School Calendar Fall 2011/Spring 2012
Calendar and News
September 5 (Monday)
School Closed—Labor Day Holiday
September 10 (Saturday)
New Parent Orientation
10:00-12:00
October 10 (Monday)
School Closed—Columbus Day Holiday
October 21 (Friday)
Festival Set-up 12:00-3:00
October 22 (Saturday)
Festival Set-up 9:00-12:00
October 22 (Saturday)
Pumpkin Harvest Festival 3:00-6:00
Community Event; volunteers needed
Fee required
October 24 (Monday)
Parent work-morning 8:30-10:00
Volunteers needed
November 1 (Tuesday)
Dia de los Muertos Festival 9:00-10:30
November 18 (Monday)
Earth-Blessing Ceremony 10:30 a.m.
Food drive for wildlife rescue
Volunteers needed.
November 23-25 (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
School Closed—Thanksgiving Holidays
December 5 (Monday)
St. Nicholas Celebration 10:30 a.m.
December 19-December 30
School Closed—Winter Break
January 2 (Monday)
Classes Resume
January 14 (Saturday)
Festival of Lights and potluck dinner
6:00-8:00 p.m. Volunteers needed
Rain date is Jan. 21
January 16 (Monday)
School Closed—Martin Luther King Day
January 23 (Monday)
Lunar New Year Festival 9:00 - 10:30
Volunteers needed
February 14 (Tuesday)
Valentine’s Day Festival 9:00 - 10:30
February 19 (Sunday)
Greenwood Concert Series 4:00 - 6:00
February 20 (Monday)
School Closed—President's Day
March 12-16 (Monday-Friday)
School Closed —Spring Break
March 23 (Friday)
Festival Set-up 12:00-3:00
March 24 (Saturday)
Festival Set-up 9:00-12:00
March 25 (Sunday)
Festival Set-up 9:00 - 12:00
Fairie Festival 3:00-6:00
Community Event; volunteers needed
Fee required
March 26 (Monday)
Parent work-morning 8:30-10:00
Volunteers needed
April 6 (Friday)
School Closed —Good Friday
April 5-8 (Thursday 3:00pm-Sunday 11:00am)
School group campout
Kerrville-Schreiner Park
April 20 (Friday)
Earth Day Tree Planting Festival 9:00-10:30
May 1 (Tuesday)
May Pole Festival 9:00 - 10:30
May 28 (Monday)
School Closed—Memorial Day
June 4-8 (Monday-Friday)
School Closed—Summer Break
June 21 (Thursday)
Summer Solstice Activities
July 4 (Wednesday)
School Closed—Independence Day
July 27 (Friday)
Fur and Feathers Festival 9:00-10:30
August 11 (Saturday)
Crossing-Over Ceremony 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch Follows at Nutty Brown Cafe
August 13 (Monday)
School Closed - Teacher In-Service
September 3 (Monday)
School Closed—Labor Day Holiday
(Updated Tuesday, February 21, 2012)
General News and Reminders
Sleep-Friend Reminder
We tell the children, “Sleep friends should be able to sit in your dad’s shoe.” The children’s baskets are important to us for sending home dirty clothes, artwork and notes to parents. Giant sleep friends get in the way. Beanie plush toys work nicely.
Seasonal Clothing
Some bags are out of balance. They have several t-shirts, but no pants. We probably don’t need shirts changed as often as pants, so focus on pants and socks. Remember that children need to be able to dress themselves, so belts, buttons and snaps are generally inappropriate. Rolled up pants or cuffed pants collect sand and soil which is then deposited in the child’s bed at nap time or spilled onto the carpet during circle time. Roll them under or cut off the excess and hem.
We are phasing out water play. For now, leave the water play items, but if you have not bought them, hold off until next spring. Of course, this is the time to find those items on sale. REI has sun shirts on sale and probably some other items such as hats. It is not too soon to start shopping resale stores for winter boots, coats, and winter hats. Your child will need a good winter coat and winter mittens suitable for wet snow play. Gloves and coats should be water repellent and fully padded.
