The Canopy
The Newsletter of The Greenwood School
March 19, 2008
Reminders about school closings
Greenwood will be closed this Friday and Monday (March 21 and 24) for Easter Break. We will be closing early on March 28th at 3:00pm, so no aftercare. We will be doing the first round of festival set-up.
Nap blanket swap
If your child has a heavy blanket for nap, please exchange it for something lighter. You can do the swap at Easter break and you can wait until the weather is more consistent. All the blankets need a wash, so plan to take it home soon.
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 yet. 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.
Swimsuits, hats, boots and water shoes
Bring a swimsuit and label it with a marker. Consider one-piece unisex suits with full coverage for sun protections. Dark colors offer better protection from UV than light colors. Some parents have found these suits at resale shops and even at HEB (near Lake Travis) for $10.00.
Please check the condition and fit of your child's boots. Your child needs a pair of water shoes. You may find a suitable pair in our collection. We don't have a good system for labeling names on water shoes. If you are buying new ones, pick a light color so the marker will show up.
Water play
For now, water play is limited to buckets, tubs, and scoops. Some children get very muddy and wet and have to change clothes when they come inside. When the morning temperatures are in the 80’s, we will be able to use swimsuits, sprinklers and pools. We can’t say for sure what days we will have water play, but it probably won’t be Thursdays or Fridays because of music class and yoga.
Sunscreen and sun block
Reading the latest news on sunscreen leaves me with more questions than answers. I once read about a ten-year study in Australia that showed an increase in skin cancer even though people were wearing sunscreen lotion. It might be that the DNA is getting damaged even though the lotions prevent redness or pain. Are the chemical ingredients causing cancer? Or are people just staying out longer without a burn and thus absorbing more harmful UV rays? Here is what I understand about sunscreen: the most gentle and safe sunscreens are unscented lotions containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide to block the ultra violet rays. Avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane) has been brought into question as to its stability and effectiveness. It also causes allergic reactions in some people. Consider using a sun block product that does not have fragrance or avobenzone. Avobenzone has risen in popularity because it is less noticeable on the skin. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide both tend to leave the skin looking a little milky. That is perfect on children because you can actually see when the sunscreen has washed away. Read the list of active ingredients and choose wisely. It my help to Google “safe sun block for children” and read up on the topic.
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 even some mosquito bites. If the chiggers are biting around the socks and underwear, stop using socks and underwear and use more spray on the pants.
Parents must weigh the negative affects of the insect bites with the negative affects of the chemicals. Keep things in perspective, we do not have insect problems all year. This is a summer issue that will be intensified by the mild winter. Also, insects do not affect all children in the same way. It is up to parents to apply repellent to their children. Remember to apply bug spray after the sunscreen. Google” safe insect repellent for children” 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 sun block or repellent applied to your child, you must your products in the cabinet on the back porch. Include your child’s name on your bug spray.
I’m going to throw away everything that is in there now. We need to start the season with fresh products. Most of the bottles are nearly empty anyway.
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 cut. 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. Just remember to wash the area with soap and water before reapplying any topical remedy. An oral dose of antihistamine is often necessary to allow for a good night’s sleep. 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. We will treat for fire ants 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 when bites occur. We have not had a problem with bees and wasps yet, 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. We allow a large colony of paper wasps to live above the front window. 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.
Wild flowers
For three years now, we have been planting wild flowers in front of the school. They are growing fast and most stand two to three inches tall. It would help if you could keep the children off the front lawn until the flowers have bloomed and gone to seed. If you explain that the flowers are coming up, your children will be glad to stay on the pavement. I have explained to most of the Ginger Garden children, why they should not pick flowers. Something to the effect that “the baby flowers for next year lie within.” If your child picks a flower, have them return the flower to it’s original place so that the “baby” won’t be separated from its family and friends. They will understand. If your child likes to give you flowers, then have your “parent partner” teach them to buy cut flowers at the flower shop or a nice blooming potted plant from the garden store.
CPR First Aid Class
Greenwood is hosting a CPR and First Aid class at 9:00am on Tuesday, March 25th. Parents and friends are welcome. We have a limited number of spots, so sign up at the school. The fee is $25, which you can pay in cash or check made out to Bruce Patzky when you complete the class. If you need to cancel your reservation, please let me know so we can make that spot available for another person.
New yoga teacher
We have found a wonderful new yoga teacher, thanks to all the parents who helped get the word out. Our new teacher is Sheila Karam-Nunez, and she teaches on Thursday mornings. The children are getting to know her and having a great time.
Paper egg-cartons needed for art project.
Ms. Nicole is planning an art project that requires egg cartons. They need to be the type made from recycled paper. Please do not send Styrofoam cartons.
Eggshells needed
We need clean, hollow eggshells for next week. Cut a small hole in one end of an egg with a small knife. Shake out the yolk and egg white. Rinse the shell and let it dry. We are making Cascarones next week for Spanish class and art class. These are confetti-filled eggshells, decorated much like Easter eggs. A Mexican tradition also popular in the Southwestern US, cascarones are typically used during Easter but also show up during special occasions such as graduations and fiestas. Having a cascaron broke over your head is said to bring good luck or it may indicate that you have an admirer. If we don’t get enough eggs, we will postpone, so please save your shells.
