Three local businesses team up to offer $100 discount

(ROCKWALL, TX – Feb. 19, 2017) Did you know that by the time most children attend kindergarten, they’ve watched 5,000 hours of television – enough time to earn a college degree? The average teen sends 3,000 texts per month –more than six texts per waking hour, according to the same Nielsen study.

It’s easy for today’s youth to become tuned out, stressed out, and out of shape. Helping kids find focus and inspiration, and equipping them with the resources necessary to succeed in an increasingly complex world, requires a balanced approach. Three local businesses have teamed up to offer a special discount to families seeking to strengthen mind, body, and spirit.

The CORE is a hands-on, project based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) enrichment center for K-12^th graders, which prepares students of today for the advanced technology careers of tomorrow. They offer monthly memberships to their “Teknasium”, along with their after-school program, STEM Troopers, at each Rockwall elementary school. Guided by highly qualified facilitators, members are exposed to coding, robotics, circuitry, alternative energy, aeronautics, pneumatics, 3D printing, video game design, graphic design and more. It’s a gymnasium for the brain!

“We love to see a child’s imagination at work and their passion ignited when introduced to all things STEM. It’s a true blessing to be part of them realizing their potential,” said Kevin Weable, CORE Partner and Director of Marketing.

Coming Feb. 3 is “Girls Gone Tech,” an evening for girls and their moms (or grandmothers, aunts, or mentors) to create jewelry using today’s top technology. See the CORE’s website for registration.

The CORE is located at 5133 s. FM 549 in Rockwall. Contact them at 469-402-0071 to inquire about a special $100 off discount for mentioning Blue Ribbon News.

Rockwall Black Belt Academy is a life skills academy whose goal is to help students be the best they can be. They do this by teaching the five tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit – which, if followed, allow one to achieve Victory in life.

The ancient combat sport of Taekwondo utilizes both hands and feet, with an emphasis on kicking – thus distinguishing it from karate, judo, and kung fu. It’s also terrific exercise.

Owner and chief instructor Robert Powell believes there is much to be learned from other disciplines, so RBBA incorporates a variety of martial arts styles. “We expose students to different methods to help them go further than they ever have before,” he said. “We’re a well-rounded martial arts academy that also believes in being well-rounded in life.”

An experienced international competitor, Powell has won gold in several world championships. Most recently, he took third in sparring at the International Taekwon-Do Federation World Cup in Budapest. Every RBBA instructor has trained personally and extensively with Powell.

“Our teachers demonstrate behaviors, attitudes, and actions to which every RBBA student should aspire,” added Powell. “They are not only highly-qualified and certified instructors; they are role models.”

Rockwall Black Belt Academy is located at 2931 Ridge Road in Rockwall. Contact them at 972-961-0480 to inquire about a special $100 off discount for mentioning Blue Ribbon News.

For 20 years, Rockwall School of Music has brought music into the lives of thousands of students – preparing them for music degrees, inspiring them to become performers, or giving them an outlet for musical creativity. Owners Russ and Karen Porter have seen the school grow to providing almost 400 private and small group lessons weekly in piano, guitar, voice, musical theatre, drums, violin, viola, cello, bass and woodwind instruments.

RSM has a dozen teaching studios – each with soundproof walls and solid doors with windows. Professional instructors share their passion and expertise in a supportive setting that welcomes beginning and experienced musicians alike. It’s only fitting that RSM was voted Best Music Lessons in Living Magazine’s 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“Nothing makes us happier than seeing children, teens, adults and even senior adults strengthen their spirit with music,” said Russ. “We have over 20 university-trained teachers and we’re able to provide a variety of teaching methods to fit the learning style of just about any student.”

RSM works with RISD’s Fine Arts program to enhance music education. They provide opportunities within the homeschooling and private school communities so everyone has the opportunity to receive a quality music education.