PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST Niebes Good Parents 16 Our Comprehensive Guide to North Texas Private Schools Compiled by Jessica Myers

68THINGS TO DO IN THE MAGAZINE PARENTS LIVE BY IN DENTON COUNTY january january 2017

USING PRIVATE FAMILY RITUALS SCHOOL TO BOND LIST NEW! narrow your search MOM FAILS with our comprehensive annual guide YOU CAN RELATE TO MEET OUR MOM NEXT DOOR NATALIE DREW

BEYOND

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DEPARTMENTS

NOTED 5 Family Matters Making traditions is good for the kids — and you THE REAL MOMS 7 Mom Next Door / Natalie Drew The busy mom recently welcomed baby EDUCATION number four to her brood 8 Lavish Lettering Calligraphy lessons for beginners ISSUE 8 Home Grown Learn which edibles to plant this spring 8 Girl Talk Catch a comedy for girls night out 10 Routines / Bianca Gogos One day with a stay-at-home mom of a 3-year-old and a newborn KID CULTURE 23 Cold Play Indoor play areas for a rainy day 25 Agenda Our five favorite things to do this month 27 EveryDay Find the right private school for your child — and you, p. 16 Calendar of events for every day in January FEATURES ON THE COVER

LASTING SCARS 4-year-old Aadhya 12 Children can experience the of Lewisville emotional and psychological effects Photography: of being bullied even years later Nick Prendergast words Leslie J. Thompson Hair/Makeup: COLUMNS Shane Monden, illustrations John J. Custer Wallflower Management 34 Confessions / Mommy Fails Styling: Lauren When bad things happen to THE PRIVATE SCHOOL LIST Niebes good parents 16 Our comprehensive guide to North Texas private schools compiled by Jessica Myers

PUBLISHER/ Managing Editor Calendar Editor ADVERTISING Advertising Coordinator EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carrie Steingruber Elizabeth Smith Associate Publisher Amy Klembara Joylyn Niebes Diana Whitworth Nelson Web Editor ART PR/MARKETING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Mitchell Mortenson Graphic Designer Account Executives Audience Development Director Samantha Barnhart, Susan Lauren Niebes Assistant Editor Susan Horn Candace Emerson Hassel, Nancy McDaniel, Jessica Myers EDITORIAL Editorial Designer Kristen Niebes, Sandi Tijerina, ADMINISTRATION Executive Editor Research Editor Katie Garza Kerensa Vest Office Manager + Distribution Wendy Manwarren Generes Beth McGee Robbie Scott NorthTexasChild is published monthly by Lauren Publications, Inc. NorthTexasChild is distributed free of charge, one copy per reader. Only NorthTexasChild authorized distributors may deliver or pick up the magazines. Additional or back copies of NorthTexasChild are available for $2 per copy at the offices of Lauren

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noted.

And kids aren’t the only beneficiaries either. Psychologists consistently link family traditions with better overall emotional well- being and lower anxiety levels in all family members, plus greater marital satisfaction for couples and higher academic success and a sense of belonging in kids. So if you’re reading this and having a hard time pin-pointing your own family’s traditions, start one. It’s never too late. Gretchen Stofer Darby, who grew up as an only child, admits that her family didn’t have much that they did with any sort of regularity. So when she started dating James, now her husband, they started a tradition together. “James and I went to the State Fair of Texas [every year] when we started dating in 2003,” says the Dallas mom of three — Presley, 7, and Jax and Jagger, both 2 ½. We now have a wall of 20 or so of “We’ve continued every year since. family matters these photos.” Not to mention the Now our little family loves to go to memories of each of the trips. the State Fair together.” why rituals are so important But traditions don’t have to The special moments spent for kids — and you be this thought-out or involved together become the glue that to be impactful. Any routine or bonds the family. “Children like WORDS LESLIE CHATMAN set of behaviors that has symbolic having something to look forward ILLUSTRATION MALINA OMUT meaning and says, “This is who we to, and they need stable, consis- are as a family,” qualifies. Maybe tent opportunities to bond with it’s a weekly movie night or game their family,” Guhl says. So when night, an annual reunion or trip or it comes to starting traditions, she n the day Hannah just fun for kids; they actually make a monthly day of serving together. suggests keeping it simple. McCue came into the families happier and healthier. These seemingly Ideas might world, her dad gave “Anytime you can create tradi- small practices include eating her a pink pacifier tions that connect children with help create a small together at least once O Limoges box. And so their family or others outside of respite in our fast- a week and reading began the tradition. Hannah, now the family, it improves their self- paced, high-stress, CHILDREN together nightly 23, has gotten a Limoges box every efficacy,” says Courtney Guhl, a busy lives. These LIKE HAVING before bed. Whatever year on her birthday. “We always licensed professional counselor in are the things you do, preserve it. give something that represents a Fort Worth. that children will SOMETHING TO Tradition is nothing significant event from that year,” Theresa Ambrogi involves remember as they LOOK FORWARD without you, your says her mom, Cheryl McCue, more than just family in a tradition grow older and will family, your laughs, who lives in Dallas. “The year that started when she was a little likely pass on to TO, AND THEY your ideas and your she turned 16, we found a Texas girl. “My family vacationed in their offspring. NEED STABLE, memories. So make driver’s license box, the year we got Durango, Colorado, every summer, “Children thrive it something you can our dog, Hannah received a collie and we frequently invited friends and feel safe in CONSISTENT commit to. box, and the year we moved into to join us when we’d go,” Ambrogi environments with OPPORTUNITIES McCue and our house, she got a moving box says. “As a rite of passage, we made expectations, struc- TO BOND WITH her husband with china.” first-time visitors take an old fash- ture and routine,” plan to continue This small token, an established ioned family photo, the kind where Guhl says. When THEIR FAMILY.” the Limoges box birthday gift, takes the McCue everyone dresses up, with us. It’s children know tradition at least family on a trip down memory a tradition I’ve continued with my what to expect — such as regular until Hannah gets married. And lane every time they look at — and kids — 8-year-old Hudson and Friday pizza nights with the fam- maybe, just maybe, Hannah will add to — the collection. 4-year-old Ashlyn. My parents ily — it helps them make sense of pass the collection, the stories and Decades of research prove that retired near Durango, so we rou- the world and create a predictable the tradition on to her children traditions and rituals like this aren’t tinely bring friends when we go. and soothing system. one day. ntc

