wfm august 2010

| AUGUST 2010 3

FamilyW I C H I T A

M A G A Z I N EWichitaFamily.com August 2010

AUGUST 2010 3

Regal Car Sales and Credit and Dress for Success lend a hand to a family in need

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: INVESTING IN QUALITY CHILD CARE WILL PAY OFF DOWN THE ROAD

ON THE MOVE WITH K12

How one family eased the angst of changing ‘schools’

SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION

STEPPING UP AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Wichita Family Magazine’s

2010

Back-to-School Basics:

Wichita Public Schools

Playground safety

School Nights

INSIDE:PULL OUT & SAVE

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL

4 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 www.WichitaFamily.com

contentsWichitaFamily.com AUGUST 2010

insi

de9 MUSIC MATTERS

| AUGUST 2010 3

FamilyW I C H I T A

M A G A Z I N EWichitaFamily.com August 2010

AUGUST 2010 3

Regal Car Sales and Credit and Dress for Success lend a hand to a family in need

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT: INVESTING IN QUALITY CHILD CARE WILL PAY OFF DOWN THE ROAD

ON THE MOVE WITH K12How one family eased the angst of changing ‘schools’

SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION


A

Wichita Family Magazine’s 2010

Back-to-School Basics: Wichita Public Schools Playground safety School Nights

INSIDE:PULL OUT & SAVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL

12 FIND THE RIGHT FITInvesting in quality child care will pay off down the road

It’s back to school. Are your kids’ instruments ready for the upcoming year?

ON THE MOVE WITH K12


STEPPING UP AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE18 Regal Car Sales and Credit and Dress For Success lend a hand to a family in need

Wichita Family Magazine’s

2010

Back-to-School Basics:

Wichita Public Schools

Playground safety

School Nights

PAGE10ALSO:

WICHITA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.......16FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS.......20CLASSIFIED ADS............................21

INSIDE:PULL OUT & SAVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL SPECIAL

www.WichitaFamily.com Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 5

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While the kids splash at the Rock River Rapids water park, the older generation can stroll through the themed gardens at Botanica. Or head to Bradley Fair and enjoy Autumn & Art, a fi ne arts festival featuring artists from across the nation, Sept. 17-19, 2010. Wichita has the unique mix of attractions to make everyone happy at your next family reunion. All at Midwestern prices. Go Wichita will assist with hotel selection and fi nd the source for customized T-shirts and banners. For a free family reunion planner checklist, contact Adrienn Massaglia, [email protected] or 316.265.2800.

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Publisher:

For the Families, LLC

316.295.8465

Publishers

Eric and Christy Clark

Editor

Jessica Lindsey

Advertising inquiries contact:

Eric Clark

316.295.8465 or [email protected]

or Jessica Lindsey

316.393.1011 or [email protected]

Wichita Family Magazine is published 12 times a year by For the Families, LLC. Wichita Family Magazine is available free, at schools, stores, restaurants, libraries, retailers and local attractions, as well as other places families frequent. For a complete list of where to fi nd Wichita Family, or for subscription rates, visit

www.wichitafamily.com.

Mailing address:

P.O. Box 817

Wichita, Kansas 67201

How to reach us:Phone: 316.295.8465

Email: [email protected]

Copyright 2009 by For the Families, LLC. All rights reserved. Wichita Family Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions or contest fulfi llment from third parties. Reproduction in part or in whole without written permission is strictly prohibited. Wichita Family is distributed free of charge. The magazine’s advertisers make this possible, so support them! We reserve the right to edit submitted material. All submissions will be considered for publication, but we reserve the right to refuse material. Materials will not be returned. Any editorial content or advertising published is the property

of For the Families, LLC.

FamilyW I C H I T A

M A G A Z I N E

editor’s note

Is it just me, or did this summer fl y by at a record-setting pace?

I blinked and June was gone. We did some fun things as a family, had some lazy days around the house and all of a sudden July was over. Now the fi rst day of school is just around the corner so we're fi tting in all the last-minute fun

and preparing for a brand new year of learning!

Check out our special section on education this month as you get ready to send your family back to school. We also have some great information from Child Start on fi nding quality childcare for your family.

This issue also features a story about what a difference local groups can make in the life of someone who needs a little help. It's always neat to hear of businesses stepping up and donating to needy people in the community.

Look in upcoming issues for a ballot to vote for your favorite things in Wichita. We'll be putting together a list of Best for Families and we'll need your opinions to fi nd out the best places and services in the Wichita area. This is a great time to get the word out about the places you love in our area and let other families in on what you think makes these places family friendly.