We will keep the kids wearing sun shirts and sun hats until we switch over to winter jackets and hats. I will send more information about that later in the fall.
Looking for a Spanish teacher
The person who was going to replace Mr. Michael, our music/Spanish teacher, has changed her mind, so that position is still open. If you have any suggestions, send me an email.
Bug spray
Chemical safety with children is a concern for all of us, so I cautiously say please use insect repellent on your child. I recommend dressing your child in long pants. Spray the pants, shirt and boots with insect repellent. Spraying the shirt and pants will often eliminate chigger problems and most mosquito bites. If the chiggers are biting around the socks and underwear, stop using socks and use more spray on the outer pants and underpants. Focus on waistband and any elastic part of the pants. Parents must weigh the negative affects of the insect bites with the negative affects of the chemicals. Insects do not affect all children in the same way. It is up to parents to apply repellent to their children as needed. Google “safe insect repellent” to get more familiar with the issues. There are many web sites that offer information to help you plan your summer defense. If your children stay in aftercare and you want additional repellent applied, you must store your products in the cabinet on the back porch. Include your child’s name on your bug spray.
Important: Please be considerate of others when you spray. Do not spray your child on the back porch. Move away from the building, position yourself downwind from other people and pups; and then spray your child.
What is a chigger anyway?
Chiggers or “red bugs” are larvae of a mite (spider family) that infects Arthropods (mostly insects) in the soil. The larva will briefly visit a mammal host, sample feed and drop off. They crawl to the tips of grass and get picked up by animals/children walking by or sitting in the grass. We will make every effort of keep the grass on the playground mowed to minimize the exposure. A warm soapy bath as soon as your child comes in from outside or arrives at home after school will help get the critters off. Remember to put clothing directly into the wash. If your child has lots of bites, call his or her doctor and discuss your options for treatment. Many homeopathic and antihistamine creams will offer some relief at night. My doctor suggested that Hydrocortisone is better than topical antihistamine, because using local antihistamine might reduce the effectiveness of oral Benadryl. You should let your doctor advise you about that. Most pediatricians recommend using oral Benadryl when the itching keeps the child and family awake or when the scratching is causing infection. Just remember to wash the area with soap and water before reapplying any topical remedy. You might need to put socks over your child’s hands to soften the scratching.
Ants, bees and wasps
Insects are waking up and we’ll see them when we least expect it. I found a swarm of fire ants and eggs in the mailbox on Saturday afternoon. My mail was covered with ants. We will treat for fire ants during dry weather when they get organized and are feeding. Unfortunately the children might find them first. We are all trying to keep a look out, but they can be hidden. We use a topical antihistamine on the skin when bites occur, usually Benadryl gel or spray. We have not had a problem with bees and wasps this year, but we do every now and then. Keep in mind that bees and wasps are attracted to the smells and colors of flowers and fruits. When buying shampoo and lotion, keep in mind that a flower or fruit scent will attract pollinators. Please use unscented hair and skin products. Buzzing bees around the head is a frightening experience for a child. We will suggest to them that they keep their hands down and run away from the bees or wasps. We will allow some wasps to nest on the building. These are non-aggressive wasps with a mild sting. They are territorial and will fight off other varieties of wasps that may pose more of a threat to us. We consider all pollinators to be our friends and we won’t poison the wasps unless absolutely necessary. There are often a large number of bees and wasps on the flowers at the front of the school. Please do not allow your child to disturb them.
Online Reviews for Greenwood
If you have not done so, please write a review for us on Savvy Source. Please share the link with friends that have young children.
