Ice Skating In Valdosta!

The Ice Skating Rink is going to be open from December 4 (the day of the Holiday Open House Festival) until December 19. It will be open on weekdays from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and on weekends it will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. It will be tented so it will be (sort of) out of the elements. It will be located in the Toombs St. parking lot downtown, which is the lot that is between Central Ave. and Hill Ave. and backs up to stores like, Jessie’s Eats and Treats, Elli’s Boutique, Ally B Boutique and the Bleu Pub. They will have skates there. Prices will be $8 for adults and $6 for kids – cash only.

Boys & Girls Club Basketball

Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta

2011 Basketball Season Signups Contact the Athletic Department 229-242-0676 http://www.bgcvaldosta.org/

215 West North Street

Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

Upward Basketball & Cheerleading Registration going on now! http://www.luke252kids.com/_Luke252/Upward.html Phone: 229-242-4940 Fax: 229-242-4097 Email: northsidebc@nbcvaldosta.org

Youth Wrestling

Boys and Girls, do you want to wrestle? SGAC is the place to learn!! Home of State and National Champions and All Americans!! Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced practices available from trained and experienced USA Wrestling Certified Coaches. Beginner/Intermediate Practices: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6 - 8 pm Advanced High School/Middle School Practices: Sundays, 2 -4 pm & Wednesdays, 6 - 8 pm Every boy and girl will have the opportunity to wrestle and compete in tournaments! Come out and be a part of a Championship tradition! Cost for wrestling: $80 Annual Membership Fee & $35 USA Wrestling Athlete Card For more information contact: Jason Griner @ 229-251-0264 or jlgriner@gmail.com Email: sgac.devildogs@gmail.com Website: http://www.sgacdevildogs.com/ South Georgia Athletic Club, Inc is a non-profit USA Wrestling Affiliated program. All proceeds from club fees and fundraisers are used for the direct benefit of our wrestlers.

Moody Air Show

The 2010 Moody Community Appreciation Day/Air Show will be held on Saturday, November 13 (Rain date is Sunday, November 14) This event is FREE and open to all military members, retirees, civilians, contractors and their families - as well as the entire Valdosta, Georgia, community! http://www.moodyfss.com/content.asp?pid=14&id=940

Georgia National Fair

Georgia National Fair is now going on in Perry, GA. October 7 - 17, 2010 Last Blast, October 17 Pay-One-Price Midway Rides 10 am - 9 pm http://georgianationalfair.com/index.htm Taken from advertisement in Valdosta Daily Times.

Safe Halloween Carnival

The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office announces the return of its Safe Halloween Trick or Treat Carnival from 5-9 pm on October 30th at the Lowndes County Civic Center. Admission to the event is $1. Admission to enter the haunted house is also $1. All the proceeds from the carnival will be given to the Lowndes Drug Action Council (LODAC). Vendors wishing to participate can contact Ramonda Holmes at the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office @ 229-671-2900. Above information taken from Valdosta Daily Times newspaper.

VSU Planetarium

On Friday Oct. 15, Valdosta State University’s Planetarium will present The Astrotheology of Thomas Wright, the first public planetarium show of the 2010-2011 season. There will be two showings, one at 8 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m. Dr. Kenneth Rumstay, director of the planetarium and observatory, will use the planetarium to take visitors back in time to the middle of the 18th century. Admission is by ticket only, and tickets are free of charge. However, seating for each show is limited to 47. Tickets may be reserved in advance by calling VSU’s Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences at (229) 333-5752. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 7:30 p.m. on the night of the show. Limited public parking is available in front of Nevins Hall. Because of the darkened environment within the planetarium, latecomers may not be admitted once the show has begun. This show is suitable for ages 5 and up. If weather permits, the observatory atop Nevins Hall will be open to allow guests an opportunity to view the wonders of the heavens. http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x935813874/VSU-to-host-planetarium-show-Friday Above information copied from Valdosta Daily Times website. Show Dates and Titles: October 15, 2010 ~ The Astrotheology of Thomas Wright November 12 ~ Meteorites: Rocks from Space December 3 ~ The Star of Bethlehem February 11, 2011 ~ Is there life on other worlds? April 8 ~ Fifty years ago: Man in Space!

Wild Adventures Bring a Friend Day!

This just announced! The next Bring A Friend Free Day at Wild Adventures Theme Park is Sunday, October 17. All Season Pass holders, both 2010 and 2011, are invited to bring a friend to the park for FREE on that day. Simply visit the park with your friend and your season pass to share the adventure! http://www.wildadventures.com/Calendar/EventDetails/tabid/341/Default.aspx?EventID=108

Chick Fil A Winnersville Days

Chick-fil-A at North Valdosta (Inner Perimeter Road) is having Winnersville Days this coming Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8! All you have to do is eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Chick-fil-A at North Valdosta and donate your receipt to either the Lowndes Vikings box or Valdosta Wildcats box! The school with the most in totaled receipts for the two days will receive 10% of those totaled receipts donated to their school!!

