Natick Preschool

Dear Families of Natick Preschool students,

On the eve of the school vacation week, I want to wish you some fabulous together-time and plenty of play and rest. The teachers' and therapists' investment in your children shines through during weeks prior to a vacation week when they carefully plan festivities and fun learning activities balanced by the clear directions and consistency of routine the children need and crave. Vacation weeks at home can benefit all family members when following this same recipe.

Here are some tips for parents to make the vacation week time meaningful for families without added stress:

1. Prioritize quality time together: School vacation weeks are a great opportunity to spend time with your family and make memories. Plan activities that everyone will enjoy, such as going for a walk, playing games, or cooking/baking. This can be one special time each day (it doesn't have to be all day every day!)

2. Set realistic expectations: Vacation weeks can be a busy and hectic time if the parents are working or have to attend to other tasks. Be realistic! Don't try to do too much or over-schedule your days. Instead, focus on enjoying the time you have together.

3. Keep traditions alive: Many families have special traditions that they enjoy during the vacation weeks (special breakfast, more outdoor time, making cards for relatives that are far away).

4. Take care of yourself: It's important for parents to take care of themselves during the school vacation weeks to avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed. Make time for self-care, such as exercise or spending time with friends. This will help you to be more present and engaged with your family.

5. Be flexible: Things don't always go as planned, especially during vacation weeks. Be prepared to be flexible and adapt to any changes or challenges that may arise. This can help to reduce stress and model resiliency for your child.

Thank you, as always, for your support of the Natick Preschool team. We feel valued by you and we certainly appreciate partnering with you in your child's development.

~MaryBeth

MaryBeth Kinkead

Preschool Principal

While we are all happy to be back in school, in person and full time, please remember to keep your child home when they are ill. Although attendance is an important part of your child’s success, there are times when it is best to keep them home to recuperate and prevent the spread of germs.

We already have a shortage of sub teachers, infecting teachers by sending sick kids to schools means further loss of learning for our students!

Here are some important guidelines to help you make the decision:

Fever: If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher. Return to school once fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Vomiting/Diarrhea: These symptoms are a definite reason to stay home. Keep them out of school for 24 hours after the last episode.

Rashes: Children with new, unidentified rashes should be kept home until able to identify and determine if they are/are not contagious.

Pink Eye: Bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and requires prescription medication. Return to school after 24 hours on antibiotics.

Sore Throat/Cough: Children with a cough or sore throat should be monitored closely and stay home from school for worsening symptoms and/or fever.

Cold/Flu: A child with cold symptoms such as deep or uncontrollable cough or significant lack of energy belongs at home even without a fever. A child with flu-like illness (fever, cough & body aches) must stay home from school for at least 24 hours once fever free without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Testing for Covid-19 and flu is still recommended if your child is having symptoms.

It's okay to send them to school with a mild case of the sniffles as long as they remember to wash their hands frequently and use their elbow, or a tissue to keep the impact to a minimum.

Always consult with your child’s pediatrician for concerns about your child’s health.

• Reminder for Parents Who Want to Volunteer--CORI Checks

Reminder If you want to volunteer in schools, you must have a CORI check conducted and you must go into the building with identification (drivers license or passport) to do this. Click here for description of what a CORI check is and does. Without a CORI check, you cannot volunteer in the school. Here is the form to fill out for a CORI. Preschool volunteer opportunities include being a Mystery Reader for the class, presenting a family tradition and supporting special projects.

Support Social Emotional Learning and Independence at home using the same language and systems we use at school

• Yoga: Belly Breathing
  

• Handwashing at Home video

• Schedules, Visuals, Daily Living and Social Emotional Learning These can help!

• Make Clean-Up Fun Gracie's corner clean up song

• What is the Preschool Flip?

  Fleece! Jackets! Chilly weather calls for additional layers. Use the linked video to practice the Preschool Flip to build your child's independence putting on a jacket. They will be so proud of themselves and you will have your hands free for extra hugs!

• How To Use PBIS at Home complete with printable red birds (don’t have a printer? Have your child make some red birds or choose what household item you can use to represent completion of a task.)

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5