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Shannon Forest Christian School Provides an Exceptional Education and Much More
Choosing how to educate your child involves making important decisions, often early on in their life when parenting is still pretty new. The Greenville area has many wonderful schools, which is great – but it can also be overwhelming. I’ve talked to tons of parents in the area about their recommendations for schools and one always, always tops the list: Shannon Forest Christian School (SFCS).
Thank you to Shannon Forest Christian School for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this website post.
The parents I’ve spoken with about Shannon Forest get fairly animated when they discuss the school. They love it. Like really love it. SFCS has wonderful academics, athletics, and the encouraging atmosphere of a Christian education experience. Parents specifically mention the teachers and the Transitional Kindergarten program has two of the highlights.
So here is why Shannon Forest may be a great fit for your family.
Academic Environment
SFCS offers Shannon Beginnings for K3 and K4, in both full and half day options for the smaller ones. The program helps to prepare young children for an easy transition to Kindergarten which includes lots of guided play and nurturing care from loving teachers.
If some children are not ready for Kindergarten, Shannon Forest offers a unique Transitional Kindergarten Program. The Lower School includes Kindergarten 5 through 5th Grade. Students also enjoy time in the Innovations STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Lab.
Middle school is tough and can be a hard transition for some students. SFCS conducts a specially designed Crusader Crossroads program to ease students through this big step, plus classes, study sessions and one-on-one tutoring options are targeted at student success.
The Upper School at SFCS encompasses students in 7th-12th Grade and focuses on Math, Science, History and English. Several Advanced Placement (AP) courses like English, Calculus, U.S. History, European Biology, Music Theory and Biology are available for qualified students. The SFCS Director of College Counseling assists students and their families as they apply for college and explore career options.
Athletics and The Arts
On the athletic field, students in 6th through 12th Grade are able to participate in a variety of sports teams including soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, cheerleading, soccer, golf, baseball, and track & field.
The school has no shortage of creative outlets for the students. SFCS offers Foreign Language, Drama, Choir, Yearbook and Visual Arts. They also perform concerts and theatrical productions for the school and community.
Christ-Centered Values
Shannon Forest is unapologetic about its worldview; it is distinctly Christian and rooted in discipleship. Every member of the faculty and staff understands that their vocation as teachers is to teach in a way that is Christ-centered, academically excellent, and designed to move students into higher categorical thinking. They also understand that teaching is discipleship by its very nature. Family, love, and truth are at the heart of what every student and family experiences on the Shannon Forest campus.
SFCS develops these role models by requiring a certain number of service hours from each student where they are able to demonstrate their Christian faith and values in the real world.
The Vision of the school is “Educating and equipping students to pursue excellence and impact the world for Jesus Christ.” The mission is similar: “We are a Christian community providing a comprehensive college-preparatory education rooted in the truth of a Biblical worldview and marked by wisdom, excellence, and purpose.”
Fall Fest
Shannon Forest is celebrating their 50th year and are inviting anyone and everyone to their big Fall Fest on Thursday, October 25th from 5 pm – 8:50 pm. A BBQ dinner will be available for purchase but lots of free activities are happening as well, like Children’s Activities, swing dancing, music including a performance by Brandon and The Books, and special guest, Pastor Clayton King.
To purchase the dinner, visit the Shannon Forest website. To schedule a tour of the school, email or call the Director of Admissions, Candace Kurtz at ckurtz@shannonforest.com or call 864.678.5113.
Plan a visit to Shannon Forest
Shannon Forest Christian School
829 Garlington Road, Greenville
864.678.5107
Would Shannon Forest Christian School be a good fit for your child?
My Kids Loved the Brand New Playground at Juanita Butler Community Center
As summer sizzles to an end, you may be running out of ideas to keep your children active. We are excited to tell you about a new playground at the Juanita Butler Community Center. This park on the west side of Greenville is sure to be a big hit with your kids, after all, it includes a zip line, a rope climbing structure and more.
The playground at Juanita Butler Community Center
Zip! Zip! Zip! That is what your kids will want to do when they arrive. With time, they will learn how to go faster on the zip line and will hurl themselves from one side to the other. Don’t worry! They can’t go very fast, and it is totally safe.
