Children's House Montessori School

~IMPORTANT~
CURRENT INFORMATION, DATES, EVENTS, CHANGES AND/OR NEWS
4/16/2024

Culture Fair
Friday, April 26, 2024
10:30 am - 1:00 pm
This will be a full school day, not half day.
Hola! Namaste! Ciao! Konnichiwa, Bonjour!..
to all parents, families and friends...

We are looking forward to our Culture Fair and hope you will all be here to celebrate the excitement of the many cultures of the world with your children!
All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent with them at the fair!
Toddler and Primary parents: you have the option of bringing your child to his or her class at the usual time, 9:00 am and returning by 10:15 to join them for the festivities or you may come to school a little later with your child and enjoy the fair.

We will offer our usual morning (8:00 am) and (5:30 pm) extended care.

The fair will be outside of Steve’s barn, with singing by students from the primary, kindergarten and elementary classrooms.

The singing will be followed by our traditional flag parade, and then elementary students will share games, crafts and food from the country or culture they have been researching. You can “visit” these countries with your children and learn something about them. As you visit each country booth, help your child get stamps for their passports!

Our patio will be set up for a "World Foods" potluck!
We ask that you please bring something to share, from somewhere in the world!

1/25/2024

FEBRUARY
•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024: AUCTION DONATION DESCRIPTIONS DUE!
But please don't wait until the 15th, we need donations! Right now we just need the description, not the item. You received donation forms in your Auction packet or you can print them here or use the Online Donation Form or grab one at the school! Do you need donation ideas? Check out the items from our auction last year or this List of Ideas!

You can also register online and get your dinner tickets!

•IMPORTANT AUCTION INFO
=February 15, 2024- Donation Descriptions Due
=February 23, 2024- Reservation Forms Due
=March 8, 2024- Bring in Donated Items
=March 23, 2024- AUCTION DAY!

•ENROLLMENT FORMS FOR 2024/2025 COMING MID-FEBRUARY

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENTS' DAY

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024: OPEN HOUSE
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things they have been doing at school!

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024: KINDERGARTNERS CELEBRATE 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

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1/9/2024

JANUARY
•MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2024: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024, 2:00 in Steve's Barn: Elementary Students Honor Dr. Martin Luther King

•MONDAY, JANUARY 22 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Please watch for an email from your child's teacher about scheduling your conference. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 26th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If you are unable to schedule on Friday, please speak to the teacher about scheduling it Monday thru Thursday (1/22 - 1/25).
School resumes Monday, January 29, 2024.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2024 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
SEE INFORMATION ABOVE

FEBRUARY
•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2024: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2024: OPEN HOUSE
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things he or she has been doing at school!

•IMPORTANT AUCTION INFO AND DATES

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12/13/2023

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21st
School Hours are 8-12 (half day)

CLOSED
*WINTER BREAK*
DECEMBER 22, 2023
THRU
JANUARY 8, 2024

School resumes
Tuesday, January 9, 2024

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10/24/2023

•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023:
Halloween at Children's House...
We recognize that Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.
At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin painting may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children may learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to people, past and present in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.
With the exception of the historical costumes for the upper elementary students, it is our policy to not have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.
Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes lunch or drives to school.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023, JOG-A-THON, 10:30-11:30:
Again this year the entire school (some toddlers may run with their buddies but do not need a sponsor sheet) will participate in our Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit must! charities/BOYS & GIRLS CLUB at Creston Elementary. Parents, you received a letter in your Parent Cubby with a sponsor sheet attached. We have collectively raised over $50,000 in the last eleven years! Let's keep it going!

We will let you know the deadline to return donations at a later date. REMEMBER: You do not need to return the sponsor sheet, only the donations!
Thank you!
Children's House Staff

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023, VETERANS DAY: School is CLOSED

•PICTURE DAYS: TUESDAY, NOV. 14th AND WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15th
IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS:
During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL children REGISTERED and CLASS PHOTOS. M-F Toddlers will be in the class photo both days. There are no envelopes and no pre-payment, however your child must be registered. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.
TUESDAY, NOV. 14
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH
• MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS
•TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS
•ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS
•PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE
(REGARDLESS OF WHICH CLASS THEY ARE IN)
•CLASS PHOTOS FOR ALL CLASSES (except Monday/Wednesday Toddlers)
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH
•MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS
•ALL KINDERGARTENERS
•ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
(UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR INDIVIDUAL PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY WITH SIBLING)
•CLASS PHOTOS FOR MONDAY/WEDNESDAY TODDLERS

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023, THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE & POTLUCK
We will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be putting on a special performance for you. The show will begin at 9:30. You are welcome to drop off your children at the regular time. When you are ready to find a seat, please enter through the big gate. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn.

Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring a brunch/breakfast item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, bacon, breads, muffins, fruits and beverages. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING, BY SIGNING UP ON THE GOOGLE LINK or AT THE FRONT DESK.

•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15 to 12:00pm).

•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 12:00 pm.

•School will be CLOSED from November 20th to November 24th. We will resume on Monday November 27th.

•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.
We look forward to spending this special holiday together!
The Children's House Staff

9/8/2023

•REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY A FEW TIMES EACH WEEK! If you are a returning parent, you probably have a new cubby number. If you are a new parent, and you are not sure where it is please ask a staff member or another parent. We will use your parent cubby throughout the year to pass on important papers we need you to fill out or sign, and lots of other things. Parents also use them to leave items for each other, including birthday invitations!

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8/28/2023

Dear Children’s House Families,
We hope summer has been healthy, adventurous and regenerative for you all. We cannot believe we are almost back to school! Summer has moved swiftly by. This letter has a lot of important information for the beginning days of school. We ask that you please read this all carefully.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCHOOL CALENDARS ON OUR WEBSITE

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Orientations are for new students in Toddler and Primary (preschool), attending for the first time, and any Toddlers moving into Primary. Jamie will also do orientations for all Preschool students moving into Kindergarten. Elementary students are also welcome, if it is deemed helpful. Students enrolled during Summer DO NOT need to attend an orientation, except for Kindergarteners.
•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: TODDLER
•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2023: PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL)
If your child needs an orientation, we sent you a link to Google Docs to sign up.

•PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS:
•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication.
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 6:00 - 7:00 PM / PRIMARY: Preschool (this Parent Meeting is the evening BEFORE school begins!)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 6:00 - 7:00 PM / KINDERGARTEN
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 6:00 - 7:00 PM / LOWER ELEMENTARY
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 6:00 - 7:00 PM / TODDLER
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 6:00 - 7:00 PM / UPPER ELEMENTARY

The first day of school:
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 (Wednesday, September 6 for Monday/Wednesday toddlers)
We will continue to have you drop off your child outside. Please come inside the school to check your parent cubby. Please check it daily, or at least a few times a week, especially at the beginning of the school year.
There may be times when we will be locking the front doors. We have installed a doorbell at the front door near the office. All front gates at the school will be locked after 9:30 am, until 12:00 and then locked until 2:45. If you arrive after this time or if you need to pick up your child during locked hours, please come through the front doors.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP:
Toddler - 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the small entry gate to the toddler yard. Please use Brightwheel to sign your child in and out every day. You can use the QR code on the gate. Please send snacks, lunch and a water bottle every day! Do not send any food items that need to be heated.
Primary -(preschool) 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the big gate. Please use Brightwheel to sign your child in and out every day. You can use the QR code on the tree or gate. Please send a water bottle every day! For 9:00-3:00 children, please send lunch every day, as well. Tori will explain the classroom snack procedure at the parent meeting.
Kindergarten- 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the big gate. Please use Brightwheel to sign your child in and out every day. You can use the QR code on the tree or gate. Please send lunch and a water bottle every day! Jamie will explain the classroom snack procedure at the parent meeting.
Lower Elementary- (first to third grades) 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the front of the school. It is the glass door on the right, when facing the school. Please send snacks, a water bottle and a lunch every day!
Upper Elementary - (fourth to sixth grades) 8:45-3:00
Please drop off and pick up in front of the Upper Elementary classroom.
Please send snacks, a water bottle and a lunch every day!

ILLNESS / MEDICATIONS
Please do not send your child to school if they are sick.
Each family should have alternative child care available for their children when they are not well. The following is a list of symptoms to guide you in deciding whether your child should be sent to school. Do not send your child to school within 24 hours of having any of the following symptoms:
        1. Fever (temp. over 98.6 degrees F.), and do not send child if you have given them a fever reducing medication
        2. Rash
        3. Cough
        4. Discharge of discolored or profuse amounts of mucous from the nose
        5. Diarrhea
        6. Vomiting
        7. Sore throat
Please notify the school if your child is staying home due to illness. Please test for COVID if your child has any of the above symptoms. We have tests available at the school. FOR POSITIVE COVID CASES: Your child can return to school after five days if no symptoms are present. When your child returns on the sixth day, we will ask them to wear a mask through day ten (from the day symptoms first appeared).

•EXTENDED CARE
Our Morning Care and After Care are both full at this time. We cannot offer any Drop-in care but we will keep you informed if this changes.
*Pick-up and drop-off for morning and afternoon will be at the big gate for all ages. If you arrive and do not see a teacher, please come into the yard and let a teacher know you are here before you drop-off or pick-up your child.

•RETURN YOUR CHILD'S ENROLLMENT FORMS!
*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. The staff is working at the school all this week, beginning August 28th. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CURRENT CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM (PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, YOU ARE MANDATED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE CURRENT IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD). If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. We cannot enroll your child without proof of all immunizations.The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•TUITION
Your first tuition payment was due on June 1, 2023. This payment goes towards June 2024.
•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 5). You should have received a Brightwheel invoice for both.
The remaining monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of each month - October 1, 2023 through May 1, 2024. You can pay through Brightwheel, mail or drop off your payments at the front desk.

•PEANUT ALLERGIES:
FOR OVER TEN YEARS, DUE TO PEANUT ALLERGIES, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL. This year, again, it seems we do not have any children enrolled who have an allergy to all things peanut. If your child is allergic to peanuts, or anything that you did not disclose on their Emergency Form, please let us know ASAP, otherwise we will proceed this year allowing peanuts at school.

•COVID-19 Guidelines
If our county mandates mask wearing at any time, we will comply with their directive. Please be aware that your child may be required to wear a mask at school on short notice. We may also ask you to test your child. Thanks for your understanding.
Thank you for reading this long and informative letter! :) And welcome to a new year at Children’s House! <3

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4/27/2023

•Spring Portraits: Tuesday, May 9th and Wednesday, May 10th:
During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL children REGISTERED. No class photos! There are no envelopes and no pre-payment, however your child must be registered. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.

•TUESDAY, MAY 9th
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS and TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, and ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE.
•WEDNESDAY, MAY 10th
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS. HE WILL ALSO PHOTOGRAPH ALL KINDERGARTENERS AND ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS. (UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY)

JAPhoto_QR

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3/6/2023

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023: OPEN HOUSE, 5:30-7:00PM Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things they have been doing at school!

•FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2023: SUMMER ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSIT DUE
•FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023: JOG-A-THON, 10:30-11:30… You received information and a sponsor sheet in your parent cubby.
•FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023: AUCTION DONATION DESCRIPTIONS DUE! But please don't wait until the 31st, we need donations! You received donation forms in your Auction packet or you can print them here or use the Online Donation Form! Do you need donation ideas? Check out the items from our auction last year!

•FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023: AUCTION DINNER RESERVATIONS DUE... You don't want to miss this event! Get your reservations in now! You received a reservation form in your Auction packet or you can print one here.

•CULTURE FAIR DATE CHANGED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023!

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2/15/2023

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023: KINDERGARTEN 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2023: ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2023/2024… PLEASE return your deposit and the Enrollment Form you received in your Parent Folder. If your child is not returning to Children's House, please let us know on the form.

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2023: OPEN HOUSE, 4:00-7:00PM
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things they have been doing at school!

•FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2023: JOG-A-THON, 10:30-11:30…
Details coming soon.

•MONDAY, APRIL 3 - FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC

•MONDAY, APRIL 10 - FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2023: SCHOOL RESUMES

•IMPORTANT AUCTION INFO AND DATES

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12/20/2022

•FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23rd, WINTER PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK:
This is a family event. Please bring your child and plan to stay and enjoy the morning.

•THERE WILL BE NO MORNING EXTENDED CARE.
•Please arrive with your child(ren), sometime before 9:30 am.
•Elementary students should arrive by 9:00 am.

The show begins with singing and a play, “The Butter Battle", performed by the Lower Elementary students.

We’ll gather, after the show, for a yummy, winter-warming potluck. Please sign up to bring... a pot of soup, chili or stew, a bread item (rolls, bagels, baguette), or a beverage item (hot or cold cider or juice). We can plug in slow-cookers to keep things warm.
Please don’t feel limited, any other type of food is welcome.
We ask you to sign up so we will have plenty of items from each category.
Sign up at the Google link or the sheet on the front desk.

SCHOOL WILL CLOSE AT 11:30

Remember to take home all belongings before the 23rd. All jackets and sweatshirts left behind will be donated to a local charity.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE WINTER BREAK WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

•CLOSED MONDAY DECEMBER 26th through FRIDAY, JANUARY 6th. School resumes Monday, January 9th.

JANUARY
•MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 23 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Please watch for an email from your child's teacher about scheduling your conference. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 27th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If you are unable to schedule on Friday, please speak to the teacher about scheduling it Monday thru Thursday (1/23 - 1/26).
School resumes Monday, January 30, 2023.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
SEE INFORMATION ABOVE

FEBRUARY
•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2023: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2023: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY

•IMPORTANT AUCTION INFO AND DATES

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11/28/2022

•NOW THRU MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 5th, COATS FOR KIDS!
They need new and gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, and sweatshirts!

•NOW THRU THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16th, TOYS FOR TOTS!
Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $15.00 or more, or your tax deductible check, to "Toys for Tots". Depending on the weather, the collection box will be in the foyer or in front of the school, thru Thursday morning, December 15, 2022. Thank you!
BOTH BOXES WILL EITHER BE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL OR IN THE FOYER.

Winter Performance Flyer 2022:R

•SCHOOL CLOSED: MONDAY, DEC. 26, 2022 thru FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 2023
School will resume Monday, January 9, 2023

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10/17/2022

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS:
During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL children REGISTERED and CLASS PHOTOS. M-F Toddlers will be in the class photo both days. There are no envelopes and no pre-payment, however your child must be registered. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.

TUESDAY, OCT. 25
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH
•TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS
• MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS
•ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS
•PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE
(REGARDLESS OF WHICH CLASS THEY ARE IN)

•CLASS PHOTOS FOR ALL CLASSES (except Monday/Wednesday Toddlers)
WEDNESDAY, OCT.26
JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH
•MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS
•ALL KINDERGARTENERS
•ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
(UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR INDIVIDUAL PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY WITH SIBLING)

•CLASS PHOTOS FOR MONDAY/WEDNESDAY TODDLERS

•MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022:
Halloween at Children's House
We recognize that Halloween (Monday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.
At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin painting may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children may learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to people, past and present in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.
With the exception of the historical costumes for the upper elementary students, it is our policy, to not have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.
Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2022, VETERAN'S DAY: School is CLOSED

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022, THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE & POTLUCK
We will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The upper elementary children look forward to performing a play, "The Life of Maria Montessori" and all children in all classes will be singing songs. The show will begin at 9:30. You are welcome to drop off your children at the regular time. When you are ready to find a seat, please enter through the big gate. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn.

Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring a brunch/breakfast item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, bacon, breads, muffins, fruits and beverages. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BRINGING, BY SIGNING UP ON THE GOOGLE LINK or AT THE FRONT DESK.

•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15 to 12:00pm).

•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 12:00 pm.

•School will close at 12:00 pm, immediately following our potluck.

•School will be CLOSED from November 21st to November 25th. We will resume on Monday November 28th.

•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.
THANK YOU!
We look forward to spending this special holiday together!
Angelica, Amanda, Bill, Christina, Dana, Deborah, Jamie, Jennifer, Jessica, Korey, Roz, Sasha, Tori, and Valentina

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9/16/2022

•We have a lot going on at school right now! REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY! If you are not sure where it is please ask a staff member or another parent. If you are late on tuition, we will put an invoice in your cubby. They are also used for birthday invitations and so many other things. Right now, everyone has a Volunteer letter and form. See below.

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A PINK FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY!
We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models. PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

•FAMILY ROSTER…coming soon

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6/7/2022

•THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022, 7:00pm: GRADUATION CEREMONIES & POTLUCK
BRING LOW BACK CHAIRS FOR SEATING!

Please join us at 7:00 pm, on THURSDAY, JUNE 9th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Dessert Potluck
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Lower Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from their years at CHMS

•Dessert potluck will follow the ceremonies. All families, please bring fruit, cake, pie, or cookies, etc., if so inclined.

The school will provide water, paper goods, and utensils.

We will have both Morning and After School Extended Care.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We will have morning Extended Care as usual. No After Care.

School will close at 12:00. Do not pack a lunch for your child (unless they do not eat hot dogs). We will provide a hot dog barbecue lunch for all the children.

All parents, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.
Our school day and school year end at this time.

*Please check your parent cubby and your child’s cubby.
Also check the front of the school for items that may have been left behind: lunch boxes, clothing, dishes, etc.!
Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year

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5/24/22

•CLOSED: MONDAY, MAY 3O, 2022 for Memorial Day

•ENROLLMENT FORMS AND JUNE 2023 TUITION PAYMENT DUE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022

•THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022, 7:00pm: GRADUATION CEREMONIES & POTLUCK
BRING LOW BACK CHAIRS FOR SEATING!

Please join us at 7:00 pm, on THURSDAY, JUNE 9th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Dessert Potluck
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Lower Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from their years at CHMS

•Dessert potluck will follow the ceremonies. All families, please bring fruit, cake, pie, or cookies, etc., if so inclined.

The school will provide water, paper goods, and utensils.

We will have both Morning and After School Extended Care.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2022: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We will have morning Extended Care as usual. No After Care.

School will close at 12:00. Do not pack a lunch for your child (unless they do not eat hot dogs). We will provide a hot dog barbecue lunch for all the children.

All parents, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.
Our school day and school year end at this time.

*Please check your parent cubby and your child’s cubby.
Also check the front of the school for items that may have been left behind: lunch boxes, clothing, dishes, etc.!
Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year

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3/11/2022

•FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022: ENROLLMENT FORM & DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2022/2023 PLEASE return your deposit and the Enrollment Form you received in your Parent Folder. If your child is not returning to Children's House, please let us know on the form. Thanks!

•FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022: CULTURE FAIR…

•MONDAY, APRIL 11 - APRIL 15, 2022: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2022: SCHOOL RESUMES

•IMPORTANT AUCTION INFO AND DATES

•WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2O, 2022: OPEN HOUSE, 4:00-7:00PM
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things they have been doing at school!

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1/13/2022
•MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 24 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 28
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Please watch for an email from your child's teacher about scheduling your conference. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 28th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If you are unable to schedule on Friday, please speak to the teacher about scheduling it Monday thru Thursday (1/24 - 1/27).
School resumes Monday, January 31, 2022.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
SEE INFORMATION ABOVE

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY

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12/13/2021

•All the parent folder bins will be inside during the rain. We will put them out again before the end of the week, if/when things are a bit more dry. Feel free to come into the office if you need to drop something off.
•NOW THRU THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16th, TOYS FOR TOTS!
Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $15.00 or more, or your tax deductible check, to "Toys for Tots". Depending on the weather, the collection box will be in the foyer or in front of the school, thru Thursday morning, December 16, 2021. Thank you!
•SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK, DECEMBER 20th THRU JANUARY 3rd.
School resumes Tuesday, January 4th

Coming in January 2022
•MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022- SCHOOL CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY.
•MONDAY, JANUARY 24 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Please watch for an email from your child's teacher after Winter break, about scheduling your conference. Your conference will be in-person, unless the teacher makes other arrangements. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 28th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If you are unable to schedule on Friday, please speak to the teacher about scheduling it Monday thru Thursday (1/24 - 1/27).
School resumes Monday, January 31, 2022.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
SEE INFORMATION ABOVE

Coming in February 2022

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY

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11/9/2021

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11th AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12th: School is CLOSED for Veterans Day, both days.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19th: Thanksgiving Performance,
11:00am to 12:00pm
This will be our first all-school event in almost two years! We will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering outside Steve's Barn, weather permitting. Children from all classrooms will be singing songs or reciting poems.
•ALL FAMILIES MUST EMAIL PROOF OF VACCINE OR A NEGATIVE COVID TEST (within 72 hours). If you have already sent your proof of vaccine for a different event, you do not need to send it again.
•Monday/Wednesday Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or another adult for the entire event (11:00 to noon).
•For all classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by noon. School will close at noon.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time. THANK YOU! We look forward to spending this special holiday together!

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd thru FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26th: School is CLOSED for Thanksgiving.

10/18/2021

•REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT FOLDER A COUPLE OF TIMES EACH WEEK!

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out as soon as we get everyone to check their info! It will be distributed to all families. If you have not already done so, please check one of the rough draft copies, posted at the Toddler and Primary/Kindergarten gates, with the sign-in sheets, or at the entry door to Lower Elementary, to make sure all the information is current! (UE parents who do not have a child in another class will receive an email from Dana to check your info.) Feel free to make any necessary changes.
Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, home address or phone number, please indicate on the roster.
FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is not for your child's teacher to send you an email, see Dana if you want to add or change your email contacts. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

•HALLOWEEN: We recognize that Halloween (Sunday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while parents carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.
At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. The older children may learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to people in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates.
With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.
Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

We would also like to thank all of you for your diligence during this time of COVID. We could not do this without your dedication and understanding. Thank you from the entire Children's House staff.

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10/1/2021

•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12th and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13TH ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS! You have a form in your parent folder for each child. If you would like a photo of your children together, please take another form from the bench outside.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in their classroom photo. Photo forms are in your Parent Folder. Please pay online and return your completed photo form to the bin in front of the school. DO NOT INCLUDE PAYMENT WITH YOUR FORM. YOU MUST PAY ONLINE, BEFORE PICTURE DAY. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return your form to us.

John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 35 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House.
On Tuesday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday Toddlers, Monday-Friday Toddlers, all Lower Elementary students and all Upper Elementary students.
He will also shoot any siblings in the above groups, if we have received a separate form for siblings. In addition, if you would like a photo of your children together, you must complete a separate form. He will shoot all CLASS photos for the above groups. Please not, M-F Toddlers will be in the group shot, both days.