northtexaschild / january 2017 5 BUILD MORE THAN MUSCLE.

When you join the Y you’re committing to more than simply becoming healthier. Join For You are supporting the values and programs that strengthen your community.

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Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. Not all services available at all locations. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Baylor Scott & White Health (“BSWH”) complies with applicable civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude, or otherwise treat individuals differently on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. © 2016 Baylor Scott & White Health. BSWWom_80_2016 CE 12.16

6 january 2017 / northtexaschild real

NATALIE DREW moms. DEFINITELY HAS HER HANDS FULL WITH HANK, 6, SHEPHERD, 4, BANNER, 2, AND OAKLAND, 2 MONTHS.

n a way, Natalie replacement. With Drew discovered welcoming my fourth, her career path I feel like I’ve hit my I by accident. “I limit for being able to was kind of looking carry ReadyRosie proj- for an easy major,” the ects for a time. I don’t University of North know when I’ll be back Texas alumna says. around. We’re just tak- “As far as career, I ing it one month at a didn’t have these big time. I definitely hope life goals.” She chose to come back. I become UNT’s radio, television a better mom when I and film program on a have the creative outlet. whim and quickly “fell DO YOU HAVE in love,” in her words. OTHER CREATIVE “I knew I was right OUTLETS? I’ve been where I was supposed really interested in to be.” MOM NEXT DOOR / trying to learn more In the years since, about cooking and her career’s taken food. My firstborn has her from production some food allergies, assistant on commer- Natalie Drew so that threw me off. cial and film sets to I’ve sunk my teeth into lead videographer for figuring out ways to ReadyRosie, a video- visual creator make food healthier based early education INTERVIEW NICOLE JORDAN and more fun. tool recommended by PHOTOGRAPHY CARTER ROSE DO YOU HAVE A school districts across FAVORITE DISH TO the state. Drew, 35, MAKE? I’ve tried to joined ReadyRosie six perfect the art of chick- years ago when it was just launching and has WHAT DID YOU FIND MOST SURPRIS- en and cheese enchiladas with Mexican rice. been pivotal in its evolution from struggling ING? Just that you wake up every morning WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE THINGS startup to expansive video archive. and sort of plan your own funeral — that sur- TO DO AROUND DENTON AS A FAMILY? All the while, Drew and her husband rendering of yourself over to the needs of your We love riding our bikes. We’re big on trying of nine years, Josh, music minister at The children. It just revealed how selfish I am. I to hit all the parades and festivals. We like to Village Church Denton, have been expand- would love to be able to sleep in and have cof- catch live music. ing their own family with three boys, Hank, 6, fee at 10am, but the reality is that you’re up DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPOT FOR Shepherd, 4, and Oakland, 2 months, and one early and hitting the ground running. DATE NIGHT? I love food trucks. girl, Banner, 2. WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING THING THREE THINGS YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A MOM OF ABOUT BEING A MOTHER? I look at them as YOUR PURSE A stain stick, hand sanitizer FOUR? There’s something about being a mom little world changers. That motivates me when and gum of four kids that feels very overwhelming. But I start to question whether I’m doing it right CURRENTLY LISTENING TO I’m really we want a big family. We’re just trusting that or wrong. into gospel music right now our vision for our family is good and right and MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF and Michael Jackson for that we’ll make it through the challenges that MOTHERHOOD Discipline. Engaging those my kids. come our way. harder places of correction has been a THREE WORDS DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE A MOM? challenge for me. TO DESCRIBE I always wanted to be a mom, but it wasn’t WILL YOU GO BACK TO YOURSELF until I became a mom that I realized how WORK? This summer, A hot mess. ignorant I was about motherhood. That reality I actually spent I’m just kid- check was tough for me. time training my ding — planner, lighthearted and 1 / The family of six spends time together riding bicycles and attending kind. ntc Denton's many kid-friendly parades and festivals. When it's just the adults, 1

