by: Shea Carver

Summertime. Sure, it feels like miles away, as we bundle up against cold temps and even (gasp!) snow flurries. But before we know it, the kids will be out of school, begging us to relieve them of their boredom, and we’ll have to come up with more ideas than “run outside and play.” Thank goodness Wilmington is a kid-friendly city, where activities abound during the school break. Here are a few suggestions we recommend. From art to science, sports to magic, boredom will vanish from the vocab.

ART FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE
Pearsall Church Activity Center
(910) 632-9942 • www.nosleevesmagic.com or artexchangecamp.com

From splatter paint to storytelling, from magic to Mod Podge, the Art Exchange Summer Camp is dedicated to help children see art from different angles. In addition to their crazy-fun ARTivities, each week a variety of artists’ will visit and showcase their style of art.

The camp is available for ages 6-12 years old, taking place June 21st-25th, 9am-3pm. Extended care will also be available for kids.

CAMERON ART MUSEUM
Corner of S. 17th St. and Independence Blvd.
(910) 395-5999 • www.cameronartmuseum.com

Art should be a part of every child’s life in some form or fashion. It helps enhance their imagination and critical-thinking skills—not to mention it’s simply fun!

At CAM summer camps are offered July 12th-16th, 26th-30th and August 9th-13th, for ages 6-10 years old. The camp takes place daily from 9am-noon, and here kids will enjoy art projects and museum exploration, all in an outdoor setting. Small camp sizes ensure close attention is paid to every camper, and on the last day of each session, a Campers’ Arts Opening takes place, so students can display the works they’ve done throughout the week for family and friends to see. Cost is $175 for nonmembers and $150 for members. Call Georgia Mastroieni for information.

CHILDREN’S SCHOOLHOUSE
612 S. College Road
(910) 799-1531 • www.childrensschoolhouse.net

The Montessori Marine Science And Art Camp is available for ages 3-6 years old. The half-day program delights children with a hands-on sea-life experience in the safety of the Montessori classrooms and outside environment.

Water safety issues are explored with a child-friendly approach. Art projects, experiments and music go hand in hand with each “sea critter” or environmental topic that is introduced. Sea life will be offered by Hieronymus Fishing Charters, and two sessions are open for campers: June 7th-25th and July 1st-21st. We will work with your vacation schedule!

THE ICE HOUSE
7201 Ogden Business Lane
(910) 686-1987 • www.wilmingtonice.com

Camp Keep Cool is a week-long day camp with activities on and off the ice. Focused on having fun and learning how to skate, a skilled staff looks over first-time skaters, beginners or more experienced skaters, as instructors will teach both hockey and figure skating skills.

Camp hours will be extended to allow more availability for working parents, as Camp Keep Cool last over eight weeks during summer 2010, for two weeks in June, and three in July and August. Lasting from 8am-5pm for for full day campers and 8am-1pm for half day campers, regular drop-off will be from 7:45-8am, daily. They also offer Late-Stay pickup until 6pm for an additional charge. Arts and crafts, and weekly adventures where the field-trip comes to them. Call for pricing.

NO SLEEVES MAGIC CAMP
Pearsall Church Activity Center
(910) 632-9942 • www.nosleevesmagic.com or
nosleevesmagiccamp.com

Danger: Your child might experience one of their best summer memories at magic camp. Every week is a new adventure into the world of illusion. In addition to getting a new magic trick everyday, children are treated to field trips, water wars, visiting magicians and tons of surprises. Voted Wilmington’s Best Summer Camp, No Sleeves is open to ages 7-13 years of age, weekly from July 5th-August 6th, 9am-3pm. Extended care is available.

OCEAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
(910) 477-0515

How would you like to help your child embark on a wonderful adventure? Study the Seven Seas and understand how they affected the countries that surround them. Study Platonic Solids, Dependable Geometry, The World of Words: Speech, Writing, and Reading. Ocean Middle—The Adventure of a Lifetime ... in Safe Hands!

UNCW Soccer Camps
Girls: (910) 962-3932 • Boys: (910) 352-4925
www.seahawksoccercamps.com

Seahawk Soccer Camps at UNCW serve the needs of beginning and advanced soccer players. The camps, for boys and girls, focus on the technical and tactical development of individuals and teams. Their championship winning coaching staff encourage skill development and passion for playing, in a fun, safe environment on campus at UNCW.