You can always give us feedback on what you like or don't like and what you'd like to see in Wichita Family Magazine! Email me at [email protected] or fi nd us on Facebook.

-JL

BESTFOR FAMILY

2011Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey.Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.

or vote onlineat wichitafamily.com

Dining:

Top 3 Local Restaurants1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Appetizer____________________________________Atmosphere__________________________________Bang For Your Buck___________________________BBQ_______________________________________Breakfast____________________________________Chinese_____________________________________Coffee ______________________________________Dessert______________________________________Cafe________________________________________Hamburger___________________________________Healthy Food_________________________________Ice Cream___________________________________Italian_______________________________________Mexican_____________________________________New Restaurant_______________________________Pizza________________________________________Sandwiches__________________________________Seafood_____________________________________Service______________________________________Sports Bar___________________________________Steak_______________________________________

Shopping:

Antiques_____________________________________Art Gallery___________________________________Children’s Store______________________________Day Spa_____________________________________Furniture Store_______________________________Gift Store____________________________________Jeweler______________________________________Men’s Casual_________________________________Men’s Shoes_________________________________Musical Instruments___________________________Pets________________________________________Place for a Massage____________________________Places to Work________________________________

Women’s Casual______________________________Women’s Formal______________________________

Schools:

Public_______________________________________Private______________________________________Alternative___________________________________

Entertainment

Art Exhibit___________________________________Concert Venue________________________________Golf Course__________________________________Live Theater__________________________________Museum_____________________________________Non-Profi t Event______________________________Place to Take the Family________________________Playground___________________________________Sports experience______________________________Theater______________________________________Water Park___________________________________Weekend Getaway_____________________________

What’s the Best Thing About Wichita?_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Remove this entire page from the magazine and send to:

Wichita Family MagazineAttn: Best For Family 2011

P.O. Box 817Wichita, Kansas 67201

RULES: Photocopies are not accepted. One vote per person. At least half the categories must be fi lled out, and the ballot must be validated with voter’s information. If the authenticity of the ballet cannot be verifi ed, it will not be counted. Businesses and organization may post a sign asking customers to vote for them, but handing out ballots constitutes ballot-stuffi ng and, if verifi ed, the establishment will be disqualifi ed.

Ballot must be postmarked by November 17, 2010.

Services:Cleaning Service______________________________Accountant___________________________________Adoption Agency______________________________Assisted Living Facility_________________________Attorney_____________________________________Auto Dealer__________________________________Auto Repair__________________________________Carpet and Rug Cleaners________________________Childcare____________________________________Chiropractor__________________________________Counseling Service____________________________Electric Contractor_____________________________Financial Planning Consultant/Service_________________________________________________________Florist_______________________________________Funeral Homes and Director_________________________________________________________________General Contractor____________________________Top 3 General Dentists1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Top 3 Hospitals1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Insurance Agent______________________________Pet Grooming_________________________________Top 3 Pediatricians1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________

Photographer_________________________________Top 3 Physicians/Surgeons1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Plumbing____________________________________Top 3 Optometrists1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________

Top 3 Orthodontists1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Top 3 Real Estate Agents1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Retirement Community1.__________________________________________2.__________________________________________3.__________________________________________Television Service_____________________________Wedding Service_______________________________

BESTFOR FAMILY

2011Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey. Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.

2011



2300 E. Lincoln Wichita, KS 672111-800-362-1060 316-262-1487

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You get more than The Music

Band & Orchestral InstrumentsPrint Music & Accessories

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COMMITMENTTo consistently provide the highest level of professional service.

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Music Matters by Lori Supinie President, Senseney Music, Inc.

It’s Back to School Time!

Did your summer whiz by in a blur? No doubt it did and you’re faced with the never ending list of back to school supplies for your students:

notebooks, crayons, folders, shoes, etc. etc. etc.! If your student is in the school band or orchestra program, they’ll need some items to get them started, as well.

Reed instruments will probably need new reeds – for most students (other than beginners) a package of 6-10 reeds should last them at least the semester, if not the whole year. How about their swabs? They can get pretty nasty after a year or two and are relatively inexpensive to replace. Likewise, brass instrument players can use new lubricants (valve or slide oils) or polishing cloths. String players may need new rosin or new strings on their instrument as they just wear out over time with use. Percussionists can use new sticks or mallets. A stick bag is handy to carry and keep track of them.