©ISTOCK.COM/CHRONICLER101/ YULIIA25 ©ISTOCK.COM/CHRONICLER101/ Drew and her husband seek out the local flavor of area food trucks. northtexaschild / january 2017 7 real moms / 3 THINGS … WORDS ALEX MITCHELL MORTENSON

home grown

February marks the start of planting season in North Texas, so envision all the super-fresh salads you could take to work (hey, we can dream) and join the free Vegetable Gardening 101 class at the Biodiversity Education Center in Coppell on Jan. 14 at 11am. During the 90-minute lecture-style class, a master gardener LAVISH explains the basics of Try your hand ground preparation, the at calligraphy or do’s and don’ts of seeds brush lettering LETTERING during one and watering, and which of local mom Denton mom of two Emile Stewart has been sic cursive script, try the Beginning Calligraphy veggies to plant in spring. Emile Stewart's workshops. selling greeting cards since fourth grade, so workshop on Jan. 7 from 6–7:30pm. Or if you Attendees don’t need to it’s no surprise that she went on to open her want to bring home a frame-worthy rendition bring anything, but feel own business with a focus on the written word. of your favorite quote, sign up for Beginning Wildflower Art Studio sells colorful prints and Hand Lettering on Jan. 17 from 6–7:30pm or free to wear your hiking cards online, plus Stewart shares her craft by Beginning Brush Lettering on Jan. 24 from shoes to trek around the teaching calligraphy and lettering workshops 6–7:30pm. All the tools you need are provided. 5 miles of trails in the at The DIME Store in Denton. If you’ve dreamed Sign up online ASAP, since workshops only surrounding Coppell of penning perfect handwritten letters in clas- have 12–15 spots and occasionally sell out. Nature Park post-class. Calligraphy Lessons by Wildflower Art Studio, $55–$65 // The DIME Store, 510 S. Locust St., Denton; 940/381-2324 // wildflowerartstudio.net Vegetable Gardening 101, free Biodiversity Education Center 367 Freeport Parkway, Coppell; 972/304-3581 coppellcommunitygarden.org GIRL TALK For an irreverent departure from your regular dinner-and-drinks MNO routine, round up your girlfriends and head to the Irving Arts Center for a performance of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. The 1993 dark comedy written by Alan Ball (whose credits include American Beauty and the HBO series True Blood) centers around the banter and bonding of five bridesmaids with entirely different backgrounds and personalities, all holed up in the same room at a fancy wedding reception. The production runs Thursday–Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm from Jan. 2–Feb. 3 in the spacious Dupree Theater. Buy tickets in advance online.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, $19–$28 per ticket // Irving Arts Center,

3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving; 972/252-2787 // irvingartscenter.com KSUKLEIN ©ISTOCK.COM/PETRENKOD, ART STUDIO; WILDFLOWER OF COURTESY PHOTOS 8 january 2017 / northtexaschild Exceptional dental care, ON EXHIBIT one smile at a time! JANUARY 21!

1600 Gendy Street Fort Worth, TX 76107 fortworthmuseum.org 817-255-9300 fortworthmuseum.org Dr. Melissa Rozas

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972-393-9779 Don’t miss our Wednesday Kid’s Nights! 632 E. Sandy Lake Rd., Coppell, TX 75019 www.RozasDDS.com Grapevine Mills • 972.539.5001 Rainforestcafe.com *With the purchase of an adult entrée. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotion including Landry’s Select Club. Offer valid at Grapevine location only. © Ads with © are of Lauren Publications, Inc. 2017. northtexaschild / january 2017 9 real moms / ROUTINES

