sachartermoms

Coker Early Learning Center is dedicated to children's physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth while encouraging independence and the development of each child's individual talents and abilities. Sharon Aguilar, Director of Coker Early Learning Center, joins us to share about their traditions and sense of community, as well as programs like Gift of Time for young students who need additional preparation for kindergarten. Assistant Director Sandy Cavin and teacher Yvette Ramirez will also be joining the conversation.

The Discovery School of San Antonio is an early childhood program that fosters a love of learning in children by letting them do what they do best: play. Mary Stanchak, Director of the Discovery School, joins us to share about how their experienced teachers provide students with individualized attention, creating a community of celebration.

The artists at the Magik Theatre use the power of theatre and storytelling for children that activates imagination, grows young minds, and inspires creativity. We visited Artistic Director Anthony Runfola in his office for a conversation about their current production, Schoolhouse Rock Live (through June 5) that helps raise awareness of civics in a fun, retro way. Anthony also shared about their summer production, The Lightning Thief (July 1–August 6), and summer camp, The Percy Jackson Musical Theatre Experience. Children may identify with the Camp Half Blood crew who have learning differences because of their divine heritage; they may also be inspired to pick up a Percy Jackson book and spend more time reading this summer. The Magik Theatre is helping children develop a love of learning that is the key to a more literate future for our community.

At a dual enrollment school, students can earn their high school diploma while also attending community college and earning college credit. Dariela Galindo, a senior at Travis Early College High School, joins us to share her experience in the supportive environment at San Antonio College and update us since her last interview when she was a sophomore.

Our brains are far more changeable than many of us realize. Once we understand the seven cognitive skills and undergo a cognitive skills assessment, we can take advantage of neuroplasticity to strengthen our brains and expand our potential. Gina Cruz, Owner/Director of LearningRx San Antonio Northeast, joins us to explain about cognitive skills and the benefits of brain training for clients from 4 years old to 99+.

When it comes to choosing a school for your child, good parent communication and operations are essential. What are some key factors for parents and caregivers to consider when evaluating a school's communication and operations? Nick Stamboulis, Head of Sales for Cariina, a suite of integrated software solutions that helps school administrators to manage their internal operations, joins us to offer advice and perspective.

The Keystone School offers a challenging program for grades PK3–12 and a caring, diverse environment that brings out the most in each each individual and prepares students to compete among the best in the world. Rose Parham is raising two girls who are students at Keystone—Katelyn, age 9, and Madelyn, age 7—and joins us to share a parent's perspective. Also joining: Andrea Banks, Director of Enrollment Management at Keystone.

"Body and soul; I am marvelously made!” That verse from Psalm 139:14 is the guiding force of Marvelously Made—The School for Young Children. Located in Helotes, Texas, this small, child-led Christian school was founded 13 years ago by Jennifer McCarville. She says that she saw a need for children to be educated in a way that honors how they are designed to learn. McCarville joins us to share about their school culture and offer advice for families who want to enroll.

How can high-quality preschools address the aftermath of the pandemic, such as children who have absorbed their parents' anxiety, on top of their longstanding mission of school readiness? Mary Field, a board member at the International School of San Antonio, joins us to dive into the research about early childhood education—it's surprisingly mixed—and ponders how high-quality programs, like the ones across San Antonio that she has recently visited, can scale to meet the needs of families who are still coping with post-pandemic stress.

Parents are concerned about a growing culture of school violence. Through advocacy, what can parents do to get involved and promote school safety? John Martin, co-founder and co-CEO of SAFEtech, joins us to share insights about statewide school safety initiatives and how to identify schools that have a culture of school safety and are prepared for emergencies.

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” That’s the philosophy behind The Acorn—A School for Young Children. With a focus on developmental, child-led education, The Acorn School fosters a life-long love of learning by meeting children where they are and helping them build a foundation for success both in and out of the classroom. Wendy Starnes, Director of The Acorn—A School for Young Children, and Rich Lange, a Co-founder of The Acorn—A School for Young Children, join us to share about their school culture and offer advice for families who want to enroll.

Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, in partnership with San Antonio ISD, is a neighborhood school located southeast of downtown that also welcomes students from across San Antonio. Virginia Boyce, Executive Director and Principal of Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, and Michelle Herrera, Director of Operations of Democracy Prep at the Stewart Campus, join us to discuss how DPSC offers a well-rounded college preparatory program that is delivered by a caring team of educators with proven success in increasing student achievement and helping scholars reach their full potential.

"Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit" is a traveling exhibit that's at The DoSeum through April 16. Our guest is Meredith Doby, Vice President of Exhibits at The DoSeum. Learn about how caregivers and children can visit the exhibit to experience the artwork of Eric Carle and absorb the emotional lessons of his books.

The strange conditions of the past three years have caused trauma and prolonged stress for educators as well as parents and caregivers. Drawing on her learning journey to understand her own experiences with childhood trauma, Dr. Kathryn Kennedy founded Wellness for Educators, a 501(c)(3) organization supporting educators with research-based, trauma- and equity-informed, somatic (mind-body) education, practices, and strategies for mental, physical, social, and emotional health and wellbeing. Dr. Kennedy joins us for a conversation about why a system-level approach is the best way to support educator wellness.

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School is a community of parents, staff, and children working together to foster Christ-like qualities in all they pursue. Jerrel Williams, a teacher, coach, and chef at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School, joins us to share his journey from the military to cooking school to coaching athletes. Williams will discuss how the culture at Shepherd of the Hills has helped him to grow, and how he strives to be a leader for his students. He will also offer advice about how families can learn more about the school.

Juli Henderson used her voice to advocate for her late son, Robert, who was born with a rare genetic condition and spent his entire educational experience in special education. Juli, the creator of the "In Our Arms" blog, believes that parents know their children best. In caring for Robert up until his death at age 18, and raising his four siblings—who were all in gifted and talented education—she navigated difficult situations with the help of family, friends, doctors, and trusted educators. Juli joins us to share her journey and offer encouragement to parents to use our voices and stand in the gap for our children.

Essence Prep is a new charter school that opened on the Eastside of San Antonio in August 2022 with the purpose of finding students' strengths and building agency in young people. Akeem Brown, founder and Superintendent of Essence Prep, and Jennipha "Jae" Ricks, Chief Learning Officer and Principal of Essence Prep, join us to describe the school's learning model, culture, and plans for growth, and to invite families to enroll their children as scholars at Essence Prep.

Greg A. Garcia Early College Intermediate will open in August 2023 to prepare students for early college programs for high school students who want to earn college credits. New Frontiers Public Schools, through partnerships with Alamo Colleges, helps students discover their path in life and experience college at a younger age. Dr. Monica Villarreal, Principal at Greg A. Garcia Early College Intermediate, and Mayra Cuevas, Instructional Coach at Greg A. Garcia Early College Intermediate, join us to discuss school design and curriculum for an early college preparatory program and how families can get their students enrolled.

Eleanor Kolitz Hebrew Language Academy, known as EKHLA, is a public charter school that prepares confident students through high academic and behavioral standards, who are grounded in Hebrew language and Israeli culture. Members of the leadership team at EKHLA, including Principal/Superintendent Kathryn Cohen, Vice Principal Tracy Smith, Vice Principal Simran Jawanda, and District Coordinator/Athletics Director Gabriela Tawil, join us to share about the school's rich culture and to offer advice about applying during open enrollment.

There are so many reasons to attend the San Antonio School Fair on Saturday, February 11 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the San Antonio Food Bank. Families will be able to meet with schools and talk with organizations to learn about school choice. Every family will receive free produce bags, and kids will receive free snack bags. Ayla Dehghanpoor, Director of Marketing and Communications at Families Empowered, joins us to share details about the school fair and how to register.