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JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post

Make the Most of Your Private School Tour… Tips from Westbury Christian School

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Make the most of your private school tour!

Are you considering a private school for your child? Do you need more individualized attention, comprehensive course opportunities or an emphasis on spiritual formation?

But how do you select the right school?

Private School Tour

To make the best decision, Westbury Christian School suggests making the most of your private school tour… and below are the questions you should ask.

Admissions departments and associates spend a lot of time giving tours and are able to anticipate many of the questions a prospective family might have. Even though many of your questions may be answered during the tour, make sure to develop a list of questions that are important to your family. Write them down ahead of time and keep a notebook for questions that come to mind during the tour.

The questions you ask should be specific to your goals and values as a family, and a good admissions team should take the time to answer them. Westbury Christian School suggestions asking the following questions can help make sure you get a clearer picture of the school.

What type of students are you looking for? What would the ideal or model student look like?

Finding a school that’s the right fit is important—for all parties involved.

Parents, students, and schools all have an equal stake in a successful admissions process and school experience. If all three are on the same page and feel confident about the decision, then the student will flourish.

If any part of the group has different goals or desires, though, then things may not work out well.

As you tour, look for examples of successful students and ask the admissions associate about the traits of the ideal student. Westbury Christian has developed a Portrait of a Graduate that highlights key traits that we want students to grow in during their time at our school.

Traits like perseverance, growth, and service may not show up in a math textbook or English scope and sequence, but they are abilities and characteristics that the school emphasizes, develops, and strives for with all their students. These are also indicators for interested families about how success at a school is measured or achieved.

If core traits like the Portrait of a Graduate do not match family values or goals, then you may want to look at additional options.

What are the normal class sizes? What is the teacher-to-student ratio?

Class sizes are often expressed as averages or ratios, but it’s important for families to ask follow up questions about this information. In K-12 schools, this numerical average or ratio could represent the average for the entire school, not the normal experience at each division.

For example, a school’s average class size may be 18, but all elementary classes may actually only have 14 students.

At many private schools, elective and enrichment classes tend to be smaller classes while core classes tend to be larger.

Families may want to ask about the anticipated class sizes for their specific student(s). The student-to-teacher ratio at Westbury Christian is less than 10:1. In our Lower School (PK-4), class sizes are between 11 to 16 students, while in middle and high school, our classes are between 5 to 19 students.

What is the school’s curriculum and how does it prepare my child for college?

The word curriculum can carry different meanings for different people, so it’s important to make sure you get the information you are seeking.

For some, “curriculum” means the company that produces the textbook or the type of instruction that is used.

For others, the term refers to the full scope of content covered in the class. As a parent, you may be seeking all that information, so make sure you ask follow up questions if appropriate.

You may also want to ask about the school’s interpretation of the phrase “college prep,” a common catch phrase that gets used a lot in private and public schools.

For some schools, that term refers to academic classes that are rigorous at a collegiate level. For other schools, it references a well-rounded liberal arts education required by all students.

At Westbury Christian, “college prep” means equipping students with the academic knowledge and skills necessary for success in college as well as the social and decision-making skills necessary to thrive in college.

What is included in tuition? Are there additional costs? Is there financial aid available?

Tuition and fee schedules are often published on school websites, and many families have probably reviewed this during their initial exploration.

Typical fees beyond tuition may apply to athletic participation, club dues, field trips, uniforms, or textbooks among other things. While the bigger fees may be listed on a fee schedule, many of the smaller unofficial costs of attendance may go unnoted.

If attending a private school is a major investment for your family, it’s a good idea to ask about some of the unexpected costs of attendance. If the amount of attendance seems out of reach but the school seems like a good fit, don’t be afraid to ask about financial aid or scholarship opportunities.

Schools may have a limited budget for financial aid or offer academic scholarships, so it never hurts to ask about this option. At our school, we offer incoming freshmen who meet specific academic qualifications an academic scholarship that is eligible for renewal for the rest of high school.

What are your teachers’ qualifications and what kind of professional development opportunities do they have?

Different states and accrediting bodies have different requirements for teachers and for private schools, so it’s always good to ask this question.

At Westbury Christian, we require all teachers to have a four-year degree in an area related to what they will be teaching. We also work with teachers to receive their state teaching certification, even though this isn’t a requirement for private schools in Texas.

Students learn best from qualified teachers who use effective instructional practices, and ongoing professional development is essential for teacher quality and student achievement. Asking about teacher professional development opportunities can give you insights into the topics and issues that a school values.