Once your kids are ready to look at the rest of the playground, they will really love the rope climbing structure. It is such a challenge to get to the top and so much fun. There are lots of balancing beams and steps. The monkey bars are high which makes them perfect for your bigger kids.
The full-size basketball court is covered and lit. Invite your friends and bring a basketball to have an exciting game day or night. Behind the basketball court, twelve swings will ensure your child gets all the swing time he or she desires.
My boys were so happy when they saw a Little Free Library! Bring a book or two to exchange with a new book to enjoy once you get home. My boys sat down right there to read theirs.
There are no benches and the entire playground is in the sun. If you are looking for a place to go on a cool day, this is your park. But, it it’s hot, bring a chair or two to sit under the trees beside the playground.
Hope you can get out to this new playground very soon! There is so much to enjoy.
Where you can find Juanita Butler Community Center
2 Burns Street, Greenville
864.467.4328
Have you visited the new playground at Juanita Butler Community Center yet?
My Kids Loved the Playground at Staunton Bridge Park
Have you been looking for a new playground? Staunton Bridge Community Center Park might be new to you, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This park is just 5 miles southwest of Greenville. Read on for the Kidding Around tips on when to visit Staunton Bridge Park and what to expect.
Discover Staunton Bridge Park
Staunton Bridge Community Center built an amazing playground behind the center. You can’t see it from the road. When you arrive, drive up to the center and take the road on the left around the building.
You will discover a bright orange and blue playground filled with things to climb and find as well as lots of blue slides and a large swing set. My boys were ecstatic and we played for an hour and a half. Greenville Rec was there tending the large green space behind the playground which could be a great place for playing catch.
There is no shade, so come early in the day. Bring water and put on your sunscreen. There are restrooms and a water fountain inside the center, but we had to walk around to the front doors to get in. There were a couple of benches around the playground but no picnic tables.
Add this playground to your sunny day activities this summer. And, stop by QT on your way home for some huge ice cream cones!
Staunton Bridge Community Center
165 Staunton Bridge Road, Greenville
Have you taken your kids to check out the new playground at the Staunton Bridge Community Center yet?
While you’re at it, check out our Park Guide to all the Parks and Playgrounds near Greenville, SC!
My Daughter’s Super Fun Birthday Party at Pigtails & Crewcuts
KAG team member Elizabeth shares her family’s birthday party experience at Pig Tails and Crew Cuts. For more great birthday ideas, check out Kidding Around Greenville’s Ultimate Birthday Party Guide.
Thank you to Pigtails & Crewcuts for hosting my daughter’s birthday party in exchange for this review. Even though the party was given in trade, all opinions are my own!
Okay so I think I got the title of this post wrong. It should be “my daughter’s super fun and SUPER EASY birthday party at Pigtails & Crewcuts” but that seemed a little long. And I really needed an easy party this year. You see, when my daughter turned 7 she wanted a party at home. What I expected to be a low-key party ended up being 14 little girls, a cheer theme party, complete with high school cheerleaders.
I scoured pintrest for birthday party ideas for weeks. I spent the entire week prior to the party making pom poms out of streamers and cutting megaphones out of poster board for 14 little girls to decorate and scream into. (What was I thinking?!?) I enlisted the services of a few high school cheerleaders and begged my friend to stay and help me manage the bash.
The girls made megaphones, learned cheers, danced, even had their faces painted. The party was fun; really fun. I, however, was completely exhausted when it was finally over. And my house was a wreck. I had spent a ridiculous amount of time and way more money than I had intended.
So when my daughter’s 8th birthday rolled around I had one firm rule – the party was not going to be at home. Nope.
Before the party
My daughter is a girly girl. She loves playing dress up, dons lip gloss any chance she gets and adores getting her nails done, even if only on my bathroom floor. So it seemed like a no-brainer to hold her party at a salon where she and her little buddies could be pampered and play dress up. And my excitement was only heightened when, after chatting over the party plans with the salon owner, I realized all I had to do was bring cupcakes. They would handle the rest. Sign me up!
