Local Children's Theater Performs "Tailspin Tales"

                                 Educational Theatre Company’s 25th McKinley Residency

McKinley Students Bring Tailspin Tales to the Stage!

 

Arlington, VA, February 22 – Educational Theatre Company partners with McKinley Elementary students to create an original musical based on classic fairy-tales and nursery rhymes! Performing March 10^th and 11^th, the play, entitled Tailspin Tales, features the work of over 50 students.

 

The student’s original story, directed by Katie McCreary, shows just what happens when the characters of Mother Goose and the Brothers Grimm merge their stories  A slight mix-up causes villains to meet villains, princesses to met princesses, and the wrong wolf to end up with Little Red Riding Hood!  As some characters try to set things right, others start to see just how wrong their stories may have ended.  Join us for protesting villains, a very tall dwarf, sassy princesses, and not-so-charming princes!

 

Tailspin Tales built during an intensive ten-week residency with Educational Theatre Company.  McKinley Elementary School 2nd through 5th grade students developed the script, lyrics, choreograph dances, design and build costumes, construct a set, and create props with help of their friends and families.  During the last weeks of the residency, students begin a professional rehearsal process culminating in a free performance for the community.

 

Educational Theatre Company is an Arlington-based arts education organization committed to unlocking the potential of children and adults through immersion in theatre arts.  Educational Theatre Company’s Main Stage Residency program has been in residency at McKinley Elementary School since 1998 and continues through the ongoing support of the McKinley staff and parents.

Performances:

 

Thursday and Friday March 10th and 11th

McKinley Elementary School, 1030 McKinley Road, Arlington, VA 22205

No charge for admission.  On site Donations benefit McKinley Children’s Theatre.

 

 

 Creative Team:

 

Katie McCreary – Director        Andrew Zimmer - Musical Director

Mary Myers – Choreographer   Morgan Sendek – Production Manager

Review: Home School in the Woods US Elections Lap-pak

As you guys have no doubt figured out, we do politics at my house.  I work for a politician, my eldest stumps for one each election, and living in the DC-metro area, our local news is full of politics.  We're excited for the presidential election like some of you are excited for the Super Bowl.  That's why I was excited when I got the chance to check out Home School in the Woods' HISTORY Through the Ages Hands-on History Lap-Pak: U.S. Elections.

This product is suggested for grades 3-8 and is a great, in-depth look at US Elections.  Whether you're a homeschooler or your kid is just really interested in the elections process (or maybe you've never paid attention before!) this gives you a fantastic wealth of information on how it all works.  I was initially a little hesitant about the fact that this is a lap book.  We know people that lap book everything they learn and love it, but we've tried lap books before and they have resulted in a good deal of crying.  However, our last attempt was when the boys were a little younger, so putting two years on them and having it be a subject they're really interested in made me feel brave.  I used the download version (there is also a CD) and I initially had a little trouble figuring out all the pieces and how to print everything, but I did get it figured out (in about 10 minutes- it didn't take long) and we were able to step through each lesson.  We printed the lap book components in one shot, which if I had it to do over, I wouldn't do.  I'd print each day's component as we did the lesson.  We're only halfway through, so I still could, actually.  If the papers get out of order at all it can be confusing, so that's why I'd do it one at a time. We printed the whole reading text as a book, although you also have the option to print it as notebook pages.

Each lesson has a narration, and I enjoyed the reader's excited, engaging voice.  We've got a few other lessons on CD where the reader has lulled me into a mid-afternoon cat-nap, which is not conducive to getting things done! There are about 60 minutes of audio that are the read-along text, so you could honestly knock this out in a day if you had nothing else to do and your kids really enjoy lap-booking. Since my kids only really like doing a few components of the lap book at a time and this is a supplement to our regular history, we're breaking it up into pieces, which the website version makes really easy since the audio and lap book component are listed together in sections.  There are 21 "projects" and we're doing 2 at a time, which works out since there's also a front cover (22! evenly divisible by 2!) so we plan on taking 11 school days to finish this, or a little over 2 weeks.  As I mentioned, you could easily make this shorter, and you could also stretch it over 21 days, if you wanted. I really appreciated that there was an entire section on suffrage.  I think that it's important to realize what a right and privilege it is to vote.  We're getting ready to start on "The Presidential Platform", but some other topics include raising money, caucuses and primaries, the electoral college, and three branches of government.  This product really does a fantastic job of covering all aspects of Elections from soup to nuts.  We've been doing each component and then putting it into a folder with the plan to assemble the lap book when we're done with everything, so I don't have a completed project to show you, but here is a sample of what it will look like when we're done: 

