School Choice - Winter Edition 2012-2013

Austin’s Comprehensive Source for Parents About Schools and Education

WINTER EDITION CREATED BY PARENTS FOR PARENTS

FREEFREE

COMPARE SCHOOL CHOICE OPTIONS SIDE BY SIDE:

Including Greater Austin & Surrounding Areas

IDEA Allan:A Look

Inside from a Parent’s

Perspective

2 Winter 2013 School Choice

Getting High School & CollegeReady

• Virtues thrive • Curiosity and wonder are nurtured • Love, kindness and service to others arecherished • Leaders are formed • Learning is fun and exciting • Excellence is pursued • Best effort and achievement are valued • Christ lies at the center of our world

St. Gabriel’s is a place where...Getting High School & College

Ready

st. gabriel’s catholic school

Junior Kindergarten - Eighth GradeAll Faiths Welcome

www.sgs-austin.org 512-327-7755

OPEN HOUSETuesday, January 15, 2013

8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

More information:

/SGSAustin

School Choice Winter 2013 3

Getting High School & CollegeReady

Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/SchoolChoiceMag

Follow us on Twitter:@AustinCityKids

Sign up for our new weekly newsletter at schoolchoicemag.com

4 Parent to Parent

7 Celebartiong National School Choice Week

10 Instructional Technology: Independent and Innovative

12 IDEA Allan: A Parent’s Perspective

14 Momprenuer Spotlight: The Wonderful World of Gorgeous Millie

Mark Your Calendars!Preschool Preview 2013

CONTENTS

School Choice Magazine is a free, advertiser supported publication. We graciously thank our advertisers for their continued support.

PUBLISHERBrandee [email protected]

ADVERTISING SALES TEAMMarina HerreraGreta von [email protected]

ART DIRECTORJaymar [email protected]

COVER PHOTOAndie IversonPaper Hearts Photographywww.PaperHeartsPhoto.com

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

Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. For additional copies or further information please contact:

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

www.AustinCityKids.comwww.SchoolChoiceMag.com

MAGAZINE


Just a few months ago I remember being all teary eyed and nostalgic about the first day of school. Today I’m the crazy woman who’s always rushing and sometimes running late. Whether it’s dance lessons, volunteer obligations, or my new favorite pastime PTA meetings - there always something to do!

My list will not be getting any shorter because this new year marks an exciting time in education! The Texas Legislative Session kicks off in January where the debate over school vouchers will be a hot topic. Sunday, January 27th marks the beginning of National School Choice Week. There will hundreds of events nationwide, check School Choice Magazine website to find out more details about local area events. Be sure to mark your calendar for Rally Day 2013. The Texas PTA is organizing this event. If your calendar wasn’t full enough, School Choice Magazine will be hosting our 2nd

Follow us on facebook.com/SchoolChoiceMag to join our discussions - your input may be included in a future issue!

Parent to ParentLetter from the Editor

By: Brandee Davis

Annual Preschool Preview at Lakeline Mall on February 23rd. New this year is our West Austin Preschool Preview at Gorgeous Millie. Learn more about the founders of Gorgeous Millie in our Mom to Mom: Momprenuer Spotlight.

Happy Reading,

Brandee Davis

Sign up for our new weekly newsletter at schoolchoicemag.com

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The next Legislative Session will be here before you know it! Texas PTA encourages all of our members to attend Rally Day at the Capitol to advocate for the PTA agenda with legislators. We’ll show you how; it’s EASY! Be the voice for Texas children! Save the date, and we’ll see you in Austin!

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The next Legislative Session will be here before you know it! Texas PTA encourages all of our members to attend Rally Day at the Capitol to advocate for the PTA agenda with legislators. We’ll show you how; it’s EASY! Be the voice for Texas children! Save the date, and we’ll see you in Austin!

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Charter schools are open-enrollment, tuition-free, public

schools that have the flexibility to employ creative education methods and personalized learning

environments to promote greater student achievement.

Discover a charter school near your home by visiting our online map:

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Charter schools are open-enrollment, tuition-free, public

schools that have the flexibility to employ creative education methods and personalized learning

environments to promote greater student achievement.