Camps for boys and girls, ages 5-8 years, lasts June 14th-18th, 9-11:30am ($140). Girl’s camp, ages 5-12 years, takes place June 21st-25th, 9am-4pm ($140-$260); and boy’s camp, ages 5-12 years, takes place June 28th-July 2nd ($140-$260). Girls, ages 10-18 years, attend an overnight/commuter camp from July 7th-11th, while older boys attend from July 14th-18th.

Town Creek Elementary

Black History Month

On February 11th the fifth graders from Town Creek Elementary did a wonderful presentation to celebrate Black History month. Each fifth grade class did their own history showcase. Mrs. Yarbrough’s class recognized accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. Ms. C. Johnson’s class acted out a wonderful skit about what the world would be like without diversity. Mr Gifford’s class gave a great presentation about Dr. King, and Mrs. D Johnson’s class presented African-American history in poetry and dance. Students also performed the Negro National Anthem.

Town Creek Elementary was very lucky to have Mr. Macy McRae, Assistant Principal at Williston Middle School in Wilmington to be the guest speaker. Mr. MacRae did an amazing job speaking and educating the students on African American History.

Murrayville Elementary School

Principal of the Year

Dr. Julie Duclos-Greenwood, principal of Murrayville Elementary School, has been selected the Wachovia Regional Principal of the Year by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the Wachovia Foundation. Dr. Duclos-Greenwood will receive $1,000 for her school and $1,000 for personal use.

Dr. Duclos-Greenwood was named New Hanover County Principal of the Year last September. She has been in education for 24 years and has been principal of Murrayville Elementary School for nine years. Prior to her current position, Dr. Duclos-Greenwood served as a learning disabilities specialist, cross-categorical special education teacher, fourth-grade teacher, assistant principal and principal.

Under Dr. Duclos-Greenwood’s leadership, Murrayville Elementary School continues to make impressive academic gains. Dr. Duclos-Greenwood implemented an extended-day academy, which serves approximately 250 students in Grades 3-5 and provides additional instructional sessions to both acceleration and remediation groups. Her strategies to enhance student achievement are determined by the needs of the school’s diverse population.

Dr. Duclos-Greenwood focuses on data-driven instruction, maximizing instructional time, establishing a positive school climate and working with parents as partners. “This honor is possible because I have a staff who loves children,” Principal Duclos-Greenwood said. She also credits her success to the encouragement of her third-grade teacher and her many wonderful mentors who have motivated her to become an exemplary administrator.

“We are extremely proud of Dr. Duclos-Greenwood for being named Regional Principal of the Year. She is an excellent educator and very deserving of this recognition,” NHCS Superintendent Dr. Al Lerch said.

On Tuesday, February 23rd a state selection committee visited Murrayville Elementary School. Results of this visit, portfolio assessment and in-depth interviews with faculty, staff, students and parents will determine whether Dr. Duclos-Greenwood, or one of the other seven regional winners, will become the 2010 Wachovia North Carolina Principal of the Year.

The state Wachovia Principal of the Year will be announced on Thursday, April 1st at the state luncheon in Raleigh. The winner will receive $3,000 for personal use and/or professional development and a $3,000 check for his or her school. The winner also will serve a one-year term as advisor to the State Board of Education.

Rachel Freeman Elementary

Letter from First Lady

Dionte Hicks, a fifth grader at Rachel Freeman School of Engineering, has received a letter from First Lady Michelle Obama in response to a letter he wrote to her last fall about the killing of leopards. Dionte’s concern is based on industries that are using leopards for their fur and ruining their homes by cutting down their habitat. Dionte’s favorite animal is the leopard because of their speed and agility.

Dionte was very excited to have received a letter back from Mrs. Obama. “I couldn’t believe she sent me a letter back, and she is a really nice lady”, said Dionte. Mrs. Obama told Dionte to keep up the good work in school and his concern for the environment. Enclosed with the letter was a picture of the First Lady along with facts on the back such as her education, hobbies and interests.

Principal Adrian Pearson is delighted to share this moment with Dionte. “We are proud that Dionte took the time to write a letter to Mrs. Obama about his concern for leopards. This action displayed his commitment to conservation efforts and his independence. I am also pleased to see that the White House is taking an active role in education through replying back to students.”

Conservation efforts are in the works to save the leopard species. In 2009, the leopard was placed on the near-threatened species list due to their loss of habitat and increase in hunting. Leopards reside in southern Asia, Africa, Pakistan, India, Indonesia and China.