Thomasville Fly-In

The Thomasville Fly-In Come join us for the 43rd Annual Fly-In the 2nd weekend in October! October 8, 9, and 10, 2010 THOMASVILLE AVIATION CLUB Irv NeSmith, President 1 A. Sherrod Road Coolidge, GA. 31738 Phone: 229-403-1071 Email: irvneva@earthlink.net The Plane Station, Inc. 229-226-4753 Email: irvneva@earthlink.net Phone: (229) 403-1071 http://www.thomasvilleflyin.com/ *I am not sure where this is actually taking place. If you are interested, contact the above numbers/emails!

Deep South Fair

October 5, 2010 to October 9, 2010 53rd Annual Deep South Fair at Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds Tuesday – Saturday, October 5th – 9th, 2010 at Thomasville Exchange Club Fairgrounds, 2057 GA Hwy 122 / Pavo Rd. •Derby Nights: Tuesday & Thursday – Gates open 5:30 PM until 10 PM, Admission $6 (5 & Under Free). Derby begins at 7:30 PM ~ New This Year: Mini Van Class! •Wednesday - Gates Open 5:30 PM – 10 PM, Admission $6 (5 & Under Free) ~ Midway Attractions & Cheehaw Park Live Animal Exhibit, 6 PM – 10 PM; Thomas County 4H Goat Show, 6:30 PM until… •Friday – Gates Open 5:30 PM until Close, Admission $6 (5 & Under Free) ~ Midway Attractions • Saturday - Kids’ Day - 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM, Admission $6 – 12 & Under Free Until 5:30 PM. Admission $6 After 5:30 PM (5 & Under Free). Midway Attractions & Cheehaw Park Live Animal Exhibit, 6 PM – 10 PM. Arts & Crafts Exhibit, Commercial Exhibits Open All Week During Fair. Armband Prices: Tues., Wed., Thur. – $18 and Fri. & Sat. – $20. Contacts: Sam Harnevious, 229-403-6037, Jim Searcy, 229-221-4981, Benny Bufford, 229-584-0775, Eddie Freeman, 229-266-2241. Fairgrounds Main Number, 229-226-6121. http://www.thomasvillega.com/?p=569

Cole Brothers Circus

http://www.gotothecircus.com/schedule.htm Oct 19 2010 4:30PM ~ Five Points Shopping Center Oct 19 2010 7:30PM Oct 20 2010 4:30PM Oct 20 2010 7:30PM

VSU Planetarium

The Valdosta State University Planetarium has announced its 2010-2011 series of public planetarium shows: • Oct. 15: The Astrotheology of Thomas Wright. • Nov. 12: Meteorites: Rocks from Space. • Dec. 3: The Star of Bethlehem. • Feb. 11: Is there Life on Other Worlds? • April 8: Fifty Years Ago: Man in Space! Planetarium shows are at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on each evening and are suitable for ages 5 and up. Admission is by ticket only, and seating is limited to 47 visitors per show. Tickets are available free of charge and may be reserved in advance by calling the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences at (229) 333-5752. The planetarium is located in NH 3004 on the third floor of Nevins Hall. If weather permits, the VSU Observatory will be open for public viewing during and after the planetarium shows. Reservations are now being accepted for all shows. http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x231066274/VSU-announces-planetarium-show-schedule

An A-Maze-Ing Place

An A-Maze-Ing Place Where: Off Interstate 75 Exit 13, on Old Clyattville Road, like heading to Wild Adventures. Regular hours: 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30. Haunted Maze: Last two weekends of the month, from 9 p.m.-midnight. Other times: Group visits by schools, church groups, clubs, etc., can be scheduled for other times and dates. Maze admission: $8, adult (13-up); $6, children (ages 4-12); free, children under 3. $3, hayride; refreshments, corn cannon, more. More information: Visit the website http://www.anamazingplacevaldosta.com/; or call (229) 740-2346. http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x677779871/Corn-maze-returns-with-new-twists

Parents Night Out

Parents Night Out at First Methodist will be Friday, October 8th - 5:30 - 9:30 pm. $25 per family. Sign up by calling the church office ~ 242-4050

Probe College Fair

PROBE COLLEGE FAIRS HELP STUDENTS WITH IMPORTANT DECISIONS Approximately 45,000 Georgia high school students and their parents will explore the options of post-secondary education this fall at one of the many PROBE College Fairs, including the Valdosta Fair to be held at Valdosta High School Gymnasium on Thursday, October 7, 2010 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. PROBE is the organized college fair tour that attracts representatives from non-profit educational institutions to shopping malls, civic centers, and high schools throughout the state of Georgia. The typical PROBE FAIR consists of two to three hours of browsing time for students and parents. Topics such as financial aid, housing, programs of study, admission’s requirements, scholarships, and campus life are discussed with the representatives. Last year, more that 250 private and public colleges and universities, technical institutes, and ROTC participated in PROBE. For more information, contact the Valdosta High School Counseling Department at (229) 333-8550 or Bill Smith, Executive Director at (404) 355-8586.