How about the instruments? If you own your instrument now is the time to get it into the repair shop! Most repair shops are extremely busy in the summer, but you may be able to schedule a future appointment if the instrument is playable. Good, regular maintenance is important in protecting your investment, like a car or a home. Ask your student if there were any problems at the end of the school year and have them check it out now if they haven’t been practicing regularly this summer �. If you’re renting an instrument and have kept it over the summer, your maintenance coverage should take care of any problems you’re having.

For students in elementary and middle school, a class method book is usually required. Generally, but not always, the students will move up a level with each school year. Senseney Music keeps extensive lists of music teachers and

the books they require for band or orchestra class for each grade in case you lose that note from the director!

If you have a beginner starting band or orchestra, feel free to bring them into Senseney Music for a “test drive” of the standard beginner instruments. Our staff of professional music educators will try them out and help them evaluate what they feel they will be most successful at. What a great time for your child – they are in for a great experience which will impact them positively for the rest of their lives!!



Spotlight on Education

ON THE MOVEWITH K12

Some 43 million Americans representing 16 percent of the U.S. population pack up and relocate each year. We are a nation on the move,

and although relocating can be very exciting, it can be taxing on a family, especially children.

Kids can have a hard time saying goodbye to their home, neighborhood, friends, activities--and most importantly, their school. What’s more, families are left to face the hurdles that come with fi nding the right school to meet their children’s needs. The majority of public schools are not created equal.

For example, states have different rules and regulations (the proverbial red tape) regarding K-12 education. There are different course transfer policies, entrance and testing requirements, and—what many families discover to their dismay—schools from one state to the next have different grade-level course requirements. Students might be required to repeat courses that they already have taken, or they could miss a core course (say geometry) that was

offered at the grade below their entering grade level. Many families also discover that the number of elective, advanced, and special needs courses can be thick or thin, depending on their state and school district.

An Easier Transition

The Straub family—Alicia and Will and their two daughters—of Ellinwood, Kansas, has moved enough to know the ins and outs of adjusting to different schools. But when the family recently relocated from Pennsylvania—where the girls were enrolled in Agora Cyber Charter School—to Kansas, the choice was easy: Lawrence Virtual School (LVS), a tuition-free online public school serving Kansas kids in grades K-10.* Both Agora and LVS are virtual public school programs powered by K12, the nation’s leading online education provider for grades K-12. With K12, learning happens online, wherever an Internet connection can be found.

K12 online public schools, or “virtual schools,” are currently serving students in over half the states, and D.C., and the

number of students is rapidly growing. In fact, with more than one million courses delivered to date, K¹² is the leader—by a wide margin—in providing learning programs to public schools in the U.S. These schools are free to parents and offer K¹²’s acclaimed K-12 program providing an individualized educational experience like no other.

Prior to Agora, Alicia specifi cally knew the type of program she wanted for her children: Her oldest daughter is a fast learner, so she wanted a curriculum that was challenging, coupled with a program that is accredited and available nationwide. She also knew from experience (serving as a substitute teacher in public schools) that some schools have limited course offerings and, she noted, that teachers often have to spend a lot of their own time on “crowd control” instead of teaching.

“I did look at local public schools, but I found, for example, that one school only offered two language classes, whereas my daughter had many foreign language choices, and, in fact, she is taking Latin this year,” Alicia said,


K12.com

Online schooling from America’s leader: K12

K12 makes learning come alive with online interactive content, textbooks, hands-on activities, and expert teachers. Our options include tuition-free online public schools, an accredited online private school, and 210+ courses available by direct purchase. K12 is the leader in online education for grades K-12: fi nd out why at K12.com.

K12 offers you a choice in the way your kids learn.

To thrive, many children need a different kind of classroom. The Lawrence Virtual School and K¹² give Kansas kids in grades K-10 the chance to learn in the ways that are right for them.

LVS offers:

• The award-winning K12 curriculum• Support from Kansas-licensed teachers • An active, supportive school community• A range of extracurricular activities• A robust Advanced Learner Program

• The only statewide virtual public school program to offer the complete K12 experience for students in grades K-10

• Ability for students to participate in their school district’s extracurricular athletics and activities

Get to know Kansas’s full-time, tuition-free* public school option

SCHOOL HAS STARTED, BUT WE’RE STILL ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR THE 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR. Don’t wait! Visit K12.com/KS or call 866.644.8320 for more information.

*Annual technology fee required for enrolling students.

adding, “Kids today need the tools to compete in the world; they need more education options.”