New Hanover County Schools

Blue Ribbon Award

On Friday, January 22nd the North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) honored the public relations department of New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) at the annual NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Awards Brunch in Durham. The NHCS Public Relations Department received a NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Award for effective communications for the second year in a row. This year’s award was given for the district’s minority recruitment brochure, “Launch, Live, Inspire, Discover,” produced by the NHCS Public Relations Department, with graphic design by Wordwright Communications, and used by the NHCS Human Resources Department for recruiting purposes. The award-winning recruitment brochure features four NHCS administrators, representing various ethnic groups, and highlights the opportunities NHCS offers to educators and how it embraces a diverse and innovative environment for education.

Supply Elementary

Starbase

Supply Elementary fifth grade students participated in North Carolina’s STARBASE project the week of February 1st-5th. The mission of the North Carolina STARBASE is to “add value to America” through youth programs that provide innovative, educational outreach focusing on science, math, technology, positive personal goal setting, substance abuse prevention, and teamwork skills. The five-day program involves lessons and activities based on NC fifth-grade objectives. Students prepare flight plans for a journey across the United States, defuse a nuclear reactor, test Newton’s three laws of motion, and build individual rockets. Building self-esteem and teamwork are crucial elements of the program. On the last day of training, students launched their rockets and graduated in a special ceremony.

College Park Elementary School

Can-Do-Kid Assembly

On Friday, February 5th, College Park had a Can-Do-Kid Assembly for their third through fifth grade students. Awards were given for citizenship, attendance and honor roll during the second nine weeks of school.

Science Night

On Tuesday, February 16th, College Park Elementary celebrated Science night. The kindergarten and first-grade classes entertained everyone with songs they are learning in music class, then families visited the classrooms to find out what science activities students have been participating in this semester.

Virginia Williamson Elementary

Science Fair

Eight students from Virginia Williamson Elementary School attended the county science fair at Virginia Williamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College recently: Danielle Varnam, Hunter York, Aiden Wallace, Bradley Nesbitt, Owen Evans, Kendall Caison, Aidan Goble and Matthew Phelps (5th grade). Phelps won first place overall in the county science fair. After being interviewed by two judges, the students got an opportunity to visit a college chemistry lab. Dr. Jones was so kind to put on a chemistry demonstration where she educated the children in important safety instructions, cool chemistry experiments and new vocabulary using scientific words.

Bilzi Family

Recognized for Volunteerism

The Bilzi family was recognized for their commitment to improving their local community during a celebration of family volunteerism on February 11th at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Parks, which is trying to inspire families to get involved with community volunteer projects through the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program with HandsOn Network, brought together more than 100 families like the Bilzi’s from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada at Epcot to celebrate their exceptional work in the community and commitment to embedding the value of service in future generations.

Alec (11), has helped construct weatherproof benches outside the hospital’s emergency room with Boy Scout friends. He manned relief stations and city cleanup during and after the Battleship Iron Man Run. He cleaned up Hoggard High, Hugh MacRae Recreation Area, and the Senior Center as a service project with one Roland-Grise classmate this December.

A few of Giulie’s (18) volunteering commitments include: president of the Wilmington Health Access for Teens’ Synergy peer education program; she has volunteered for the Prom Dress Swap; tobacco prevention, teen member of an Alcohol Awareness Panel; she helped with Coastal Horizons Cape Fear Coalition for a Drug Free Tomorrow; volunteered at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, she is a member of the NC Teen Health Council; advisor to NC School-Community Health Alliance; she is a mentor for the Big Buddy program; and Giulie was also an Azalea Belle.

Mom, Sue, is past president of the Cape Fear Garden Club, which donates so much to the community after the Azalea Festival Annual Garden Tour, she has continued to volunteer at Bradley Creek Elementary, even though the family’s children are no longer there.

A few of Dad Steve’s volunteer commitments include: monthly at Roland-Grise Middle School as a “Watch Dog,” board chairman at Wilmington Health Access for Teens, chairman of the county Gang Task Force Advisory Board, Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 239, NHC Community Action (Head Start), SENC Food Bank boards of directors, as well as former president or officer of several PTA’s in 33 states over 30 years. He served on the local school board for eight years and the state and national school board association board. Governor Easley appointed him to the Business Education Technology Alliance, Steve is a Governor’s Volunteer of the Year award winner.

