Welcome back to reality, everyone! The holidays may have gone by in a full-bellied, twinkle-light blur, but we hope you were able to fit in some fun family time and plenty of relaxation. Now that the back-and-forth travels, extra spending, and indulgent feasts are in our rearview, it’s back to our regularly scheduled programming. School’s in session and routines return.
In our January edition — the Education Issue — we talk about the trials and tribulations surrounding homework. Don’t fret, parents — it doesn’t have to be so bad, and we’ve compiled some tips to, hopefully, make it easier. We also introduce you to a local educator who recently won the “Oscar of Teaching”: Erica Stephens, a fourth grade math teacher at John P. Freeman Optional School. Way to go, Ms. Stephens!
The issue is also filled with inspiring stories on local organizations helping our youth gain much-needed skills for their futures. This month’s cover story is about Code Ninjas, a Collierville coding school that teaches children ages 7 to 14 how to apply programming and coding to electronic applications — to transition them from consumers to producers by learning, among other skills, how to build video games. Pretty cool!
We also hear from two teens who founded STEM4Fem, a local nonprofit dedicated to encouraging middle and high school girls to get into the male-dominated field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) via collaborative projects, workshops, and competitions. Go, girls!
Our Education Issue is as much about your child’s education as it is about educating you, the parent. And we’ve got a heavy one for you this month. In “Your Preteen’s Sexual Health,” Jessica Shea Frey, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Memphis-based Forward Counseling, weighs in on what parents should know about dating, sexting, and online predators in an age where kids are glued to their devices.
We’re also looking ahead! In this month’s installment of Dad Libs, writer Jeff Hulett helps us get excited about spring break. Start your planning now and shake those winter blues. And we cover, in “Safe Travels,” some tips on and preparedness for those journeying outside of Memphis.
We’re anticipating a great new year, one in which we grow, blossom, and thrive alongside all of you.
Shara Clark
Editor