Fire Safety Event

Home Depot's Annual Fire Safety Event Saturday, October 9 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Home Depot Parking Lot We will have the fire department, police department, sheriffs department, EMS, a free kids workshop, free drinks, and a drawing. So join us for a fun filled learning experience on the importance of fire safety.

Saint John Road Race / Halloween Carnival

5K RUN/WALK • 1 MILE NUN RUN/WALK • TOT TROT Saturday. October 30th, 2010 at St. John Catholic School/Church 800 Gornto Road • Valdosta. GA 31602 • A race to benefit St. John Catholic School REGISTRATION & ENTRY FEE 5K $15.00 RACE DAY $20.00 1 MILE $10.00 RACE DAY $15.00 TOT TROT FREE FAMILY DISCOUNT $45.00 RACE DAY $50.00 GHOST RUNNER $25.00 Registration is also accepted at Get Active, 3200-C N. Ashley St.Valdosta Event Times 7:00 REGISTRATION 8:00 5K WALK / RUN 9:00 1 MILE 9:15 TOT TROT Call 229-244-2556 or http://www.stjohnschl.org/ All participants. friends and families are invited to stay after the race for the Halloween Carnival!

Day Out with Thomas the Train

A day out with Thomas the Train is coming to Cordele in October. 25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™ Meeting Sir Topham Hatt Storytelling, Live Music, Build with Mega Bloks© and Much More! SAM Shortline at GA Veterans 2459 Hwy. 280 W, Cordele, GA 31015 October 23, 24, 30 & 31 http://samshortline.com/Content/Georgia/Thomas/10DOWT_Web/Web_Pages/main.html

For you military moms, a military mom sent me the information below: 

If you are going to the Day Out With Thomas at the end of the month and haven’t purchased your tickets yet…order them online and put in the code “Military” and you get $5 off per ticket!  I did this last year (even when the lady on the phone said they didn’t offer a military discount)!  It just worked again this year!

Happy saving!

S L Mason School Fall Carnival

S L Mason School Fall Carnival October 7, 5 - 7 pm S L Mason School, West Gordon Street Bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, dunking booth, games, art stations, train, food and raffle baskets. Come join the fun. You can pre-purchase activity wristbands for $10 and are good for one person's unlimited access to all activities (not food). You can purchase punch tickets before the carnival or at the carnival for games and food. Contact a PTO parent or the school to learn more.

McAlister's Deli

Just saw a sign at McAlister's Deli today - Kids eat free Monday - Thursdays!

Wild Adventures

FREE Gold in October October 1 is the first chance to purchase your 2011 Season Pass. Get your season pass in October at the best price and receive a Gold upgrade FREE! More Details ... http://www.wildadventures.com/BuyTickets/SeasonPasses/tabid/74/Default.aspx Taken from Wild Adventures email.

Exciting News!

I am excited to say that we have reached over 600 views! I started this blog on 6/28 and added the counter on 8/11! I am tickled! I hope this is a website you all can use and I hope that if there is something you would like to see on here or any information that I may have missed that you would please let me know! Thanks! GoToMom

City Sets Hours for Trick-or-Treating

City Sets Hours for Trick-or-Treating The Valdosta Police Department has announced the hours for the 2010 annual trick-or-treat activity for Saturday, October 30, 2010, from 6 to 9 p.m. Extra police patrol will be scheduled during this time to ensure the evening is both safe and enjoyable. The city offers the following practical tips for citizens and their family members to enjoy the traditional event: • Children should walk in pairs and always stay on the sidewalk. • Adults should accompany children under 12. • Children should wear reflective clothing. • Adults should pin information in their children’s pockets that includes name, address and phone number, in case children gets separated from the group. • In addition to selecting a safe route with good lighting, children should also be equipped with flashlights with fresh batteries or glow sticks to increase visibility. • Adults should inspect treats before children are allowed to eat them. • Children who eat a meal before they trick-or-treat may be less likely to eat their candy before an adult can approve it. • Properly throw away unwrapped or unpackaged candy, as well as all candy wrappers. For more information, please contact Commander Bernard Robinson, at the Valdosta Police Department, at (229) 293-3104.

Kids Dig It!