On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday Toddlers, all Preschool children and all Kindergartners. He will also shoot a second group shot for Toddlers.
He will also shoot any siblings in the above groups, if we have received a separate form for siblings. In addition, if you would like a photo of your children together, you must complete a separate form. He will shoot all CLASS photos for the above groups. Please note, M-F Toddlers will be in the group shot, both days.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in their classroom photo. Photo forms are in your Parent Folder. Please return your completed photo form to the bin on the front bench by Friday, October 8th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return a form.

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9/24/2021

COVID cases have gone up in our county since we sent out the last email about school COVID procedures. This is the latest protocol.

•Mask wearing: We ask that all adults put on their masks as soon as they get out of the car and keep them on at the gates and, of course, inside the school. Not only is this a cautionary safety measure, but you become a role model to your children since we are asking that they (children 2 and older) wear a mask as soon as they get out of the car as well.

•If your child has any COVID-19 symptoms, please let us know before you come to school. We will ask you to see your child’s doctor and/or get your child tested. If your child exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 at school, we will call you to come pick them up. If your child has siblings at school, we will ask you to take them home as well. Please see the flow chart from SLO County Health Dept., "Decision Pathways for Schools", for the procedures to follow if your child has symptoms or has been exposed to COVID-19.

John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 35 years.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in their classroom photo. Photo forms are in your Parent Folder. Please return your completed photo form to the bin on the front bench by Friday, October 8th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return a form.

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9/2/2021

PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS

•IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR GROUPS AS SMALL AS POSSIBLE PLEASE HAVE ONLY ONE PARENT PER HOUSEHOLD ATTEND. YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER ABOUT HOW AND WHERE THEY WILL BE CONDUCTING THE MEETING, IN-PERSON OR ON ZOOM. ALL IN-PERSON MEETINGS WILL BE HELD OUTDOORS.

ALL MEETINGS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO 6:00
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 6:00 PM / PRIMARY: Preschool (this Parent Meeting is the first day of school)
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 6:00 PM / TODDLER
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 6:00 PM / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:00 PM / KINDERGARTEN
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 6:00 PM / UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)

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8/23/2021

We hope summer has been healthy, adventurous and regenerative for you all. We cannot believe we are almost back to school! Summer has moved swiftly by. This letter has a lot of important information for the beginning days of school. We ask that you please read this all carefully.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Orientations are for new students in Toddler and Primary (preschool & kindergarten), attending for the first time, and any Toddlers moving into Primary. Elementary students are also welcome, if it is deemed helpful. Students enrolled during Summer DO NOT need to attend an orientation.
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021: PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL)
•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021: TODDLER AND KINDERGARTEN
We sent you a link to Google Docs to sign up for your child’s orientation.

The first day of school remains as we planned in the Spring:
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 (Thursday, September 9 for Tuesday, Thursday, Friday toddlers)
We will continue to have you drop off your child outside. If you need to speak to Korey or Dana, you can come inside the office area. Please wear a mask!

DROP OFF AND PICK UP:
Toddler - 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the small entry gate to the toddler yard. Remember to sign your child in and out every day. You must sign with full signature, no initials. Please send a snack, lunch and water bottle every day! Do not send any food items that need to be heated.
We ask that both you and your child wear a mask at drop off.

Primary -(preschool and kindergarten) 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the big gate. Remember to sign your child in and out every day. You must sign with full signature, no initials. Please send a snack and water bottle every day! For 9:00-3:00 children, please send a lunch every day, as well. Do not send any food items that need to be heated.
We ask that both you and your child wear a mask at drop off.

Lower Elementary- (first to third grades) 9:00-3:00
Please drop off and pick up at the front of the school. It is the glass door on the right, when facing the school Please send a snack, water bottle and lunch every day! Do not send any food items that need to be heated.
We ask that both you and your child wear a mask at drop off.

Upper Elementary - (fourth to sixth grades) 8:45-3:00
Please drop off and pick up in front of the Upper Elementary classroom
Please send a snack, water bottle and lunch every day! Do not send any food items that need to be heated.
We ask that both you and your child wear a mask at drop off.

COVID-19 PLANNING
We continue to be in constant contact with the SLO Public Health Dept. and the County Office of Education as we gather our thoughts and creativity for fall. While we continue to be grateful for the many wonderful things in our lives, we are also very aware that the global pandemic remains a persistent part of our reality. We were hoping things would be back to something more “normal” but due to the COVID-19 variants, we will continue with some of the things we did last year, to help mitigate the spread.

PLEASE READ our "plan for returning" submitted to the SLO County Health Dept. We also have a link to the state guidelines for schools. We think you may find these helpful. The data for schools is specific, and sometimes different then for other areas, so we want you to know what we know too!

An important directive "Decision Pathways For Schools" from the Health Department is also attached. Please read it over as it is the plan for any positive cases or positive contact here at Children’s House. Please note that mask-wearing makes a difference when determining when/if to close a classroom due to COVID-19 positive cases.

To sum it up, here are the important highlights for you to be aware of:

*We will continue to use the layered approach of proven mitigating factors against COVID-19. In schools these are:
Vaccines - all teachers are vaccinated against COVID-19. We highly recommend that all CHMS parents be vaccinated as well.
Masks
Ventilation
Hand hygiene
Staying home when sick
Testing when advised
Transparency
* Children and adults will continue to be masked at school while indoors. If at any time a parent needs to enter the school, they must wear a mask. If our county cases increase, we may need to wear masks outside, but we will wait for direction from the county health dept.

* We will not symptom check each person entering the school each morning, but ask that you do that at home with your own families. The questions to ask yourselves are included in the 'Plan For Returning", attached to this email.

* All students will continue to bring their own snack, water bottle and lunch (half-day preschool children do not need to bring lunch).

EXTENDED CARE
*We have received permission to have a small, limited group for before and after school care this year. We have extended this possibility to all families where all the adults in the home are working. If you have signed up your child for this service, please send a separate, labeled snack for your child to enjoy during after school care.
*Pick-up and drop-off for morning and afternoon will be at the big gate for all ages. If you arrive and do not see a teacher, please come into the yard and let a teacher know you are here before you drop-off or pick-up your child.
*We will not have drop-in care to begin the year. If we are able to change this we will let you know.

•RETURN YOUR CHILD'S ENROLLMENT FORMS!
*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. The staff will be working at the school the week of August 26th. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CURRENT CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM (PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, YOU ARE MANDATED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE CURRENT IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD). If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. We cannot enroll your child without proof of all immunizations.The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

TUITION
Your first tuition payment was due on June 1, 2021. This payment goes towards June 2022.

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 8)

The remaining monthly tuition payments are due the 1st of each month - October 1, 2021 through May 1, 2022. You may mail in or drop off your payments in the bin in front of the school. You can also make payments through your Quickbooks invoice at any time.

OUR SCHOOL CALENDARS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE

PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS
•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. At this time we are hoping for in-person parent meetings. If we must change to Zoom meetings, we will let you know.
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY: Preschool (this Parent Meeting is the first day of school)
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / TODDLER
•THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / KINDERGARTEN
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)

PEANUT ALLERGIES:
FOR OVER TEN YEARS, DUE TO PEANUT ALLERGIES, WE HAVE CHOSEN TO BE A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL. This year, however, it seems we do not have any children enrolled who have an allergy to all things peanut. If your child is allergic to peanuts, or anything that you did not disclose on their Emergency Form, please let us know ASAP, otherwise we will proceed this year allowing peanuts at school.

Please take a look at the attached documents and let us know if you have any questions. We remain honored to support you and your children and we take our responsibilities here very seriously. Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family. We look forward to a great year!

Children's House Staff

8/2/2021

•PLEASE DO YOUR PART TO KEEP US ALL SAFE AND MAKE THIS YEAR A SUCCESS... PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND WEAR A MASK! WE ALL THANK YOU!

6/14/2021

•FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
School will close at 12:00. Do not pack a lunch for your child (unless they do not eat hot dogs). We will provide a hot dog barbecue lunch for all the children. We also plan to gather all the children together for the first time this year for games and festivities!

AND...Jupiter Hsu's family is generously donating ice cream for all the children, parents, and staff, from Slo Mama Sweets. Kathy will serve the children before noon and will then come out front in her vintage ice cream truck at pick-up time to serve you parents! :) Follow Kathy on Instagram @slomamasweets

All parents, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.
Our school day and school year end at this time.

*Please check your parent folder for any papers and your child's photos!
Also check the front of the school for items that may have been left behind: lunch boxes, water bottles, clothing, etc.!

Thank you in advance for a wonderful, yet strange, school year!

•MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021: SUMMER SCHOOL, SESSION #1, BEGINS for PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY
STUDENTS

•MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021: SUMMER SCHOOL, SESSION #2, BEGINS for PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY
STUDENTS

•MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS for TODDLERS

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5/3/2021
Due to an unexpected medical procedure, our photographer, John Alden, needs to postpone our photoshoot. Our new Spring Portraits will be on Wednesday and Thursday, May 26 and 27. If you have already paid online and returned your form, we will hold on to it until John returns on the new dates. If you have not returned your form, you now have until Monday, May 24th to do so. Thank you for your understanding.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo forms are in your Parent Folder. Please pay online and return your completed photo form to the bin in front of the school. DO NOT INCLUDE PAYMENT WITH YOUR FORM. YOU MUST PAY ONLINE, BEFORE PICTURE DAY. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return your form to us.

•WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 and THURSDAY, MAY 6 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS! You have a form in your parent folder for each child. If you would like a photo of your children together, please take another form from the bench outside.

John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House.
On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday Toddlers, all Preschool children and all Upper Elementary students.
He will also shoot any siblings in the above groups, if we have received a separate form for siblings and he will shoot all CLASS photos for the above groups

On Thursday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday Toddlers, all Kindergartners and all Lower Elementary students.
He will also shoot any siblings in the above groups, if we have received a separate form for siblings and he will shoot all CLASS photos for the above groups.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo forms are in your Parent Folder. Please return your completed photo form to the bin on the front bench by Tuesday, May 4th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return a form.

2/9/2021
•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021: KINDERGARTEN 100th DAY OF SCHOOL

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1/12/2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
•FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021: LOWER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING

•MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2021: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 25 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 29
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Please watch for an email from your child's teacher about scheduling your conference. Your conference will be on Zoom, unless the teacher makes other arrangements. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 29th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If you are unable to schedule on Friday, please speak to the teacher about scheduling it Monday thru Thursday (1/25 - 1/28).
School resumes Monday, February 1, 2021.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
SEE INFORMATION ABOVE

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

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12/8/2020

This year, your help is needed more than ever!
•NOW THRU TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 15th, TOYS FOR TOTS!
Please bring in your donation of a NEW, UNWRAPPED toy or book with a value of $10.00 or more, or your tax deductible check, to Toys for Tots. The collection box will be in front of the school, thru Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Thank you!
•ELEMENTARY PARENTS/STUDENTS RETURN YOUR READ-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS
We do not need you to return your calendar or the sponsor sheet, but be sure to add in the time spent reading in class. Your donations can be placed in the envelope in the bin out on the front benches. Write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible. Donors can also donate online at must! charities. Be sure to give credit to Children's House in the "Additional Information" section. All proceeds will go to Covid-19 Community Response Project
It is nice to give donors a "thank you". You will find a "thank you receipt" on our website. You can print and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list or you can copy and paste it into an email. Parents, please have your child fill this out with you.

•SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK, DECEMBER 21st THRU JANUARY 8th.
School resumes Monday, January 11th

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11/6/2020

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd thru FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20th: READATHON FOR must! charities: COVID-19 Community Response Project

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13th: School is CLOSED for VETERAN'S DAY.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd-FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27th: School is CLOSED for THANKSGIVING BREAK.

~RETURN YOUR READ-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS AFTER THE THANKSGIVING BREAK, BEGINNING NOVEMBER 30th~
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope in the drop-off bin out on the front benches.
It is nice to send or give donors a "thank you". You will find a "thank you receipt" on our website. You can copy and paste it into an email or print and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list. Parents, please have your child fill this out with you.
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many, thanks, once again.

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10/21/2020

•We unveiled our staff webpage in the last issue of our school newsletter, The Quailblazer Times. Please check it out! The next issue will be out at the end of October. We hope you will read it with your children. •We recognize that Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many. At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. The older children may learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates, the Wednesday and Thursday before Halloween. With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate. Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school. •WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11-13, 2020: School is CLOSED for Veteran's Day.
•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23-27, 2020: School is CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break

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9/22/2020
FIRST AND FOREMOST! WE CONTINUE TO BE A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL! Please do not include peanut butter, peanuts,
or any items that contain peanuts, in your child's lunch or classroom snack!
Other nuts, including tree nuts, are acceptable in most classes,
but please check with your child's teachers. We have a number of students with life-threatening allergies and feel this is the only way to insure their safety. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

•REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT FOLDER A COUPLE OF TIMES EACH WEEK!

•ANNOUNCEMENTS
•We use email almost exclusively, to keep in touch with our families. Please check your email regularly for important classroom and/or school information.
We also have a monthly email newsletter called The Quailblazer Times. We have automatically placed you on the list to receive it. We hope you will read it with your child(ren). The first issue should be out at the beginning of October. If you'd like to see what it's like, please check out our back issues.
We're also on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram if you'd like to stay connected through social media!
•MONTESSORI SERVICES, FOR SMALL HANDS: We have given you each a catalog from Montessori Services, "for small hands", in your parent folder. Our school will earn free materials if you purchase from them. Please read the letter attached to your catalog for more information.

********************************
8/24/2020
Welcome to the most unusual year in the history of Children's House... okay maybe in the history of the world?

•ORIENTATIONS:
Your child's teacher will be emailing you or calling you to schedule your child's orientation. Although in the past we have only given new children orientations, this will be the only opportunity for awhile for parents to see our beautiful, newly set-up classrooms so we will invite each and every student for an individual time to visit. Orientations will last about 20 minutes.
•PARENT MEETINGS FOR EACH CLASS ON ZOOM
Instead of Parent Meetings in the classroom, we will have our meetings for each classroom via Zoom before school starts (Kindergarten will have theirs during the first week of school). The meetings are as follows and a Zoom invitation will be sent:
•Toddler Parent Meeting: Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00
•Preschool Parent Meeting: Wednesday, September 2nd at 6:00
•Kindergarten Parent Meeting: Thursday, September 10th at 4:00
•Lower Elementary Parent Meeting: Tuesday September 1st at 6:00
•Upper Elementary Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 27th at 6:00

•PLEASE WASH YOUR HANDS AND BE SURE YOUR CHILD(REN) WASH THEIR HANDS, BEFORE COMING TO SCHOOL
•DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP:
*For Toddler, Primary and Kindergarten, please bring your own pen to sign-in and sign-out!
*Please wear a mask and distance from others, 6ft. or more.
*SCREENING WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE DROP OFF LOCATION EACH MORNING. IF YOUR CHILD OR ANYONE IN THE HOME IS SICK, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND.
*PLEASE BE PROMPT AT DROP OFF AND PICK UP! IF YOU ARE LATE DROPPING OFF, THERE MAY NOT BE A TEACHER AVAILABLE FOR SCREENING. THERE IS NO A.M. OR P.M. EXTENDED CARE.

TODDLER: 8:45 - 11:45 or 2:45 at the toddler playground front gate
PRIMARY: 9:00 - 12:00 or 3:00 at the big north gate
KINDERGARTEN: 9:15 - 12:15 /3:15 at the big north gate
LOWER ELEM: 9:00 - 3:00 in your car or at the front UE door
UPPER ELEM: 8:45 - 3:15 at the front right foyer door

•REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT FOLDER IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL, EVERY DAY ONCE SCHOOL STARTS! These folders replace parent cubbies. If you have forms for us, please leave them in the bin outside by the parent folders.

•PLEASE RETURN FORMS FROM ENROLLMENT PACKETS: You can drop them off in the bin in front of the school. Please return them before school starts!
•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER AND A LAVENDER FORM IN YOUR PARENT FOLDER!
We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models. PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

•FAMILY ROSTER…coming soon! (probably October?)

•CLASSROOM COHORT GROUPS
TODDLERS:
Monday and Wednesday: Banyon, Charlie, Clara, Cora, Ella, Emrie, Luciana, Noah and Olympia
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday:   Camille, Charli, Clementine, Emerson, Freddie, Luke, Otto, Reid
PRESCHOOL:
Monday and Wednesday: Abi, Dean, Elise, Greta, Isla, Kash, Leon, Olivia Santos, Olivia Silveira, Samantha
Tuesday, Thursday and some Fridays:   Aldin, Cameron, Camila, Coral, Dylan, Estela, Harley, Holden, James, Wyatt
KINDERGARTEN: Monday - Friday: Charlotte, Elias, Minnie, Natalie, Nixon, Wren
LOWER EL:
Monday and Wednesday: Aria, Avrie, Emma, Eva A., Eva L., Izzy, Mateo, Moseh, Parker, Shifa
Tuesday and Thursday:   Alba, Connor, Daisy, Dash, Emily, Jupiter, Lark, Owen, Sasha  (Distance Learning only: Ethan)
UPPER EL:
Monday and Wednesday: CJ, Cody, Elizabeth, Eva, Lili, Trevor, Wyatt, Zack
Tuesday and Thursday:   Beckett, Berkeley, Desi, Henry, Jack, Ryan, Sloane (Distance Learning only: Desmond, Ian)

•PLEASE DO YOUR PART TO KEEP US ALL SAFE AND MAKE THIS YEAR A SUCCESS... PRACTICE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND WEAR A MASK! WE ALL THANK YOU!

8/11/2020
Please see the "In-Person Instruction Plan, COVID-19 Training Handout for Parents"
to read about our plans for the beginning of school. School begins September 8th.

(1/8/21- This update makes me laugh when I read it today. Boy were we all in for a big surprise, only about a week later!
3/6/2020
If you thought last month was busy...

•FRIDAY, MARCH 20: NO SCHOOL, SPRING CLEANING DAY
As designated on the School Calendar, Friday, March 20th is a Staff Work Day. IF you are available, however, we invite you to join us with your children to fix up the school and build an even greater sense of community with your children, their classmates and teachers.

We have a list of projects that we would love to accomplish.
These range from classroom preparations to patio cleanup. Our garden and barnyard are always in need of attention this time of year as well.

Some of the projects include:
1. Smallish repairs inside and out (plumbing, construction, etc)
2. Raised bed planting
3. Clean chicken coop
4. Power wash barnyard
5. Organize storage sheds
6. Clean and organize classroom patios
7. Paint touchup

Please RSVP to let us know
1. If you can attend! ☺
2. Projects you are interested in helping us with and what materials we will need for the job(s) (We can show you a list)

The Sign-Up sheet will be on the front desk. PLEASE sign by Monday, the 16th so we know how best to get organized by the 20th.

Thank you so very much for giving us this day to prepare the school for your children, and if you can help, thank you for that! As we have said so often, we couldn’t do what we do at CHMS without your support, generosity and help!

•THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020: OPEN HOUSE, 5:30-7:00PM
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things he or she has been doing at school!
•FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020: CULTURE FAIR, 10:30am-1:00pm
Bonjour! Buenos Dias, Shalom, Gutentag, Ciao... to all Parents, Families and Friends!

For those of you who have attended in the past, you know how wonderful our Culture Fair is. This event is truly, one of the highlights of our school year. Please join us in this wonderful celebration of diversity.

We are looking forward to our Culture Fair and hope you will all be here to celebrate the excitement of the many cultures of the world with your children!

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent with them at the fair!

Toddler and Primary Parents: You have the option of bringing your child to his or her class at the usual time, 9:00 am and returning by 10:15 to join them for the festivities or you may come to school a little later with your child and enjoy the fair.

We will offer our usual morning (8:00 am) and afternoon (5:30) extended care.

The fair will open in Steve’s Barn, with singing by students from the primary, kindergarten and elementary classrooms.
The singing will be followed by our traditional flag parade, and then elementary students will share games, crafts and food from the country or culture they have been researching. You can “visit” these countries with your children and learn something about them. As you visit each country booth, help your child get stamps for their passports!

Our patio will be set up for our "World Foods" potluck! We ask that you please bring a cultural dish to share.

THIS WILL BE A FULL SCHOOL DAY.
The school day ends at 3:00 pm, as usual and we will have afternoon Extended Care until 5:30.

Adios and Merci!

•MONDAY, MARCH 30 - APRIL 2, 2020: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 4, 5 & 6
Please be sure your child has a nutritious breakfast and arrives to school on time.
•MONDAY, APRIL 6 - APRIL 9, 2020: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 2 & 3
Please be sure your child has a nutritious breakfast and arrives to school on time.

•MONDAY, APRIL 6 - APRIL 9, 2020: UPPER ELEMENTARY FIELD TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
ENROLLMENT FORMS COMING SOON. WATCH FOR THEM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY.

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1/9/2020
•AUCTION PACKETS WERE PLACED IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY
BEFORE THE BREAK!
PLEASE LET US KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DONATING
AND WHO YOU ARE BRINGING, ASAP!
THE AUCTION IS EARLIER THIS YEAR,
SO WE NEED YOUR HELP MORE THAN EVER!
THE AUCTION IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 2020, 2:00-3:00 PM: ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, in Steve's Barn.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 27 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 31
- PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. If you do not see a sign-up sheet posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom, please see your child's teacher. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 31st. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you or the sign-up is full, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/27 - 1/30) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date.
School resumes Monday, February 3, 2020.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2020 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2020: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020: Valentine's Day
Please watch for emails or see your child's teacher for specific instructions regarding valentines and classroom procedure.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2020: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2020: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

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12/5/2019

•SATURDAY, DEC. 7th and
•SATURDAY, DEC. 14th & SUNDAY, DEC. 15th - Elf, The Musical… Bring Some Buddy You Love! Get your tickets NOW!

•RETURN YOUR DONATIONS BY FRIDAY, DEC. 13th! All Primary, Kindergarten and Elementary Parents...
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope on the small bulletin board, across from the Lower Elementary classroom door.
You can print out the "thank you receipt" and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list.
Please have your child fill this out with you!
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many, thanks, once again.
THANK YOU!

•MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 16, 2019 - Last chance to bring in a new, unwrapped toy or book for "TOYS FOR TOTS".

•FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2019 - Winter Performance and Potluck

winter_performance_flyer_2019
PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK, SO WE HAVE A BALANCED ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS FOOD!
Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.

•SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK, DECEMBER 23rd THRU JANUARY 6th.
School resumes Tuesday, January 7th

•AUCTION PACKETS WILL BE IN YOUR PARENT CUBBIES BEFORE WINTER BREAK! THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR DONATIONS.
JOIN US FOR "THE ROARING TWENTIES", SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020!

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•COLLECT YOUR JOG-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS
All Primary, Kindergarten and Elementary Parents...
OUR STUDENTS
RAN A TOTAL OF 3,829 LAPS (382.9 MILES)!
WOW!
Once again, we are so proud and impressed by the passion, commitment, determination and stamina, of every child who participated in the Jog-A-Thon fundraiser for the must! charities - Boys & Girls Club - Shandon.
A huge thank you to all the parents and family members who came out to help and participate. It was a great event and a huge success again this year!
We know all of you are now busy collecting the donations.
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope on the small bulletin board, across from the Lower Elementary classroom door.
You can print out the "thank you receipt" and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list.
Please have your child fill this out with you!
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many, thanks, once again.
THANK YOU!

******************************
10/29/2019

We recognize that Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.
At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children may learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.
With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.
Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019: Pajama Day! Children in all classes can wear their coziest pajamas to school! Parents, please be sure your child wears appropriate shoes for the playground.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019, VETERAN'S DAY: School is CLOSED
•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2019: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
"Kids Helping Kids"
Again this year the entire school (even some toddlers) will participate in our annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit the NEW Boys & Girls Club in Shandon, thru must! charities. Parents, you have a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised almost $5000.00. Let's do it again, plus more! REMEMBER: You do not need to return the sponsor sheet, only the donations!

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2019 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:30 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring a brunch/breakfast item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, bacon, breads, muffins, fruits and beverages. NO NUTS!
PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK,
SO WE HAVE A BALANCED ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS FOOD!
Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 am)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 am
•School will close at 11:30 am, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25-29, 2019: School is CLOSED for Thanksgiving Break

********************************
9/27/2019

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out as soon as we get everyone to check their info! It will be distributed to all families. If you have not already done so, please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler and Primary sign-in sheets or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, address or phone number on our roster, please let us know. FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is not for your child's teacher to send you an email, see Dana if you want to add or change your email contacts. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

•If you purchased a produce bag for our fundraiser, don't forget to pick it up, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st, after 1:00pm.
•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS! You received an envelope in your parent cubby for each child. If you would like a photo of your children together, please ask Dana for another envelope.

John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Tuesday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, all kindergartners and all elementary students plus all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class. He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit.

On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers and all preschool children.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo envelopes are in your Parent Cubby NOW Please return your completed photo envelope with payment, to the basket above the primary/elementary parent cubbies by Friday, October 4th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return envelope with payment.

9/10/2019

•We have a lot going on at school right now! REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY! If you are not sure where it is please ask a staff member or another parent.

•HOT LUNCH "PASTA THURSDAY" BEGINS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th
Please return your form by FRIDAY, Sept. 20th. You must return your form whether or not your child wants to participate

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A LAVENDER FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY!
We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models. PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

•PRODUCE BAGS
An upper elementary fundraiser for field trip costs..
Local Templeton supplier, Melanie Blankenship of Nature’s Touch Nursery and Harvest, will deliver produce bags to our school every Tuesday after 1:00pm beginning Oct. 1st through Dec. 17th.
The bags will contain a variety of fresh, certified organic, vegetables and fruit locally grown in California. Melanie is committed to providing the highest quality organic produce, and works hard to use local farms.
· Harvest Basket "need for greens" = $220.00 ($20/week)
· All Fruit Basket = $258.50 ($23.50/week)
If you are interested in participating in this Fundraiser please print and return the form with your payment or pick up a form at school. Checks should be made payable to Children’s House Montessori School and put in the basket labeled “PRODUCE BAGS” in the school foyer area. Please return your form and check by Monday, Sept. 23rd.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS WHO MAY ALSO WANT TO PARTICIPATE!

You can pick up your bag inside the coffee shop (MOCHA) beginning at 1:00 pm. on Oct. 1st. If you are unable to pick up your bag please make arrangements for pickup by someone else. Any bags not picked up by 3:00 pm Wednesday will be donated to the school for student and staff use.

•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Tuesday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, all kindergartners and all elementary students plus
all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class. He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit.

On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers and all preschool children.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo envelopes will be in your Parent Cubby two or three weeks prior to Picture Day. Please return your completed photo envelope with payment, to the basket above the primary/elementary parent cubbies by Friday, October 4th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return envelope with payment.

•FAMILY ROSTER…coming soon

**********************************
9/6/2019

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN)
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / TODDLER
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)

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8/5/2019

FIRST AND FOREMOST! WE ARE A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL! Please do not include peanut butter, peanuts,
or any items that contain peanuts, in your child's lunch or classroom snack!
Other nuts, including tree nuts, are acceptable in most classes,
but please check with your child's teachers. We have a number of students with life-threatening allergies and feel this is the only way to insure their safety. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

•FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019: NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS
Orientations are for new students in Toddler and Primary, attending for the first time, and any Toddlers moving into Primary. Elementary students are also welcome, if it is deemed necessary. Students enrolled during Summer DO NOT need to attend an orientation.
If you have not already done so, please call or email the school to schedule your child's orientation.

•FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2019: 4:00 - 6:00 PM, FAMILY MEET & GREET/PIZZA POTLUCK
Please join us! This is an informal meet & greet/open house...come any time between 4:00 and 6:00 pm and bring a PIZZA!
This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!
•RETURN YOUR CHILD'S ENROLLMENT FORMS!
*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. The staff will be working at the school, the week of August 26th. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CURRENT CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM (PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, YOU ARE MANDATED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE CURRENT IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD). If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. We cannot enroll your child without proof of all immunizations.The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! (or Wednesday, September 4th, if your child is enrolled in the Monday & Wednesday Toddler class.

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 3)
Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family, and for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to a great year.

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6/5/2019

QUICK REMINDERS:
No Hot Lunch Thursday, please pack a lunch!

Check the school for lost and found items!

•THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019, 5:30: GRADUATION CEREMONIES & POTLUCK
BRING LOW BACK CHAIRS FOR SEATING!

Please join us at 5:30 pm, on THURSDAY, JUNE 6th, for our Graduation Ceremonies and Potluck
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Lower Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from their years at CHMS

•Potluck will follow the ceremonies.

Please bring the following, according to your last name:
If your last name begins with
A-F: A large side dish...green salad, pasta, fruit, etc.
G-M: Dessert...cake, pie, cookies, etc.
N-Z: A main dish...chicken, casserole, sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, etc.

The school will provide water, paper goods, and utensils.
NO NUTS!

We will have both Morning and After School Extended Care.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We will have morning Extended Care as usual. No After Care.

School will close at 12:00. Do not pack a lunch for your child (unless they do not eat hot dogs). We will provide a hot dog barbecue lunch for all the children.

All parents, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.
Our school day and school year end at this time.

*Please check your parent cubby and your child’s cubby.
Also check the front of the school for items that may have been left behind: lunch boxes, clothing, dishes, etc.!
Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year

Did you enroll your child in a summer session?
It's not too late!
•MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2019: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS for PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

•MONDAY, JULY 15, 2019: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS for TODDLERS

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4/17/2019

•MONDAY, APRIL 22 - APRIL 26, 2019: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED
•MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019: SCHOOL RESUMES

PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL the children at our school. No class photos! There are no envelopes and no pre-payment. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS AND ALL KINDERGARTENERS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE, REGARDLESS OF CLASS.
ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2019: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS, AND THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS. HE WILL ALSO PHOTOGRAPH ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE (UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY).

•FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2019, "The Little Mermaid" MATINEE, 10:30 AND EVENING SHOW, 7:00: KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY WILL PERFORM BOTH SHOWS. TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL WILL ONLY PERFORM AT THE MATINEE.

•MONDAY, MAY 27, 2019: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Memorial Day.

3/28/2019

•MONDAY, APRIL 1 - APRIL 5, 2019: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 2 & 3
Please be sure your child has a nutritious breakfast and arrives to school on time.
•MONDAY, APRIL 1 - APRIL 4, 2019: STATE TESTING FOR LEVELS 4, 5 & 6
Please be sure your child has a nutritious breakfast and arrives to school on time.
•TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019: ENROLLMENT FORM & DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2019/2020
If you have not already done so, PLEASE return your deposit and the Enrollment Form you received in your Parent Cubby. If your child is not returning to Children's House, please let us know on the form. Thanks!

culture_fair_flyer_19

•MONDAY, APRIL 22 - APRIL 26, 2019: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019: SCHOOL RESUMES

PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS - During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL the children at our school. No class photos! There are no envelopes and no pre-payment. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2019: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS AND ALL KINDERGARTENERS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE, REGARDLESS OF CLASS.
ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2019: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS, AND THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS. HE WILL ALSO PHOTOGRAPH ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE (UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY).

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2/4/2019
•AUCTION PACKETS HAVE BEEN SENT HOME!
PLEASE RETURN YOUR DONATION DESCRIPTIONS
AND RESERVE YOUR DINNER RESERVATIONS!
AUCTION IS SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM
•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019: Valentine's Day
Please see email from your child's classroom or see your child's teacher for specific instructions regarding valentines and classroom procedure.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2019: OPEN HOUSE, 5:30-7:30PM
Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things he or she has been doing at school!

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1/14/2019
•FRIDAY, JANUARY 18, 2019, 2:00-3:00 PM: ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, in Steve's Barn.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 28 - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. If you do not see a sign-up sheet posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom, please see your child's teacher. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Feb.1st. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you or the sign-up is full, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/28 - 1/31) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date.
School resumes Monday, February 4, 2019.

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2019: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2019: Valentine's Day
Please watch for emails or see your child's teacher for specific instructions regarding valentines and classroom procedure.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

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12/6/2018
winter_perf_flyer_2018
PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK,
SO WE HAVE A BALANCED ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS FOOD!
Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK,
DECEMBER 24th THRU JANUARY 7th.
School resumes Tuesday, January 8th

•COLLECT YOUR JOG-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS
All Primary, Kindergarten and Elementary Parents...
OUR STUDENTS
RAN A TOTAL OF 3,670 LAPS (367 MILES)!
WOW!
Once again, we are so proud and impressed by the passion, commitment, determination and stamina, of every child who participated in the Jog-A-Thon fundraiser for the must! charities - ECHO, Atascadero.
A huge thank you to all the parents, family members and alumni who came out to help and participate. It was a great event and a huge success again this year!
We know all of you are now busy collecting the donations.
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope on the small bulletin board, across from the Lower Elementary classroom door.
You can print out the "thank you receipt" and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list.
Please have your student fill this out with you!
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many, thanks, once again.
THANK YOU!

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:30 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring a brunch/breakfast item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, bacon, breads, muffins, fruits and beverages. NO NUTS!
PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK,
SO WE HAVE A BALANCED ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS FOOD!
Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 am)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 am
•School will close at 11:30 am, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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11/1/2018
•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2018
PAJAMA DAY!
A great way to spend the day "post Halloween"
For toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary.
Slippers are great for the classroom, however, your child will need shoes for the playground!

