Rockmart Children Academy observes first anniversary
Students recently joined teachers and staff in a first anniversary celebration at the Rockmart Children Academy, located at 1030 N. Piedmont Ave.
Several of those present could remember 2014 celebratory events attended by local and state officials, community leaders and others. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, several speakers gave comments, including Mrs. Sandra Hudson, executive director of the Northwest Georgia Housing Authority. This was followed by an address by Ms. Shemi Kumar, owner, Montessori School of Rome. Guests were also given an opportunity to tour the building.
Today, Amanda Jo Betts is the facility’s director. She officially began her duties in July 2014 and talks with pride of the success and student progress during the past year at the facility, which is a state licensed learning center utilizing the Montessori Philosophy.
“It is the mission of the facility to provide a nurturing, safe and caring environment in which the program participants will learn and grow developmentally,” she said.
This includes parent involvement and opportunity to attend field trips for the students. Community partnerships are important to the learning of the children, according to Betts. This includes programs presented by the Rockmart fire and police departments and others.
Currently, t he Academy is working with partners to receive a Head Start grant for additional classrooms. Tallatoona Head Start has applied for and is working with schools in Georgia to open infant and toddler classrooms.
Betts walked down a long hallway to the classroom of Erica Reynolds, lead teacher.
Opening the door to the room where primary children, ages 3 to 5, are gathered, she enters a world of bright colors and happy kids.
They are busy learning as they sit at tables where several are stacking square blocks or working with round containers. Another group is learning manners and teamwork as they enjoy a pretend meal with small pots, pans and dishes. Nearby, kids are giving attention to puzzles and other games.
Each of these “play stations” are designed for educating the child to sharpen social skills as well as recognizing shapes, sizes and colors of the objects at each table.
“We teach children math, language and reading,” Reynolds said. “We work with each child to help them develop their potential according to where they are. We also give instruction in life skills that will help them become self-confident as individuals that can achieve goals they will set as they mature.”
At the beginning of the term, a total of 30 children – ages six weeks to five - enrolled for classes.
The infant program – 6 weeks to 18 months – incorporates language, music, exercise and stimulation and gross and fine motor skills development.
The toddler program – 18 months to 3 years – offers the child opportunity to develop the ability to concentrate, be independent, exhibit self-control and socialize with others.
Students in the primary program – 3 to 5 – work on practical life activities to develop a sense of self and the environment. They develop classification and expression of color, size and weight skills and work on math, language, science and reading skills.
Other Academy staff includes:
Infant class - Thylia Davis and Jera Wein, lead teachers, Wendy Seale, Marie Desir and Amy Causey, assistant;
Toddler class – Jane Tate, lead teacher; Daphne Leonard and Ikereia Hudson, assistant;
Primary – Erica Reynolds, lead teacher, Deborah Kocienck and Taylor Albert, assistant.
Academy board members include Rosie Walker, Hilda Curtis, Lillie Dyar, Bannester Harbin, Lee Hight, Sheila Jacob, Emma Johnson, Jim Keaten, Detric Redding, Rachel Redwine, Stacey Smith, Janet Byintgon and Michael Taylor.
Advisory members are Tonya Glover, Shannon Johnson, Hattie Lawrence, Molly Majcestic and Donald Starr.
Call 706-291-3025 for additional information about Rockmart Children Academy.
Jessica Sandoval and Ramiro Salinas of Cedartown announce the birth of a daughter Allyson Juliet Salinas. She was born on Sept. 8, 2015.
Katherine Rutledge Silver and Jonathan William Silver of Rome announce the birth of a son Jonathan Lincoln Silver. He was born on Sept. 7, 2015.
Zana Henry and Jeffrey D. Page Jr. of Rome announce the birth of a daughter Cali Neveah Page. She was born on Sept. 6, 2015.
Rebekka Elizabeth Lackey and Kyle Benjamin Lackey of Rome announce the birth of a daughter, Scarlett Elizabeth Lackey. She was born on Sept. 3, 2015.
Carol Clance and Patrick Clance of Cartersville announce the birth of a daughter Kylie Mae Clance. She was born on Sept. 3, 2015.
Vickie Goodrich and John Goodrich of Rome announce the birth of a daughter Sloan Nicole Goodrich. She was born on Sept. 3, 2015.
Jessica Ellington and Joseph Ellington of Rockmart announce the birth of a son Memphis David Ellington. He was born on Sept. 2, 2015.
Cameron Sara Barber and Jeffery Slade Carn of Cedartown announce the birth of a son Karsen Slade Carn. He was born on Sept. 2, 2015.
Christina Blair and David Blair of Cartersville announce the birth of a son Archer Talon Blair. He was born on Sept. 1, 2015.