Discover a charter school near your home by visiting our online map:

http://bit.ly/charterschoolmap

www.austinachieve.org www.eaprep.org

www.harmonytx.org www.nyos.org

www.waysideschools.org

FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF CHOICE

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National School Choice Week 2013 will make history as the world’s largest celebration of education

reform. The Week (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2,2013) will feature 3,500 independently-planned events across all 50 states. Millions of students, parents, teachers and community leaders will participate, with the goal of shining a spotlight on the need to increase access to great schools for all children.

Participants in National School Choice Week believe that to improve student achievement, boost graduation rates, and improve American competitiveness in the global job marketplace, families must be empowered to choose the best educational options for their children. These options include high-performing public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, digital/online learning, and homeschooling ( w w w . s c h o o l c h o i c e w e e k . c o m ) .

National School Choice Week will officially begin at a blockbuster, 7,500-person Kickoff Celebration held in Phoenix, on Jan. 25, 2013. In addition, the Week will feature a cross country, 14-city whistle-stop train tour for education reform, the National School Choice Week ‘Special,’ which will depart Los Angeles on Jan. 25 and arrive in New York on Feb. 2. (www.schoolchoiceweek.com/train)

“At a groundbreaking period in America’s educational history, it’s clear that no issue unites us more strongly than school choice,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “During National School Choice Week, millions of Americans will come

together to champion bold and meaningful reform and in the process, make history.”

Individuals, organizations and schools independently plan National School Choice Week’s state and local events. There is no fee to host an event or promote an event on the National School Choice Week website; events include rallies, roundtable discussions, movie screenings, public speakers, open houses at schools, and much more.

To check out just a fraction of the events planned for National School Choice Week 2013, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com/events. Additional public events will be posted by event organizers between now and the beginning of National School Choice Week.

Article by Texas Insider

National School Choice Week 2013 To Be World’s Largest-Ever Celebration Of Education Reform


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3 PRESCHOOL PREVIEW& ENRICHMENT GUIDE 2012 - 2013 Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Before/

After Care Tuition Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Before/After Care Tuition

Country Home Learning Center13120 N. US HWY 183www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

North AustinDirector: Janet McElreathPhone: 512.331.1441

Infant Child Care, Preschool, AdvancED, After-school Care Yes Call center for

pricing

Kids R Kids Cedar Park1301 North Lakeline Blvd, 78613www.krkcedarpark.com

Owner: Patrick MurpheyPhone: 512.651.1700

Ages 6-weeks through Pre-KAdvanceEd accredited program Yes

$200 per week full time, $120 M/W/F, $90 Tu/Th

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

Director: John KrampitzPhone: 512.259.7545

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

Scholastic’s Big Day for Pre-K.

Yes

Full day child care $160/week. Half Day Big Day for Pre-K $100/

week.

Cathedral School of St. Mary910 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701www.smcschoolaustin.org

Main School OfficePhone: 512.476.1480 ext

302

Catholic Private SchoolPreK3-8th Grade

Schedule Tour $5750 - $5800 a year

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

Director: Lisa TatePhone: 512.258.5292

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

School CareYes

Part time and full time options, call

for details

Kirby Hall School306 W. 29th Street, 78705www.kirbyhallschool.org

Admission: Helen RobertsPhone: 512.474.1770

PreK-12th Grade Private, College Prep School 12 Visit website for details.

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

Director: Stephanie NowellPhone: 512.331.5400

6 weeks - Afterschool/Summer Camps Yes From $295-875

per month

St Paul Lutheran School and Preschool3407 Red River Street, 78653www.stpaulaustin.org

Preschool Director:Tessa SpencerPhone:512.472.3313

Quality Christian care for preschool children in a safe, nurturing and

stimulating setting that will allow for learning and enrichment activities.

Yes $318 - $776 a month

Stepping Stone SchoolsVarious Locationswww.SteppingStoneSchool.com

To find your school visit the “Campuses” tab on our

website

Infant, PreK, Advanced PreK , PRivate Kindergarten and

After-school careYes Contact a school

near you!

The Magnolia School 2903 RR 620 North,www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com

Director: Ellen Carter, M. Ed.Phone: 512.590.2564

Preschool, Private School, 1:1 Tutoring, and Training Varies Schedule Tour.

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

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

PreK $5,475Kinder $8,315

1st -6th: $8,495

Kinderdance Austin1704 Southeastern Trail, 78664www.austindanceandgym.com

Director: Heather HardestyPhone: 512.468.7419

A dance, motor development, gymnastics, and fitness program

for children ages 2 to 12.