With the move to Kansas, the “portability” benefi t paid off, Alicia said, and both girls had a seamless transition. “I fi rst chose K12 because I really wanted a program that was accredited and nationwide—and when we moved, I didn’t want to start over,” said Alicia. Her daughters will start fi rst and third grade this fall. In fact, both daughters are ahead a grade level.

Social Connections

Alicia knows there is a myth that kids who are not educated in traditional schools are isolated and miss out on opportunities to socialize and have fun with their peers. “It’s kind of the opposite because of the fl exibility that the LVS curriculum allows,” Alicia explained. “My kids are involved in all sorts of activities, from 4-H, church groups, tennis, track, and T-ball, and they have lots of friends and do what all kids do at their ages—stay active and have fun.”

Award-winning Curriculum

“What I like about the LVS curriculum is that my daughters are getting a stellar education and they are learning things, that, quite frankly, I didn’t learn at that age. And everything is tied together, so if my oldest is studying history for example, the art course will tie into that historic period, so she’ll

get a total understanding of that period … I really

believe this is the future of education,” Alicia concludes.

Lawrence Virtual School is currently accepting enrollments in grades K-10. Find out more by joining us at an event—online or in person. Simply visit K12.com/KS, or call 866.644.8320 to learn more.

*Annual technology fee required for enrolling students.


As a parent you want the best for your kids. Sometimes, however, the task of knowing what is best or fi nding the best for them can be daunting.

Take child care, for example. Many times word of mouth or personal references can lead to a great child care provider but that luxury isn't always readily available. That's when an organization called Child Start can become your best friend.

“This service is important because the early years are the foundation for the rest of your life in terms of success,” said Teresa Rupp, executive director of Child Start. “Ninety percent of brain development takes place before the age of 5.”

Child Start is a nonprofi t organization that oversees programs that include Head Start, a preschool program for children, and the Child Care Resource and Referral Program.

While the programs serve many different area's of the community, all point back to Child Start's one clear purpose: preparing your child for lifelong success.

“Just like when you're building a house, you need a solid foundation,” said Rupp. “You need the wiring before you put up the drywall. It's the foundation for the rest of what is going to happen in life. Reading, language, how you get along with others, at the age of 18 or 21 if you're a good person to live beside, if you're a person that someone would want to hire. It all starts with quality care, the parent and the person who watches them when the parent is not there.”

Rather than stressing about what you're getting yourself into when trying to fi nd a quality child care provider, Child Start can be your best resource and can help you become an informed consumer. Child Start, a benefi ciary of the United Way, offers the services free to parents.

On the fl ip side, Child Start offers countless training classes for child care providers. The educational classes give providers the required hours of training to become licensed and maintain their license.

Aiding parents in their search

For parents, making a call to the Child Care Resource and Referral program is a great fi rst-step in fi nding quality child

care openings in the Wichita area. The Resource and Referral Call Center serves the 316 and 620 area codes with information on area child care providers. The toll-free number is 1-800-684-3962. By partnering with KDHE, state and national networks, Child Start is able to compile a detailed listing of child care providers. When providers complete necessary requirements to be licensed by the state, they are entered into the Call Center’s system.

“A call (to the Resource and Referral Center) can take about 10 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on how many questions the parent has,” said Clairissa Maddy, senior manager of the Call Center.

During the call, the call center specialist asks for information on the hours, days, location and any other requirements that the parent is looking for in a child care provider.

“We talk to them about what to look for, what questions to ask,” said Maddy. “We’re helping parents to become informed consumers.”

The caller is given a list of at least eight providers that fi t their requirements.

written by Jessica Lindsey

FINDING THE RIGHT FITInvesting in quality child care will pay off down the road

“It’s an individualized list,” said Maddy. “There may be many quality providers, but your list wouldn’t necessarily match my list. It’s based on needs, preferences, times, ages, locations, vacancies, etc.”

The caller also receives a sheet of information on each provider that tells fees, some information about the provider and contact information.

“We suggest that you talk on the phone with (the provider), ask for references, take and read the handbook thoroughly,” said Maddy.

Equipped with a list of names, the parent can then begin narrowing down which child care provider would be the best fi t for the family.

The Call Center averages 20 to 30 calls per day while certain times of the year, such as the summer months and January, tend to produce a higher volume of calls.

Child Start’s website, www.childstart.org, also has resources available to parents. Parents can search for providers through the online system and also can use a program to estimate whether their family could qualify Head Start or for child care subsidies from the state.