So rather than spending weeks getting ready for the party I spent, ummm, maybe an hour picking up cupcakes for the party. The helpful staff at Pigtails & Crewcuts took care of everything else. It was exactly what I was hoping for!
Party time
We arrived a bit early so my daughter could get all dolled up before her guests arrived. She had plenty to choose from – would she be a princess or a diva? She even had the option of a pirate but she’s way too fancy for that! She got her hair styled in a way her mom could never pull off and her nails painted exactly as she requested. When her guests arrived she looked like the little diva I know her to be all too well!
After each and every little girl got dressed up, hair styled perfectly and nails manicured to her specifications they posed for a group picture. I mean, what’s cuter than a group of little girls all dolled up for a night out? Or, in this case, a night in!
The group picture needed a fancy frame to be proudly displayed by every guest so, of course, there was a fun craft involved. Each guest was given a wood picture frame and more pretty decorating options than they could handle! They got serious about picture frame decorating and every girl went home with a keepsake photo in the frame they created – perfect!
Last came singing, cupcakes, lots of hugs goodbye and, just like that, the party was over. Or almost. My daughter had one special party extra – her big night ended with getting her ears pierced! Not part of the party package but saved us the trip to the mall we had scheduled for the next day, so a win-win if you ask me! After that was done, we packed up and headed home. It was the perfect party for my now 8 year old daughter & the completely stress-free party I was looking for. No stress, no mess for me to clean up, and the girls all had a blast!
Party packages at Pigtails & Crewcuts
Pigtails & Crewcuts is a brand new salon for kids on Augusta Road. Of course they cut hair but they also offer a hair products, accessories and gifts too! They even offer a special package for first haircuts, including a souvenir card with your child’s name, the date of the haircut, a lock of hair and a photo to take home, so your family can look back on this day and smile. Plus they do nail painting, as well as up-dos or braids should you have a special occasion in your near future. And, of course, fun party packages too!
Pretty Little Princess
(recommended for ages 3-5)
It’s a royal ball! All princesses will dress up in our beautiful gowns and receive two of the following services: a pretty up-do (topped with a tiara), makeup or colorful nail polish! A game of “Pin the Candle on the Cupcake” and decorating a picture frame to take home with a picture of all the princesses in it is part of the event as well.
$300 (for up to 10 guests)
Darling Divas
(recommended for ages 5-10)
For a diva in the making! Strike a pose! These glamorous girls will be treated to sequined dresses to wear as well as two of the following services: a fashionable up-do, pretty makeup or colorful nail polish. Revelers can also decorate a picture frame to take home with a picture of their paparazzi ready crew in it and rock out on our karaoke machine!
$300 (for up to 10 guests)
Sweetheart Spa
(recommended for ages 8-12)
Time to get pampered! All spa guests get treated to a pedicure while relaxing in a comfy robe with cucumbers over her eyes. A choice of a fun braid or colorful nail polish will complete the look while each guest also get to decorate their own picture frame to take home with a picture of the party crew in it.
$300 (for up to 10 guests)
Ahoy Matey!
(recommended for ages 3-6)
Even pirates like a party! All pirates are welcome aboard as they put on his pirate gear to begin their adventure. Each matey will pick out a tattoo and have their hair “painted.” They will also love going on a treasure hunt to find hidden treasure and decorating a picture frame to take home with their pirate crew in it.
$300 (for up to 10 guests)
Superhero Squad
(recommended for ages 3-6)
Calling all superheroes! All crusaders are welcome as each guest starts this party by transforming into a superhero sporting a cape. Everyone takes home a frame they have decorated with a picture of their superselves in it!
$300 (for up to 10 guests)
Build-a-Bash!
If these parties are not exactly what you are looking for, call us to customize your own special event.
For all parties Pigtails & Crewcuts provides a party hostess, choice of two services, age-appropriate themed activity, paper goods, set up & clean-up.