http://www.savvysource.com/preschool/profile_gh2866_The_Greenwood_School_Austin
Sunscreen News and Required Sun Shirt and Sun Hat
Many sunscreen compounds have been implicated as harmful. The safest sun block is the mechanical block, zinc oxide. Last year, we included titanium dioxide in our recommendations, however, that particular ingredient might be harmful. We are now requiring protective hats and shirts instead of lotion sun blocks and sunscreens. Clothing and hats should have a UPF 50 rating on the tag. Darker colors offer more protection than lighter colors. The children will wear the hats and shirts during normal playground time. By April, if it is not raincoat weather, then it is sun shirt and sun hat weather. I have found several web sites that sell the shirts and hats. The shirts are button-up shirts with a colar that open in the front and can be worn like a very light jacket. They are long sleeve, but have straps to secure rolled-up sleeves. Hats and shirts should have the maximum protection of UPF 50. Please make sure hats have UV protection treatment. Normal hats do not protect from UV rays. Children’s sun protective tops and hats are available at the following web sites. There is a limited selection at Academy Sports and Outdoors on Brodie Lane. www.Campmor.com, www.rei.com, http://www.coolibar.com/
Required Swimwear (June, July, August)
Please provide a full coverage suit, hat and closed toe water shoes by June 1, 2010. We will have splash play once or twice a week through out the summer. Please make sure the water shoe is not too tight for your child’s foot. Drawstring openings or Velcro make it easy to get on and off. The shoes must be closed toe for best protection. Sandals are not permitted. Fire ants often bubble to the service during water play and a sandal traps ants against the child’s skin.
Laptop Lunches
Laptop Lunches are American-style bento boxes designed to help families pack nutritious, environment-friendly lunches for school, work, and travel. Our sustainable lunch containers--which come with a book of healthy lunch ideas and lunch making recipes--are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. Our lunchboxes, recently featured in both Parents and O Magazine, do not contain phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), or lead. http://www.laptoplunches.com
Choking Hazards at Lunch
Please slice round or cylinder-shaped food into strips that are smaller than ½ inch in diameter. Cut grapes in halves or quarters. Cut carrots into thin strips. Round items can lodge in the opening to the trachea and block the flow of air. Round shape makes a complete plug. Angular shapes leave some space for air to pass. Choking on square or angular objects causes a lot of coughing, but the child’s coughing can clear the food from his or her windpipe. When there is a complete plug and the child cannot ask for help; they are rendered completely silent by the blockage. In a daycare setting, a teacher may not even notice until a child falls off the bench unconscious.
If you think your child can safely eat round food, please consider that there are other children sitting very near that may not be responsible chewers. Also, if someone bumps the bench and your child nearly falls backwards, there is sure to be a brief gasp that could suck food right into the windpipe.
Promoting independence and responsibility
I may throw some parents into shock over this, but I ask that Greenwood students keep their feet on the ground as long as they are at school. That means no carrying them around. If you want to have some cuddles and hugs, please sit in a chair or kneel down to their level and give them cuddles and hugs. Lifting a child up is a way of signaling that school is over and they are no longer under the authority of teachers. “Feet on the floor” is a school rule that applies until they get to your car. Also, there is a place and time for playful jumping and wrestling, and kids do need and love that kind of touch; however, it is not safe or consistent with our work in promoting independent and mature behavior.
We also expect the children to make every effort to dress themselves. Parents often let their children off the hook about this and it is most aggravating to the staff. If your child is unable to put on their shoes, then a simpler pair of shoes may be in order.
There should not be any children in diapers at Greenwood. If they are enrolled in Greenwood, they are old enough to put on their own pull-up or pants, or at least be learning how. Save the diapers for home and send pull-ups to school.
I’ve noticed that a lot of parents assist their children with boots. This is unnecessary. Putting on boots is a part of our daily lesson. Please just say your good-bye and leave your child to find his or her boots and put the boots on in their own time. Make sure a teacher knows that your child has arrived. We will assist them with boots if necessary, but they usually manage on their own. Seeing their friends playing offers motivation for their success.
Playground treasures
We are asking children to leave playground treasures on the playground. Even small and insignificant items need to stay on the Greenwood playground where they belong. To prevent confusion and loss, children should not bring treasures from home to school. This only confuses everyone about where an item truly belongs. Marbles are prohibited because they are a swallowing hazard. Pockets should be empty coming and going from school. Baskets should not be used to store treasures. If teachers put something in the basket, we are trying to send it home with you. Sleep friends, hats and mittens may stay overnight in the basket, but all other items should go home with the child. Please take artwork home each day or it will be put in the paper-recycling bin.