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018
CLOSED for Veteran's Day

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Again this year the entire school (even some toddlers) will participate in our 8th annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization) thru must! charities. Parents, you have a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised $5000.00. Let's do it again, plus more! REMEMBER: You do not need to return the sponsor sheet, only the donations!

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck on Wednesday, (see below) and takes place in the Lower Elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2018 - United Blood Services will bring the Blood Mobile to CHMS! Sign-up at the front desk or online. They will be in our parking lot from about 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Give Blood!

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2018 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:30 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring a brunch/breakfast item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, bacon, breads, muffins, fruits and beverages. NO NUTS!
PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK,
SO WE HAVE A BALANCED ASSORTMENT OF DELICIOUS FOOD!
Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 am)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 am
•School will close at 11:30 am, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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10/26/2018
Dear Parents,
We recognize that Halloween (Wednesday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carve a pumpkin and bake the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.
At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will be gone the day of Halloween, so today, 10/26, they paid tribute to men and women in history and each student dressed as a historical person they had researched. They presented a first person report to their classmates and also took a walk around to the other classrooms to tell the children who they were.
With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.
Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

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9/27/2018

•If you purchased a produce bag for our fundraiser, don't forget to pick it up, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd, after 1:00pm.

•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Tuesday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, all kindergartners and all elementary students plus
all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class. He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit.

On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers and all preschool children.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo envelopes will be in your Parent Cubby two or three weeks prior to Picture Day. Please return your completed photo envelope with payment, to the basket above the primary/elementary parent cubbies by Friday, October 20th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return envelope with payment.

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out as soon as we get everyone to check their info! It will be distributed to all families. If you have not already done so, please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Primary sign-in sheets or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, address or phone number on our roster, please let us know. FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is not for your child's teacher to send you an email, see Dana if you want to add or change your email contacts. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

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9/18/2018

.

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7/26/2018

•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 Orientations are for new students in Toddler and Primary (including Kindergarten), attending for the first time. Elementary students are also welcome, if it is deemed necessary. Students enrolled during Summer do not need to attend an orientation.
If you have not already done so, please call or email the school to schedule your child's orientation

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2:00 - 4:00 PM: ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING/POTLUCK
Please join us as we kick off the new school year and gather together for our annual potluck (appetizers and drinks only) on Saturday, Sept. 8. This is an informal open house...come any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and bring an appetizer. This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!

*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CURRENT CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM (PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, YOU ARE MANDATED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO PROVIDE CURRENT IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD). If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! (or Tuesday, September 11th, if your child is enrolled in the Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Toddler class)

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN) this Parent Meeting is the first day of school!
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / TODDLER
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)
•WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 10)
Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family, and for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to a great year.

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5/18/18

•MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Memorial Day.

•FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018: ELEMENTARY CAMPOUT, NO SCHOOL FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

•TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018, 5:30: GRADUATION CEREMONIES & POTLUCK
Please join us at 5:30 pm, on TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2018 for our Graduation Ceremonies and Potluck
•The children will sing a few songs to end the school year!
•Kindergartners will graduate from the Primary 3-6 Class
•Third Year students graduate from the Lower Elementary 6-9 Class
•Sixth Year students graduate from their years at CHMS

•Potluck will follow the ceremonies.

Please bring the following, according to your last name:
If your last name begins with
A-F: A main dish...chicken, casserole, sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, etc.
G-P: A large side dish...green salad, pasta, fruit, etc.
Q-Z: Dessert...cake, pie, cookies, etc.
The school will provide water, paper goods, and utensils.
NO NUTS!

We will have both Morning and After School Extended Care.

•WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2018: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
We will have morning Extended Care as usual.

School will close at 12:00. Do not pack a lunch for your child (unless they do not eat hot dogs). We will provide a hot dog barbecue lunch for all the children.

All parents, please be here by 12:00 to pick up your child.
Our school day and school year end at this time.

*Please check your parent cubby and your child’s cubby.
Also check the front of the school for items that may have been left behind: lunch boxes, clothing, dishes, etc.!
Thank you in advance for a wonderful school year

•MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2018: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS for PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

•MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018: SUMMER SCHOOL BEGINS for TODDLERS

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5/4/18

•FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018, "Peter Pan" MATINEE, 10:30 AND EVENING SHOW, 7:00: KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY WILL PERFORM BOTH SHOWS. TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL WILL ONLY PERFORM AT THE MATINEE. SEATING IS LIMITED. PLEASE SIGN UP FOR SEATS AT THE FRONT DESK.

peter_pan_2018_flyer

4/24/18

PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS -
During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL the children at our school. No class photos! There are no envelopes and no pre-payment. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.

ON TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, AN ALL PRESCHOOL STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE, REGARDLESS OF CLASS.

ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 2, 2018: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS, AND THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS. HE WILL ALSO PHOTOGRAPH ALL KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE (UNLESS THEY HAD THEIR PICTURE TAKEN ON TUESDAY).

•FRIDAY, MAY 11, 2018, "Peter Pan" MATINEE, 10:30 AND EVENING SHOW, 7:00: KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY WILL PERFORM BOTH SHOWS. TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL WILL ONLY PERFORM AT THE MATINEE.

•MONDAY, MAY 28, 2018: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Memorial Day.

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2/2/2018

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018: LOWER ELEMENTARY, VALENTINE'S DAY HIGH TEA

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2018: OPEN HOUSE, 5:30 to 7:30-

•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2018: OPEN HOUSE, 5:30 to 7:30 pm- Please be sure to come! Let your child show you all the wonderful things he or she has been doing at school!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 22nd ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018
This is one night you do not want to miss! In the next week or so, you will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website.

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1/9/18
•MONDAY, JANUARY 15, 2018: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2018, 2:00-3:00 PM: PRIMARY, KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, in Steve's Barn. PLEASE NOTE: This date was changed on our calendar from Friday, 1/12/18 to Tuesday 1/16/18.

•MONDAY, JANUARY 22 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. If you do not see a sign-up sheet posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom, please see your child's teacher. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 26th. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you or the sign-up is full, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/22 - 1/25) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, January 29, 2018.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018: LOWER ELEMENTARY, VALENTINE'S DAY HIGH TEA

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2018: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 22nd ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018
This is one night you do not want to miss! In the next week or so, you will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We will also have everything available on the Auction page of our website.

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12/12/2017
winter_performance_flyer_2017

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11/17/17
~COLLECT YOUR JOG-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS~
All Primary, Kindergarten and Elementary Parents...
OUR STUDENTS BROKE LAST YEARS RECORD AND
RAN A TOTAL OF 5,307 LAPS (530.7 MILES)!
WOW!
Once again, we are so proud and impressed by the passion, commitment, determination and stamina, of every child who participated in the Jog-A-Thon fundraiser for the must! charities - Boys & Girls Club-Atascadero.
A huge thank you to all the parents, family members and alumni who came out to help and participate. It was a great event and a huge success again this year!
We know all of you are now busy collecting the donations.
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope on the small bulletin board, across from the Lower Elementary classroom door.
You can print out the "thank you receipt" for and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list.
Please have your student fill this out with you!
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many thanks, once again.
THANK YOU!
•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - United Blood Services will bring the Blood Mobile to CHMS! They will be in our parking lot from about 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Give Blood! By appointment only! See sign up on front desk or go online.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:30 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 am)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 am
•School will close at 11:30 am, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.
thanksgiving_flyer_2017
•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 2017, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

11/13/2017
•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Again this year the entire school (even some toddlers) will participate in our 7th annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit must! charities/Boys & Girls Project. Parents, you will receive a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised $5000.00. Let's do it again! REMEMBER: You don not need to return the sponsor sheet, only the donations!

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck on Wednesday, (see below) and takes place in the Lower Elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - United Blood Services will bring the Blood Mobile to CHMS! They will be in our parking lot from about 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Give Blood! By appointment only! See sign up on front desk or go online.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 11:30 am
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 am)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 am
•School will close at 11:30 am, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

*****************************************
10/30/2017
We recognize that Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin, may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carves a pumpkin and bakes the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.

At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are.

With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.

Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2017: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Veteran's Day.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2017: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Again this year the entire school (even some toddlers) will participate in our 7th annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit must! charities/Boys & Girls Project. Parents, you will receive a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised $5000.00. Let's do it again!

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2017 - United Blood Services will bring the Blood Mobile to CHMS! They will be in our parking lot from about 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Give Blood!

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 12:00 pm
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The children will be reciting poetry and singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 pm)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 pm
•School will close at 11:30 pm, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2017, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

*****************************************
10/3/2017
•If you purchased a produce bag for our fundraiser, don't forget to pick it up today, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3rd, after 1:00pm.

•"PASTA THURSDAY", BEGINS OCTOBER 5th!

•TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 and WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden, from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. John has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years.

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Tuesday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers, all preschool children and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class. He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit.

On Wednesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, all kindergartners and all elementary students.

Please make every effort to have your child here. This is the only chance you have to insure your child is included in his or her classroom photo. Photo envelopes will be in your Parent Cubby two or three weeks prior to Picture Day. Please return your completed photo envelope with payment, to the basket above the primary/elementary parent cubbies by Friday, October 20th. Your child will not be photographed if you do not return envelope with payment.

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out as soon as we get everyone to check their info! It will be distributed to all families. If you have not already done so, please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Primary sign-in sheets or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, address or phone number on our roster, please let us know. FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is not for your child's teacher to send you an email, see Dana if you want to add or change your email contacts. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

*****************************************
9/19/2017

•We have a lot going on at school right now! REMINDER: CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY! If you are not sure where it is please ask a staff member or another parent.

•PRODUCE BAG FUNDRAISER
Local Templeton supplier, Melanie Blankenship of Nature’s Touch Nursery and Harvest, is willing to deliver produce bags to our school every Tuesday afternoon beginning Oct. 3rd through Dec. 19th.
The bags will contain a variety of fresh, certified organic, vegetables and fruit locally grown in California. Melanie is committed to providing the highest quality organic produce, and works hard to use local farms.
·      Harvest Basket = $216.00 ($18/week)
·      Fruit Basket = $156.00 ($12/week)
If you are interested in participating in this Fundraiser please print and return the form with your payment or pick up a form at school. Checks should be made payable to Children’s House Montessori School and put in the basket labeled “PRODUCE BAGS” in the school foyer area. Please return your form and check by Monday, Sept. 25th.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS WHO MAY ALSO WANT TO PARTICIPATE!

You can pick up your bag inside the coffee shop (MOCHA) beginning at 1:00 pm. on Oct. 3rd. If you are unable to pick up your bag please make arrangements for pickup by someone else. Any bags not picked up by 3:00 pm Wednesday will be donated to the school for student and staff use.

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A LAVENDER FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY!
We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models. PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

•HOT LUNCH "PASTA THURSDAY" BEGINS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5th
Please return your form by Wednesday, Sept. 27th. You must return your form whether or not your child wants to participate.

•LANGUAGE/ARTICULATION SCREENINGS AT CHILDREN'S HOUSE:
with Simone Huls, Ph.D., Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (CA SP 25805). Please see the information we placed in your parent cubby.