This fall, Westbury Christian has focused our professional development program on supporting students emotionally during a disruptive time, creating an inclusive environment, and equipping teachers for online and blended instruction.

Private School Tour

Whether or not your student attends the official tour of a school, try to arrange a shadow day for students to see a behind the scenes—or in the seats—look at the school.

Make sure it goes at least through lunch and several class periods so that students can get a feel for the social and academic culture of the school. Navigating the private school admissions process can seem overwhelming, but taking the time to prepare for the tour can help make the most of your time.

To learn more about Westbury Christian, go HERE.

Filed Under: All, Resources November 3, 2020

Higgins Hotel in the Arts District… The Official Hotel of the National WWII Museum

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

We went to see the National WWII Museum and Arts District, and it was the perfect time to go. This funky, cool part of New Orleans has as lots of room… and hardly any crowds. Right in the middle of the Arts District, and across the street from the museum, is the Higgins Hotel.

The Higgins Hotel, by Hilton, is the Official Hotel of The National WWII Museum and the profits go back to the museum. It’s named for the local Higgins Industries shipbuilder Andrew Higgins and the boats that helped win World War II.

A friend told me that New Orleans is close enough to drive from Houston… but when you arrive, it feels like a world away. We just made the trip, and I have to agree!

We went to see the National WWII Museum and Arts District, and it was the perfect time to go. This funky, cool part of New Orleans has as lots of room… and hardly any crowds.

Right in the middle of the Arts District, and across the street from the museum, is the Higgins Hotel. They invited us out for the weekend and it was perfect.

The Higgins Hotel, by Hilton, is the Official Hotel of The National WWII Museum and the profits go back to the museum. It’s named for the local Higgins Industries shipbuilder Andrew Higgins and the boats that helped win World War II.

The museum and hotel are within walking distance of the French Quarter. But unlike the French Quarter, this area is much easier for driving and parking (and even for walking!). It’s in the middle of all the action… but easier to navigate.

The art deco design of the Higgins Hotel is beautiful and the location next to the WWII Museum is awesome.

With our big family, we always look for the cleanest, safest hotel, in the most popular area… for an affordable price. The Higgins Hotel is gorgeous (just think of hosting a nice wedding reception here), it is right in the middle of all the New Orleans activity… and especially now, there are really good deals.

Check for discounts, including some stay and park packages, some stay and museum packages… and right now you can save $20 per night by going HERE. (In order to book this rate, you can call our direct reservations line at 833-357-1172 and ask for the “Eureka Rate” or click HERE. (Psssst… Visit the WWII Museum and you’ll know to what Eureka refers!)

At the Higgins Hotel we parked the car one time and then hopped between the Nation WWII Museum, the French Quarter and the Arts District. We ate at beignets, went to Mother’s (with no line), enjoyed food and the rooftop view from Rosie’s and got far away from our daily routine.

At the hotel, masks are required, housekeeping is only on request, extra cleaning product is in the room if you want to use it and hand sanitizing stations are everywhere.

(Know that the Higgins Hotel, WWII Museum and Arts District were great about keeping things clean and social distancing. The French Quarter gets crowded by late afternoon… so I would clear out when it gets crazy.)

If you are considering a visit the hotel, here are some tips to help you plan your trip:

  • The Higgins Hotel is the official hotel of The National WWII Museum, is right across the street and shares a parking garage. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to visit the museum, Arts District or French Quarter (but without the headaches).
  • Profits from the Higgins Hotel go back to the WWII Museum.
  • You can use/accrue Hilton points.
  • The WWII Museum allows you to leave and re-enter during the day. You can hop between the hotel and museum all day (and the museum is plenty big to spend the whole day there).
  • Rosie’s on the Roof is open at the Higgins Hotel. It’s family friendly (especially outside on the roof) and serves food and drinks… and has an amazing view.
  • The French Quarter is about a 20 minute walk from the hotel. (You probably want a stroller for the littlest ones.)
  • The rooms are very nice and have a minifridge and coffee maker (but no microwave).
  • Paid garage parking is available. (There is also paid street parking, but the hours are limited.)
  • You can read Hilton’s health and safety guide HERE.
  • The fitness center is really good. They have treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, dumbbells (up to 75lbs), cable resistance machine, kettle bells, medicine balls and resistance bands.
  • Check The Higgins Hotel for discounts. They have some stay and park packages, some stay and museum packages… and right now you can save $20 per night by going HERE.

