IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
4/19: Parent Teacher Conferences (No optional care for 3s and up)
4/22: Earth Day (PreK-4 Toy Swap)
4/24: Epcot Field trip (K-5)
Lower School Highlights
This week in Lower School, children learned about the Everglades, and how to identify different animals commonly found in that habitat. Students also planted seeds and learned about the life cycle of plants, as well as the ways plants provide healthy food for people. We even saw a class begin an adorable project with a milkweed plant and a Monarch caterpillar- students will watch the amazing process of metamorphosis before releasing the beautiful butterfly at the end.
A Note from Kris
JUST READ, FAMILIES!
Reading Begins at Home
Strong parental involvement is a key component of Just Read, Florida! initiative. Other than helping your children to grow up happy and healthy, the most important thing that you can do for them is help them develop their reading skills.
Babies
Read to your baby for short periods several times a day. As you read, point out things in the pictures. Name them as you point to them. Cardboard or cloth books with large simple pictures of things with which babies are familiar are the best books to begin with.
Ages 1-4
Talk with your child as you read together. Point to pictures and name what is in them. When your child is ready, ask him or her to do the same. Ask your child about his or her favorite parts of the story, and answer your child’s questions about events or characters.
Wherever you are with your child, point out individual letters in signs, billboards, posters and books. When your child is 3 to 4 years old, ask him or her to begin finding and naming some letters.
Kindergarten
Read predictable books to your child. Teach him or her to hear and say repeating words, such as names for colors, numbers, letters and animals. Predictable books help children to understand how stories progress. A child easily learns familiar phrases and repeats them, pretending to read.
Practice the sounds of language by reading books with rhymes and playing simple word games (i.e., How many words can you make up that sound like the word “bat”?).
*Taken from the U.S. Department of Education “Helping Your Child Become A Reader” and The Partnership for Reading “Put Reading First” publications.
Upper School Highlights
Upper School students were back in full swing this week, researching non-fiction topics and developing both informative and opinion-based writing styles. In Geography, students learned about the 7 continents, and discussed how weather, location, and physical environment impact different populations around the world. One class began their observation of painted lady caterpillars, while others discussed the importance of natural resources and appreciation for the Earth.
Curriculum Corner: Project-Based Learning
Our Project-Based Learning essential question for the month of April is: “How can humans show appreciation for our planet?” From exploring plant and animal life cycles, to the impacts of weather changes on living things, students will learn about ways we can preserve and protect our planet in the years to come. Classrooms will have the opportunity to take what they’ve learned throughout this unit and end with an Impact Project right here on our campus. We can’t wait for you to see what we accomplish!
Earth Day Toy Swap
Collage Day School Talent Show!
UNIFORM SALE!
COLLAGE AFTERSCHOOL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITY:
SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP**
For many children, managing the social world day in and day out eventually presents challenges. Some children may struggle with social flexibility, or sudden frustration, or wanting to engage but just struggling to figure out how. Mandala Family Wellness is proud to offer a group designed to improve children’s confidence, fluidity, and excitement about making and maintaining friendships. Guided by Mandala therapists, children will learn highly effective and applicable social skills to improve their navigation of relationships and bolster their self-esteem.
** Social skills group is now open to 3, 4, and 5-year-olds with our "Little Leaders" program.
To sign up, contact Sierra Sternberg at: sternberg@mandalafamilywellness.com
Staying Healthy with Nurse Chelsea
FEVERS
Fevers are no fun for children or their parents, and sometimes, can go from mild to concerning rather quickly. While fevers are not actually illnesses, they are a sign that your child is fighting off an infection of some sort (usually viral). Below are steps for managing their condition safely until they return to normal:
- Monitor the fever: Keep track of your child’s temperature regularly using a thermometer. Fevers are generally considered temperatures above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Encourage rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest to help their body fight off the infection.
- Keep them hydrated: Offer fluids such as water, electrolyte solutions, or diluted fruit juices to prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary drinks or sodas.
- Dress them comfortably: Dress your child in lightweight clothing and use lightweight bedding to help regulate their body temperature. Avoid overdressing, which can trap heat and raise the fever further.
- Use fever-reducing medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and relieve discomfort. Always follow the dosing instructions carefully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts about the appropriate dosage for your child’s age and weight.
- Cool baths or compresses: If your child’s fever is causing discomfort, you can give them a lukewarm bath or use damp washcloths or towels to apply cool compresses to their forehead, armpits, and groin area. Avoid using cold water or ice, as this can cause shivering and increase body temperature.
- Provide comfort: Offer comforting activities such as reading, watching a movie, or cuddling with a favorite toy to help distract your child and keep them calm.
- Seek medical attention if necessary: Consult a healthcare professional if your child’s fever is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe headache, stiff neck, rash, or persistent vomiting. Additionally, seek medical advice if the fever persists for more than a few days or if your child is under 3 months old with any fever.
