Current News

Today we remember Civil Rights Activist, and leader for the equality of all people, Martin Luther King, Jr.  His views and ideas still resonate today, and there is still much to be learned, and taught to our children, about equality.  As we commemorate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. talk to your children about the Civil Rights Movement, justice, equality, and how it still impacts our lives today.  Here are a few topics to help you get started.


1. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Times Magazine archives all previous issues dated back to 1923.  In this special section of its archives you and family can explore all issues pertaining to MLK, Jr.and civil rights. 


2. Martin Luther King, Jr. notes, papers debut online
The King Center is digitizing the Civil Rights Movement.  Through a joint effort with JP Morgan Chase, AT&T and EMC Corporation, nearly a million documents by Martin Luther King will be available through a searchable collage on the King Center's website.


3. Ceremony to be Held at the New Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial in Honor of Dr. King's Birthday
Today at 8 am a wreathing ceremony was held at the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate Dr. King's birthday on January, 15, 2012. The even was free and open to the public.  Read on to find out more about honoring Dr. King's legacy.


4. From the Archives: Student Officials Speak on Why MLK Jr. Still Matters
An archive from last year's MLK Day, MentorPatch.com revisits how the words and actions of Dr. King matter as much this year, and last year, as they did during his years as a Civil Rights leader.


5. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Biography.com takes an in-depth look and the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more into this article with your children to learn more about Dr. King and what he stood for.

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Happy Martin Luther King Day Everyone!

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.  Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reading Tips

We're hoping that as you and your family begin the New Year, you've created some Resolutions that are easy to stick to.  Make resolutions fun, every person in your family should have one.  And the easiest kind of resolutions for your kids? Well, resolving to read more of course.  Increased, enhanced reading will help your child academically, socially, and make for great dinner-time conversation with the family.  Here are some tips to help you get your child enthused about reading:


1. Making the Most of Reading Minutes
-Read daily
-Talk about it
-Try variety
-Teach the concept of time
-Build excitement


2. Create Your Child's Own Reading Library
-Look for books based on your child's interest
-Find your child's favorites
-Choose situational books
-Use books to learn about and celebrate special events
-Choose a book appropriate for your child's development
-Look for books that initiate independent reading
-Choose the right reading level
-Organize by categories

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"So Cherry Valance, the cheerleader, Bob's girl, the Soc, was trying to help us.  No, it wasn't Cherry the Soc who was helping us, it was Cherry the dreamer who watched sunsets and couldn't stand fights."-S.E. Hinton

New Releases

School's out for a little while longer, which makes this the perfect time to catch up on good reads during the rest of winter break.  Keeping your child engaged in reading, and other educational activity will prepare them for when classes are back in session. Here are a few new releases your child will enjoy!


1. The Island of Bum Bum Ba Loo by Daniel Errico
Need a bedtime boost? Let your child journey to the rhythmical island of Bum Bum Ba Loo
 where explorers will show them the land, meet the king and queen, and dance with locals until they drift off into la la land.


2. Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars #10) by Sara Shepard
The next installment in the PLL franchise, Ruthless, digs deeper into the secrets and lies that keep Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hannah close together.  What they don't realize is that A's not far behind.  If your little girl hasn't started this series yet, now's the perfect time.


3. Witch and Wizard: The Fire by James Patterson
The third installment in Witch and Wizard series is a fantastic read your middle schooler. This fantastic journey filled with adventure, allure, strength, and determination could only have come to life through the eyes of the illusive James Patterson.


4. Big Nate and Friends by Lincoln Peirce
Big Nate's got an impressive imagination.  Your child will enjoy his raucous adventures over and over again.  You may have to take this one from them!


5. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (Fudge) by Judy Blume
While a Judy Blume novel may not seem like a new release to you, it is being re-introduced to a new generation of readers.  Tell your child how awesome and magical these books were to you, and we're sure it'll peak some interest! Then get them hooked on the other books in the series.

#WordsofWisdom

"That's what I love about Aibileen, she can take the most complicated things in life and wrap them up so small and simple, they'll fit right in your pocket."-Kathryn Sockett, The Help. 

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Hobbes: Waddaya think Calvin? Looks like a long way down.

Calvin: Nah, piece of cake. Let’s do it. -Calvin and Hobbes