of four teams that planned a mission to Mars. This team was charged with combining ideas and proposals from the other teams and creating one final mission plan. She was responsible for powering all of the systems and equipment to get the astronauts to Mars.

Abolfazli, who is interested in studying engineering physics at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, described her experience as “mind-blowing.”

“It’s been great to experience being an engineer and going through each critical step to have a successful mission to Mars,” said Abolfazli. “The knowledge I gained about NASA and its programs have made me aware of science advancements.”

-NASA

All six NNPS high schools sponsored College Application Week Dec. 5-9 to provide college access to seniors. The goal of the program is to give all seniors the opportunity to apply online to Virginia’s public, private or community colleges.

Particular focus is placed on students who may be the first in their family to attend college and students who may not have considered applying to college. Students were able to apply at their school’s computer labs during school hours. Counselors spoke to students about the opportunity. Students also completed a transcript request card for each college to which they applied.

College Night in Virginia drew a crowd of more than 300. Four students won $500 scholarships: Jeana Mosley, Heritage High School, Craige Potter, Heritage; Joshua Hetrick, Denbigh High School; Mercedes Perkins, Heritage.

-Eric Hairston

Warwick High School teacher Deon Garner has received Professional Forensic Educator accreditation from the National Forensic League. The designation recognizes competitive success, longevity and commitment to continuing education. Garner is Warwick’s speech and debate team coach.

Booker T. Washington Middle School has received a $5,000 grant from Dominion to expand its “Explores, Serves, and Protects the Bay” program. The program is designed to foster a connection to local environmental issues. Students will develop a greenhouse and cultivate sea grasses to be planted in local rivers. Dominion has awarded $350,000 in educational grants this year.

Hilton Elementary School has won more than $5,000 worth of computers in the Acer Video Book Report Contest. A report about the book “Bunnicula,” by student Morgan Oleen, was the national winner in the fiction category. Morgan was a first-grade student of Cathy Pape’s during 2010-11. Hilton has received 10 Acer Iconia W500 touch tablets. Pape, who teaches second grade this year, will attend the 2012 TCEA conference in Austin, Texas, as part of the prize. Morgan’s winning book report can be viewed here: https://professional.us.acer.com/edu/campaign/Video_Book_Report/,

Point Option has received a $500 grant from Prevention Connections in a program designed to promote physical activity and good nutrition for students. The grant is aimed at promoting healthy choices in school vending machines. According to Principal Mike Bonfiglio, Point Option students are using the funds to buy healthy snack items like yogurt, granola bars and baked chips. The students offer the items for sale before school and during lunch. Profits will be used for Key Club charities and the Point Option Student Activities Fund. Point Option students track sales, trends and profits and are responsible for placing weekly orders.

In addition to serving as business partner to Huntington Middle School, Huntington Ingalls is providing opportunities for students in the Engineering and Technology Magnet at Heritage High School to participate in internships at Newport News Shipbuilding. 

The shipyard has 51 students engaged in internships in these areas:

• Engineering: 12Architectural/Engineering Design:  13
• Modeling/Simulation (Computer Science):  9
• Electronics:  2
• Computer Systems Technology (Networking):  13
• Geospatial Information Systems:  2
• Newport News Shipbuilding also will lead after-school, Egg Drop Engineering activities at all NNPS middle and high schools and two elementary schools that will culminate in a division-wide competition in the spring.

-Ann Ifekwunigwe

Kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade students at Sedgefield Elementary School were treated to an assembly from Radio Disney and Delta Dental recently. Students learned about brushing, flossing, preventing plaque, nutrition and the dentist. The school’s resource teachers hosted the assembly during enrichment time.

-Janet Kennedy

Warwick High School’s Speech and Debate team won third place overall at the Peninsula Forensics League annual on Oct. 11. The following students won awards: Christopher Middleton, first place in extemporaneous speaking; Unikqua Shannon, first place, prose reading; Jessica Jerrils, second place, impromptu speaking

Warwick’s Debate Squad finished first in the Oct. 22 Peninsula Debate League Tournament. These students won awards: Christopher Middleton, first place, Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Ameerah Welsh, second place, Junior Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Biar Raheem, third place, Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate; Benjamin Lambert, sixth place, Junior Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

The School Counseling Department at Warwick sponsored a fundraiser, “Support a Senior Day,” in conjunction with the Hampton Roads College Fair on Oct. 26. Many faculty and staff members participated by wearing their favorite college apparel and they paid $3 to wear jeans. The money raised will help assist seniors with college fees such as:  SAT, ACT, and/or college applications. This is the second year that the Counseling Department has held this fundraiser. 

-Louisa Slagle

Woodside High School quarterback Donnell Lewis has been named the Peninsula District’s Offensive Player of the Year in football. Woodside's Danny Dodson was named the district’s Division 6 Coach of the Year. Heritage's George Massenburg was chosen Division 5 Coach of the Year. In other Peninsula District news, Woodside’s Shane Horne was named district boys volleyball player of the year. Warwick’s Mary Topp was named girls volleyball player of the year. Menchville coach Anja Sears was named boys coach of the year.

