Finer points: School of Etiquette teaches children social graces
By Deborah Rowe, Villager staff, The Villager 8/24/2007

Manners can make a difference.

The Contemporary School of Etiquette believes that courtesy and respect set the foundation for lifelong success and growth. Therefore, the school strives to present children with contemporary, universally accepted etiquette and protocol programs in the best professional manner. Children will learn social graces to prevent awkward situations, according to the school's Web site.

Participants in the classes are boys and girls from sixth to eighth grade and are known as the Junior Assembly Cotillion. The classes will begin meeting at The Woodlands United Methodist Church Sept. 8. The sixth grade class meets 6 - 7:30 p.m., while the seventh and eighth grade class meets 8 - 9:30 p.m. Further information on class schedules is available on the Web site at www.mannersplus.com.

The cotillion is geared to help children feel comfortable and confident in social situations, President of The Contemporary School of Etiquette Virginia Johnson said.

"All three grades have a formal dining tutorial to test their skills. The location and date are to be determined," Johnson added.

The finale is the ball. The sixth graders attend the Queen of Hearts Ball, the seventh and eighth graders attend he Magnolia Ball. The Balls will be held at Augusta Pines County Club, Johnson said.

"After the children attend the classes, they are more confident and ready to make a positive social impact on their environment," she said. "The children realize that the lessons will help them in school, social events and sports."

Before starting the school, Johnson worked in the business world for 18 years. Her experience enables her to help children feel confident in a variety of environments.

"Manners are tools for life and readily available for all," she said.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in the program can contact Johnson at 866-838-3995 or download registration forms online at www.mannersplus.com.

"We begin with 45 minutes of manners instruction, and then 45 minutes of proper dance techniques," she said. "This year, I have hired professional dance instructors to come in and teach the children dances such as the fox trot, waltz, four corners, two-step, cha-cha and swing."

The children also learn the importance of first impressions and how the first 15-30 seconds is all they have to make a first impression. Proper manners will include the art of introductions, handshaking, eye contact and conversation skills, Johnson said.

"For the seventh and eighth graders I teach host and hostess duties, and how to respond to invitations. A main focus for all three grades is how to dine like a diplomat," she said.