The Lowndes County 4-H club with Wallace Truck and Equipment will host Kids Dig It! Saturday September 25th 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Lowndes County Fairgrounds 2102 East Hill Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601 Children will enjoy sitting in construction equipment and seeing how it operates under the supervision of trained technicians. Front End Loaders, Bulldozers, Backhoes, Fire and rescue equipment will also be on hand for demonstrations. We will have games, displays, animated characters, rides on heavy equipment,* concessions, crafts and more. Come join us at this third annual event. Admission: $5.00 per person* All proceeds benefit the Lowndes 4-H club Contact Lowndes County 4-H at 229-333-5185 or http://www.facebook.com/l/54b056gvV8MzTe0Un62KC4bPTSA;www.ugaextension.com/lowndes *An additional $1.00 per ride on heavy equipment

VSU Cheerleading Clinic

CHEERLEADING CLINIC HOSTED BY: VSU CHEERLEADERS SATURDAY, September 18th 9:00 am - 11:30 am (Registration begins @ 8:30) Ages: 3 - 11 VSU PE Complex $15 per participant PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN CHEERS, CHANTS, DANCES, JUMPS AND BASIC STUNTS & TUMBLING ACCORDING TO AGE LEVEL) IN A FUN, POSITIVE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL(229) 333-5378 PRESENTED BY: Dr Ronald K Reagin Jr. DMD Additional Sponsorship BY: Name Droppers Mizell Floor Covering & Interior

YMCA Gymnastics ~ Play Time

I know that we all look for fun, frugal things to do with the kids. Well, the YMCA has some great options for members AND non-members. Friday Frolic 10:30am-12:00pm Every Friday morning at the Gymnastics Center. It is a drop in open play time for children 5 years and under. Parents must stay and play. They can play in the pit, trampoline, gymnastic circuits, bubbles and more! Y members: $6 per child Non-members $8 per child Siblings 1/2 price (under 1 is free) Super Saturday 4:00pm-7:00pm This event is for ages 3-5 and is held the second Saturday of the month. It is a fun-filled session of preschool games, obstacle course, bubbles, parachute, pizza, gymnastics and much more! Y Members $10 per child Non-Members $15 per child The YMCA Gymnastics center is located behind the John Deere dealership on North Valdosta Rd. For more info call the YMCA 244-3409 Kid's Night Out Three special event hours for ages 5-12 are held the first and second Friday night of each month. 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm FUN-filled session of activities, games, obstacle course, pizza and Gymnastics! Y members $10 Non-Y members $15 Plus, they do Gymnastics Birthday Parties Boys or Girls. Ages 3-12 years of age...a minimum of 12 kids is $110 and each additional is $8 per child up to 24 kids. Its 1.5 hours of excitement using the obstacle course, trampoline, games, music, etc. The YMCA sets up, assists the kids during the party and cleans up! Party includes: invitations, all paper products and a balloon bouqet for the child. Parents get to sit back and relax!!!! Call the YMCA Gymnastics for Info 244-3409

Happy Kids Fall & Winter Consignment Sale

Happy Kids Fall & Winter Consignment Sale!! High Quality Gently Used Newborn to size 14 Clothing, Furniture & Toys *** Old Peebles Building Downtown Nashville*** Selling Dates: **Pre-Sale Wednesday, September 29 4:00-7:00 **Consignors and 1 guest at presale** Thursday, Sept. 30 9:00 am-6:30 pm Friday, Oct. 1- 9:00am-6:30pm Saturday, Oct 2- 8:30am-3:00pm *Half Price All Day Receiving Dates: Please email or call to schedule during these times: Monday, Sept. 27 8:30-11:30 and 4:00-7:00 Tuesday Sept. 28 8:30-11:30 and 4:00-7:00 *New* Tagging Guidelines: -Please use 3.5 x 5 note cards with the following information…price (bottom right corner) size (top right corner) Gender (top left) seller # (bottom left) -Item description should be written in the middle of the card. -Saturday is Discount Day put ND (no discount) on top left corner in red ink if you do not want it discounted -Tags should be pinned to clothing on the upper right corner of item (if item is facing you.) Consignment Guidelines: -Will accept first 100 to schedule appt. -Minimum 10 items to consign -Your share is 70% less a $7 entry fee -Unsold Merchandise & check must be picked up Thurs. Oct 7 9:00-11:00 or 4:00-6:30 or items will be donated -Contact Audra (see below) for Seller #. For more info contact: Audra at 686-0768 or audrapartin@gmail.com or Dana at 356-2810. Not responsible for fire or theft, no refunds or exchanges. CASH or CHECK accepted.

Redland School of Performing Arts

Redland School of Performing Arts Begins: Sept 15th Where: Redland Bapist Church (Rocky Ford and Ousley Rd) When: Wed evenings Supper 6:30-6:55 Classes: 7-8pm (*for ages 5-18yrs) Equestrian (Western and English riding) Wind Instruments Beginning Guitar Beginning Piano Ballet Sewing Registration: Alisa Sirmans,292-3055

Wild Adventures, Buy One Get One Free Ticket

September 4 - 6, bring a canned food item to the park for Second Harvest of South Georgia, and share the adventure with a friend for FREE! During Labor Day weekend you can receive one (1) FREE general admission when you purchase a full-price general admission and donate at least one (1) canned food item. http://www.wildadventures.com/Calendar/EventDetails/tabid/341/Default.aspx?EventID=105 Copied from Wild Adventures Email.