Training, counseling and more for providers

In addition to the support offered to parents, Child Start provides valuable support to caregivers as well.

Care providers are required to take a specifi ed number of education classes to become licensed. A variety of classes and training sessions are offered through Child Start, helping providers to be trained to give the best possible care to children. Some classes are free and

Serving vision impaired and typically developing children in an integrated setting, the

Envision Child Development Center provides comprehensive early intervention

services for children birth through age 5. As a licensed childcare facility and preschool,

the Envision Child Development Center offers a high quality education while allowing

children to play, make art and music, and enjoy being kids.

(316) 440-1630 www.envisionchild.com

Enrolling now for August 16 opening. Call today!

610 N. Main, Downtown Wichita, Kansas

Searching for Child Care?

800-684-3962

Let Child Start help with a free list of child care options available to you and

resources to determine the bestchild care choice!

www.childstart.org


www.WichitaFamily.com14 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 www.WichitaFamily.com

others are offered for a small fee.

“Not only are the Child Start training classes fulfi lling the required hours needed for my licensing, but it is an invaluable tool in helping me learn to set up my business,” said Leslie Corenchuc who recently became a licensed provider and opened her home day care, Wee Care, in west Wichita.

Classes include curriculum training, developmental milestone education, behavior and guidance classes, the list goes on. Services are also available to help providers with specifi c issues such as how to handle biting, how to balance having a home business along with managing family responsibilities and more.

“There are so many resources that Child Start offers that will help me run my business to its fullest potential,” continued Corenchuc. “I’m excited that they’ll have my name and number available for people contacting them looking for child care. The staff at Child Start has given us access to call on them anytime and to have them come out and help us with behavior issues or ideas on what to try if we’re having specifi c issues with children. It just feels so good to know that there’s an organization right here that is so willing and ready to help me.”

Providers are asked to keep in touch with Child Start to keep the system updated with vital information such as vacancies, fees and other information so the Call Center can give out accurate information to parents looking for openings.

New laws and a new rating system

A new law that went into effect July 1, 2010 has changed the requirements for people providing child care in their homes.

Up until July 1, providers had the option of choosing to be licensed or registered by the state. That option is no longer available, providers now are required to become licensed to care for children.

Registered day care providers were allowed fewer children that they could care for and were never required to have an on-site licensing surveyor to inspect the home where care was provided. As a licensed provider, a survey is done, a specifi c number of education hours are

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Kids Day Inn---a quality Christian Mom’s Day Out program at Westlink Christian Church 2001 N. Maize Road, Wichita 722-1034 x121. Based on the “Bee” Attitudes Classes for 2& 3 year olds Monday, Thursday OR Friday.

Noah’s Ark Child Care Center and Preschool, 6100 W. Maple St. Wichita 943-2088. Located inside Central Community Church.Caring for children 2 ½ to 7yrs. Biblical and Preschool Curriculum….SRS approved CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB: http://www.centralcommunity.org/noahsark/index.html

Childcare Directory

required and a higher ratio of children is allowed.

No new registrations to become a registered day care provider are being accepted. If someone has already been practicing as a registered provider, when their registration is up for renewal, they will be expected to complete the application and requirements to become licensed.

“KDHE (Kansas Department of Health and Environment) has already sent out licensed packets with applications, regulation books and forms to all Registered Day Care home providers whose Certifi cates will be expiring in July, August and September,” said Nancy Jensen, Child Care Supervisor with the Offi ce of Environmental Health for the City of Wichita. “These persons will be required to submit a licensed application if they want to continue conducting child care in their homes.”

Between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, all registered home day cares will be phased out and only licensed child care providers will exist.

Child Start’s leaders are supportive of the change, stating that the licensing standards will provide parents with higher quality home day care providers. Child Start also is helping parents to identify the highest quality providers by rolling out a new rating system called the Kansas Quality Rating Improvement System (KQRIS).

“The program has been active for fi ve years, but we were building up our system before publicizing the ratings to the parents,” said Rupp.

As of July 1, the ratings are now available to parents. However, ratings are only available on providers who have volunteered for the program. The comprehensive program evaluates providers in several different areas of their business. It rates the provider in each area on a 5-star grading system. As an added benefi t, if the provider is a 3 in one area, they are given specifi c information on how to reach the next level and become a 4 rating.

Now, when parents call the Child Care Resource and Referral Call Center and are given a list of child care providers who meet their criteria they will also

receive the KQRIS ratings for any of the providers who have volunteered to be evaluated.