8:45AM Liam and I head to Grapevine Mills to go walking with a few friends I met through MOMS Club. 9AM I start power walking, and Liam takes a nap in his stroller. It is amazing how fast a few laps can go by when you are chatting with good friends. 10AM I visit a few of the stores in the mall to pick up a few things for my boys. It is nice not fighting the weekend crowds! 10:30AM We leave the mall to get big brother Nikitas from preschool. 10:45AM We pick up Nikitas and hear about his exciting day. He is typically fired up and super happy. I love to see that smile. 11AM We arrive at home. I nurse Liam, we eat some leftovers for lunch and then I let Nikitas play for a bit and take the dog out. 12PM I lay Nikitas down for his nap, clean up the kitchen, start the laundry, play with Liam (which includes some much-needed tummy time), pay bills and get a nap in for myself as well. 2:30PM Now comes the hard part: waking up Nikitas from his nap. He sleeps pretty hard, but once he is up we get a snack and get him dressed for swim class. I also nurse Liam one more time before class so I don’t have to do it during swim class. 3:40PM We head out the door in a rush to make it to AquaKids on time. 4PM Even though Liam and I are in the ob- servation room with the other parents, I try to watch what they are teaching in hopes we can continue it once we can swim in our pool in A WEDNESDAY IN AM My sweet Liam wakes me up the spring. THE LIFE OF before the alarm, wanting to nurse, 4:45PM Finally we are back home, and it’s even though we have been up at tummy time with Liam again. I read to Nikitas least once through the night. My at the same time. Nikitas loves to build with husband is now waking up as well blocks, but his favorite thing is books. bianca and6 getting ready. 5:30PM I nurse Liam (does this boy ever get 6:30AM My alarm goes off, so I get up to wake full?) and turn on the news so I can see how my up my son Nikitas and get him dressed and husband’s long commute home is. We joke that gogos ready for the day. He is such a snuggler, and I am his “eye in the sky.” once awake, he greets me with lots of hugs and 6:15PM Time to start dinner. Liam gets to en- kisses. It is really the best way to start the day. joy his swing, and Nikitas is climbing the walls, Bianca Gogos is a stay- 6:50AM I let the dog out, have breakfast with so I turn on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for him at-home mom and the Nikitas and then brush his teeth and put on to watch. It’s his absolute favorite — and the hospitality coordinator his shoes. only show he will sit and watch so I can get for MOMS Club Flower 7:10AM I make my husband a coffee and our meal ready. breakfast to take with him on the road then 6:30PM My husband arrives home from work Mound - Southwest. She’s line up his computer bag, car keys, and (“Lucy, I’m home!”) and we catch up on each been married for seven my son’s backpack for their departure. My other’s days while he gets some time with the years to Nikitas T., an husband is wonderful to take our son to pre- boys and I finish dinner. assistant vice president of school in the morning. 7:05PM We sit down to enjoy our dinner as data architecture at a large 7:15AM We say our goodbyes with lots of hugs a family. financial company, and and a few kisses, which makes my day. Then I 7:45PM I clean up the kitchen. Usually Nikitas the couple lives in Flower am off to make myself a coffee, watch the news, is playing, but today he is keeping me company Mound with their two check my emails and check Facebook for the and being a big helper by bringing me his cup. day. I consult my calendar to see what is on 8PM My husband starts bathtime with Nikitas boys — Nikitas X., 3, and my long list of to-do’s for today. Wednesday is and then I get him dressed for bed. We start a Liam, 3 months — and their our active day because I get my walking in and Baby Babble learning video for him while we Chihuahua, Corey. Nikitas has swim class. give Liam a bath in the kitchen. He is still little 7:45AM Time to get myself and Liam dressed enough to use the baby bathtub. and ready for the day. I also have to squeeze in 9PM Liam is dressed and ready for a bottle, and a quick feeding right before we leave. we all watch a Daniel Tiger episode together as

Diaries are penned by moms (and dads) in the North Texas area. The authors volunteer to share a day of their choosing and are not paid or endorsed by NorthTexasChild. Send your diary to

[email protected]. All submissions are subject to editing and may be cut for space. MONAJAMI PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE OF COURTESY PHOTO 10 january 2017 / northtexaschild We Care About Your Family! printthe fine

WHAT SHE’S READING Proofreading a book that a friend just finished writing FAVORITE INDULGENCE Cheesecake and a couple of sips of Guinness (since I am nursing) WHAT’S ON HER DVR Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Susan Heller, MD Karen Holland, MD Joan Kay, MD for my son and Modern Family, The Big Bang PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS Theory, Suits and a bunch of random stuff my hubby must have recorded SITE WE MIGHT CATCH HER BROWSING Pottery Barn Kids FAVORITE MOVIE I have so many: the original Footloose, Back to the Future, Dirty Dancing, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, License to Drive, She’s Out of Control, Speed FAVORITE DATE NIGHT SPOT Topgolf, the gun range, Moviehouse & Eatery BIGGEST CHALLENGE Losing my mother at such an early age (a day Darlene Kurian, MD Natalya Shannon, MD Tammi M. Williams, MD PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS PEDIATRICS before her 59th birthday) WORDS SHE LIVES BY Everything in moderation FAVORITE APP Baby Connect for tracking everything baby 2021 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 250 Irving, TX 75061 WORKOUT SHE MANAGES TO SQUEEZE IN Mall walking with MOMS Club and MY BODY 6750 N. MacArthur Blvd., Ste. 206 Fitness in Flower Mound (you can work out Irving, TX 75039 with the kiddo too) BEAUTY PRODUCT SHE CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT Lancome foundation 972-253-4300 stick and blush and Burt’s Bees lip balm www.mscitx.com Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm WHAT SHE DOES WHEN LIFE GETS STRESSFUL WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS Take a step back and figure out what I do have control over and focus my efforts there DREAM VACATION We cannot wait to take our boys to a beach getaway like St. Lucia or Hawaii. HOBBIES Reading, scrapbooking, shooting, learning golf (on hold), working out Home Run f Family Fun! a family while Nikitas and I both enjoy a Sunday, small cup of milk together. Everybody's Hero - 9:30PM Time to brush teeth and put January 22 Nikitas to bed; some days it is easier to get 2:30 PM THE STORY OF JACKIE ROBINSON him to bed than others. The same goes for Carpenter Hall Set in 1947, this play with music by Mad River Theater Liam — tonight he wants to nurse for a Works tells the story of the first black professional baseball few minutes before going in his crib. Duration: player, Jackie Robinson. It shows the events that shaped 10PM I grab a quick shower (longing for 1 hour plus question the days of a nice long bath), get Nikitas’ and answer session Robinson's character, his struggle to gain acceptance from school stuff ready for tomorrow and talk Age Appropriateness: his team mates and the public, and the tremendous with my husband. Then we watch a show 3rd grade and up obstacles he overcame on his way to changing the face of on our near-max-capacity DVR (and our our nation and our national pastime. dog of 10 years gets his snuggle time with the two of us). Tickets: $7.50; groups of 10 or more $6 10:45PM My husband takes the dog out, I get our room ready for bed, and off we For a full listing of events at IAC and to go. Of course, with a new baby, I expect 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. to be up 2–3 times during the night Irving, TX, 75062 buy tickets: www.IrvingArtsCenter.com. Open 7 days a week Box office: 972-252-ARTS. when Liam needs a diaper change or is Free parking Smithsonian A liate

ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE GALASSO KATIE BY ILLUSTRATION hungry. ntc northtexaschild / january 2017 11

LASTING

A PROFOUND IMPACT According to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 27 percent of middle school students have been bullied, while the Texas Association of Psychological Associates reports that at least 10 percent are bullied on a regular basis. SCARS Cyberbullying is also widespread — NoBullying.com indicates that 52 percent of young people admit to Children can experience the emotional and being bullied online. “Adults today have allowed the mean behavior psychological effects of being bullied to continue to exist by saying ‘kids will be kids,’ ‘turn the other cheek’ or ‘just ignore them,’ which even years later may have supported mean behavior as it seems to WORDS LESLIE J. THOMPSON grow worse each year,” says Cynthia Bethany, a ILLUSTRATIONS JOHN J. CUSTER licensed clinical social worker-supervisor and certified trauma treatment specialist and critical incident coordinator for Fort Worth ISD. “Another area of concern is on the digital platform as the use of tech- nology increases. The prevalence of cyberbullies is was working a high-stress job and was fortunate disconcerting. Hurtful remarks are easier to make and anonymity cre- enough to be laid off,” recalls Melissa Peters, ates a higher level of cruelty.” whose name has been changed for privacy. “I say Others say a number of factors are at fault. School officials may be fortunate because it gave me more time with our reticent to intervene in conflicts between students for fear of inviting liti- three kids. After a few months, I started to notice gation. Conversely, teachers and parents may be unaware that bullying is at that point that my 8-year-old, Zoey, was acting going on. Plus, there’s the question of what actually constitutes bullying. like an introvert,” Her daughter was her usual bubbly To qualify as bullying — which takes many forms, from name- and outgoing self around close family and friends, calling and teasing to physical assaults such as shoving or hitting — the but around certain school friends, she would act offense needs to occur on more than one or two occasions. “Persistent, extremely introverted. She stopped talking to people, pervasive and severe are key words in the definition of bullying,” “Ilooked at the ground in social settings and also started having nightmares. Bethany explains. Social or relational bullying can be harder to spot In a word, Zoey’s behavior had become inconsistent. because it typically happens quietly over a long period of time between “Over the course of about five months, I told my husband that friends, but it causes just as much emotional damage. Relational bully- things seemed off. I talked to Zoey, but she said she was fine,” the ing might entail exclusion, harmful gossip or rumors. Dallas mom remembers. Still, a pattern was slowly emerging, and her Zoey met and became friends with Isabella (not her real name) in second-grader started to have unexpected and heightened responses to her kindergarten after-school program. The bullying started shortly common social situations — like when two friends paired off at the swim- thereafter; Isabella wouldn’t let Zoey play with any other kids. ming pool to play without her, and Zoey broke down sobbing. The con- “We know that it got physical when Zoey’s close friend joined them cerned mother took her daughter to see a licensed counselor; after several in the after-care program the next year during the first grade,” Peters sessions, Zoey was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recalls. “I think Zoey struggled with how to incorporate her friend in the as a result of bullying. dynamic. We would get reports from Zoey and her friend that Isabella The news came as a shock to Peters, but Zoey’s case is not unique. would push them, hit them or try to knock them off the monkey bars.”