“Volunteering brings families closer together. Helping those in need allows each to forget about his or her own troubles by putting them in perspective just a bit, if you have a moment give a moment see what it does for you, in focusing on another. There is no better or more satisfying feeling than to know at the end of the day that you have lightened someone’s load” Steve Bilzi.

by: Lauren Hodges

In the early 1900s, Dr. Maria Montessori began her famous experiments on childhood education. Through her research and discovery, she developed what is now known as the “Montessori Method” of teaching: creating an environment of applied learning, which gives the child supervised freedom to develop in a “natural state.” Twenty-five ears ago, the Montessori’s Method was honored in Wilmington when the Children’s Schoolhouse opened on the campus of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.

“After working in a large Montessori school, fellow Montessorian Karen Clark and I had a vision for a small traditional Montessori school,” Lucy Hieronymus, the school’s director, says. “We dreamed of a loving, supportive and home-like environment, where each child gets much individual attention and encouragement.”

Small, it was. The school had humble beginnings with little funding, and the founders used their resources to create their dream atmosphere. Most of the furniture was donated, and the teacher supplies were handmade. The first seven students were enrolled, and Hieronymus was overwhelmed with encouragement from the families. “People were so kind and supportive during the birth of our little school,” she remembers. “It seems like yesterday that our door first opened!”

Aside from the loyal families, the school got a warm welcome from the church that houses their classrooms. Located in a wing of the St. Matthew’s College-Road location, the school was granted access to a large stage, kitchen and fellowship hall. “It’s a really lovely campus,” Hieronymus says. “It was perfect for performances and having potluck dinners with our families.”

Over the past quarter-century, the schoolhouse has been growing and learning along with its students. Today, the school has 60 pupils, aged 3 to 6 years. Several students will be graduating this year and the staff couldn’t be prouder.

“I know that they will all impact our world in a positive way,” Hieronymus says. One of her favorite things about the school’s long history is being able to see former students all grown up. “It is always a delight to have them return to say, ‘hello!’ Many have graduated from high school and some are married with their own little ones.”

For the school’s birthday, she is busy setting up a Facebook page for all former students to join. “I want to know what is going on in their lives!”

Yet, most of the celebration is focused on the school’s future. Several new programs are underway, including a Marine Science educational curriculum. Comprised of a summer camp and some fall programs, the new classes will teach children about marine life in a safe, interactive way. The creatures will be handled by Hieronymus Fishing Charter and Guide Service.

Anyone interested in the school or the Montessori Method can visit www.childrensschoolhouse.net or call 910-799-1531 to set up a tour of the campus. Happy 25th, Children’s Schoolhouse!

by: Shea Carver

As a kid, nothing is greater than the imagination: daydreaming of places all over the world to visit, whether scaling trees in the jungles of the rainforest or swimming with dolphins in the tropics. Vacations mean more to kids than simple getaways—they are adventures.

Fifth-grader Kaleb Ferguson most likely can be grouped among many fifth-graders who look forward to summertime trips, embarking on family vacations or camp. But when asked where he’d most like to visit: Pearl Harbor ranks high on his list.

A pupil of Debbie Noble’s and Lori Crabtree’s class at Supply Elementary School, Kaleb is a studious chap, whose travel adventures go beyond daydreams. In fact, Kaleb can be praised for his geography expertise. A member of Supply’s Geography Club, Kaleb took first place in the National Geography Bee this year. Actually, he beat out other fourth-through-eighth graders from all over the nation. This comes as no surprise to Ms. Noble, who told KIDZink, Kaleb “is a leader—not a follower. . . . [He has] persistence, honesty and the will to do a good job.”

Ms. Crabtree chimed in, too. “Kaleb is a very hardworking student. He is great at spelling and has won our class spelling game ‘Sparkle.’ Kaleb is a joy to teach each and every day.”

KIDZink had an opportunity to chat up Kaleb about his love for geography, as well as find out a few more tidbits about some of his favorite things.

KIDZINK: Can you tell me when your fascination with geography began?

Kaleb Ferguson: Last year when I was watching the Geography Bee. I knew some of the answers and I wanted to know more.

KI: How did you prep yourself for the annual National Geography Bee, and what did you have to do to make it that far?

KF: I studied and went to the club meetings. I stayed calm and went for it.

KI: I understand you’re a member of your school’s Geography Club. What does your club do?

KF: We study different places around the world.

KI: Where would you most like to travel, and why?