The program allows parents to have yet another opportunity to be an informed consumer and it offers providers a chance to show their strengths and improve on their weaknesses.

Currently, Child Start is operating KQRIS through grant money. Several states, including Colorado, have chosen to fund the program fully because of the benefi t it is to parents and children using child care and because it encourages child care providers to strive for the highest quality of care. “Every child care provider who has a license from the Health Department is in our system but not every one of them will have gone through the KQRIS process,” said Rupp. “We have been trying to build it up and now the goal is that parents will be in a place to be able to drive the demand for higher quality care and ask their providers to be a part of the rating system. It won’t take long for parents to realize that this is what they want to see in a day care provider.”


Open your heart. Open your home.

(316) 260-4673 • Kids’ Point, K-96 & OliverRainbowsUnited.org

High QualityEarly Childhood Program

Preschool and child care openingsEvidenced based • Focus on whole child

30 months - 5 years • Year round learningOutdoor classrooms • All abilities welcome

Piano lessons also available

OFFER CHILDCARE SERVICES?

Connect with families instantly by advertising

in our childcare directory for as little

as $30/month. Contact Jessica at editor@

wichitafamily.com.


News and information from our partners at Wichita Public Schools

Horace Mann teacher fi nalist for Presidential Award

Rachel Aponso, math teacher at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet, has been named one of three Kansas fi nalists for the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science from the National Science Foundation. Finalists were selected based on fi ve areas including mastery of math/science content and knowledge, use of instructional methods and strategies to support student learning, effective use of assessment strategies and educational leadership outside her classroom.

Aponso will receive $500 to use in her classroom. National winners for the Presidential Award will be announced in May of 2011.

High school seniors receive millions

in scholarshipsThe 2010 senior class received many scholarships to help support their future educational endeavors. The amount of scholarships given to students throughout all high schools totals $26,098,121.

“We are incredibly proud that many of our students will have the opportunity to go to college with fi nancial assistance,” said Denise Wren, Assistant Superintendent of High Schools. “Whether it’s a large or small scholarship, it really makes a difference for our students.”

PreK through fi th-grade students at Payne Elementary were rewarded for perfect attendance for the school year. The students who had

perfect attendance were given bicycles on the last day of school.

The students who received bikes are Connor Richardson, PreK; Sheyla Paz-Velasquez, kindergarten; Kayla Kelley, third-grade; Yvette Fabela, Colton Minnick and Zoey Large, fourth grade; Dashiell Mitchell, Cintia Cruz-Tello,

Payne students rewarded for attendance

Ashley Crumrine and Leslie Lopez, fi fth-grade. Large, Fabela and Kelley have had multiple years of perfect attendance.

Globe Engineering, one of the school’s partners, purchased the bikes for the students. Globe Engineering

provides support and mentors for Payne throughout the year and has supplied bikes for students with perfect attendance for the past several years.

Photo courtesy Globe Engineering

BESTFOR FAMILY

2011Best For Family 2011 Readers’ Choice Survey.Results will be published in the February 2011 issue of Wichita Family Magazine. Submit this ballot by November 17, 2010.


your ballot by


Jardine Technology Magnet received a grant from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. The school will receive $6,000 to expand and update its library book collection. Jardine will purchase books for their general

Nine high school graduates received scholarships from the Assistance League of Wichita

to help them continue their education. Most of the students who were selected

Students receive scholarships from Assistance League

ABOVE: First row: Tommy Le, Southeast; Second row from left: Suzanne Koch, Assistance League Scholarship Chair; Primchanok Vongjumnong, Southeast; Wenlencia Robinson,Southeast; Tanya Klingsporn, South; Back row: Pierre Alexander, Northwest; Jamaal Landrum, East; Marlon Ponce, South; Lorenzo Martinez, North and Adrian Ibarra-Solis, North.

Photo courtesy Assistance League

are the fi rst in their family to graduate high school and go on to college. The students will attend Butler Community College or Wichita Area Technical College in the fall.

Two students from East High School received fi fth-place at the National Forensic League National Tournament in Kansas City. Jonathan Lewallen, 2010 graduate, fi nished 5th in International Extemporaneous Speaking. In the fi nal round, he spoke before an audience of approximately 1,500 on the topic of what the international community can do to combat terrorism.

Salman Husain, incoming senior, fi nished 5th in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate category. The topic discussed was whether including non-felons’ DNA in government databases was just or unjust.

Both students received their awards during the NFL Awards Ceremony on June 18.