Free Park Passes Available at the Library

Free Park Passes Available at the Library Your library card is a passport to adventure thanks to a partnership between Georgia’s public libraries and Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites. A valid PINES library card allows any patron to borrow a Georgia State Park “ParkPass” and Historic Site pass from their local libraries. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 parks and historic sites statewide. Anyone who holds a valid library card from the South Georgia Regional Library system can check out a ParkPass folder for up to seven days. Folders include an annual ParkPass that exempts visitors from paying the daily parking fee at any Georgia state park, an annual Historic Site pass good for free admission for one visitor to any of Georgia’s 18 state historic sites. It also includes a copy of the “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” featuring descriptions, photos, directions and a map of all 63 state parks and historic sites. Now in it’s second year, the GO Georgia campaign challenges Georgians especially families and children, to participate in family-friendly, nature-based, healthy outdoor recreation in the beautiful, secure surroundings of Georgia’s state parks. The state’s Get Outdoors Georgia web site, www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org, offers state residents information, activities, and more for families and individuals. Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites encompasses 63 properties that preserve the state's diverse environment and history. Included are 45 state parks, three state historic parks and 15 historic sites, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast. Together, the sites offer an exceptional variety of resources, including mountains, canyons, forests, fields, marshes, waterfalls, lakes, swamps, rivers, battlefields, historic homes and Native American artifacts. Among the park system’s most popular attractions are Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville, Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site in Warm Springs, Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls and Unicoi State Park in Helen. Because of the expected popularity of the ParkPass loaner program, families interested in borrowing a ParkPass from their local public libraries are advised to plan early, as supplies of the ParkPass and related folders are limited. To see a list of parks and historic sites covered by the passes, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. For more information about GO Georgia visit www.GetOutdoorsGeorgia.org. Copied from SGRL website: http://www.sgrl.org/index.htm

Story time at the Library

Story time at the Library Mondays @ 11am @ Valdosta-Lowndes County Library - Babies Tuesdays @ 11am @ VLC - Toddlers (2 & 3 years old), 4pm - (4 -12 years old) Thursdays @ 11am @ VLC - Playtime See website for more information. http://www.sgrl.org/pages/youth.html

Reminder

I know there is a lot of great information out there in our city and county! I can't do all of it by myself. If you know of something that is going on our community that you would like to see on here, please let me know and I will see what I can do about putting it on the blog. Thank you.

Valdosta City Schools

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES!

• New Vision, Mission, Beliefs, and Strategic Goals for Valdosta City Schools • New technology in our schools with over 300 Promethean Boards installed in the last 2 years • New facilities—WGN opened a new PK-5 school this past year and we renovated the old SL Mason media center into a Teaching and Learning Training Center • New Assistant Superintendent, Alvin Hudson, and new Director of Special Education, Laura Lucas • Last but not least, New coaching staff for the Wildcats • Enrollment is the highest it has been in 10 years, with over 7500 students enrolled in Valdosta City Schools • Excellence continues with 3 schools being named Title I Schools of Distinction • CRCT Reading scores are on the rise o All students improved 4% in Grade 3 o 6% in Grades 5 and 8 o Students with Disabilities improved 20% in Grade 3, 9% in Grade 5, and an incredible 30% in Grade 8 • CRCT ELA scores show gains o All students improved 7% in Grades 1 and 6 o SWD improved 24% in Grade 5, 18% in Grade 6, and 21% in Grade 8 • Math scores have improved exponentially o All students improved 5% in Grades 1 and 2 o Grade 3 improved 6% o Grades 4, 5, and 6 improved an amazing 10% in each grade o The largest gains go to Grade 8—scores improved 11% in one year! • Math scores for Students with Disabilities are even more impressive o Gains on CRCT Math were noted in almost every grade  Scores improved 6% in Grades 2 & 3  Grade 4 improved 13%  Grade 5 scores resulted in a 24% increase  Grade 6 improved 5%  Grade 8 CRCT Math scores improved 9% • Achievement gap for Students with Disabilities continues to narrow o CRCT Reading – decreased the achievement gap by half in Grades 3 and 8 o CRCT ELA – closing the achievement gap in Grades 4, 5, 7, and 8 o CRCT Math – narrowed the achievement gap in Grade 5 by 12 points • Increases in writing scores were astounding--Grade 8 Writing Assessment scores improved 16 points across the district • Increases on the Georgia High School Writing Test resulted in system-wide gains of 6% • Increases in Highly Qualified status for teachers is at 98.2% and 100% for paraprofessionals • Increases in co-taught classrooms continued in 2010, with 117 classrooms K-12 • Growing Valdosta Early College Academy to include Grades 6, 7, and 8 next school year—targeting almost 100 students at-risk of dropping out or not attending college • Growing Pinevale Learning Center from an alternative school program to a fully functioning school to better meet the needs of our students • AP Enrollment is on the rise—for the 2010-11 school year, over 370 students are scheduled for at least one of the 12 AP classes being offered at VHS—this is an increase of 87% more students than last year • International Baccalaureate Programme has 232 students enrolled in pre-IB and IB classes for the 2010-11 school year • Graduation rate for Valdosta City Schools has increased 20% since 2003 – Seventy-two percent of all students graduated in May 2010 • Graduation rate for SWD improved 12% over last year • Achievement gap between minority and white students for Graduation Rate has been cut in half over the last 3 years from 34 to 16 points • GLISI training for 25 system and school leaders over the past 2 years and Rising Stars for new and aspiring leaders http://www.gocats.org/