Filed Under: All, Roadtrips, Things to do, Travel October 26, 2020

The Artz Small Preschool Pod… Where Students Socialize and Learn!

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Does your preschooler need a place to socialize and learn… but in a small, safe environment? How about a pod with a teacher and just 4 other kids?

The Artz has put together a pod for preschool aged children (3-5). It takes place on Tuesdays-Thursdays from 9:00am-3:00pm in a private room at The Artz in the Arts District.

The children spend the day engaging in enrichment activities such as kindergarten prep, art and circus-centered physical activity!

If you’re interested in enrolling your child in the pod, there are just a couple of spots left! Email The Artz at theartzinfo@gmail.com!

Filed Under: All, Resources October 22, 2020

How is School Going? Is Rainard Right for Your Gifted Learner?

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Over the last six months, school has not been quite what anyone expected… but it has been eye opening. It’s given me a first row seat to our education and I can really appreciate how my kids are doing. I now know where they excel, where they struggle and how they fit in with their classmates.

If you have seen these same things and have decided that your gifted learner needs a new place where they can love learning, check out Rainard.

Rainard is for students with ideas, for students that are willing to experiment and for students that might not fit in at other schools.

If you have a gifted student that doesn’t love learning, Rainard says that this is a problem that they can solve. Watch this video and see what Rainard’s students have to say and why Rainard is different.

If you need a place for your student to thrive, learn more about Rainard, HERE.

This year, Rainard gives you the option of in-person or online school.  There will be small groups with 3-6 student, 1-on-1 tutorials and hands-on labs.

To learn me, attend a virtual open house. Sign up HERE!

Filed Under: All, Resources October 14, 2020

Get on the Lake… You can Rent Watercraft at Margaritaville Lake Conroe!

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Margaritaville Lake Conroe

This may have been the first time in the history of the world that all four Jarvis kids and two Jarvis parents loved the same activity. We went back to Margaritaville Lake Conroe, and with the tropical storm gone, we were able to rent a boat. And it was AWESOME!

And it’s not just something I’m saying… I laughed and smiled until my cheeks hurt.

Rent a boat at Margaritaville Lake Conroe

Margaritaville is located right on Lake Conroe and has 80 boat slips and a variety of watercraft rentals, including pontoons, kayaks, SUP boards, and more.

Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop is located at the resort and has equipment available to resort guests and members. (You can find the rates HERE.)

Rent a boat at Margaritaville Lake Conroe

When we first visited Margaritaville, I was planning to spending the days at the great pools, on the little beach and in the room doing school work. The staff encouraged me to try out the boat rentals… and it was the best recommendation ever. Getting out on Lake Conroe was the highlight of the trip!

We spent two hours on the lake, pulling the kids on the tube. Even our youngest insisted on going on the tube… and kept yelling “faster” as she bounced along the lake. Everyone wants to go back (even the parents) and everyone wants more time on the lake.

Rent a boat at Margaritaville Lake Conroe

If you plan to visit Margaritaville and to rent watercraft, here’s what I know:

  • Go HERE to see all our resort highlights. It includes all the information about rooms, parking, pools, amenities and more.
  • Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop is at the resort and watercraft is available to rent by resort guests and resort members.
  • Rentals are not cheap… but it’s much cheaper than owning a boat!
  • You must be 21 years old to rent a boat or have a valid boat license.
  • Everyone must watch a safety video and fill out the appropriate paperwork before getting on the water.
  • On the boat, the staff will give you a quick lesson and provide a map of where to go on Lake Conroe. (We had a quick lesson since my husband has experience, but I bet they would spend as much time as you needed.)
  • You can bring coolers, towels and gear on the boat (and the staff will help load them).
  • Margaritaville Resort is great and the pools are fantastic… but the boat rental really made the trip special! (The pools are open through October.) Learn more HERE.
  • And a fun fact: When my boys get on a boat, they automatically reenact Washington crossing the Delaware. Evidence below.

If you are looking for an easy getaway, go HERE to learn about Margaritaville and HERE to learn about Einstein’s Boat Rentals.

See the video below (or HERE):

Filed Under: All, Roadtrips, Things to do, Travel October 7, 2020

Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation + Coupon Code

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation

Staycation at Margaritaville Lake Conroe! (Use Margaritaville coupon code JillB to save 30% through April 21, 2021! Go HERE to check rates.)

This year is messy. And I’d like to make the most of it.

I don’t love the way work and school and life have been put on hold… but it does give my family the unique opportunity to try some new things.