East students in top 5 at Forensics Tournament

collection, their bilingual/foreign language collection and for audio books.

Jardine was one of 188 schools across the country to receive the grant.

Jardine received grant from Laura Bush Foundation

18 Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 www.WichitaFamily.comwww.WichitaFamily.com

On the morning of July 2, Alice Edmonds poured an entire bottle of power steering fl uid into her leaky 1991 Chrysler

New Yorker. She ran some errands that morning and when Edmonds pulled into Regal Car Sales and Credit later that day, the power steering fl uid was already on empty.

This was not a rare occurrence for her car. It ate oil, transmission fl uid, power steering fl uid and a whole lot of gas. Not to mention the busted window and lack of working headlights.

None of this was new to Edmonds, but on July 2 when she pulled the car into Regal Car Sales and Credit, 3110 S. Broadway in Wichita, she happily left that reality behind her.

Regal donated a 2004 Ford Taurus to Edmonds who has struggled get things in order for her family. An unreliable, and even dangerous, car only added to the situation. Edmonds had been stranded

several times and was not comfortable taking the car on any major highway.

“I wasn't able to drive it at night,” said Edmonds of her old car. “I had to race to be home before the sun went down. If something would have happened to my kids when we were at home at night, I would have had to call family or call an ambulance to get help.”

Edmonds, an unemployed single mother of two, happily accepted the white car with the big red bow and is excited for the possibilities it brings along with it.

“I'm hoping that this will do a lot for my family,” said Edmonds. “I think it will open a lot of doors not having to worry about a car that's not reliable.”

Making a difference

Sometimes a little help goes a long way and that’s what Regal Car Sales and Credit is counting on. The car dealership, owned by Robert Mulkey, has 13 locations across Oklahoma,

Missouri and Kansas.

Employees say Mulkey has encouraged each of them to be involved in their communities and to be aware of the needs around them. When an email came across her desk from a lady asking for help, Mary Kay Humerickhouse, marketing director for the dealership, decided to look into it.

Edmonds had emailed several dozen car dealerships in the Wichita area asking for help. She explained that she had a son with disabilities, a limited income and a car that just wasn’t helping things.

“I emailed her back telling her that Regal Car Sales and Credit is a buy-here, pay-here used car dealership and many people come to us because they can’t get a vehicle anywhere else,” said Humerickhouse. “We realize there are those people who have nowhere to turn and no way to purchase a vehicle, but they can’t do without one.”

Humerickhouse told Edmonds that she

written by Jessica Lindsey


Regal Car Sales and Credit and Dress For Success lend a hand to a family in need

www.WichitaFamily.com Wichita Family | AUGUST 2010 19m

would talk to Mulkey and see what they could do. After getting more details from Edmonds, Humerickhouse gave Edmonds an answer.

“We felt that she could use our help and in doing so, we’re hoping that maybe this can start a chain of kindness for her,” said Humerickhouse. “Hopefully this will help her help herself as far as having a better life for herself and her kids. Hopefully this will help her to be able to do what she can to get a job and raise her kids to be responsible citizens as well.”Edmonds was at the library using the internet when she saw the email saying that Mulkey and Regal Car Sales and Credit were going to donate a car to her family.

“I wanted to jump up and down,” said Edmonds. “But I was at the library, so I couldn’t.”

Regal Car Sales and Credit has donated cars, time, sponsorship and more in the past.

“We realize that things happen to people in our communities,” said Mulkey. “Obviously we can’t run around giving away cars all the time, but if we see something out there, if we see a need, we want to do something.”

Extending the help one step furtherAs an added help, Dress for Success, 1422 N. High Street, was contacted to help Edmonds be prepared to fi nd a job.

Dress for Success, a local affi liate of the national non-profi t organization, starts its clients off with an interview outfi t, makeup, even a haircut to get women ready for the job search.

“The women are assisted by volunteer personal shoppers who help them pick out clothes that are appropriate and look best on them,” said Pat Jones of Dress for Success.

Dress for Success operates thanks to donations of clothing, hose, shoes and more. The High Street location has a room full of clothes for all sizes and the women referred to the group are taken on a personal shopping trip.

Dress for Success also offers a program that helps the women be successful in

the workforce by teaching interviewing skills, networking, presentation skills and more. There is a career center on site that is available for working on resumes, looking for jobs online as well.

After a client fi nds a job, they can come back and pick out an employment outfi t.

“It’s kind of a reward for getting a job,” said Jones. “They’re also invited to join a professional women’s group that meets every month.”