After School Activities

 

ACTING / DRAMA:

 

Little Actors Theatre

http://www.littleactorstheatrevaldosta.com/

 

Amanda’s Models & Talent

http://www.amandasmodels.com/#!

 

Gingerbread Players

Theatre Guild of Valdosta, 229-247-8243

http://www.theatreguildvaldosta.com/default.php

 

 

 

ART:

 

Little Leaf Art Studio for Children

Art classes for children, check out the events tab on the facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/#!/LittleLeafStudio?fref=ts

 

 

BASEBALL / SOFTBALL:

 

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation

http://www.vlpra.com/

VLPRA offers tennis, soccer, baseball & softball

 

Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta

http://www.bgcvaldosta.org/

Boys & Girls Club offers Soccer, Baseball, Football, & Basketball

 

On Deck Sports (Indoor baseball hitting facility/camps)

http://on-decksports.com/

 

Genesis Baseball

http://genesis-baseball.com/

 

South GA Baseball Academy (Various Camps)

http://www.sgabaseballacademy.com/

 

 

BASKETBALL:

 

Boys & Girls Club of Valdosta

http://www.bgcvaldosta.org/

Boys & Girls Club offers Soccer, Baseball, Football, & Basketball

 

Upward Sports

http://www.upward.org/Site-Upwardorg/LeagueFinder2/LeagueFinder.aspx?id=10037&zipCode=31602&sportSearch=0

Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, & Cheerleading

http://www.valdostanazarenes.org/ - Church of Nazarene's website

 

Upward Bound sponsored by Northside Baptist Church http://www.luke252kids.com/_Luke252/Upward.html

Upward offers basketball & cheerleading - Winter

 

 

CHEERLEADING:

 

Hype 4 Purpose ~ Flag Football, Cheerleading, Travel Tackle

http://www.hype4purpose.org/

 

Upward Sports

http://www.upward.org/Site-Upwardorg/LeagueFinder2/LeagueFinder.aspx?id=10037&zipCode=31602&sportSearch=0

Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, & Cheerleading

http://www.valdostanazarenes.org/ - Church of Nazarene's website

 

Upward Bound sponsored by Northside Baptist Church http://www.luke252kids.com/_Luke252/Upward.html

Upward offers basketball & cheerleading - Winter

 

Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance

http://winnersvilleelite.com/index.php?componentName=Section&scid=51510

 

 

DANCE:

 

A Time to Dance Performing Arts Studio

atimetodancepas@hotmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/A-Time-to-Dance-Performing-Arts-Studio/180522625348729

 

Gerlock Dance Studio

http://gerlockdance.com/

 

Valdosta Dance Arts

http://www.danceartsvaldosta.com/

 

Redland School of Performing Arts

Begins: Sept 15th Where: Redland Bapist Church (Rocky Ford and Ousley Rd)

When: Wed evenings Supper 6:30-6:55 Classes: 7-8pm (*for ages 5-18yrs) Equestrian (Western and English riding) Wind Instruments Beginning Guitar Beginning Piano Ballet Sewing

Registration: Alisa Sirmans, 292-3055

 

 

FOOTBALL:

 

Hype 4 Purpose ~ Flag Football, Cheerleading, Travel Tackle

http://www.hype4purpose.org/

 

Pop Warner Football

titletowntitansfootball@gmail.com

http://www.titletowntitans.com/teams/default.asp?u=TITLETOWNTITANS&t=c&s=football&p=home

 

Upward Sports

http://www.upward.org/Site-Upwardorg/LeagueFinder2/LeagueFinder.aspx?id=10037&zipCode=31602&sportSearch=0

Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, & Cheerleading

 

 

GOLF:

 

Valdosta Country Club

http://www.valdostacc.com/

VCC offers tennis, golf and swimming. For members only.