Programs held all over

Austin

Contact Heather for more details

Aldea Verde School200 Parkway Drive, Cedar Park 78613www.aldeaverdeschool.com

Director: Luisi WestigardPhone: 512.716.9124

Spanish immersion, outdoors focused, full time and part time Yes $200 - $750 a

month

Star Dancers Studio1604 Woods Blvd, 78681www.stardancersstudio.com

Director: Maria SorensenPhone: 512.218.4904

Varies: Creative Movement, Ballet, Dance Teams No

New Family Registration Fee:

$35.00

Avery Ranch Dance & Yoga10526 W Parmer Ln, Bldg 5, Suite 505www.averyranchdance.com

Director: Michelle DennyPhone: 512.419.7611

Competitive & Non-Competitive Teams, Mother’s Day Out No $38 Registration Fee,

visit studio for details

Rising Starts Preschool3307 El Salido Pkwy, 78613www.risingstarpreschool.com

Director: Rhiannon ByrdPhone: 512.331.4550

Toddler (18 months - 2 years), Preschool (3 -4 years), Pre-K (4 –

5 years)Yes $290 - $455 FT and PT

Excelencia Creative Bilingual Preschool901 Royal Lane, 78613www.excelenciapreschool.com

Director: Adriana BastowPhone: 512.228.2554 Spanish Immersion Yes $350-810 monthly

Texas Spanish Academy201 W Bagdad Ave, 78664www.txspanishacademy.com

Director: Edina Morrison,M.EdPhone: 512.589.2931

Spanish Immersion Preschool and Child Care Center Yes $145 - $225 weekly


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3

PRESCHOOL PREVIEW& ENRICHMENT GUIDE 2012 - 2013 Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Before/

After Care Tuition Name of School Admission Contact Programs Offered Before/After Care Tuition

Country Home Learning Center13120 N. US HWY 183www.countryhomelearningcenter.com

North AustinDirector: Janet McElreathPhone: 512.331.1441

Infant Child Care, Preschool, AdvancED, After-school Care Yes Call center for

pricing

Kids R Kids Cedar Park1301 North Lakeline Blvd, 78613www.krkcedarpark.com

Owner: Patrick MurpheyPhone: 512.651.1700

Ages 6-weeks through Pre-KAdvanceEd accredited program Yes

$200 per week full time, $120 M/W/F, $90 Tu/Th

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

Director: John KrampitzPhone: 512.259.7545

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

Scholastic’s Big Day for Pre-K.

Yes

Full day child care $160/week. Half Day Big Day for Pre-K $100/

week.

Cathedral School of St. Mary910 San Jacinto Blvd, 78701www.smcschoolaustin.org

Main School Offi cePhone: 512.476.1480 ext

302

Catholic Private SchoolPreK3-8th Grade

Schedule Tour $5750 - $5800 a year

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

Director: Lisa TatePhone: 512.258.5292

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

School CareYes

Part time and full time options, call

for details

Kirby Hall School306 W. 29th Street, 78705www.kirbyhallschool.org

Admission: Helen RobertsPhone: 512.474.1770

PreK-12th Grade Private, College Prep School 12 Visit website for details.

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

Director: Stephanie NowellPhone: 512.331.5400

6 weeks - Afterschool/Summer Camps Yes From $295-875

per month

St Paul Lutheran School and Preschool3407 Red River Street, 78653www.stpaulaustin.org

Preschool Director:Tessa SpencerPhone:512.472.3313

Quality Christian care for preschool children in a safe, nurturing and

stimulating setting that will allow for learning and enrichment activities.

Yes $318 - $776 a month

Stepping Stone SchoolsVarious Locationswww.SteppingStoneSchool.com

To fi nd your school visit the “Campuses” tab on our

website

Infant, PreK, Advanced PreK , PRivate Kindergarten and

After-school careYes Contact a school

near you!

The Magnolia School 2903 RR 620 North,www.themagnoliaschoolatx.com

Director: Ellen Carter, M. Ed.Phone: 512.590.2564

Preschool, Private School, 1:1 Tutoring, and Training Varies Schedule Tour.

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

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

PreK $5,475Kinder $8,315

1st -6th: $8,495

Kinderdance Austin1704 Southeastern Trail, 78664www.austindanceandgym.com

Director: Heather HardestyPhone: 512.468.7419

A dance, motor development, gymnastics, and fi tness program

for children ages 2 to 12.