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out in two or three weeks and will be distributed to all families. Please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler or Primary sign-in sheets, by the front door of the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms, or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, address or phone number on our roster, please let us know. FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

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5/24/17
Graduation-Flyer-2017

last_day_of_school_flyer_2017

5/3/17
Annie-2017-flyer

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3/27/17

•THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017: CULTURE FAIR 10:30-1:00
Bonjour! Buenos Dias, Shalom, Gutentag, Ciao... to all Parents, Families and Friends!

We are looking forward to our Culture Fair and hope you will all be here to celebrate the excitement of the many cultures of the world with your children!

All Toddler and Primary children must have a parent with them at the fair!

Toddler and Primary Parents: You have the option of bringing your child to his or her class at the usual time, 9:00 am and returning by 10:15 to join them for the festivities or you may come to school a little later with your child and enjoy the fair. We will offer our usual morning (8:00 am) and afternoon (5:30 pm) extended care.

The fair will open in Steve’s Barn, with singing by students from the primary, kindergarten and elementary classrooms.
The singing will be followed by our traditional flag parade, and then elementary students will share games, crafts and food from the country or culture they have been researching. You can “visit” these countries with your children and learn something about them. As you visit each country booth, help your child get stamps for their passports!

Our patio will be set up for our "World Foods" potluck! We ask that you please bring a cultural dish to share.

THIS WILL BE A FULL SCHOOL DAY.
The school day ends at 3:00 pm, as usual and we will have afternoon Extended Care until 5:30.

Adios and Merci!

•THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017: ENROLLMENT FORM AND DEPOSIT DUE FOR 2017/2018
Please check your parent cubby for your forms.

•FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017 - FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2017: SPRING RECESS, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2017: SCHOOL RESUMES

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2/28/17
•FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017: STAFF WORK DAY / NO SCHOOL
WE HAVE DECIDED IT'S A LITTLE TOO COLD AND TOO WET FOR AN OUTDOOR SPRING CLEANING DAY, next Friday, March 10th, as previously scheduled. Therefore, we would like to put most of our energy into our classrooms. We are in need of some repair jobs if you would like to volunteer for that. Otherwise, this year we will call it a Teacher Work Day instead of a Family Work Day. Please let us know if you were planning to stop by and we can discuss a few little projects.

We would love to have your help with the garden and chickens during a school day, later in the Spring.
THANK YOU!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 21st ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017
This is one night you do not want to miss! In the next week or so, you will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We also have everything available on the Auction page of our website. PLEASE RETURN YOUR PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM AND YOUR BLUE, DINNER RESERVATION FORM ASAP!

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1/13/17
•FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2017, 2:00-3:00 PM: PRIMARY, KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, in Steve's Barn

•MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 27: PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

•MONDAY, JANUARY 23 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. If you do not see a sign-up sheet posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom, please see your child's teacher. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 27. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you or the sign-up is full, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/23 - 1/26) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, January 30, 2017.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2017: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2017: LOWER ELEMENTARY, VALENTINE'S DAY HIGH TEA

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2017: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2017: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 21st ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017
This is one night you do not want to miss! In the next week or so, you will receive an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We also have everything available on the Auction page of our website. PLEASE RETURN YOUR PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM AND YOUR BLUE, DINNER RESERVATION FORM ASAP!

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12/9/16
winter_performance_flyer_2016

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11/18/16
~COLLECT YOUR JOG-A-THON PLEDGE DONATIONS~
All Primary, Kindergarten and Elementary Parents...
OUR STUDENTS BROKE LAST YEARS RECORD AND
RAN A TOTAL OF 3,989 LAPS (398 MILES)!
WOW!
Once again, we are so proud and impressed by the passion, commitment, determination and stamina, of every child who participated in the Jog-A-Thon fundraiser for the must! charities - Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
A huge thank you to all the parents, family members and alumni who came out to help and participate. It was a great event and a huge success again this year!
We know all of you are now busy collecting the donations.
Please write your checks to must! charities and remember, your donation is tax deductible.
We do not need you to return the sponsor sheets. Your donations can be placed in the envelope on the small bulletin board, across from the Lower Elementary classroom door.
You can print out the "thank you receipt" for and fill it out for everyone on your pledge list.
Please have your student fill this out with you!
Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions. Many, many thanks, once again.
THANK YOU!
•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.
thanksgiving_flyer_2016
•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 12:00 pm
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The elementary children look forward to performing a play, The Velveteen Rabbit, and all children will be singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 pm)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 pm
•School will close at 11:30 pm, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

GSMontessoriDay

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11/10/16

•IMPORTANT CHANGE ON OUR SCHOOL CALENDAR: We have changed the date for our Auction Dinner, to Saturday, March 18th, 4:00pm. Please save the date!

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Veteran's Day.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 and TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. J.A Photography has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years. Envelopes will be placed in your Parent Cubby soon. Watch for them!

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Monday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers, all preschool children, all kindergarten children and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class, (and only if siblings have a separate envelope). In the spring, we photograph every child. In the Fall, we photograph every child who has returned an envelope. If you would like siblings to be photographed, you must fill out and return a separate envelope for siblings.

On Tuesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, and all elementary students. and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class, (and if siblings have a separate envelope). In the spring, we photograph every child. In the Fall, we photograph every child who has returned an envelope. If you would like siblings to be photographed, you must fill out and return a separate envelope for siblings.

He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit. Class photos are free if you order a packet. If you do not want individual photos of your child(ren), you must fill out an envelope for a class photo.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Again this year the entire school (except toddlers) will participate in our 6th annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit must! charities/BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS. Parents, you will receive a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised over $7000.00. Let's do it again!

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 12:00 pm
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The elementary children look forward to performing a play, The Velveteen Rabbit, and all children will be singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 pm)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:30 pm
•School will close at 11:30 pm, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

10/27/16
We recognize that Halloween (Monday, Oct. 31) is a great deal of fun for many families and every family has their own traditions. Going on a Sunday excursion to choose a perfect pumpkin, may be one. Sitting around the dinner table while Mom or Dad carves a pumpkin and bakes the seeds in the oven, may be another. Of course dressing up with make-up and posing for pictures is a tradition for many.

At Children’s House, however, especially with the younger children, we keep Halloween pretty low key. A mask project or pumpkin carving may be going on or perhaps face painting on Halloween afternoon. The older children learn about the history of the holiday and some variations in various cultures. The upper elementary class will pay tribute to men and women in history and each student will be dressed as a historical person they have researched. They will present a first person report to their classmates and will also take a walk around to the other classrooms and tell the children who they are. This year, they will be making their presentations on Monday, Nov. 2nd.

With the exception of the upper elementary, it is our policy, however, not to have the children come to school in any type of costume. This includes toddlers, primary, kindergarten and lower elementary children. In addition to hampering free movement, it may lead to hurt feelings if some children do not, or cannot participate.

Please remember, it is also a school policy that candy or sweets of any kind NOT be sent to school. It is extremely hard for children to see others bringing “treats”. Please help by passing this information on to any family member who makes the lunch or drives to school.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016: SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for Veteran's Day.

•MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 and TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 ARE BOTH PICTURE DAYS!
John Alden from J.A Photography, will be taking individual portraits as well as class/group pictures. J.A Photography has been photographing Children's House students for over 25 years. Envelopes will be placed in your Parent Cubby soon. Watch for them!

IMPORTANT PICTURE DAY DETAILS FOR YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM:
John will be spending two days at Children's House. On Monday, he will shoot individual portraits for the Monday/Wednesday toddlers, the Monday thru Friday toddlers, all preschool children, all kindergarten children and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class, (and only if siblings have a separate envelope). In the spring, we photograph every child. In the Fall, we photograph every child who has returned an envelope. If you would like siblings to be photographed, you must fill out and return a separate envelope for siblings.

On Tuesday, John will shoot individual portraits for the Tuesday/Thursday/Friday toddlers, and all elementary students. and all siblings for the groups listed above, regardless of class, (and if siblings have a separate envelope). In the spring, we photograph every child. In the Fall, we photograph every child who has returned an envelope. If you would like siblings to be photographed, you must fill out and return a separate envelope for siblings.

He will also be shooting ALL class photos on Tuesday. Parents of Monday/Wednesday toddler children, please bring your child to school on Tuesday for the class photo at 11:30 am. This time is approximate and you may or may not need to wait for a bit. Class photos are free if you order a packet. If you do not want individual photos of your child(ren), you must fill out an envelope for a class photo.

•FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016: JOG-A-THON, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Again this year the entire school (except toddlers) will participate in our 6th annual Jog-a-Thon. All proceeds will benefit must! charities/BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS. Parents, you will receive a letter and sponsor sheet for each child, in your Parent Cubby. Last year we raised over $7000.00. Let's do it again!

•TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2016 - LOWER ELEMENTARY TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING FEAST
This is a completely separate event from our school wide potluck (see below) and takes place in the lower elementary classroom, only. Lower Elementary parents, please see the food sign-up on the classroom door. If you have any questions, please see Nancy.

•WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2016 - THANKSGIVING PERFORMANCE AND POTLUCK - 9:15 am to 12:00 pm
This year, as always, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with a family gathering. We will all meet in Steve’s Barn. The elementary children look forward to performing a play, The Velveteen Rabbit, and all children will be singing songs. Please arrive promptly at 9:15 for this event.
Following the performance, we will gather for a lovely Thanksgiving brunch. Please bring any type of brunch item, such as quiche, French toast, eggs, breads, muffins, fruits, etc. NO NUTS! Children’s House will provide the drinks. Bring your food directly to the back patio tables before the performance and continue on to the barn and find a seat. Don’t forget to pick up your plates, platters, bowls and utensils when you leave.
•There will be NO morning care.
•Toddler children MUST be accompanied by a parent or other adult for the entire event (9:15-11:30 pm)
•For all other classrooms, if you cannot attend with your child, please make arrangements to have your child picked up by 11:0 pm
•School will close at 12:00 pm, immediately following our potluck.
•If your child will not attend, please let us know ahead of time.

•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2016, SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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9/20/2016
~IMPORTANT~
CURRENT INFORMATION, DATES, EVENTS, CHANGES AND/OR NEWS

•HOT LUNCH "PIZZA DAY" BEGINS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st

•PRODUCE BAG FUNDRAISER
Local Templeton supplier, Melanie Blankenship of Nature’s Touch Nursery and Harvest, is willing to deliver produce bags to our school every Tuesday afternoon beginning Oct. 4th through Dec. 20th.
The bags will contain a variety of fresh, certified organic, vegetables and fruit locally grown in California. Melanie is committed to providing the highest quality organic produce, and works hard to use local farms.
·      Harvest Basket = $216.00 ($18/week)
·      Fruit Basket = $156.00 ($12/week)
If you are interested in participating in this Fundraiser please print and return the form with your payment or pick up a form at school. Checks should be made payable to Children’s House Montessori School and put in the basket labeled “PRODUCE BAGS” in the school foyer area. Please return your form and check by Thursday, Sept. 22nd.
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH FRIENDS AND CO WORKERS WHO MAY ALSO WANT TO PARTICIPATE!

You can pick up your bag inside the coffee shop (MOCHA) beginning at 1:00 pm. on Oct. 4th. If you are unable to pick up your bag please make arrangements for pickup by someone else. Any bags not picked up by 3:00 pm Wednesday will be donated to the school for student and staff use.