There are directions on how to assemble everything, so don't be intimidated at all.  Each of the folder pages has a front and a back (there's a lot of information!) and you could certainly assemble as you went, we just opted not to do it that way.  Their favorite component so far has been the "who do we vote for" spinner, even though I didn't print it on different colored paper (which is what the instructions say to do).  I'll update this post later when we're all finished so you can see our actual lap book.  We are definitely enjoying this lap-pak and plan to continue all the way through lesson 21 so that by the time the actual election comes around we are well-versed in how the whole process works!! 

Riley's preference was to listen while he colored.
I reviewed this product with my 6th grade and 4th grade sons.  My 2nd grade daughter was very interested in having a "project book", so I'll have to look into some other Home School in the Woods options for her! Both boys are very confident readers, but they like listening to the audio files and working on the lap book component while they listen.  I've enjoyed listening along, too, and refreshing my own knowledge of our electoral system! I was one of many reviewers for this product, so you can read about how others used it by following the link below: I did receive this product free of charge, but all opinions, as always, are my own.

February Race- Run Your Heart Out 5k

My new year's resolution is to do a 5k every month in 2016.  I was so excited to partner with PR Races to do several of their 5k options! You can read more about my 2016 challenge here. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to run my scheduled February race (I'm going to do a makeup race this weekend) because of a number of factors:
1- The Good: my son's hockey team decided they were going to win some games!! Their record this season is 1-2-1, so I had no reason to think their tournament (games were only guaranteed Friday and Saturday) would lead to me being busy on Sunday....but then they kicked some butt and finished second in their division!!

2- The Bad: In addition, as a fairly new runner, I don't have a lot of equipment.  You wouldn't think there's a lot of equipment involved in running, but there certainly is when it's 10 degrees at race time, and I don't have it.  I thought about driving down from Philadelphia for the race and then driving back up for the game, but my husband pointed out that I don't have a balaclava, running gloves, or a coat that isn't to my knees (because I'm a hockey mom, y'all, I go for coverage), and as such was being dumb.
3- The Ugly: When we got back and I finally went to the doctor, I also had a double ear infection and a sinus infection, which I was fighting all weekend.

Excuses, excuses.  As I said, I will do a makeup race, and I did hit the treadmill at our gym.  Luckily, one of the amazing ladies from Moms Run This Town Woodbridge/Manassas (seriously, the most supportive people in the world are runners- they cheer you on no matter how slow/short you are in comparison to their time/distance.  Love this group!) was willing to review the race for me! Thank so much Angelica!!

(Not Angelica...I don't think)

"I did packet pickup the morning of. First you had to check what your number was on one of the posted lists outside the store, then the pickup itself was in-store (thank goodness; it was cold outside!). It was pretty simple- short line, tell them your name/ number, pick up your number bib, shirt, and chocolate bar (choice of dark or milk chocolate, woo!). It was pretty convenient- the soiree it's right near the start line, convenient to lots of parking, etc.

Because of the cold, the organizers cancelled the water station. They did say they had vehicles available around the course, so if anyone started to have trouble breathing because of the cold, or any other issues, they could locate a course marshal and sit in one of the cars. They also had a PR Races van driving around the course- I must've seen it at least 4 times as I ran!

There were port-o-potties available not far from the start line- maybe 80 meters or so. There were maybe 8- about half as many as the December 5k I ran at the same course.

The start line was a big bunch- the December one had lines for the different paced people (ie, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10mm, etc); I think they probably didn't for this one because there were a lot fewer people. The race bibs have chips.

Some people dressed up in Valentines Day garb, but most were just trying to keep warm :-)

The course was a big loop, slight hills. Nothing too steep, but a surprise if you train on flat surfaces only! All of the course was paved, main roads, route I'd clearly marked with police or volunteers at main intersections.

Pictures- I think there was only a photographer at the finish line (photos available on pr races' flickr page). The Dec race had them throughout the course, not sure if this changed due to weather.

Post-race there were tables set up near the finish line with water, bananas, muffins, and heart cookies.

For this race, they cancelled the awards ceremony and handed out awards as people came through- again, change was due to the weather. Results were posted on their page later in the day.