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northtexaschild / january 2017 13 Research shows that bullying isolated from other children while He still laments to his par- is corrosive to children’s mental also belittling her, Zoey lacked ents on an almost daily basis. “I JOIN THE MOB health and well-being, causing confidence and did not develop have to be very careful about my The Plano, Frisco and Dal- anxiety, depression, high levels the same social skills as other response to what he tells me so las chapter of MOTHERS of stress and poor social skills children her age. that he feels heard, and let him development, as well as a nega- “[Zoey didn’t exhibit] aggres- cry if he needs to cry,” Tandy OPPOSING BULLYING (MOB) tive self-image and even physical sion; there were no issues at says. “If he tries to stop himself, FOUNDATION is a nonprofit ailments such as headaches and school — behavioral or school- we say, ‘If you feel like crying, dedicated to the eradica- sleeping problems. work wise — to indicate that this is a place to cry.’” tion of bullying and helping “I have seen students develop something was affecting her,” schools create a safe and eating disorders as a reaction Peters says. “We thought, kids are WARNING SIGNS to being bullied for their body resilient; she’ll get over this.” Since bullying can have such last- accessible learning envi- image,” says Tasha Moore, a Easier said than done. The ing — and detrimental — effects, ronment. The group meets licensed master social worker and emotional fallout for a child is experts agree that early interven- the first Saturday of every chief strategy officer for second- proportional to the length of time tion is crucial. month. The next meeting ary campuses with Communities she was bullied, according to Not all children will freely is Saturday, Jan. 7 at 5pm. in Schools of North Texas. She researchers at Boston Children’s admit to being bullied, like Bobby Annual events include the has also seen children as young as Hospital. Furthermore, the nega- did. In fact, most kids hold it in, 9 or 10 develop self-harm behav- tive effects can accumulate and like Zoey. MOB Walk-a-Thon, MOB iors and suicide ideation because worsen over time. Children who are repeat- Relays, fashion show, of extreme bullying. Eleven-year-old Bobby edly bullied either physically or celebrity golf tournament, Children who are bullied Tandy, whose name has been emotionally may start abnormally Comedy With a Cause and again and again often feel vulner- changed for privacy, has been isolating or disconnecting them- the Winter Ball Gala (2017 selves; complain about frequent able, powerless and unable to the target of bullying since the dates were still being final- defend themselves, which can second grade, when he was 8. physical ailments, especially those lead to stress-related conditions Bobby speaks with an accent. that prevent them from attending ized at press time). like PTSD. One classmate ridiculed the way school or other social events; have 5600 Tennyson Parkway, Plano People often associate PTSD Bobby talked. Other kids joined, difficulty concentrating or experi- Third floor conference room with a profound traumatic event openly expressing frustration ence a sudden drop in grades and meetup.com/Mothers-Oppos- such as a serious car crash or when Bobby was called on to schoolwork; endure sleep issues ing-Bullying-Foundation-Plano- and nightmares; or undergo a being under enemy fire, but PTSD read aloud in class, leaving him Dallas-Frisco is a type of anxiety disorder that feeling ashamed. sense of hypervigilance, anxiety can occur after repeated mental Instructors at his and high temper. and emotional anguish — in this elementary school in “Other signs case, bullying — and seems to Southlake alerted might be express- get a teacher or administrator affect girls more than boys. In his mom, Susan ing desire to involved, Moore notes. fact, a study published last year in Tandy. “There hurt or kill To be sure, school programs the Social Psychology of Education was a lot of oneself, such as student assemblies with journal revealed that childhood watching any type guest speakers and national anti- victimization by bullies was the and keep- of self- bullying campaigns like STOMP strongest predictor of PTSD ing [Bobby harm — Out Bullying have helped raise symptoms among college students and the cutting, awareness. And Texas state law and can inflict the same long-term bully] sep- burning requires that all school districts psychological trauma on girls as arate. [The — or that receive federal funding severe physical or sexual abuse. teachers] expressing (including charter schools) adopt Children with PTSD experi- talked to the hopeless- specific steps for addressing bul- ence nightmares and crippling other kid and ness, sadness, lying, such as parent notifica- anxiety. Sometimes, they’ll show praised Bobby helplessness, tion and counseling for victims signs of PTSD in their play, like in front of the other rage, uncontrolled and bullies. The law requires making their dolls act out the kids, which helped,” his anger or seeking staff training on the subject and traumatic situation. They’ll often mom says. revenge,” Bethany explains. allows for the transfer of students avoid situations that remind Bobby was also put in a Experts say parents should be involved as well. And though not them of the incident. This might lunchtime club led by a school sensitive to any changes in their explicitly included in the law, most mean finding ways to get out counselor, where students dis- children and talk to their pediatri- private schools have adopted some of school altogether or staying cussed the events of their day and cian if anything seems amiss. form of anti-bullying policy too. away from activities where they learned important social skills. If a child is legitimately being know they will encounter the The move was a mixed bless- bullied to the point that it is WHEN TO GET INVOLVED bully. Or it might mean suffer- ing. “It was good because it took affecting her behavior (not want- But how do you, the parent, pro- ing in silence. him out of lunchtime, which ing to go to school, academic per- tect your child against bullying For Zoey, the symptoms was when a lot of the bullying formance is declining, dropping and its long-lasting effects like manifested as social anxiety. happened,” Tandy admits. “But out of extracurricular activities), PTSD without becoming a para- Because Isabella had kept Zoey again, it made him different.” parents should not hesitate to also noid helicopter mom or dad?