Sleep Friends
Sleep friends should be made from soft fabric and be small enough to fit in dad’s shoe. Big stuffed animals prevent us from being able to use the child’s basket for anything else. Plastic and metal toys are prohibited and anything that lights up or makes noise is prohibited.
Pick up and Drop off Behavior
Rude, demanding language is unacceptable at Greenwood. Children are expected to cooperate with adults and use golden words such as please and thank you. It is important that you ask your child to use polite language when addressing you or any other adult. If you need some leverage on this issue, ask the staff to back you up. We can share all sorts of ideas about pick up and drop off times that will make things go easier for you when your child is tired and grumpy. We try not to interfere too much, but sometimes a parent needs support to let the child know that we are united on these principles. The rules that are in place all day are also in place at pick-up time. We have found that having the parent wait outside will clear up the confusion about how things need to go. With mom or dad waiting outside, the child will cooperate with little or no resistance. A staff member will then walk the child out to rejoin the parent. You are actually teaching your child to set boundaries when you begin to set some for yourself. You simply say, “You are not cooperating, so I will wait outside while you get ready to go home.” Please do not allow your child to delay compliance. When you say it’s time to go, it is time to go because you said it. The child does not get to vote on the matter. You are the parent; therefore you make the call. Do not waffle because your child does not want to leave school. The teachers will back you up if you stand strong. We do not really want parents to join in the activity, we want to have the children focus on us and if there is a parent in the room, the focus is often on the parent. If your child suddenly needs to go to the bathroom, let them go alone. We do not need parent volunteers in the bathroom. Just let a teacher know that your child is going to the bathroom. We will take it from there. During aftercare, things are different. There may not be a teacher in the building, so you would need to go with your child to use the toilet. Please discuss aftercare situations with the aftercare teacher.
If your child is anxious about being dropped off, please do what you can to expedite the process. The sooner you leave, the faster we can integrate the child into play. Giving the child more time to adjust to the idea of separation often times just gives the child more time to produce adrenaline. The longer the child spends producing adrenaline, the longer it takes him or her to calm down after the parent leaves.
Clothes for Rainy Weather
When we follow our daily rhythm on rainy days, some kids need two changes of clothes. If the muddy laundry is a problem, you may want to consider buying rain pants for your child. The rain pants keep the jeans and underwear dry so that clothing change in unnecessary. Keep in mind that just a few children without extra clothes will force us to keep the entire school indoors. Please check your child’s bag for clothes each day. Keep in mind that we do not have storage space for a large number of clothing changes. I’m not asking for so many clothes and jackets that your child’s bag will look like a punching bag, and sweaters and coats will slide to the floor. Look in your child’s bag; check the hook; and see what is really necessary. Keep shorts and swim suits at home until we ask for them. We need socks, underwear, and pants and shirts. One raincoat, one puffy coat and one sweater should be on the hook when the children are indoors. If your child is wearing a sweater and a coat, there should not be an additional sweater and coat on the hook. He or she needs a place to hang the coat when we return from the playground.
Some bags are out of balance. They have several t-shirts, but no pants. We probably don’t need shirts changed as often as pants, so focus on pants and socks. Remember that children need to be able to dress themselves, so clothing with belts, buttons and snaps are generally inappropriate.
Warm-weather dress
Because of our rocky terrain, we ask that children continue to wear long pants during warmer months. Long pants and boots will continue to prevent most scrapes and scratches, making the playground experience less painful. We also recommend that shoulders stay covered to prevent shoulder sunburn. When it gets too hot to be comfortable dressed this way, we will play inside more or put suits on and have water play. No shorts or dresses please. Light fabric trousers are best during spring and early summer. Shop for khaki type pants. Capri length pants are okay because the boots cover the lower leg. You may also purchase long sleeve summer shirts made from special fabric that shields the UV radiation. Your child can wear a tank top under the sun protective shirt.
