IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
3/4-8: Read Across America
3/6: Livestream with Author/Illustrator Scott SanGiacoma
3/27: International Festival
3/29: No School (Optional Care Preschool and PreK)
Lower School Highlights
This week in Lower School, children learned how to set up and maintain habitats for animals (even, in keeping with our Dr. Seuss theme, a tree for The Lorax). We also happily welcomed parents onto our campus to read in our children’s classrooms. Children used gloves and toothbrushes to practice self-care and good hygiene skills, and learned about the way their senses work, with a focus on sound and touch. Finally, students utilized artistic materials aimed at developing creativity and fine motor skills, and continued their preparations for International Day!
Upper School Highlights
Upper School students donned funky socks, hats, and outfits this week, showing their spirit for Dr. Seuss. This month’s Project-Based Learning theme focuses on countries around the world, and this week found students reading about Brazilian culture and learning about the Haka dance of New Zealand. Our children also participated in an engaging Q&A with author Scott SanGiacomo, and used computer code to build a working machine out of LEGO!
Curriculum Corner: International Unit
Today, as part of our participation with “Read Across America”, Elementary students had the opportunity to meet with Scott SanGiacomo, author of “Bedhead Ted“. Over the last few weeks, Collage Day School used Scott’s story as our classroom read aloud for Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Students had the opportunity to ask the author questions and share their favorite parts of the story. Thank you, Mr. SanGiacomo, for taking the time to meet with our students!
Collage Day School Talent Show!
The Coolest Family-Friendly Event in North Florida
With Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream at the finish!
Join General Truck & Trailer Sales, Inc., founder, Kilwins Jacksonville and Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech for this ever-growing event with a timed 5K race and a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk.
At the finish line, participants are rewarded with all-you-can-eat Kilwins Original Recipe Ice Cream while enjoying a lively sponsor and vendor activity area.
click the link below to find out more!
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
Seasonal allergies
Also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, allergies can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Here are some tips to manage and prevent seasonal allergy flare-ups:
Know Your Triggers: Understand which pollens or allergens trigger your seasonal allergies. Common triggers include tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen in the summer, and weed pollen in the fall.
Check Pollen Counts: Monitor pollen forecasts and try to stay indoors when pollen levels are high. Keep windows closed and use air conditioning to filter out pollen from indoor air.
Keep Indoor Air Clean: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your home’s heating and cooling systems to trap airborne allergens. Regularly clean air ducts, vents, and filters to prevent buildup of dust and pollen.
Limit Outdoor Exposure: Minimize outdoor activities, especially during peak pollen times, such as early morning and windy days. If you need to go outside, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a pollen mask to reduce inhalation of allergens.
Shower and Change Clothes: After spending time outdoors, shower and change clothes to remove pollen from your hair and skin. This can prevent pollen from spreading indoors and triggering allergy symptoms.
Use Nasal Irrigation: Rinse your nasal passages with a saline solution using a neti pot or nasal spray. Nasal irrigation can help flush out allergens and relieve nasal congestion.
Take Medications: Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids can help relieve allergy symptoms. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to choose the most suitable medication and dosage for your symptoms.
Consider Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) can help desensitize your immune system to specific allergens over time, reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Talk to an allergist to see if immunotherapy is a suitable option for you.
Keep Pets Clean: Bathe and groom pets frequently to remove pollen and other allergens from their fur. Limit your pet’s access to areas where you spend a lot of time, such as bedrooms and living rooms.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which can help thin mucus secretions and ease nasal congestion.
Boost Immune System: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to support your immune system’s ability to cope with allergens.
Consult a Specialist: If your seasonal allergies are severe or not well-controlled with over-the-counter medications, consider seeing an allergist for further evaluation and personalized treatment options.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can minimize the impact of seasonal allergies and enjoy the changing seasons more comfortably.
SPONSORS
Thank you to all our sponsors…