And overall- good race, well organized. They sent a few emails with info on changes, tips on dressing, etc (be on the lookout if your email automatically puts then in your promo folder, though!). I out would be a good first race- though maybe not in single digit weather :-)"

If you would like to finish (remember- there's no time goal, just a finish it goal) the next race with me, you can sign up online here! If you join me for a race, I'll buy you Starbucks after, too!

(Also not Angelica, I don't think)

Monster Jam 2016 at Royal Farms Arena

Coming to Baltimore, MD - Royal Farms Arena- Monster Jam 2016! 

Dates: Feb 26, 2016 - Feb 28, 2016

Featuring: El Toro Loco driven by Mark List, Grave Digger driven by Cole Venard, Max D driven by Jared Eichelberger, Monster Mutt Dalmatian driven by Cynthia Gauthier, Monster Mutt Rottweiler driven by Daron Basl, NEA driven by Aaron Basl, Scooby-Doo driven by Brianna Mahon, Zombie driven by Bari Mussawir

Get your tickets online by clicking here.  Tickets start at $20.  

Social Media Awareness

My friend whose son goes to school in another state received this memo and shared it with me to share with you.  I had never heard of a few of these, so I wanted to share with you all. (Source: Fairfield Public Schools)

PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS: WE WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING APPS THAT KIDS MAY BE DOWNLOADING. 

We want you to be aware of the following apps and the cons that go along with them. The following apps might be a simple way for your child to keep in contact with his/her friends; however,even innocent use of most of these apps can land a child in a situation he/she never intended to be in. Here are some potentially dangerous apps that are popular among young people.

1. Tinder: An app that is used for hooking-up and dating. Users can rate profiles and find potential hook-ups via GPS location tracking. 450 million profiles are rated every day! The good news is, this app pulls information from user’s Facebook profiles, so it is more authenticated than other apps.
Problem: It is easy for adults and minors to find one another. Also, due to the rating system, it is often used for cyber-bullying, because a group of kids can target another kid and purposefully make his/her rating go down.

2. Snapchat: This app allows a user to send photos and videos to anyone on his/her friend list. The sender can determine how long the receiver can view the image and then the image “destructs” after the allotted time.
Problem: It is the #1 app used for sexting, mostly because people think it is the safer way to sext. However, the “snaps” can easily be recovered and the receiver can take a screen shot and share it with others. Also, a lot of images from Snapchat get posted to revenge porn sites, called “snap porn.”

3. Blendr: A flirting app used to meet new people through GPS location services. You can send messages, photos, videos, rate the hotness of other users, etc.Problem: There are no authentication requirements, so sexual predators can contact minors, minors can meet up with adults. And again, the sexting.

4. Kik Messenger: An instant messaging app with over 100 million users that allows users to exchange videos, pics and sketches. Users can also send YouTube videos and create memes and digital gifs.
Problem: Kids using the app for sexting and sending nude selfies through the app is common. The term “sext buddy” is being replaced with “Kik buddy.” Kids use Reddit and other forum sites to place classified ads for sex by giving out their Kik usernames. Also, Kik does not offer any parental controls and there is no way of authenticating users, thus making it easy for sexual predators to use the app to interact with minors.

5. Whisper: Whisper is an anonymous confession app. It allows users to superimpose text over a picture in order to share their thoughts and feelings anonymously. However, you post anonymously, but it displays the area you are posting from. You can also search for users posting within a mile from you.
Problem: Due to the anonymity, kids are posting pics of other kids with derogatory text superimposed on the image. Also, users do not have to register to use Whisper and can use the app to communicate with other users nearby through GPS. A quick look at the app and you can see that online relationships are forming through the use of this app, but you never know the person behind the computer or phone. Sexual predators also use the app to locate kids and establish a relationship. One man in Seattle, Wash., was charged with raping a 12-year-old girl he met on this app in 2013.6. Ask.fm: Ask.fm is one of the most popular social networking sites that is almost exclusively used by kids. It is a Q&A site that allows users to ask other users questions while remaining anonymous.

Problem: Kids will often ask repeated derogatory questions that target one person. Due to the anonymity of the badgering, it creates a virtually consequence-free form of cyber-bullying. Ask.fm has been associated with nine documented cases of suicide in the U.S. and the U.K.

7. Yik Yak: An app that allows users to post text-only “Yaks” of up to 200 characters. The messages can be viewed by the 500 Yakkers who are closest to the person who wrote the Yak, as determined by GPS tracking.
Problem: Users are exposed to and are contributing sexually explicit content, derogatory language and personal attacks. Although the posts are anonymous, kids start revealing personal information as they get more comfortable with other users.

