Why You Should Join the PTO at Your Child’s School

Getting involved in your child’s education shows that you care about their future. One great way to join the school community is through the parent-teacher organization, or PTO. Collaboration between parents and teachers can make the school a better place for students and educators alike. Even if you don’t have a lot of time to devote, you can have your voice heard in one of these organizations. Here are some reasons why we recommend joining the PTO at your child’s school: 

Meet Other Parents

Joining a parent-teacher organization gives you the opportunity to socialize with other parents. This allows you to make new friends and connections with whom you already share common ground. At town hall meetings and events, you can talk to other parents at the school, which can help ease or work out any concerns you have. As new parents join, you can help them become acclimated to their child’s new school. 

Make Your Voice Heard

Teachers and parents alike need a space where they can hear from one another. PTO meetings and events provide a space to voice your concerns among like minded people. You can also take time to personally thank the teachers at the school for what they’re doing well. Along with speaking for yourself, you can speak for the children, who may not always feel empowered to speak for themselves. 

Help Your Child Feel Valued

Being involved in our child’s school shows them that you care about their education. Many children are proud of their parents for joining the parent-student organizations, even if they act embarrassed about it. Knowing their parents are advocating for them at school can help build childrens’ confidence, which can lead to improved behavior and performance.  

Give Back to the School

Parent-teacher organizations lift a burden off teachers, who often feel overworked. By volunteering at events, helping out in the classroom or just helping make plans for the school’s future, parents can give back to their children’s schools in a big way. This helps raise teacher morale and leads to better educational experiences for students. 

The PTO at NTCA

At North Tampa Christian Academy, parents can be involved in the PTO on a few different levels. Parent volunteers help teachers and the PTO as needed, either in classrooms or on field trips. Room parents assist teachers by facilitating communication between parents, teachers and the PTO. All members can participate in town hall meetings, and they often do. Our PTO helps make NTCA a great place to teach and a great place to learn. 

At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, we always encourage and appreciate parental involvement. Our students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Best Book-to-Movie Adaptations for Children and Teens

Book-to-movie adaptations have been around since the advent of cinema. They run the gamut from made-for-TV specials to feature films. For children and teens, these movies generate an interest in reading by bringing books to life in a different way. It’s also fun to see two different versions of a story and play a game of “spot the differences.” These movies are ones that everyone in the family can enjoy but that children and teens will find especially relatable. 

The Cat in the Hat

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss tells the story of The Cat and his two sidekicks, Thing 1 and Thing 2, who invade the home of two children, Sally and Conrad. They make a huge mess while the childrens’ mother is away. This classic book by Dr. Seuss has gone through a few adaptations. The most popular adaptation, the 1971 animated TV special by Bo Welch, uses the original illustration style and closely follows the book. The PG-rated 2003 live action adaptation is a fun movie, but the made-for-TV special, in this case, is a much more faithful version that received better reception by audiences and critics alike. 

Where the Wild Things Are

In Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, a boy named Max puts on a wolf costume and runs away from home to an imaginary world with friendly giant monsters called Wild Things. Visually, the 2009 movie is a seamless adaptation of the book. In the movie, Max and the Wild Things have added depth and dimensions. The timeless book and the movie are both great for people of all ages, but imaginative children will especially enjoy the story. 

Matilda

Roald Dahl wrote many great children’s books, and his 1988 book Matilda enjoyed great reception at the time that only improved with the release of the movie adaptation. The book and movie follow the story of a girl whose family doesn’t appreciate her intelligence and magical powers. Fortunately for Matilda, one of her teachers is looking out for her. The book is appropriate for children ages 8 and up, and the movie is rated PG due to a few scary and intense scenes. 

The Chronicles of Narnia 

The story of The Chronicles of Narnia follows four children who find that a magical land lies just beyond a wardrobe in the house they’re staying in. A lion named Aslan enlists them to help protect Narnia from evil, and they meet witches, princes and magical creatures along the way. In the 1950s, C. S. Lewis created this journey in a series of seven books, three of which have been adapted as movies. Out of the movies, the first one, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, based on the first book in the series, is widely thought to be the best.