14 january 2017 / northtexaschild Well-meaning parents often or or other trusted adult — when a reason to be concerned. Then she would give a friend who was err on the side of overprotection she is being bullied helps her ask the child if she feels safe let- being mistreated and encouraging and keep their child from learning overcome the emotional damage ting that person know what is them to reach out to a teacher.” frustration tolerance, notes Leda that can result from continu- happening on campus and volun- It’s also important to provide Owens, a licensed counselor who ally being put down and pushed teer to be there for support.” kiddos with a safe space to talk has treated children and teens around, experts note. “[Bullying] could be hap- through their feelings, including with PTSD as a result of bully- “It is a parent’s job to keep pening in the hallway or at the meeting with a licensed profes- ing at The Housson Center in their child safe, lunch table,” sional counselor who can help Dallas. Although the psychological but parents can Moore adds. children process difficult emo- impact of bullying can be severe, only do that by “If someone tions and develop self-reliance intervening too quickly can have knowing their “Talking with and at the school and resilience. an adverse effect on a child’s emo- child,” Bethany — a teacher, “We thought we fixed our situ- tional development. Owens refers says. She rec- a coun- ation by removing Zoey from the to overly protective moms and ommends that listening are the selor or an after-school program and getting a dads as “lawnmower parents.” parents ask a administra- nanny,” Peters says. “But we failed “A lawnmower parent is the lot of questions tor — knows her, and the school counselor parent who walks in front of their and really listen most important to look out failed her because none of us fol- child and mows down all the to the answers. for it, there lowed up on the situation.” And it weeds and high grasses of life so And if relevant, is another wasn’t until the second grade that their child has this nice smooth parents can ways a parent advocate, Zoey’s PTSD symptoms started to path to follow,” she explains. share their own another car- surface, 18 months after the bully- “That’s all fine and great until experiences can comfort a ing adult ing stopped. the lawnmower parent isn’t there with bullying that is there Peters enlisted the help of a anymore and now the child is and watch for when the professional counselor on the faced with the weeds and they their child’s child who has parent is not.” advice of a friend. “I told Zoey don’t know what to do.” reaction. she was seeing a social coach, and Experts note that the key Owens says WHEN TO she instantly opened up to the to raising independent, self- it can be diffi- been subjected SEEK OUT- counselor,” Peters says. “We saw sufficient children who will grow cult for kids to SIDE HELP huge strides in Zoey’s confidence up to become productive mem- make the first to bullying.” While par- right away.” bers of society is helping them move and talk ents and Now after several counseling develop social skills, including to their parents schools take sessions, Zoey smiles again, con- learning to assert themselves and about recurring bullying because bullying seriously and administer fidently talks to her friends and to recognize that they cannot young kids don’t understand counseling and other solutions to excels in sports. And the process control other peoples’ thoughts cause and effect. They know the victims, many end the counsel- isn’t over. or behaviors. they’re frustrated, hurt or sad, but ing too early. “What I feel like we’re doing for “Talking with and listening they might not know why exactly. “Kids need help developing Zoey is not only giving her coping, are the most important ways a Help kids build their own coping skills and learning how social and life skills,” Peters says. parent can comfort a child who safety net. “Ask your child to to react in certain situations,” “She is receiving the tools to help has been subjected to bullying,” name an adult on campus with explains Owens, who uses role- her overcome her experience and Bethany says. whom they feel safe,” Bethany play to help kids with different give her confidence that will give Getting your child to speak advises. “This is something every scenarios. “It can be as simple as her a better foundation for future out — whether to you, a counsel- parent should ask before there is asking a child what advice he or social situations.” ntc

Bullying escalates during the latter half of elementary school and peaks in middle school, researchers have found. These resources offer strategies for helping any child dealing with a bully. WHERE STOMP OUT BULLYING CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND Free and confidential online chat for bullied kids and PREVENTION teens and myriad resources for parents and teachers “Understanding Bullying” fact sheet with defini- TO to reduce and prevent bullying and cyberbullying. tions, tips and resources from the CDC Division of stompoutbullying.org Violence Prevention. cdc.gov/violenceprevention STOP BULLYING PACER’S NATIONAL BULLYING FIND Articles, videos and resources provided by the U.S. PREVENTION CENTER Department of Health and Human Services. Campaigns and resources, plus so many ideas on stopbullying.gov how you can help end bullying. pacer.org/bullying HELP NO BULLYING DELETE CYBERBULLYING Educational articles for teachers, parents and teens, Educational materials for parents and kids about the including tips on how to stop bullying in middle dangers of living in a connected world. school. nobullying.com deletecyberbullying.org

northtexaschild / january 2017 15 THE Our comprehensive guide to North Texas private schools P R I VAT E

COMPILED BY JESSICA MYERS

SCHOOL ADDRESS CITY ZIP WEBSITE YEAR ESTABLISHEDRELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

Cistercian Preparatory School 3660 Cistercian Road Irving 75039 cistercian.org 1962 Catholic 5–12 $17,500–$17,700 Y Y 20–25% 349 Y 22 7 to 1 Iowa, KA ISAS

Coram Deo Academy 4900 Wichita Trail Flower Mound 75022 coramdeoacademy.org 1999 Christian Pre-K–12 $4,000–$12,000 Y N 5% 655 Y 13 11 to 1 CPAA, ISEE AdvancED

Denton Calvary Academy 1910 E. University Drive Denton 76209 dentoncalvary.org 1999 Christian K–12 $5,000–$8,000 N N 10% 310 Y 15 10–15 to 1 Stanford, PSAT AdvancED, TAAPS

Explorations Preparatory School 1501 Flower Mound Road Flower Mound 75028 explorationsprep.org 2002 None Pre-K–8 $6,500–$9,500 N N N/A 130 Y 16 16 to 1 Iowa AdvancED

Faustina Academy 1621 W. Grauwyler Road Irving 75061 faustinaacademy.com 2003 Catholic Pre-K–12 $5,000 N N 3% 212 Y 16 16 to 1  NAPCIS