Sessions on job retention, balancing life, fi nancial issues and more are also offered to the women.

“We help them through the whole process,” said Jones. “As long as they need us, we’re here.”

Dress for Success takes donations at their building at 1422 N. High on Mondays and all Miller’s Dry Cleaners accept donations on any day of the week. To learn more about the organization and to see what donations are needed, go to www.dressforsuccess.org/wichita.

Westlink Christian Church2001 N. Maize Rd.

Thursday, September 9or

Friday, September 109:15 - 11:20 a.m.

Enjoy a delicious brunch, relevant speakers and interactive small group

time - all while your kids are enjoying a structured children’s program.

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TTeach your children well: Basic Financial EducationFinancial Foundations

H. Joe KukulaFinancial Advisor

Bill R. KliewerFinancial Advisor

Waddell & Reed811 E. 30th, Ste E

Hutchinson, KS 67502620-669-8291waddell.com

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This information should not be construed as investment or financial advice re-lated to your personal situation. Please consult with a financial advisor prior tomaking financial decisions.

Even before your children can count,they already know something about

money; it’s what you have to give the icecream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket shipat the grocery store. So, as soon as your children begin to handlemoney, start teaching them how to handle it wisely.Making Allowances/Commissions

Giving children allowances or commissions is a good way to be-gin teaching them how to save money and budget for the thingsthey want. Some parents expect children to earn their allowanceby doing household chores, while others attach no strings to thepurse and expect children to pitch in simply because they live inthe household. When it comes to allowances or commissions:

Set parameters. Discuss with your children what they may usethe money for and how much should be saved.Make the allowance/commission a routine, like payday. Givethe same amount on the same day each week.Consider “raises” for children who manage money well.

Take it to the BankPiggy banks are a great way to start teaching children to savemoney, but opening a savings account in a “real” bank introducesthem to the concepts of earning interest and the power of com-pounding.While children might want to spend all their allowance now, en-courage them to divide it up, allowing them to spend some imme-diately, while insisting they save some toward things they reallywant but can’t afford right away. Writing down each goal andthe amount that must be saved each week toward it will help chil-dren learn the difference between short-term and long-term goals.As an incentive, you might want to offer to match whatever chil-dren save toward their long-term goals.

Shopping SenseTelevision commercials and peer pressure constantly tempt chil-dren to spend money. But children need guidance when itcomes to making good buying decisions. Teach children how tocompare items by price and quality. When you’re at the grocerystore, for example, explain why you might buy generic cereal in-stead of a name brand.By explaining that you won’t buy them something every time yougo to a store, you can lead children into thinking carefully aboutthe purchases they do want to make.Don’t be afraid to let children make mistakes. If a toy breakssoon after it’s purchased, or doesn’t turn out to be as much funas seen on TV, eventually children will learn to make goodchoices even when you’re not there to give them advice.

Create a Giving HeartGiving is no exception when it comes to developing character ina child. Whether giving to your church, non-profit organization

or a friend who is in need, this simple, but often underestimated,act may be the best quality you instill in your child.

Earning and Handling IncomeEncourage older children (teenagers) to earn income from part-time jobs. Particularly if this money supplements any allowanceyou give them, wages enable children to get a greater taste of fi-nancial independence.

Creating a balanced budgetWith greater financial independence should come greater fiscalresponsibility. Older children may have more expenses and theirextra income can be used to cover at least some of those expenses.To ensure that they’ll have enough to make ends meet, help themprepare a budget.To develop a balance budget, children should first list all theirincome. Next, they should list their long-term goals and howmuch to save from each paycheck. This can be a specific dollaramount or percentage. Next list routine expenses, such as pizzawith friends, money for movies, and gas for the car. Help themcalculate the results. Be sure that every dollar is accounted for. Ifthey are in the “red” help them prioritize and make decisionsbased on needs and wants.

The Future is NowTeenagers should be ready to focus on saving for larger goals(computer, car, etc). And while bank accounts may still be theprimary savings vehicles for them, you might also want to con-sider introducing your teenagers to the principles of investing.Helping older children learn about topics such as risk tolerance,time horizons, market volatility, and asset diversification may pre-dispose them to take charge of their financial future.

The more attention you put in this area with your child the moreopportunities you’ll have to teach them responsibility; even inareas outside of financial responsibility.


Wichita Family Classifi ed Section

Midwest Classifi ed Network

READER NOTICE: This publication will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the local Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or Better Business Bureau. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. This publication cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with these advertisers.

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