Reading is fun, and movies can add a whole new dimension to the experience. North Tampa Christian Academy promotes leadership through Christian innovation. At our Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire every student. Contact us today to learn more.

How Christian Education Builds a Sense of Community

School helps children develop into who they’ll one day become, but private Christian schools are unique in fostering character. Due to affiliations with churches, Christian schools often come with a welcoming built-in community. This makes it easier for children to build relationships while learning. Going to school with like minded individuals comes with many benefits, especially for developing children. Here are some of the many ways Christian education builds a sense of community. 

Students Share More than Classes

On the first day of school, meeting new people in an unfamiliar place can be overwhelming. While Christian schools aren’t exempt from those initial anxieties, students (and their parents) can feel more comfortable knowing that they have faith as a connection. Aside from academic material, students can explore their faith and discuss it with others. This creates space for deeper friendships that can last a lifetime. 

Teachers Promote Faith Building

Teachers at any school can mentor students, but talking about faith isn’t allowed at all schools. Christian schools allow faith exploration, encouraging deeper conversations between teachers, students and staff. Everyone at the school learns and worships together, which creates an inherent connection between individuals. Students also tend to stay at the same school for longer, which allows teachers and staff to build strong relationships with students on a faith-based and a personal basis.

Service to the Community

One way Christian schools help build a sense of community is by encouraging student involvement in service projects. Often, classes at these schools do community service projects together for local churches and charity organizations. These acts of service help students bond and meet people outside of their schools. By working in the community, they also develop an understanding of the needs of others in their own backyard.

North Tampa Christian Academy promotes leadership through Christian innovation, which helps build a sense of community and strengthen bonds between students and teachers. At our Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire every student. Contact us today to learn more.

New Year’s Resolutions for Tomorrow’s Leaders

Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. As you start the new year, take time with your child to discuss New Year’s resolutions that can help them build leadership skills. Think about dreams you’ve discussed with your child where a new outlook can help them get to the next step. Setting goals for the New Year may give them that push they need. Here are a few self-improvement goals that can help children thrive: 

Learn to Manage Stress

Everyone has stress, especially children who feel pressured to be the best. High achievers strive to be better and often bite off more than they can chew. Some students struggle to keep up with all their commitments. It’s important for children and adults alike to take a step back when they become overwhelmed. This may look like pausing when stressed to take a breath and reframe the situation. It could also mean learning to say “no” to new obligations when they’re already doing enough. You and your child can work on this together by practicing stress management techniques. 

Become a Better Friend

Friends are everything to children. It can be difficult for a child to understand why someone likes them one week and doesn't the next. There’s a lot that can go wrong in a friendship, and it helps to consider ways to prevent losing friends. Children, just like adults, want friends who are trustworthy, reliable and kind. Encourage your child to foster their friendships by focusing on personal connections. This essential life skill will help them on school grounds and beyond. 

Try Out for Something New

There’s always something new to try. Children can become well-rounded by learning new skills and discovering new talents. Maybe they’re skilled at sports but always wanted to try out for the talent show. Perhaps they love writing but never considered entering a writing contest. This could even be the year your smart but shy child finally tries out for the debate team. Having something to work toward will give them something to look forward to and give them a unique skill set that they can use later on in life.

Get Involved in the Community

No matter where you live, there will always be someone in the community who needs help. Encourage your child to get more involved in their community this year. There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering to coordinating canned food drives. Talk to your child about which causes interest them the most, and see how you can help them plan out a service project. If they enjoy volunteering, look for opportunities at nonprofits in your area throughout the year. Community involvement will help them understand the world around them and help with future career prospects.

To start the new year, help your child set goals that will help them build leadership skills. At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.

Bringing Winter to Florida Through Kid-Friendly Crafts

Florida winter is here, and while it may be chilly by Floridians’ standards, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be seeing snow anytime soon. Sometimes you need a little extra help getting into the winter spirit. These wintery crafts should do the trick for you and your child.