Programs held all over

Austin

Contact Heather for more details

Aldea Verde School200 Parkway Drive, Cedar Park 78613www.aldeaverdeschool.com

Director: Luisi WestigardPhone: 512.716.9124

Spanish immersion, outdoors focused, full time and part time Yes $200 - $750 a

month

Star Dancers Studio1604 Woods Blvd, 78681www.stardancersstudio.com

Director: Maria SorensenPhone: 512.218.4904

Varies: Creative Movement, Ballet, Dance Teams No

New Family Registration Fee:

$35.00

Avery Ranch Dance & Yoga10526 W Parmer Ln, Bldg 5, Suite 505www.averyranchdance.com

Director: Michelle DennyPhone: 512.419.7611

Competitive & Non-Competitive Teams, Mother’s Day Out No $38 Registration Fee,

visit studio for details

Rising Starts Preschool3307 El Salido Pkwy, 78613www.risingstarpreschool.com

Director: Rhiannon ByrdPhone: 512.331.4550

Toddler (18 months - 2 years), Preschool (3 -4 years), Pre-K (4 –

5 years)Yes $290 - $455 FT and PT

Excelencia Creative Bilingual Preschool901 Royal Lane, 78613www.excelenciapreschool.com

Director: Adriana BastowPhone: 512.228.2554 Spanish Immersion Yes $350-810 monthly

Texas Spanish Academy201 W Bagdad Ave, 78664www.txspanishacademy.com

Director: Edina Morrison,M.EdPhone: 512.589.2931

Spanish Immersion Preschool and Child Care Center Yes $145 - $225 weekly


Today’s students live in a world that is very different from the one in which we grew up. Preparing students for

future success requires a shift to student-centered learning models and a focus on 21st Century skills. It is imperative that we develop in our students the ability to think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to ensure that they are capable of participating successfully in global endeavors. At St. Gabriel’s Catholic School, we do this through the use of technology to engage our students and transform the learning process. While most schools integrate technology tools to some degree, St. Gabriel’s Catholic School infuses the curriculum with cutting-edge and innovative programs across all grade levels and subjects. The tools, however, are not our primary focus; it is the learning that occurs as a result of student access to technology that inspires us. Our teachers focus first on the learning objectives and then select the tools that best fit the instructional needs of their students second.

St. Gabriel’s WingsDifferentiation of instruction is one of the most significant benefits of the technology at St. Gabriel’s. Students enjoy this benefit

due in large part to our iPad initiative known as St. Gabriel’s Wings. St. Gabriel’s Wings includes our 1:1 iPad program in Grades 4 and 5, as well as 2 iPad carts accessible to all students from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 3. iPads are incredibly versatile, mobile learning tools, and are used in a variety of ways by our Lower School students. With an iPad, each student has a tool for web-based

research, a camera, a video recorder, an audio recorder, a notepad, and a calendar. Each 4th and 5th grade student has access to in-school email for efficient communication and the ability to send assignments directly to their teachers. There are plethora of apps available in every subject for practicing skills, creating multimedia projects, collecting data and collaborating with other

students. The effect on productivity has been extraordinary. Fourth and fifth grade teacher, Cindy Miller, recalls when research projects in the computer lab previously required significant amounts of down time due to students having move to another classroom, wait for log-in and boot-up time, etc.. Now that the Internet is in the hands of each student, more time can be better utilized on in-classroom instruction.

2012-13 School Year Research StudyiPads represent a significant investment of time and treasure for St. Gabriel’s, and how we measure their effectiveness as instructional tools is imperative to this program’s success. As we progress through this school-year, we will be collecting data and preparing content for our Research Study we anticipate completing by Summer 2013. The iPad Research Study will include data from the following classroom based initiatives:

� eSpark - Grades 4 & 5 iPad program which differentiates work for each student

� ITBS Tests - Standardized tests taken annually by all students

� K-3 iPad Integrations - Targeted iPad integrations, by grade, for specific learning objectives

� Surveys - Parent & student surveys administered at three points over the school year

The main thrust of our Grades 4 & 5 iPad project this year has been the integration of