Wig heads for April
My good friend April Smith is taking chemo for breast cancer and needs a few wig heads for her fabulous collection of wigs. Any type will be appreciated.
April 9th is Nut-Free Day!
We have a new applicant visiting the school on April 9th and she is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. Please help us accommodate her needs by packing a lunch that is nut-free. Sunflower seeds are safe, but no cashews, peanuts, almonds or pecans. We are asking you to do this for one day right now, but if she enrolls for the fall, I will study the best information available for schools and develop a nut policy that will make Greenwood a safe environment for her.
Festival news
We still need volunteers for The Fairie Festival:
v We need one or two more face painters or we may need to cancel the booth. Face painters use very simple figures; anyone can do this. We hope to get the face painting complete in the early part of the festival.
v We need another person to help with cashiering.
v We will need lots of parents to help hide eggs. Just listen for the call.
v Friday Mar.28th 1:00-3:00 set up looks a little light on volunteers. Just a couple of more people to work an hour or two while the kids sleep would really help.
v We are really short on Saturday, 9:00-11:00 set up. This is more the decorating phase; hanging decorations in the trees, putting out trash cans, cleaning up the playground, etc.
v We are still looking for some lively but inexpensive live music. Call Linda Galvan if you have ideas.
v We need a garden volunteer to set up a seed planting activity for children. We have the seeds, pots, and soil. You’ll just need to set up the booth and monitor it so the seeded pots do not get disturbed. We will nurture the sprouts at school and use the plants in our own gardening program.
v Bubble activity needs a set up person. This activity needs little to keep it going. Just need someone to organize the supplies and set up the activity during Saturday morning set up.
v We need flowers. Please check with the flower department at your local grocery store and ask if you can pick up any flowers that they plan to throw away on Saturday or Sunday morning. Bring the flowers to Greenwood before the festival.
What to bring to festival:
1. Vegetarian dish for the potluck Fairie Feast. Please no mayo, dairy or animal products that may spoil in the warm sun. If possible, include a recipe card or list of ingredients for folks that have dietary restrictions or allergies.
2. The entrance fee for each child is $10 to cover the costs of the entertainment and crafts. You may want to bring some extra cash for tips.
3. There will be a huge egg hunt at the end of the festival. Please bring a dozen eggs per child. Eggs should be hard boiled and dyed pretty colors. You may substitute store-bought cascarones, but most of the children will want the real thing.
4. We are renting chairs and tables, but you may be more comfortable with you children on a picnic blanket. Bring a blanket if you prefer that.
5. Money to have a massage or have your tarot cards read. We have some great vendors this year. Bring some pocket money or a checkbook and enjoy some shopping.
6. Children may wish to wear a costume. I’ve suggested to them that they dress like a creature or plant from a garden or something that enjoys sunlight and fresh air. Suggestions include bunny, fairy, butterfly, flower, ladybug, bee, etc. I am discouraging skeletons, super heroes and carnivores of all kinds. No bunny or fairy feels comfortable having tea with a shark or tiger.
Up-coming dates
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Tuesday
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Mar. 25
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9:00 am CPR and First Aid class
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Wednesday
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Mar. 26
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9:00-10:00 am festival planning
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Friday
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Mar. 28
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1:00-3:00 set up for festival; no aftercare,
school closes at 3:00pm
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Saturday
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Mar. 29
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10:00am-1:00 pm set up [no children, please.]
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Sunday
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Mar. 30
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9:00 am final setup vendors, entertainers and activities
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Sunday
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Mar. 30
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Fairie Festival 10:00-2:00
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Sunday
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Mar. 30
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Clean up after festival 2:00-3:00
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If it rains, we may choose to postpone the festival. Please email us at
teachers@greenwoodschool.net for postponement information or keep checking back here.
Private school applications
If you have applied or are planning to apply at a private school for fall of 2008, please let me know so I can put in a good word on your behalf. If you know you are leaving Greenwood this fall, please let me know so I can find an equally wonderful family to fill your spot.
New late charges
In an effort to be consistent and fair, we are changing our late pick-up policy and rate. Any late pickups will be charged $1 per minute. In the past, this charge was only levied against full day students in our aftercare program. Now, the late charge applies to 12:30 pick-ups, 3:00 pick-ups, as well at 6:00 pick-ups. If you need to schedule extra care beyond your pick up time, you may schedule that in advance at the rate of $10 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. Drop-in care is by appointment and on a “space available” basis. Early-morning childcare may be arranged at the following rate: 7:30-8:30 $10 with a advanced notice. Earlier than 7:30 can be scheduled for $1.00 per minute. If you fail to show up at the scheduled time, you will be billed for that time anyway.
Pick-up protocol
If you like to keep the teachers smiling, arrive for pick-up 5 minutes early. This has been going pretty well lately. Smooth, quiet pick-ups are what we love. Remember, “pick-up” actually means the time at which you have full control of your child and are walking out the door. Arriving at 12:30 or 3:00 and talking to the teacher for 5 or 10 minutes is a strain on the rhythm of the day. Plus, the adult voices cause the noise level to rise, disturbing the remaining children and teachers. Please sign your child in and out each day. If you do not, you are leaving it up to the teachers to decide how much you owe for late pick-up time.
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