 

 

GYMNASTICS:

 

Valdosta YMCA

http://www.valdostaymca.org/

http://ymcagymnasticsvaldosta.weebly.com/index.html

YMCA offers gymnastics and swimming

 

 Winnersville Elite Cheer & Dance

http://winnersvilleelite.com/index.php?componentName=Section&scid=51510

 

 

HORSEBACK RIDING:

 

Winding Way Stables

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winding-Way-Stables/259878087357773

 

Redland School of Performing Arts

Begins: Sept 15th Where: Redland Bapist Church (Rocky Ford and Ousley Rd)

When: Wed evenings Supper 6:30-6:55 Classes: 7-8pm (*for ages 5-18yrs) Equestrian (Western and English riding) Wind Instruments Beginning Guitar Beginning Piano Ballet Sewing

Registration: Alisa Sirmans, 292-3055

 

 

 

KARATE:

 

ATA Performance Martial Arts

229-242-1173

http://performancemartialartsacademy.com/

 

White Tiger Martial Arts Academy

http://www.whitetigeracademy.com/

 

 

MODELING:

 

Amanda’s Models & Talent

http://www.amandasmodels.com/#!

 

 

MUSIC:

 

South Georgia String Project

www.valdosta.edu/sgsp/

The South Georgia String Project offers an after-school music program where children can easily access low-cost stringed instrument instruction while providing mentored teaching experience for music students at Valdosta State University.The South Georgia String Project, led by Director and Master Teacher Lauren Burns, is a joint venture of the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the Department of Music at Valdosta State University.

 

Redland School of Performing Arts

Begins: Sept 15th Where: Redland Bapist Church (Rocky Ford and Ousley Rd)

When: Wed evenings Supper 6:30-6:55 Classes: 7-8pm (*for ages 5-18yrs) Equestrian (Western and English riding) Wind Instruments Beginning Guitar Beginning Piano Ballet Sewing

Registration: Alisa Sirmans, 292-3055

 

SCOUTING:

 

Cub Scouts

linda.miller@scouting.org

 

 

SEWING:

 

Redland School of Performing Arts

Begins: Sept 15th Where: Redland Bapist Church (Rocky Ford and Ousley Rd)

When: Wed evenings Supper 6:30-6:55 Classes: 7-8pm (*for ages 5-18yrs) Equestrian (Western and English riding) Wind Instruments Beginning Guitar Beginning Piano Ballet Sewing

Registration: Alisa Sirmans, 292-3055

 

 

 

SOCCER:

 

Azalea City Soccer Club

http://www.southgaunited.com/

http://www.southgaunited.com/Default.aspx?tabid=188598

Soccer

 

Upward Sports

http://www.upward.org/Site-Upwardorg/LeagueFinder2/LeagueFinder.aspx?id=10037&zipCode=31602&sportSearch=0

Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, & Cheerleading

http://www.valdostanazarenes.org/ - Church of Nazarene's website

 

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation

http://www.vlpra.com/

VLPRA offers tennis, soccer, baseball & softball

 

 

SWIMMING:

 

Valdosta YMCA

http://www.valdostaymca.org/

http://ymcagymnasticsvaldosta.weebly.com/index.html

YMCA offers gymnastics and swimming

 

 

TENNIS:

 

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation

http://www.vlpra.com/

VLPRA offers tennis, soccer, baseball & softball

Mondays & Wednesdays, $8/hour, Call 229-333-1868 for more information

 

Valdosta Country Club

http://www.valdostacc.com/

VCC offers tennis, golf and swimming. For members only.

 

 

WAKEBOARDING:

 

Valdosta Wake Camp, 229-375-3060

https://www.facebook.com/#!/valdosta.wake?fref=ts

 

 

 

WRESTLING:

 

Youth Wrestling

Cost for wrestling: $80 Annual Membership Fee & $35 USA Wrestling Athlete Card For more information contact: Jason Griner @ 229-251-0264 or jlgriner@gmail.com Email: sgac.devildogs@gmail.com Website: http://www.sgacdevildogs.com/

 

 

 

OTHER CHILDREN & TEEN PROGRAMS:

 

Valdosta Public Library

http://www.sgrl.org/pages/youth.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kidz Klothing & More Consignment Sale