On Nov. 5, the Hines Middle School Spegonauts competed in the First Lego League Robotics competition. This seven-member rookie team won first place for robot performance with a score of 152 points. Team members are Abby Lunsford, Aaron Greco, Baker McFall, Caleb Thornton, Eleanor Lawrence, Roscoe Johnson, and Sam Brady. The team is coached by David Lawrence, Ford McFall and Ben Lunsford.

-Denise Lee

Orcutt Baptist Church is a community partner for Palmer Elementary School. For Thanksgiving, church members prepared 20 Thanksgiving baskets for Palmer families. A drawing was held to determine the recipients and 18 student families and two staff members – teachers Renee Arnold and Peter Kuhr – received gift baskets.

-Darlene Walker

Nine NNPS students have been recognized for their scores on the 2010 Preliminary SAT.

Warwick student Wade Hodson is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist and may advance to become a finalist.

Warwick student Christopher Middleton is a National Achievement Scholarship semifinalist and may advance to become a finalist.

National Merit Commended students receive letters of commendation. Some of them will be candidates for special scholarships. NationalMerit Commended Students include: Menchville students Alexandra Grinsell and Natalie Moore and Warwick students Kelly Carson and Michelle Shin.

Heritage student Jessica Givens has been is being considered for a National Achievement sponsored scholarship. National Achievement Program honorees referred to colleges are Menchville student Ryan Shepherd and Woodside student Cameron Bell.

The deadline for applications to NNPS magnet programs is Jan. 13, 2012. For information about magnet schools and the application process, see the NNPS website:http://www.nnschools.org/magnet/apply.html.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

"This Just In" highlights interesting NNPS people and events. The weekly show airs daily at 8 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. on NNPS-TV, Cox Channel 47, Verizon FiOS channel 17, and is available on demand on the NNPS-TV website.

Newport News Public Library plans and coordinates the annual Battle of the Books program for schools in Newport News. The competition provides a way for students to have fun with books, while encouraging reading and promoting reading comprehension. Children in elementary and middle schools read 15 books and answer questions about the books.

 Library staff members read 30 books and write questions that are used to help schools practice in weekly mock battles. Practice sessions familiarize students with the battles, acquaint them with the buzzer board, and familiarize them with the format of the questions. The practice sessions are 3:15-4:15 for middle schools and 4:30-5:30 for elementary schools on these dates and locations: Jan. 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 21 at Main Street Library (110 Main St.); Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 at Grissom Library (366 Deshazor Drive); and Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 at Pearl Bailey Library (2510 Wickham Ave.).

A traveling exhibit about astronomy will be on display at Grissom Library through Feb. 15. The exhibit, “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery,” celebrates Galileo first peering into the cosmos using an astronomical telescope and how astronomy has evolved over 400 years. The exhibit includes the opportunity to view the night sky through a telescope and a new display about Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, for whom the library is named. Call 369-3190 for more information.

Mary Immaculate Family Focus is sponsoring the Nurturing Program for parents.  The nationally recognized program teaches effective parenting techniques and gives parents and caregivers the skills, knowledge and desire to enhance family life. The program is for parents/caregivers of children age birth to 5 years old.
Topics include:

• Ages and stages of child development
• Setting boundaries and creating family rules
• Increasing self-esteem for children and parents
• Behavior management techniques (redirection, punishment, ignoring, communication, praise etc.)
• Developing nurturing routines
• How to handle stress and anger
• Problem solving and decision making

Sessions are planned for 6-8 p.m. Thursdays, from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16 at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital Health Resource Center, 2 Bernardine Drive. The program is free. To register or for more information, call 886-6511 or e-mail delores_price@bshsi.org.

Family Focus will also sponsor a six-week, research-based video and discussion workshop called Active Parenting Now. Active Parenting Now is organized around the parenting skills necessary for instilling cooperation, courage, responsibility and self-esteem in children. Parents will learn nonviolent discipline skills and how to set rules that their children can understand and follow. Parents will learn the importance of taking care of themselves as well as their child. Sessions will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays, from Jan. 23-Feb. 27 at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital Health Resource Center, 2 Bernardine Drive. The program is free. To register or for more information, call 886-6511 or e-mail delores_price@bshsi.org.

The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will sponsor a variety of free activities for students Dec. 27-29. Open Art will be held from 10 a.m.-noon on Dec. 27. A Hip-Hop Workshop for all ages will take place at 1 p.m. Dec. 28. On Dec. 29, the center will sponsor Movie and a Craft, with participants making penguin-theme hats and watching “March of the Penguins” from 1-4 p.m. Participants can wear pajamas and enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate. 2410 Wickham Ave. 247-8950.

Free carriage rides around the fountain, free train rides and free carousel rides are available at City Center at Oyster Point through Dec. 23. Live music will be offered at the Holiday Square Stage, and free hot chocolate and cookies will be available while supplies last. Hours are 5-8 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays.  City Center at Oyster Point.

The third annual Kwanzaa celebration will take place at the Doris Miller Community Center from 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 28. 2814 Wickham Ave. 247-8603.
   

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