8. Poof: This app allows users to make other apps “disappear” on their phone. Kids can hide any app they don’t want you to see by opening the app and selecting other apps.
Problem: It’s obvious, right? Luckily, you can no longer purchase this app. But, if it was downloaded before it became unavailable, your child may still have it. Keep in mind that these types of apps are created and then terminated quickly, but similar ones are continuously being created. Others to look for: Hidden Apps, App Lock and Hide It Pro.

9. Omegle: This app is primarily used for video chatting. When you use Omegle, you do not identify yourself through the service. Instead, chat participants are only identified as “You” and “Stranger.” However, you can connect Omegle to your Facebook account to find chat partners with similar interests. When choosing this feature, an Omegle Facebook App will receive your Facebook “likes” and try to match you with a stranger with similar likes.
Problem: Sexual predators use this app to find kids to collect personal information from in order to track them down more easily in person.10. Down: This app, which used to be called Bang With Friends, is connected to Facebook. Users can categorize their Facebook friends in one of two ways: They can indicate whether or not a friend is someone they’d like to hang with or someone they are “down” to hook-up with.

Problem: Although identifying someone you are willing to hook-up with doesn’t mean you will actually hook-up with them, it creates a hook-up norm within a peer group. Depending on your sexual values, this might be something you don’t want for your child. Also, because of the classification system, a lot of kids will feel left out or unwanted, which can lead to anxiety, etc.

Hydrafacial at NOVA Plastic Surgery

Remember that time I made 1/2 of you angry because I said I don't like cats?

When I dropped my kids off with a friend so I could go get a Hydrafacial at NOVA Plastic Surgery, her cat decided to rub against me and I broke out in full-on hives.  Yay eczema.

You can't get a Hydrafacial when you have eczema.

Sigh.

Luckily, despite my stance on cats, I do have a few friends kicking around, and my friend Stacey was more than happy to go and check out the Hydrafacial situation for me! For Stacey, like for most of us moms, she doesn't really need full-on plastic surgery (like a face lift) and she wants to keep it that way for as long as possible.  NOVA Plastic Surgery actually offers several fantastic services to help keep your skin and face in great shape so that you can look and feel your best without surgery.  I tried their BBL machine two years ago (great for sun damage!), and I know their offices are almost like going to the spa, so I was more than comfortable sending a good friend.  I didn't really know what to tell her to expect, but I knew it would be great.

So Stacey drove up (it's in Ashburn, so it took me about 40 minutes from Manassas and her a similar time from Bristow) and texted me when she got there that she'd let me know how it went.  About 30 minutes later (the procedure only takes about 20 minutes) I got this text:

There you have it.  The Hydrafacial is amazing, simple, easy, quick, and feels good.  Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Later, Stacey and I chatted and she explained a little more.  They use a special machine (pictured above) to apply a special serum "with a spongey thing" and then the same machine applies gentle suction to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and impurities.  She walked out feeling like her skin was tighter (in that young way- not uncomfortable) and better moisturized, and there was no need to wait to go out- although Stacey doesn't like pictures without her makeup on (silly because she's gorgeous!) she did send me this "right after" pic, which I will temper with one of her all dolled up because I want to stay friends :)

If you're feeling like you could use a little pick me up, definitely consider checking out NOVA Plastic Surgery's Hydrafacial treatment! It's painless, quick, and easy (and they're giving one away on their website right now- you should definitely enter to win!) Stacey's only complaint was that it didn't last longer- she enjoyed it and wished the pampering could have gone on! Stacey also said I should make sure to mention that her PA, Michele, was awesome.
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Disclosure: NOVA Plastic Surgery was kind enough to provide a Hydrafacial free of charge to my reviewer.  All opinions are our own, and believe me, we'd tell you.  We keep it real like that.

Congrats to Rebecca and GMS Gymnastics!

We have been loving gymnastics this year.  Savannah started at GMS before they started advertising with PwcMoms (which is my favorite way for this to work- then I already know I love the business before I start telling you guys about them!) and it's been great for her coordination and flexibility.  I don't expect we'll have anything like this happen, but it's such an incredible story that I have to share!

Congratulations to GMS and to Level 10 Gymnast Rebecca Chong, who trains there, on Rebecca signing with Yale!

What?

Her parents have GOT to be freaking out.  I know I would be! Way to go Rebecca!