KF: I would like to travel to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. I want to see where the Japanese bombed the U.S.

KI: What has been your favorite vacation or your favorite place to go so far?

KF: My favorite vacation was to Virginia. I liked riding the roller coasters at Kings Dominion Amusement Park.

KI: What do you aspire to be when you grow up?

KF: I want to work with NASA. I am interested in the solar system and want to find out for myself if Pluto is a planet.

KI: What are your other interests and extracurricular activities?

KF: I want to play baseball. I like being outdoors.

KI: Do you have any brothers or sisters?

KF: I have one younger brother, Noah.

KI: What are your favorite activities to do together?

KF: We play football and play Chess together.

KI: What is the best advice your parents have given you in regards to: school, growing up and life in general?

KF: They have told me to work hard, study and always do my best. To always love God, and go to church, to put God first.

KI: Who do you admire most?

KF: I admire my parents because I love them.

KI: If you could do one thing to make the world a better place, what would it be?

KF: Total peace—no more wars!

by: Lauren Hodges

Abby Spangel Perry is known around the art community for her environmentally conscious work. At Dreams Center for Art Education, children and their parents can count on her dedication to spreading these values. As one of the center’s teaching artists, Perry uses her creativity and confidence to encourage her students, something she’s been doing since the start of her teaching career.

“My first experiences with teaching were as an undergraduate student at East Carolina Univeristy,” Spangel Perry told KIDZink last week. During school she taught at Greenville Parks and Recreation Department, in youth painting and art for home-school curriculum requirements. Here summers were spent at the Wilmington Community Arts Center, and she worked toward the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification, as well.

KIDZink had an opportunity to get to know more about this creative soul, who isn’t only fostering a love for art within the classroom but maintaining a positive role-model for all kids who take part in her classes.

KIDZink: How has your teaching experience shaped your life?

Abby Spangel Perry: I grew up in a difficult home and as a result felt very different than the children around me. This caused me to be a shy, quiet child, and I was often pushed to the sidelines in the classroom. As an instructor I attempt to provide the space for all voices to be heard and not feel judged. If I can gain a student’s trust and get a sense of their personal staring point, I can try to meet them there and draw them out—help them to feel at ease and focus more effectively on learning.

KI: What do you love about teaching?

asp: My reward is definitely not in terms of financial gain; [it] is connecting with the students in a real way about art, something I am passionate about and have built my life around. It is about being a mentor and a positive role model and knowing I can impact young lives. That keeps me in the classroom.

KI: What are your biggest challenges?

ASP: Like many teachers, the first challenges I experienced were classroom-management issues, and finding a way to organize and articulate knowledge. My biggest challenge now is often the outwardly-difficult student. Sometimes it is a lack of interest in art or being in a classroom setting. It is challenging to find a way around this attitude and get to a place where the student accepts and responds to art.

KI: How do you overcome this problem in the classroom?

ASP: Many of the students I work with come from backgrounds where they have not been taught the value of art. It is hard to sell the idea of art as a serious endeavor outside of the idea of the busy work of arts and crafts. My job is to help them see the role art plays within society and how it enriches every part of our lives, from the simple things like the design on a cereal box or the car we drive in, to the art museum that holds world-renowned treasures.

Students that do understand art’s value and want to pursue art-making are often sold on more practical career paths by parents that demand results from college tuition in terms of a stable career.

KI: What makes your class special?

ASP: Whether teaching college-level classes at CFCC or outreach at DREAMS, I try to create an environment that nurtures a personal exploration of art rather than dictating my opinion of what art should be—a place where personal responsibility is the motivator not fears of judgment. This can often be challenging, but is more often rewarding.

KI: How do you feel about your students?

ASP: At the community college, I see them for a semester or two before they move on to other places. I often joke with my husband about the fact that I can’t go anywhere out in the community without seeing at least one of them. It makes me realize the circle of influence teaching has on a community at large.

At DREAMS some students begin at a young age and stay through their high-school years. I have had the beautiful experience of watching the metamorphosis of certain individuals from a shy or difficult child into a confident, articulate young person. It is incredible to see them be nurtured and changed by their experience at DREAMS.

KI: What are your hopes for all of your students in the future?

ASP: I only wish for personal success in whatever way the student defines it for themselves. I can hope that they go on to be an artist, designer, collector or appreciator of art. My wish is that they always remember the experiences they had learning in my classroom as positive and fulfilling.