Independent and Innovative:St. Gabriel’s Catholic School Leads Instructional TechnologyBy Tracy Mulligan, Director of Technology and Matthew Lipstein, Technology Champion


a program called eSpark. eSpark creates a personalized curriculum for students based on where each child’s need is greatest. This is done through an initial pre-assessment of all 4th and 5th grade students in math and reading. Based on the results of this assessment, teachers select goals for students. eSpark then develops a personal learning plan for each student, which gives them specific “quests” to complete on their iPads. Each quest consists of activities to be completed in other iPad apps. The learning plans and associated apps are handpicked for their high levels of engagement and academic rigor by the eSpark master teacher team. At mid-year and end-year points, students will take a post-assessment to measure growth and help us gauge what effect the eSpark learning plans have had on their learning goals.

Show and Tell—Apple TVSeveral classrooms at the Lower School are equipped with 70-inch flat screen displays and Apple TVs. Apple TVs allow teachers and students to show high-quality video and audio from their iPads to the monitor. This reduces the loss of instructional time due to setting up equipment. With a click of a button, anyone in the room can show what is on their iPad screen. The teacher can readily pull up an instructional video, engage students with a math game or to model how to use an instructional app.

TelepresenceSt. Gabriel’s students are not confined to interactions and learning experiences inside the walls of the School. Telepresence equipment allows students to communicate and collaborate with people anywhere in the world. Students have made connections with subject area experts, museums, zoos, and authors in order to learn about topics and engage in conversations that otherwise would not be possible.

Collaborations with students in other schools provide opportunities to present information to other eagerly participating audiences. Some examples of connections we have made this year include:

� Kindergarten—Boo , I’m a Bat—Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,

� 5th Grade—Moasics as a historical art form—University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archeology and Anthropology.

� Kindergarten, First and Second Grades—Naked Turkey Collaboration—students share a camouflaged turkey creation and creative writing with classes in Ohio and Pennsylvania

Middle SchoolMiddle School has two Technology Electives: Television Production Studio and Robotics. TV Studio engages students in project-based learning, using professional grade equipment to create videos relevant to student life at St. Gabriel’s. In this course, students learn collaboration and problem-solving skills, as well as how to develop persistence in order to overcome challenges. Recently, the Robotics class designed a display for the Advancement Office to represent the amount of money raised by the annual fund and the percentage of participants.

To learn more about St. Gabriel’s Catholic School visit them online at www.sgs-austin.org

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STEPS TO CONQUERING CLUTTER IN YOUR KID’S ROOM

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

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

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

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


As the IDEA Allan Parent Teacher Association president and more importantly the parent of an IDEA Allan Academy second grader I’ve witnessed first-hand the phenomenal outcomes of the IDEA academic program as well as been a part of building a school community. On November 27th, the first agenda item at our IDEA Allan PTA executive board meeting was the results of our First Annual Bulldogs Give Back Holiday Food Drive. On that same day, officers of the Austin Independent School District (AISD) Board of Trustees discussed potentially ending the partnership between AISD and IDEA Public Schools. This could result in the closure of IDEA Allan Academy and College Prep as we know it.

As parents, our primary concern is to ensure the best and brightest future for our kids. And when we were given the opportunity to enroll our kids at IDEA Allan Academy and College Prep we did so with enthusiasm and a shared commitment to IDEA’s core values: Closing the achievement gap

1. Closing the achievement gap2. No Excuses3. Whatever it Takes4. 100% Every Day5. Sweating the Small Stuff6. Team and Family

We believed then, and what we know now is IDEA Allan provides students within the Austin Independent School District

(AISD) with a unique learning experience that is already changing lives for the better. Enrollment at our school is strong with more than 500 active students who are supported by dedicated and engaged parents. Overall, our elementary students have gone from only 7% reading on grade level to 40% reading on grade level since August. We are hopeful that 100% of our elementary children will be reading on grade level by the end of the school year. Since learning of the proposed changes to the IDEA – AISD partnership on December 3rd, many IDEA parents have written letters to the Trustees of the AISD to express their support for our school.

Here are a few examples:

Beatriz Prado, parent of a first grader: “My experience at IDEA Allan has been great, in part because of the school’s core values—No Excuses, Team and Family, and 100% Every Day. My son is learning math, he can read, and he loves the school.” Vanessa Williams, parent of kindergartner: “My daughter is doing an excellent job at IDEA Allan and is tested frequently on her progress to ensure she understands and is meeting requirements. I have full faith in IDEA to get my child to the next level and on to college. It would be a tragedy to have that commitment ended because AISD Trustees do not have faith that I do in IDEA Allan.”