3 locations in Greenville
Pigtails & Crewcuts Greenville
2222 Augusta Street
Greenville, SC
864.248.4844
Pigtails & Crewcuts Five Forks
2815 Woodruff Road
Simpsonville, SC
864.626.3338
Would your little one love a birthday party at Pigtails & Crewcuts?
Summer Camp Guide: Giggles Drop-In Childcare
PRESCHOOL: Disciples CDC
PRESCHOOL: John Knox Kindergarten
PRESCHOOL: Edwards Road Baptist (Eastside)
Piney Mountain Bike Lounge Has a Pump Track Out Back
Local mom Liene reviews Piney Mountain Bike Lounge in Greenville, SC. This unique bicycle shop and taproom should be on your summer bucket list!
There is one spot that definitely needs to be on your bucket list this summer if you live in Greenville and have kids who enjoy riding bikes – Piney Mountain Bike Lounge!
Piney Mountain Bike Lounge is a cross between a bicycle shop and a taproom, complete with a pump track out back! Located between downtown and Paris Mountain, the Lounge caters to mountain bikers on their way to and from the mountains. It has also become a gathering spot for the local community to come together and share their love for riding – or share their love for craft beer while their kids are busy wearing themselves out on the dirt bike course!
Why we love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge
Our most recent visit was a weekday. The boys were all still running full steam, wearing on my last nerve. We still had several hours of daylight, and so we loaded up three kids, three bikes and three helmets and headed to Piney Mountain Road.
Although the exterior looks much like it did when it was the Landscapers Supply, the interior has been completely revamped. On one side is the bar, serving up craft beer alongside what is the bicycle repair space. On the other side is a lounge, complete with couches, a foosball table and handlebars in the place of mounted trophies. The center is filled with all the latest cycling gear and bicycles, trail maps on the walls of favorite dirt biking destinations in the area. Finally, in the back you’ll find the former loading dock, converted to outdoor patio. Full of picnic tables, the space overlooks the pump track, a small, looping trail system that you can ideally ride continuously without pedaling.
Since their grand opening in March, Piney Mountain has settled in with a rotation of food trucks to make the Lounge truly a one-stop evening hot-spot. Including Upstate favorites such as Automatic Taco, Ellada Kouzina and Chuck Truck, for the current schedule check the website or follow Piney Mountain Bike Lounge on Facebook. For the beer enthusiasts, a list of the 14 regional and local craft beers on tap can be found here. The pump track is closed when it’s wet for safety reasons as well as to protect the track, and a waiver must be signed before use. Usually one of us will take the boys & bikes around to the track and get them set up, while the other orders food and beer and gets settled in at one of the tables by the track – then it’s just a matter of shouting out a few encouraging words to keep them circling the track while we enjoy our meal.
Piney Mountain offers a variety of tune-up and service options as well as a demo option if you’re looking to buy a bicycle but not quite ready to commit. For those with kids in middle or high school that might be interested in a mountain biking team, NICA (the National Interscholastic Cycling association) is coming to Greenville and often meets with Piney Mountain – check out Upstate Composite on Facebook for more info.
When it comes down to it, I’m really more of a Swamp Rabbit Trail gal than a Paris Mountain cyclist, but Piney Mountain is a great addition to the cycling scene in the Upstate. Whether you’re looking to get your bike ready for the season, catch up with friends after a day at Paris Mountain, or just ‘cycle’ through some of that energy in the kids on these long days, make sure to swing by the Lounge this summer!
Plan your own trip to Piney Mountain Bike Lounge
20 Piney Mountain Road, Greenville
864.603.2453
For more information about Piney Mountain Bike Lounge visit their website. They can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook
See Liene’s original post on her blog, Femme au Foyer, here.
Does your family love to bike together? Don’t miss our list of places to ride your bike in Greenville.
Would your family love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge as much as mine does?
Meet Liene
Mother of three young boys, Liene is constantly on the move since returning to Greenville in 2012. Whether she’s exploring the state parks and natural areas of the Carolinas or teaming up with other moms to organize activities for the kids, she’s always searching for the next adventure in the Upstate. For everything from hiking, travel, cooking and crafts to multicultural & global education posts, visit her blog, Femme au Foyer.Greenville Guides
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