Most school years we would be busy with school and sports and homework and have little time for anything else. This year, we can work and learn from anywhere… so we’re taking advantage of it.

And this is what led us to Margaritaville Lake Conroe.

About Margaritaville Lake Conroe:

Our host, Margaritaville, is on 186 waterfront acres on the shores of Lake Conroe. It is a beautiful, family friendly resort with a three acre waterpark, boat rentals, restaurants, mini golf, tennis, pickleball, big fitness center, spa, golf course and 80 boat slips (for anyone bringing their own boat).

As you might expect from the name, everything about this resort will transport you to Key West… from the colors, to the music to the laid-back attitudes.

Right now, Margaritaville is sticking to capacity limitations, they are requiring masks, staff is not entering guest rooms during the stay and they have handwashing stations everywhere. And it just so happens we visited during a tropical storm, so we had the place to ourselves.

Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation

About our Staycation:

When we booked our trip, we knew we were gambling with the tropical storm… and the tropical storm ALMOST won. But there is no way Jimmy Buffett would let a little rain get him down.

We floated down the lazy river, played in the splashpads, raced down the slides and had the pools mostly to ourselves. We played minigolf, visited the restaurants, fitness center and arcade… and then retreated to our suite for school work and Mathnasium. Rain or no rain, Margaritaville certainly made our school day more exciting!

We did push out our boat rental out by a couple of weeks, so we get to go back and cruise Lake Conroe soon! (UPDATE: We went baaaaaack and it was awesome! Read about the pontoon boat rental HERE!)

Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation

Tips for a staycation at Margaritaville Lake Conroe resort:

  • Use Margaritaville coupon code JillB to save 30% off through April 21, 2021! Go HERE to check rates.
  • Margaritaville Lake Conroe is family friendly. The restaurants have kids meals and the resort has a lot of amenities and activities meanhttp://bit.ly/3arD3BOt for families. It’s a great family staycation.
  • The staff is very very friendly. We did not pass one employee that did not smile (under a mask) and speak to us.
  • Margaritaville has 303 suites and 32 waterfront cottages. (There are no non-suite rooms.)
  • The suites are in the tower and have a bedroom, living room and really nice bathroom. The suites have a minifridge and coffee maker (but no microwave). The cottages have a living room, bedroom, nice bathroom and kitchenette with minifridge, coffee maker and microwave. Some cottages have lofts with more beds.
  • The suites are a little closer to the pools and most of the restaurants.
  • The cottages give you your own little house… which is great for a noisy family like mine. The cottages also have their own assigned parking spot and boat slip, right outside (so you don’t haul everything up the elevators).
  • The suites and the cottages have the same fixtures and furniture… so you’re not roughing it in either spot!
  • Free self parking is available (as well as paid valet).
  • You can read Margaritaville’s health and safety guide HERE.
  • Some of the resort restaurants are open to the public, but everything else requires a guest wristband to access.
  • The waterpark includes a lazy river (with tubes included), splash zone, two waterslides (with 48″ requirement), hot tub and one heated pool.
  • Pool towels are provided.
  • The resort will close the pools for very severe weather… but will stay open in the rain.
  • There are no lifeguards on duty, except by the big slides.
  • One pool is for adults-only. Everything else is open to all.
  • In addition to the pools, there is a small beach with lake access.
  • Weekends are the busiest time… so if you can do a weekday staycation, you will probably have more space.
  • The fitness center is really great. You know how some places call one broken elliptical machine a fitness center? Not Margaritaville. They have three studio rooms, free weights (dumbbells and Smith machine), resistance machines, lots of cardio equipment, spin room, racquetball courts and locker rooms.
  • At the resort you can rent equipment for the lake. They have 22’ Tritoon boats, 19’ Runabouts, electric paddleboats, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, fishing poles and bait. The rain canceled our boating plans… but we’ll be back in a couple weeks to enjoy Lake Conroe!
  • Check the Margaritaville website for discounts. They have some for Texas residents and a Work Here, Learn Here, Play Here, Save Here package. Plan your staycation!
  • Use Margaritaville coupon code JillB to save 30% off through April 21, 2021! Go HERE to check rates.

Find more pictures below (and just imagine how it would be even more beautiful with some Texas sun)… and if you go to Margaritaville, tell us about it!

Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation
Margaritaville Coupon Code
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation, Margaritaville Coupon Code
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Staycation
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Fitness Center
Margaritaville Coupon Code
Margaritaville Lake Conroe Rooms.  Use this coupon code.
Margaritaville Lake Conroe
Margaritaville Lake Conroe
Margaritaville Discount Code
Margaritaville Coupon Code

See the video below (or HERE):

Filed Under: All, Roadtrips, Things to do, Travel September 24, 2020

Is Rainard Right for Your Gifted Learner?

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

How’s school? Is your child capable but struggling? Do they need a place where they can love learning?

Rainard is for students with ideas. It’s for students that are willing to experiment. It’s also for students that might not fit in at other schools.

If you have a gifted student that doesn’t love learning, Rainard says that this is a problem that they can solve.

This year, Rainard gives you the option of in-person or online school.  There will be small groups with 3-6 student, 1-on-1 tutorials and hands-on labs.

To learn me, attend a virtual open house:

At this time, Rainard is only offering virtual open house.

  • October 13, 20, and 27 2020, 12:00pm-1:00pm and 6:00pm -7:00pm
  • November 3,10, and 17th 2020, 12:00pm-1:00pm and 6:00pm -7:00pm
  • December 1, 15, and 18th 2020, 12:00pm-1:00pm and 6:00pm -7:00pm

If you need a place for your student to thrive, learn more about Rainard HERE.

Filed Under: All, Resources September 20, 2020

Main Street Theater Personalized Pod Classes!

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Do you have a Pod set up for the school year? If so, Main Street Theater will bring the theater to you!

A professional actor/teaching artist will come to your pod and facilitate a theater experience for 5-10 kids. You will meet for 10 classes, 1.5-2 hours per class, in a large indoor space or backyard. They work towards a final showcase based on the needs of your group.

You provide the space and the group, Main Street Theater brings the rest!

With your small group, your child will get specialized attention in theater skills of voice, body and imagination.

And the curriculum is flexible! Each week will feature theater games and exercises as well as a final project/play/dance that fits your group’s needs. They can do original plays, musical revues, dance, stage combat, arts integration, even Shakespeare!

Learn all about the personalized theater classes HERE!

Filed Under: All, Resources August 30, 2020

Small Student Groups at Rainard School for Gifted Learners

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Rainard is for students with ideas. It’s for students that are willing to experiment. It’s also for students that might not fit in at other schools!

If you have a gifted student that doesn’t love learning, Rainard says that this is a problem that they can solve.

This year, school will start online with the same challenging and differentiated instruction and will move to in-person school on September 8, 2020 (following local guidelines). Students who cannot attend in person will still be able to join all classes remotely.

There will be small groups with 3-6 students and 1-on-1 tutorials and hands-on labs.

While online, assignments can be posted and turned in, in one place, so that even the youngest learners can access their classes and assignments with very little assistance. Also, the classes will be livestreamed and can be joined via Google hangout or a recording of the live class may be watched at a later time.

If you need a place for your student to thrive, learn more about Rainard HERE.

Filed Under: All, Resources August 29, 2020

Supervised Online Learning with The Artz Distance Learning

by JillBJarvis.com Sponsored Post Leave a Comment

Are you one of the many parents trying to juggle online learning and everything else in your life? Do you need a place where your kids can go and learn while you work?

This fall, The Artz + Academy will offer structured class time, circus games, aerial fitness, arts and more for elementary and middle schoolers.

In the Spring Street Studios, kids will have access to high speed internet, socially distanced space to complete their work and fun activities to keep them busy when they are not required to be logged on.

​Aides will be on hand to help any student who needs additional assistance with work outside their live sessions. (Students do need access to their laptop, headphones and all needed login information.)

Once the school sessions have ended there will be circus games, aerial training and arts activities to keep them active!

Go HERE to learn about the Distance Learning Program!

​

Filed Under: All, Resources August 27, 2020

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jill-jarvis-bigkidsmallcity-circle-300 Welcome!  JillBJarvis.com is the go-to blog for things to do in Houston with kids!  It is upbeat and dedicated to making our big city feel small.   START HERE!    

On this website you will find a full list of Houston weekly events, things to do around the city, travel ideas and resources for parents.

I know just what it’s like to be overwhelmed by work, life and family. I spent a lot of years traveling for work, missing big milestones for my kids and feeling bad about everything.

I started this website to make a list of all the events happening around Houston and then pick one to enjoy with my kids. And instead of thinking of all the things I was missing, I started to enjoy the things we were doing together.

If you are a parent that is feeling overwhelmed by all the things you could be doing in Houston… please just use our weekly lists and daily posts as suggestions. Pick one thing to do with your family and intentionally ignore the rest!

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