Pinecone Winter Owl 

If there’s one thing Florida does have, it’s birds. The state is actually a bird sanctuary! However, some birds only live in colder climates. The snowy owl, for example, calls the Arctic home. This cute craft project can bring this wise bird to Florida for the winter. Any child old enough to handle Elmer’s glue can help put one of these owls together.

Supplies Needed

• Pinecones

• White felt, beige felt, orange felt

• Cotton balls

• Googly eyes

• Elmer’s glue or hot glue gun glue

• Scissors 

Instructions

1. If the pinecones are collected outside, dry them in the oven at 200 degrees for an hour or two. After the first hour, check every 30 minutes or so. If they’re craft store pinecones, they’ll be good to go.

2. Tear up the cotton balls, and stuff the cotton into the pinecone. No need for glue in this step.

3. Cut the wings and eye area out of white felt. 

4. Cut the head out of beige felt, leaving space for the eye area.

5. Cut out a small triangle for the beak from the orange felt.

6. Glue the layers together, then glue on the googly eyes. 

7. Glue the wings to some of the cotton you used to create the owl shape in the pinecone.

View the full tutorial here. 

Paper 3D Snowflake

Snow doesn’t fall from the sky in Florida, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make your own! This project is easy, but it has a lot of steps. We would recommend this project for a child who already enjoys crafting and can safely use scissors. Take an afternoon over winter break with your child to make these adorable paper snowflakes. Who says it can’t snow in Florida?

Supplies Needed

• Scrapbook paper or regular printer paper

• Scissors 

• Glue or staples

Instructions

1. Cut seven square pieces of paper. 6” squares will make a snowflake that’s about 15” wide.

2. Fold each square of paper in half diagonally to make triangles.

3. Fold each triangle in half to make smaller triangles.

4. Hold the paper in place by the end with two folds, and cut 3 evenly spaced lines from that end, stopping about ¼ inch from the single folded edge. 

5. Unfold the paper, then twist the innermost points near the center. Glue the point of one over the point of the other to make a cylinder.

6. Flip the paper, and twist the next points toward the center, gluing them together. Repeat this process for each layer. 

7. Glue the widest parts of each piece together, the area where you glued them together for the first steps.

8. Repeat the above step with each glued row.

9. Then, glue the centers together. That’s what will make your final snowflake shape. 

10. If you’ll be using this snowflake as an ornament, you can simply punch a hole in one of the outside points.

View the full tutorial here. 

No-Sew Sock Penguin

Penguins can be found in more places than the snowy owl, but Florida is not one of those places, except maybe at a zoo or theme park. Floridian children can’t help but be fascinated by these adorable waddling birds. This project is a little more involved than the other two, so we would recommend doing this one with an older child. 

Supplies Needed

• Black sock

• Colorful sock, preferably with a pattern for the hat

• Rice

• Rubber bands

• White and orange felt

• Ribbon

• Glue gun

• Felt glue

• Markers or paint

• Scissors 

Instructions

1. Fill the black sock with rice, creating the rough shape of the penguin body as you pour.

2. Wrap a rubber band or two at the top. 

3. Wrap a rubber band just above the middle to separate the body and head. Shape it as you go, and consider using a second rubber band for reinforcement.

4. Cut the excess sock, sealing the top with glue from the glue gun.

5. Cut an oval shape out of white felt. Measure it against the body, and consider drawing the shape before cutting. 

6. Glue the oval shape onto the penguin using felt glue or the glue gun.

7. Cut a beak out of orange felt, and glue it to the head.

8. Draw on eyes with a marker, or paint them on for a more 3D look.

9. Glue on ribbon to make a scarf, overlapping it to give a tied off look.

10. Cut the colorful sock in the middle.

11. Roll up the sock to get the hat shape.

12. Place the hat on top of the penguin.

View the full tutorial here. 

Winters in Florida don’t mean snow, penguins or snowy owls, but these crafts can bring the season to the state. At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, students thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a project-based learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.