Osiyo, Chickadee Families,
Happy Spring! Last week, the Chickadees observed the solstice by clearing out, weeding, and pruning planters in our forest classroom. Two of these planters currently hold our mint and lemon balm plants, which are growing back after the winter. This week, the students will transplant the kale, which is proliferating, into two other planters. After the break, once they have some additional growing time, the marigolds and parsley will also be moved into planters. The students will also learn a new spring game this week. The Bluebird Singing Game will be a happy addition to the Morning Circle, and it will continue through our new circle when the children return from spring break. This week also offers Chickadee students a variety of opportunities to experience the work of some of the grade classes, such as watching a singing and juggling performance by the sixth graders and viewing the shelters made by the third graders.
Children learn best when they start their school day with their basic needs met. When they feel rested, safe, comfortable, and relaxed, with filled bellies and hearts, children can sense and engage with others and the world around them. With these important basic needs met, a child is ready to listen, process information, follow directions, and respond to each other and outside stimuli healthily.
Some guidelines for a successful start to the school day include:
*provide a warm, nourishing breakfast, including protein and limiting added sugars
*create a relaxing bedtime ritual, trying to have your child in bed no later than 8:00 pm
*limit media exposure, especially before bedtime and before school
*avoid over-scheduling by limiting extra classes and activities for children
*keep your child home to rest when they are not feeling well
*wash your child’s face and hands, help them brush their teeth and hair, pull their hair out of their eyes, and ensure they are comfortably dressed for the weather
*set lovingly firm boundaries at home, giving your child the sense that the adults in their life are capable of making decisions that are best for them
We encourage all our families to follow these practices to set their child/ren up for success at school and in the world around them each day.
Announcements and Reminders
Picture Day is this Wednesday! If your child does not usually attend school on Thursday, please arrive at 10:00 am as we would love your child to be included in the class photo. They can also have their individual photo taken at this time so they do not have to dress for photos again on Thursday.
Grandfriends Day is this Friday! You, a grandparent, or other special grownup friend(s) are invited to join your child at school for light refreshments from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please email Ki Holly the names of adults attending and who your child will be going home with. Name tags will be ready for those grownups joining our class. If your child does not usually attend on Friday, they are welcome to come to the celebration with their special grownup(s) as well!
Rest blankets will be sent home at the end of the week. Now that the weather should be reliably warmer, please send a light blanket with your child after the break.
Upcoming Events:
3/27-3/28: School Photos
3/29: Grandfriends Day (Half Day All School Dismissal)
4/1-4/5 Spring Break (No School)
4/8: No School: Solar Eclipse
4/23-4/25 5th Grade Pentathlon
4/26 Annual Auction Fundraiser - Half Day
Thank you for sharing your children with us and for being part of our community.
Gvyalieliga,
Ki Holly