•FAMILY ROSTER
Our annual school roster will be out in a week or two and will be distributed to all families. Please check one of the rough draft copies, posted on the Toddler or Primary sign-in sheets, by the front door of the Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms, or on the front desk, to make sure all the information is current! Feel free to make any necessary changes. Please initial after you have checked your info (even if everything is correct). Our roster includes email addresses. If you do not wish to include your email, address or phone number on our roster, please let us know. FYI: This is not for school staff to contact you in an emergency. We have special emergency cards for that. This is for parents to contact one another or children to get in touch with friends, etc.

•PARENT PROJECT VOLUNTEER FORMS: YOU RECEIVED A LETTER AND A LAVENDER FORM IN YOUR PARENT CUBBY!
We have lofty goals and great visions for enhancing your children's educational, emotional, and spiritual experiences. In addition to your financial support, your physical support also helps us to realize these goals. Our fundraisers and many of the “jobs” and/or projects can simply not be done without you. As many of you know from years past, your children enjoy having you participate at “their school”. They learn so much from the spirit of dedication and commitment that your support models. PLEASE RETURN YOUR FORM, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

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9/8/2016

School has begun and there is so much to do!
There is information in this email, regarding every classroom and every child, so PLEASE READ.
Thanks!

FIRST AND FOREMOST!

WE ARE A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL!
Please do not include peanut butter, peanuts,
or any items that contain peanuts
in your child's lunch or classroom snack!
Other nuts, including tree nuts, are acceptable.
We have a number of students with life-threatening peanut allergies
and feel this is the only way to insure their safety.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR PARENT CUBBY EVERY DAY!
Please look inside the main school building, on either entryway bulletin board, for the list of Parent Cubbies. Your name is listed under your child’s class and your “Box” number is next to your name. Please get in the routine of checking your cubby daily...
**Returning parents:
You probably have a NEW NUMBER this year, so please check the list!

AND SECOND, ALSO VERY IMPORTANT...
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CLASSROOMS:
TODDLER, PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL) OR KINDERGARTEN, DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN YOUR CHILD IN WHEN YOU ARRIVE AND SIGN HIM OR HER OUT WHEN YOU LEAVE.

ALSO...

HOT LUNCH "PIZZA DAY"
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
Each year, at Children’s House, we offer a Hot Lunch “Pizza Day” Program. Parents love having a day off from making lunches and the children enjoy this restaurant style novelty. Thanks to Brenda Gates, “Pizza Day” returns again, this year! It will be offered once a week, on Wednesdays, throughout the school year. It will consist of a local, delicious, cheese pizza, a side vegetable, fruit and juice. The Upper Elementary class will prepare and serve the lunch to all the children who would like to partake. Please see the Hot Lunch form in your parent cubby and return your form whether or not your child will partake.

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 - 8:30 / TODDLER
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 - 8:30 UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:00 - 8:30 / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)

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*ALL this information and more is on our website, http://www.childrenshouse.cc/
See Parents section and/or the Calendars section.

Watch for a new issue of the The Quailblazer Times coming the end of September.
Dear Children’s House Families,
We hope you have been enjoying your time together this summer...soon it will be time to begin our 2016/2017 school year and we are looking forward to gathering together once again!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•We use email almost exclusively, to keep in touch with our families. Please check your email regularly for important classroom and/or school information.

•Every family has a Parent Cubby. This is different from the cubby your child may have in his or her classroom. Please check your parent cubby daily.

We also have a monthly email newsletter called The Quailblazer Times. We have automatically placed you on the list to receive it. We hope you will read it with your child(ren). The first issue will be out mid to late September. If you'd like to see what it's like, please check out our back issues.

We're also on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram if you'd like to stay connected with us!

•We currently have a few openings in our toddler classroom. If you have a friend or family member who may be interested, please have them call or email the school.

•New students and kindergartners must have all immunizations. This is now the law in California and we are required to comply.

•Kindergarten Parents... REMINDER
Kindergartners need the following immunizations before entry:

·         5 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough) immunizations
·         4 doses of polio
·         3 doses of hepatitis B
·         2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella); and
·         1 or more doses of varicella (chickenpox)

EVENTS

•FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATIONS FOR TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL CHILDREN
If your child will be here for the first time in September, their teachers will give them an individual 15 to 20 minute orientation on Friday, Sept. 2nd. This is a valuable time for them to be introduced to some of the activities in the classroom. Appointments are made on the half hour. If you have not already done so, email us with the half hour you prefer. We will email or call you back only if we must reschedule. We will be on hand both days (Friday and Saturday) to collect any remaining enrollment forms and answer any questions you may have. If your child attended summer school, they do not need an orientation.

•SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING/POTLUCK
Please join us as we kick off the new school year and gather together for our annual potluck (appetizers and drinks only) on Saturday, Sept. 3. This is an informal open house...come any time between 2:00 and 4:00 pm and bring an appetizer. This is a great opportunity for the children to get acquainted or reacquainted with school, their friends and teachers. It is also a valuable time for parents to see old friends, meet new families, set up carpools and chat with teachers! Hope to see you all here!

*If you still have forms that need to be filled out and returned, please bring them to us before school begins. WE MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING FORMS ON FILE BEFORE YOUR CHILD CAN BEGIN SCHOOL: A CURRENT EMERGENCY FORM, A CURRENT CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT FORM, AND A CALIFORNIA IMMUNIZATION FORM. If you have not yet returned your forms, please do so BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The sooner we can get your child's file completed, the better. It will also make the first week run smoother. Thank you.

•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2016 - LABOR DAY, CLOSED

•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL! (or Wednesday, September 7th, if your child is enrolled in the Monday & Wednesday, Toddler class)

•REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for the very important PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGS, scheduled for each classroom. Even if you have had a child in one of these same classes in a previous year, your attendance at the Parent’s Night will give you valuable information regarding THIS year’s plans. We strive to make our school better each year and therefore change the way we schedule our days, use our materials, do homework, etc. We appreciate your questions and your input at this initial meeting so we can begin a wonderful year together of consistency, clarity and on-going communication. Please come!
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 7:00 - 8:30 PM / PRIMARY (PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN) THIS IS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 - 8:30 / TODDLER
•MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 7:00 - 8:30 UPPER ELEMENTARY (4th-6th)
•TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 7:00 - 8:30 / LOWER ELEMENTARY (1st-3rd)

•SEPTEMBER TUITION AND THE MATERIALS FEE ARE BOTH DUE ON SEPTEMBER 1 (or by the first day of school, Sept. 6)

Thank you so much for being a part of our Children’s House family, and for sharing your wonderful children with us. We look forward to a great year.

5/23/2016
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last_day_of_school_flyer_2016

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5/13/2016

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4/28/16
ENVIRONMENTAL SPRING PORTRAITS (no envelopes):

PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN ON TWO DIFFERENT DAYS -
During this two-day photo session John will be taking photographs of ALL the children at our school. No class photos! There are no envelopes and no pre-payment. All photographs will be posted on the JA Photography website. Please see below to find out which day your child(ren) will be photographed.

ON TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2016: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY TODDLERS, THE TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY PRESCHOOL STUDENTS, ALL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE, REGARDLESS OF CLASS.

ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2016: JOHN WILL PHOTOGRAPH THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY TODDLERS, THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY TODDLERS, THE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY PRESCHOOL, THE MONDAY THRU FRIDAY PRESCHOOL AND ALL KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS, PLUS ALL SIBLINGS FOR GROUPS LISTED ABOVE, REGARDLESS OF CLASS.

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4/19/2016
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2/17/2016

Open-House-2016

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2/10/16
•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016: LOWER ELEMENTARY, VALENTINE'S DAY HIGH TEA

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2016: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016: OPEN HOUSE This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2016: PARENT EDUCATION- "COMPARING MONTESSORI WITH THE TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM"
Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 pm for an exciting discussion on some of the key components of a Montessori classroom that are not usually found in a traditional classroom. Childcare will be provided in Steve's Barn!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 20th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016
This is one night you do not want to miss! You received an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We also have everything available on the Auction page of our website. PLEASE RETURN YOUR PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM AND YOUR BLUE, DINNER RESERVATION FORM ASAP!

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1/14/16
•FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016, 2:00-3:00 PM: PRIMARY, KINDERGARTEN AND ELEMENTARY STUDENTS HONOR MARTIN LUTHER KING

•MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016: MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY, SCHOOL CLOSED

•MONDAY, JANUARY 25 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
If you have not yet signed up, please do so. If you do not see a sign-up sheet posted on, or next to, the door of your child's classroom, please see your child's teacher. Remember, there is no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 30. Please try to schedule your conference on Friday. If Friday will not work for you or the sign-up is full, please see the alternative schedule for your child's teacher, Monday thru Thursday (1/26 - 1/29) or speak to the teacher to arrange a convenient time and date. School resumes Monday, February 2, 2015.

•FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016 - SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED FOR ALL STUDENTS - PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will NOT provide Extended Care, on Friday, before 9:00 or after 3:00.

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016: SCHOOL CLOSED, LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED

•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016: LOWER ELEMENTARY, WHITE HOUSE WAX MUSEUM

•FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016: LOWER ELEMENTARY, VALENTINE'S DAY HIGH TEA

•MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2016: SCHOOL CLOSED, PRESIDENT'S DAY (WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY OBSERVED)

•THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2016: KINDERGARTEN, 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL

•WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016: OPEN HOUSE This is probably the best evening of the school year! Our Open House at Children’s House is an evening that belongs to your children. They are your guides as they show you all the materials and activities they have learned to use at school. It is also an opportunity for you to chat with other parents, the teachers and visit other classrooms. The school will be open from 5:30 to 7:30. You are welcome to arrive at any time and stay as long as you’d like. Please don’t miss this wonderful event!

•CHILDREN'S HOUSE 20th ANNUAL AUCTION AND DINNER - SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016
This is one night you do not want to miss! You received an Auction packet in your parent cubby, with all the details. We also have everything available on the Auction page of our website. PLEASE RETURN YOUR PINK, ITEM DESCRIPTION FORM AND YOUR BLUE, DINNER RESERVATION FORM ASAP!

FIRST AND FOREMOST!

WE ARE NOW A PEANUT FREE SCHOOL!
Please do not include peanut butter, peanuts, or any items that contain peanuts,
in your child's lunch or classroom snack!
Other nuts, including tree nuts, are acceptable.
We have a number of students with life-threatening allergies
and feel this is the only way to insure their safety.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

************************************************************
8/12/15

Dear Children’s House Families,
We hope you have been enjoying your time together this summer...soon it will be time to begin our 2015/2016 school year and we are looking forward to gathering together once again!

ANNOUNCEMENTS
•Visit our blog! We try to bring you events, updates, fun stuff, news from the school and individual classrooms. We also try to include Montessori articles and tidbits from around the world, as well as some of the latest news in education. Check in regularly. We're also on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, if you'd like to stay connected with us!

•We currently have a few half day openings (9-12), Monday thru Friday, in our primary (preschool) classroom. If you have a friend or family member who may be interested, please have them call or email the school.

•Kindergarten Parents... REMINDER
Kindergartners need the following immunizations before entry:

·         5 DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough) immunizations
·         4 doses of polio
·         3 doses of hepatitis B
·         2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella); and
·         1 or more doses of varicella (chickenpox)