KIDZ KLOTHING & MORE CONSIGNMENT SALE FALL & WINTER 2010 Receiving Sunday, August 22, 2010 11AM-4PM Consignor's Pre-Sale Sunday, August 22, 2010 7PM-9PM (please, no children) Open to Public Monday, August 23, 8:30AM – 7PM Tuesday, August 24 & Wednesday, August 25, 9:00AM-6PM Half Price Sale: Thursday, August 26, 8AM – 6PM Pick up Clothes and $ Friday, August 27, 2PM – 6PM All items have to be picked up before 6:00PM. Any items not picked up will be donated to local charities Friday evening, so PLEASE mark your calendars! MATHIS AUDITORIUM (Ashley Street – by South Georgia Medical Center) Receiving: All items must be received, racked and displayed BEFORE 4PM. For your Seller Number, E-MAIL Elizabeth or Martha Ann Berlin at kidzklothingexchange@gmail.com or call Elizabeth @ 229-834-5233 or Martha Ann @404-394-4044. **We will return your emails or calls in the evenings because we both work full-time during the day. We also NEED VOLUNTEERS to help work the sale. If you work 4 hours, you get to shop from 5:30 – 6:30pm before the consignors pre-sale Sunday. If you would be interested in working, please e-mail us and we will put you on the schedule. ALL WORKERS WILL SHOP AT 5:30! Instructions: Clothes must be clean, ironed, STAIN FREE, and on appropriately sized hangers. A 3X5 INDEX CARD TAG MUST BE MADE FOR EACH ITEM. Sales# in top right corner, Item Description & Size in middle of card. Place price in bottom right corner. For item to NOT sell for half-price put “ND”(no discount) in big, bold letters on the bottom left corner of the tag. **You MUST use a STRAIGHT PIN to fasten price tag (index card) to the item. Index cards MUST BE 3” X 5”!!! Pants must be on clip hangers or secured with safety pins. CLOTHES PINS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Shoes must be in ziploc bags or tied together. Parts for Toys must be in sealed bags and securely taped with clear packing tape to the toy. Items to be accepted: Gently worn FALL & WINTER clothing items sizes NB thru Jr's Sizes; Formal & Special Occasion Wear; Baby Clothing & Items(car seats, bouncers, exersaucers, high chairs, etc.); Children's Furniture/Equipment; Playsets; Ride-on Toys; Videos/DVDs/Video Games and systems; Toys (without small pieces); Books; Children's shoes (max 3 pr); NO SOCKS OR UNDERWEAR. Sorry No Maternity. Everything should be in great condition. Items with missing buttons, tears, and outdated items will not be accepted. Maximum number of clothing items is 50 pieces. You make 70% of the sales price, less a $5.00 participation fee. We are not responsible for fire, theft, accident, or damage. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. ITEMS SOLD AS IS. ** Cash only **

Local Websites:

Information:
http://www.valdostacity.com/ - City of Valdosta

http://www.valdostachamber.com/ Chamber of Commerce

http://www.lowndescounty.com/ Lowndes County Government (includes a tab for places to visit)

http://www.gocats.org/ - Valdosta City Schools

http://valdostayouth.com/ - Valdosta Youth (resources)

http://www.sgmcandkohls.com/ - SGMC (bike safety, babysitter classes, etc)


Things to do:

http://www.wildadventures.com/ - Wild Adventures

http://www.turnercenter.org/ - Turner Art Center

http://www.valdostamuseum.org/ Valdosta Historical Society

http://www.vlpra.com/NSParks.htm - List of local parks

http://www.mallorysfarm.com/ - Blueberry Picking

http://www.sgrl.org/index.htm - South Georgia Regional Library

http://www.tigerstripes.org/tours.php  - Tiger Stripes Exotic Cat sanctuary in Quitman.

http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/hours_and_rates/family_pass - Not local, but free!  Free passes to the Atlanta Zoo

http://www.jumpnjacks4kidz.com/ - Jumpn Jacks 4 kidz

http://www.valdosta.edu/phy/astro/planetarium.shtml - VSU's Planetarium

http://www.sgrl.org/pages/youth.html - Valdosta Public Library

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/catalog/servlet/ContentView?pn=HT_WS_KidsWorkshops - Home Depot Kids Workshops

https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/pages/fullschedule.aspx - Lowe's Build & Grow Workshops

http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Site/Sites-Michaels-Library/default/TheKnack/index.html - Michael's Crafts & Workshops

http://www.junglejyms.net/index.html - Jungle Jym's

http://gastateparks.org/info/reedbing/ - Reed Bingham State Park

http://gastateparks.org/ - Georgia State Parks

http://www.rugratplayzone.com/ - Rugrat Play Zone

http://www.valdostawakecompound.com/ - Valdosta Wakeboard & Wakeskate Cable Park

Local Calendars:

Valdosta Daily Times Calendar
www.valdostadailytimes.com

City of Valdosta Calendar
http://www.valdostacity.com/Index.aspx?page=269

Valdosta Today, list of upcoming events on right hand side or under Lifestyle tab
http://valdostatoday.com/


Miscellaneous:

Scratch
http://scratchfare.blogspot.com/

The Gourmet Guys
http://thegourmetguys.com/

Plat du Jour
https://sites.google.com/site/platdujourgourmetdelivery/