Grace Christian Academy 3200 Firewheel Drive Flower Mound 75028 gcapatriots.org 1970 Baptist K–12 $5,250 N N N/A 54 Y Varies 10 to 1 OLSAT, Stanford NAPS

Highlands School, The 1451 E. Northgate Drive Irving 75062 thehighlandsschool.org 1986 Catholic Pre-K–12 $10,300–$11,900 Y Y 14% 456 Y 13 9 to 1 Iowa AdvancED, TCCED

Holy Family Catholic Academy 2323 Cheyenne St. Irving 75062 hfca-irving.org 1965 Catholic Pre-K–8 $5,995 Y Y 45% 258 Y 18 11 to 1 CogAT, Iowa AdvancED, TCCED

Immaculate Conception Catholic School § 2301 N. Bonnie Brae St. Denton 76207 catholicschooldenton.org 1995 Catholic Pre-K–8 $4,880–$5,980 Y N v 237 Y 18  CogAT, Iowa TCCED

Koan School 6441 Fishtrap Road Denton 76208 koanschool.org 2013 None K–12 $6,750–$8,100 N N N/A 48 N 6–12 8–12 to 1  

Lakeland Christian Academy 397 S. Stemmons Freeway Lewisville 75067 lakelandchristianacademy.org 1994 Baptist Pre-K–12 $2,000–7,000 N N N/A 620 Y 8–16 16 to 1 Stanford, PSAT ACSI, AdvancED, TEPSAC

Liberty Christian School 1301 S. Highway 377 Argyle 76226 libertychristian.com 1983 Christian Pre-K–12 $6,000–$18,000 Y N 17% 1,250 Y 20 17 to 1 CTP, CTP4, OLSAT, Standford, PSAT, Aspire ACSI, AdvancED, TAAPS

Montessori Country Day School 7400 Hawk Road Flower Mound 75022 mcountryday.com 1987 None Pre-K–5 $4,050–$7,200 N Y 3% 60 N Varies Varies  

Redeemer Montessori School 2700 Warren Circle Irving 75062 redeemermontessori.org 1978 Episcopal Pre-K–6 $7,950–$8,950 Y Y 4% 150 Y 20 10 to 1 Iowa AdvancED, AMS

Riverchase Montessori 1555 E. Sandy Lake Road Coppell 75019 riverchasemontessori.com 2014 None Pre-K–3 $11,500 N N N/A 130 Y 10–12 Varies CAT/5, Stanford 

Saint Francis Montessori 1018 W. Pioneer Road Irving 75061 stfrancisirving.org 2009 Catholic Pre-K–6 $3,500–$5,500 Y Y 25% 70 N 22 15 to 1  AMI

Selwyn School 3333 W. University Drive Denton 76207 selwynschool.com 1957 None K–12 $11,000–$17,000 Y Y 5% 70 Y 12 12 to 1 ERB, ISEE AdvancED, NAIS

Sloan School, The 3131 N. O'Connor Road Irving 75062 thesloanschool.com 1985 Christian Pre-K–5 $8,000–$9,450 N N N/A 150 Y 16 15 to 1 Stanford ACSI

StoneGate Christian Academy 2833 W. Shady Grove Road Irving 75060 sgca.net 1976 Christian Pre-K–12 $5,500–$6,950 N Y 15% 131 Y 9 8 to 1 TerraNova ACSI

Temple Christian Academy 2501 Northshore Blvd. Flower Mound 75028 templechristian.com 1980 Baptist K–12 $6,410–$12,000 N Y 36% 102 Y 10 10 to 1 Iowa AACS

Wesleyan Academe 1615 W. Airport Freeway Irving 75062 wesleyanacademe.org 1972 Methodist Pre-K–1 $4,500–$5,200 Y N 5% 108 Y Varies 14 to 1  NAEYC

KEY: AACS = American Association of Christian Schools; ACCS = Association of Classical and Christian Schools; ACSI = Association of Christian Schools International; AMI = Association Montessori International; AMS = American Montessori Society; Aspire = ACT Aspire Assessments; CAT/5 = California Achievement Test, Fifth Edition; CogAT = Cognitive Abilities Test; CPAA = Children’s Progress Academic Assessment; CTP, CTP4 = Comprehensive Testing Program; ERB = Educational Records Bureau; Iowa = Iowa Tests of Basic Skills; ISAS = Independent Schools Association of the Southwest; ISEE = Independent School Entrance Exam; KA = Kuhlmann-Anderson Tests; NAEYC = National Association for the Education of Young Children; NAIS = National Association of Independent Schools; NAPCIS = National Association of Private Catholic 16 january 2017 / northtexaschild LIST P R I VAT E SCHOOL 2017

RELIGIOUSAFFILIATION GRADES ANNUAL TUITION FINANCIALSCHOLARSHIPS AIDOFFERED% RECEIVINGAID OR SCHOLARSHIPS FINANCIALTOTAL ENROLLMENTUNIFORMAVG. CLASS SIZESTUDENT/TEACHER RATIO STANDARDIZEDTEST USED ACCREDITATION