Christina Melendez, parent of a second grader: “I sat in an IDEA Allan class and was amazed to hear the students all know what they are

learning. Every single child was present and excelling at the same rate. This model works and should be used throughout AISD.”

One of our sixth grade students, Jailan Williams, also wrote a letter: With IDEA’s core values, we will be on the road to college… And I do not want to sound too presumptuous, but if you want to know what’s best for kids’ education, why not ask the kids? I think we should share ideas with each other to make all of our schools better places. I do not know about you, but I think that would be special.” As president of IDEA Allan’s Parent Teacher Association, I feel a sense of responsibility to elevate the voices of our parent community. The message from our parents to the AISD Trustees is clear. We support IDEA Public Schools and the in-district partnership with AISD. Above all, we want the AISD Trustees to hold true to their commitment and to AISD’s mission that, “In partnership with parents and our community, AISD exists to provide a comprehensive educational experience that is high quality, challenging, and inspires all students to make a positive contribution to society.”

UPDATE:

On December 17th, the Austin ISD Board of Trustees voted to end the contract with IDEA Public School Systems in a 5-4 vote. So what’s next for IDEA Allan? Executive Director Larkin Tackett said “IDEA Allan is open today, tomorrow, and long into the future. As a Texas charter school, we will remain open as

IDEA ALLAN:

A Parent’s PerspectiveBy Brandee Davis

IDEA Allan

A college prephigh schoolcommunity

that fosters

excellencein academics

anda passion

forcreativity.

Fall Open Houses: Sept 27th, Oct 25th, Nov 29th, 5:30pm

Hyde Park, Austin www.griffinschool.org


PRELIMINARY IDEA ALLAN RESULTS

Academics:

At the beginning of the year, only 7% of IDEA Allan Academy students were on grade level in reading. As of December, 40% of the same students were on grade level

Attendance:

IDEA Allan College Prep’s campus achieved 98% attendance in the fi rst six weeks, the second highest middle school in Austin ISD.

Facilities

The student body at IDEA Allan increased facility utilization by 42% from the number of students in 2011-12 attending Allan Elementary, which served 389 students in PK-5th grade

Community

IDEA Allan has formed a strong PTA and built partnerships with community based organizations to serve student and families.

an independent public charter beginning in August 2013 with the same students and the same staff. Our Kindergartners will graduate from college in 2029, so we are in this for the long haul.” IDEA Allan will announce its plans for next year’s campus in early 2013.

Interested in learning more about IDEA Allan?

Visit them online at www.ideapublicschools.org.

Applications for the 2013-2014 are being accepted.

In addition to being a proud parent of an IDEA Allan Academy student and 2012 PTA President, Brandee Davis is the founding publisher of School Choice Magazine. Since moving to Austin in 2009, she has been involved with various local community organizations and educational non profi ts.

The fi rst annual Bulldogs Give Back Canned Food Drive benefi ted families with Any Baby Can, a local non profi t that improves the lives of children by strengthening them and their families through education, therapy and family support services.

A college prephigh schoolcommunity

that fosters

excellencein academics

anda passion

forcreativity.

Fall Open Houses: Sept 27th, Oct 25th, Nov 29th, 5:30pm

Hyde Park, Austin www.griffinschool.org


What is Gorgeous Millie?

Gorgeous Millie PlayGroup is the destination for new moms in Austin. Located in Davenport Village in Westlake, it is a “pre preschool” for children 0-3 and their moms or caregivers.

Gorgeous Millie employs a holistic approach to offering developmentally appropriate curriculum for the 0-3 year olds, as well as many offerings to enhance the social transition for women into motherhood. If mom is headed back to the office, Gorgeous Millie is a wonderful resource to build community among caregivers while offering your child the best that current developmental research has to offer.

On weekends, members and non-members enjoy beautiful age appropriate birthday parties. With an affinity for highlighting children’s books, the Hungry Caterpillar, Big Red Barn and Fancy Nancy offerings are without comparison. However, if you do not find one of your little tike’s favorites on the list of established birthday party themes, the Gorgeous Millie team will help you to develop your own.

Why Gorgeous Millie?