Swimsuits, hats, boots and water shoes
In June, we will begin having splash play once or twice a week. Please bring the unisex, one-piece suit pictured below. Please purchase a suit and hat that are treated to offer UPF protection. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (or “UPF”) rating measures the UV protection provided by a fabric. It is similar to the SPF rating system used for sunscreens. UPF 50 is the highest possible rating. That means it only allows 1/50th of the UV radiation to pass through it — blocking 98% of harmful rays. Note: there are several factors that may affect the level of UV protection. Most fabrics lose some of their UV protection if the garment is stretched out or worn, or if it has been washed repeatedly. Also, when the garment is damp or wet, the amount of UV protection is typically reduced. Lighter colors also tend to lose more of their sun protection when damp or wet than darker colors.
Sun Block Lotion
UPF protective shirts and hats in dark colors offer safe sun protection for the time that children are out on the playground at Greenwood. You may want to avoid sun block altogether and focus on clothing. There are new light fabric shirts for children that protect from UV radiation. If we start now, we can get your child accustomed to wearing a protective shirt and a hat. As soon as the winter hat is off, a sun hat should go on. Make sure your child’s name in clearly written on the hat and shirt.
Label, Label, Label!
Please label all of your child’s belongings. We work very hard to have a foolproof system, but our system depends on names being on all the child’s belongings including bottles and lunch box containers. I walked around today and labeled several bottles. At lunch, I observed many containers that were not labeled. Please do so. Also, label boots, swim suits and water shoes. You would think that children would recognize their own stuff, but they don’t. Every day we ask “Whose sweater? Whose socks? Whose hat? Whose boots?” We get only blank stares in return. They really don’t recognize their own stuff…too much going on I guess. At 3:00, we are having trouble getting the right shoes on the right kids. If you put your child’s name on the bottom of the shoe, we’ll be able to tell if children have the correct shoes.
Water Bottles and Canteens
If your child stays for aftercare, you may have to hunt a bit for the water bottle. Sometimes we take them out to the playground so the children will always have a water to drink. In the near future, I will be having a drinking fountain installed, but for now, watch for the tub of canteens on the porch when you pick up in the afternoon. After 5:00, the canteens will be on the table indoors. Each night, you should rinse the canteen and set it upside down to drain and dry. If the bottle stays wet day after day, you will have an environment suitable for bacteria and mold. Use a washcloth to clean the ribs in the mouth of the bottle. On weekends, you might want to use a mild beach solution to kill germs.
Lunch Cloth
Please remember to place a cloth napkin in your child’s lunch box. We have a few to loan, but going and getting one from the cabinet just slows us down when we are setting out lunches for hungry children. If you do end up with one or ours, please return it washed and folded. The cloth should be cloth, not plastic or laminated material. The idea is that the cloth will absorb moisture and goo that spills. At the end of lunch, we may use the cloth to wipe your child’s face and hands, or wipe up what has spilled on the table or floor. It is first a place mat and then a clean up cloth. The lunch cloth can be a cloth napkin, a dishtowel, a bandana or a large handkerchief. Place mats don’t work so well and anything plastic is useless. It needs to be big enough to cover the area for your child’s lunch items and water bottle, about 9”x13”. That’s about the size of a dishtowel folded in half.
Open House 2nd Tuesday
We invite visitors to Greenwood on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 4:30-6:00. If you child is in aftercare, you will notice the extra people. Feel free to introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. People are already looking ahead to summer and fall enrollment. If possible, please let me know your plans for the summer and next fall school year, so I can effectively plan for new enrollments.
Parent-Teacher Meetings
I rarely require parents to meet with me or the other teachers, but please know that we are available for conferences and consultations. We usually meet with parents at 8:00 am, naptime, or after hours. Please email or call if you would like to schedule a meeting. Some of you are getting ready to make decisions about kindergarten. I’m happy to discuss your child’s readiness or school selection.
Socks
The socks get really dirty in winter, so send extras and make sure your child’s name is on the socks. During the summer, you can just leave socks at home. The kids take them off and leave them in random places such as the sandbox. If there is a name on the sock, we will put it in that child’s basket. If your child is apposed to wearing socks, put a pair in his or her basket. That will at least give us some options. What they won’t do for you, they will most likely do for their teacher. We keep our indoor temperature a little on the chilly side, so socks are nice to keep feet comfortable