IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS
5/2: Pre-k Field Day
5/3: Elementary Field Day
5/9: Talent Show
5/16: Pre-K 4 Celebration
5/20: 5th Grade Banquet
5/21: Last Day of School, Tawny Owl and Spotted Owl Optional Care available through Friday, 5/24
5/27: Memorial Day
5/28: Summer Program Begins
Lower School Highlights
After a wonderful time celebrating the Earth last week, Lower School students continued their study and appreciation of Nature. Butterflies, having completed their metamorphosis, were released into the wild, and different types of bees and beetles were observed working in their natural environment. Other students studied pirates and mermaids, using recycled materials to make hats and traps, and one class even put a new twist on the classic “baking soda and vinegar volcano” experiment- by creating an Ice Cream Cone Volcano!
A Note from Kris
Why Do Toddlers Bite?
Biting is very common in early childhood. Babies and toddlers bite for a variety of reasons, such as teething or exploring a new toy or object with their mouth. As they begin to understand cause-and-effect, they also might bite a person to see if they can get a reaction.
Biting also can be a way for toddlers to get attention or express how they feel. Frustration, anger, and fear are strong emotions and toddlers lack the language skills to communicate how they are feeling. Instead, they may bite as a way of saying, “Pay attention to me!” or “I don’t like that!” Toddlers may also learn that biting can be used as a tool for accessing a desired item.
What Can Help Kids Stop Biting?
- Be calm and firm-make it clear that biting is wrong.
- Comfort the victim-direct your attention to the person who has been bitten
- Comfort the biter-toddlers do not realize that biting hurts and may need consoling
- Redirect-distraction works wonders at this age
- Remain consistent-reinforce the “No biting” rule at all times
Upper School Highlights
Upper School kids continued their own naturalistic studies this week, learning about insects and their contributions to nature. Students also attended “Camp Read-A-Lot”, a literacy activity designed to sharpen their skills and further their love for reading. Project-Based Learning studies were well underway, with students identifying global problems and beginning to consider potential solutions. Finally, our poetry contest is making a return this year, and students and staff worked together to begin producing pieces to be judged at a later date.
EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE
Kesia Griffith
“Teaching has transformed my life,” says First Grade Teacher Kesia Griffith. “Through my role as an educator, I’ve witnessed the powerful impact teachers can have on students on families in our community”. Kesia came to Collage in 2021, where she began working as a camp counselor, and spent her subsequent years working with VPK and Pre-K children. “Education extends beyond the classroom, into families and communities”, Kesia says, sharing her view on the importance of Elementary education. She explains, “By developing strong relationships with students and families, I’ve been able to implement programs and projects that cater to diverse student needs and enhance their community involvement.” This summer, at camp, Kesia will be coaching Track and Field. An experienced coach who’s naturally enthusiastic about Track, she says her camp “will focus on skill development, teamwork, and most importantly, having a blast!” Thank you, Kesia, for your constant hard work and dedication- our students and staff are lucky to have you. |
Summer Camp 2024
Preparations are well underway for Collage’s 2024 Summer Camp, and we’re proud to announce new and exciting expansions to our program. For our youngest, Preschool-aged campers, Camp Collage and TimberNook will be filled with outdoor crafts and activities, as well as weekly on-site field trips with a new theme each week!
For our campers aged 5 and up, along with participation in Camp Collage and TimberNook, new mini-camp choices will be offered, including:
Ballet and Contemporary Dance
Horsin’ Around
Lacrosse
Princess Ballet
Improv
Cheer
In My Summer Era
Track and Field
Color Theory and Art Exploration
Volleyball
Culinary Connoisseurs
Kids Eye View
Marine Biology
Flag Football
Soccer
Roblox
Archery
LEGO
Pickleball
Watercolor Exploration
We can’t wait to see what amazing things our campers create this summer, and we hope to see you all there!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP:
For direct questions, reach out to Tiffany Clark, at clark@collagedayschool.org
Curriculum Corner: Global Issues
We are looking forward to our final PBL project. Teachers and students are planning very ambitious community projects to take action on passions and interests. We’ve already seen our kids identify some high-priority global issues, such as poverty, pollution, over consumption, freshwater crisis, ocean pollution, and animal habitat loss. We’re excited to help our kids transform their knowledge into action, serving as proud examples of our Students to Stewards school-wide philosophy. Be on the lookout our community activists!
Collage Day School Talent Show!
The event takes place next Thursday, May 9th. Food trucks will be on site for purchase. Enrichments Club Creative, STEAM, and Animal Explorers will be on display in the new
Teacher Appreciation May 6-10!
Each day students will bring gifts for the teachers
o Bring a flower to your teacher
o Bring your teacher’s favorite sweet treat
o Bring your teacher’s favorite snack/drink
o Bring your teacher’s a thank you note/card
o Wear your teacher’s favorite color
o Gift Card
o Lottery TicketFor more information, contact Tiffany at: clark@collagedayschool.org
CODE NINJAS IS BACK!
'24-25!
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
Insect Bites and Stings
Warm weeks mean children spending plenty of time playing outside. And unfortunately, more time outside means more opportunities for bites and stings from our insect friends. Below are tips to manage these should they happen to your child:
Identify the Bite or Sting: Knowing what kind of insect caused the bite or sting can help determine the appropriate treatment. Common culprits include mosquitoes, bees, wasps, ants, and spiders.
Remove the Stinger (if applicable): If your child is stung by a bee or a wasp, gently scrape the stinger out with a flat object like a credit card. Avoid using tweezers, as squeezing the stinger can release more venom.
Clean the Area: Wash the affected area with soap and water to prevent infection. Be gentle to avoid further irritation.
Apply Cold Compress: Place a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the bite or sting for about 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and numb the area. Make sure to have breaks in between to prevent frostbite.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Make sure to use the appropriate dosage according to your child’s age and weight.
Topical Treatments: Calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or antihistamine creams can help relieve itching and inflammation. Avoid applying these products to broken skin.
Watch for Signs of Allergic Reaction: Keep an eye on your child for signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. Seek emergency medical help if these symptoms occur.
Prevent Scratching: Encourage your child not to scratch the bite or sting to prevent further irritation and infection. Keeping their fingernails short can help reduce the risk of breaking the skin.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the bite or sting. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional.
Preventative Measures: Teach your child to avoid areas where insects are abundant, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, and use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin (for children over 2 months old) to prevent bites and stings.
SPONSORS
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