JC Conklin and Laura Jacks co-founded Gorgeous Millie in October of 2009 and first opened the doors in January 2010. After many morning walks around Town Lake, the issue was clear: Why are there so

few options for children under the age four (before formal preschool) and why are they so unappealing? As new moms, JC and Laura were looking for a place that they could get to know other moms, discuss all of the changes in their lives, get and share advice

and observations, in essence, develop a peer group that reflected their new role as mom.

JC is an author and former Wall Street Journal reporter, and Laura is an attorney and former Travis County Associate Judge. Neither careers prepared them for opening a business, but a passion for bringing quality to the marketplace and the willingness to buy lunch for anyone who may have some insight

or guidance, helped them piece together the business fundamentals of Gorgeous Millie.

Life at Gorgeous Millie

The Gorgeous Millie morning program runs from 9am to noon and is a teacher led pre-preschool program for Moms and children 0-3. The curriculum includes open play, circle time, snack, art, music, storytime and clean up. Families decide on whether to come 2 or 3 mornings a week, and they can change up which days they come from week to week, depending on other family commitments.

The Gorgeous Millie afternoon program is an open play/drop-in model that runs 3-5pm Monday through Thursday, and families can buy drop in packages of 5 or 10 drop ins, and use them with flexibility. Art and open play are great ways to round out an afternoon.

Moms meet in a beautiful space, with an aesthetic that suits a discriminating and adult sensibility while being entirely

The Wonderful World of Gorgeous Millie


developmentally appropriate for babies and toddlers. Other perks Moms enjoy is the Gorgeous Millie monthly “Girls Night Out”. Many families have started a Toddler Book Club as a direct result of the Gorgeous Millie Newsletter (which members and nonmembers can sign up to get at gorgeousmillie.com), in which Dr. Allison Metz, Developmental Psychologist opines on topics and the latest developmental research related to children 0-3.

Other opportunities led to Moms putting together running groups, triathlon training groups, and the chance for meaningful and lasting friendships to develop organically.

Interested in Gorgeous Millie

Log on to www.gorgeousmillie.com or call to set up an introductory class. Once you experience Gorgeous Millie, you will understand the value and vision of it. Like us on Face book to see all of the fun happenings at Gorgeous Millie.

If you join, let Whitney know you heard about Gorgeous Millie here, and you will receive 20% off your activity fee!

Ready to Start Looking for a Quality Preschool

For Your 3-4-5 year old?

Early Childhood Education Fair

Tuesday, February 26, 2013at Gorgeous Millie

3801 Capital of Texas HighwayAustin, TX 78746

Get Ticket Information at:schoolchoicemag.com

Sponsored by:



OCTOBER 2011










Be the fi rst to get more details

Sign up online to receive our newsletter and be the fi rst to

know about events!

NW Austin - Cedar Park Area

Saturday, March 9thLakeline Mall

11200 Pecan Park BlvdCedar Park, TX

JCP Courtyard Area

Noon - 3 pmFree Community Event

WWW.SCHOOLCHOICEMAG.COM

Meet face to face with school representatives from preschools,

mother day out, and enrichment programs for toddlers & preschoolers

For exhibitor and sponsorship information SchoolChoiceMag.com or call 512-537-6225

An Early Childhood Education Fair& More

PreviewPreschool

ieieioooooooo



OCTOBER 2011










Our goal is to help you fi nd the right school for your child.

We provide each of our families with individual attention and fi rst

hand knowledge of local and out of state educational

opportunities.

TYPES OF PLACEMENT K-12 Private School

PreschoolBoarding SchoolCharter School

Traditional Public SchoolCustomized School Guide

Schedule a ComplimentaryPhone Consultation Today

512-537-OACK (6225)www.austincitykids.com

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors

Limited Sponsorships Still Available. Contact Brandee Davis [email protected]

SW Austin - Westlake Area

Tuesday, February 26thGorgeous Millie

3801 N. Capital of Tx HighwayAustin, TX

Ticketed Event | 6:30 - 8:00 pm

OPEN TO PUBLIC8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Allison Metz, PhDEarly Childhood Development

Details at bumpclubandbeyond.com

Like us on Facebook:facebook.com/SchoolChoiceMag

Follow us on Twitter:@AustinCityKids

Documents

School Choice - Winter Edition 2012-2013