Academy of Maryland Farms: What is that Branches thing and what in the world is a Bolt?

Friday, October 9, 2015

What is that Branches thing and what in the world is a Bolt?

My name is Cedrica Pippens and I am the branches life support member here at AoMF. As some of you may have noticed, pledge forms for Branches Bolt went home last Monday. Branches Bolt is an annual fundraiser that raises money for Branches Ministries, an non profit organization founded by Dwight and Misti Derringer. BRANCHES is a non-profit Christian ministry focused on reaching in and out to the staff, families, and community of Never Grow Up and beyond. Our mission is to provide programs, events and community connections to supply support and encouragement to all we come into contact with. This yearly fundraiser allows Branches to financially meet needs that Staff and their families may have. Branches Bolt is the biggest fundraiser Branches host and allows us to see needs met throughout the year.

How it Works:
-On October 9th, your little athlete will run the Branches Bolt around our playground. From now until then we will hard at work training them to run as fast and as long as possible. On the morning of the race, they will go outside and run until they cannot run anymore! We encourage all family to attend to cheer them on!!

-From now until October 9th talk up the race to your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Brag that your little sprinter is the best in their class. Convince them that your little Olympian is such a good runner that they are willing to pledge money based on how may laps they can run. Take it a step further, invite them to the race on the 9th to see your little tyke go! This is your contribution to fundraising.

-After the race on the 9th, you have until October 31st to turn in all pledges. The child that raises the most money will receive a Branches Bolt Champion T-shirt and a $50 gift card to Toys-R-us!!! Can someone say early Christmas Shopping???

We are so excited for this wonderful opportunity to give to such an awesome Ministry. I personally serve as a volunteer for Branches and the amount of time and love the ladies have sown into my personal life goes beyond all the money I can give. They have so many wonderful ideas of how they can help and serve not only our staff but the families of our centers as well. Check out the calendar each month for monthly events that Branches will be hosting!

FROGSTREET INFANT PROGRAM

FROG STREET INFANT Designed around the latest scientific early brain development research, Frog Street Infant curriculum is designed to build strong foundations for little ones ages 0-18 months. This child-centered program includes easy-to-use activities that: equip caregivers to nurture the little ones in their care. optimize key windows of opportunity for growth and development. are designed with intention and purpose and organized around developmental learning domains. feature Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline® strategies to enhance social and emotional development.

OUR PREK PROGRAM...Celebrating the joy of learning!

Frog Street Pre-K is a comprehensive, research-based program that integrates instruction across developmental domains and early learning disciplines. The program is engaging for both teachers and children and is easy to implement! The cornerstones of the program are: An extensive integration of theme, disciplines, and domains Social and Emotional development includes Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline ® Differentiated instruction Equity of English and Spanish materials and instruction Joyful approach to learning

KINDERGARTEN BOOT CAMP: AN ACADEMY EXCLUSIVE

The Academy is recognized by the community for our kindergarten specific programs including our one-of-a-kind Kindergarten Boot Camp. Our Pre-K program includes hands-on explorations that create new learning connections in language, math, science, social, emotional and physical development. Children investigate “Big Ideas” and are actively involved in seeking answers to their own questions. Intentional daily plans cover a specific range of guidelines that prepare our children to meet and exceed kindergarten readiness standards for both public and private schools. Kindergarten Boot Camp, offered exclusively by Never Grow Up, is a dedicated summer program that teaches important, yet often overlooked, skills needed to navigate kindergarten with confidence. Skills such as remembering a lunch number, carrying a lunch tray or returning a library book are examples of how we “train” our Academy kids to “be all they can be”!

OUR PARENT COMPANY

"WE'RE CREATING CHILDHOOD" The Academy Child Development Centers and Preschools are privately owned and operated by our parent company, Never Grow Up, Inc. Based out of Louisville, KY, family owned Never Grow Up, Inc. operated nearly 30 child development centers in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Indiana. Never Grow Up, Inc. is committed to providing private child care for parents who want only the best for their children. We understand that "we're creating childhood" every day for the children in our care, and we hold that privilege with the highest regard.

GOLD SNEAKER FACILITY

GETTING A JUMP ON CHILDHOOD OBESITY Healthy habits are instilled at a young age, with most habits being formed during adolescence. We feel it important to instill good habits at an early age, addressing behavioral factors that contribute to overweight and obesity from the beginning. The Gold Sneaker initiative was developed to enhance policy related to physical activity and nutrition within licensed child care facilities across Tennessee. Policies we've adopted include minimum requirements on physical activity, sedentary activities, breastfeeding, meal time, behaviors, portion sizes, and a tobacco-free facility. Together, we can create healthy habits for life.