December 2020

"Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.”

Maria Montessori

As this crazy, unpredictable and unprecedented year of 2020 comes to a close, it's time to focus on peace. Peace for ourselves, for others and for our communities.

In our ELC classrooms, we teach peace everyday.

What is peace education?

Peace education is defined anything that teaches people how to be more peaceful with themselves, with others and with the world. In preschool, the children are learning to be calm and focused and to understand their own emotions. They are taught to identify what they are feeling and how to communicate their feelings.

If you walk into the ELC classrooms, you will feel and/or hear an excited "hum."

The children are moving around, working on projects and activities that pique their interest. Children are working at their own pace and reflecting on their work. Some children are working independently and others are working as a group. None of this happens magically. The teachers observe the children's interests and needs and make sure the children are engaged. Teachers and assistants specifically teach the children how to work in the classroom, how to watch a peer work, how to walk around a work mat and how to interrupt politely. Ongoing lessons in Grace and Courtesy help the children learn to work alongside each other as part of a peaceful community. The children learn to help each other and develop tools for peacefully resolving conflicts. The conflict resolution skills they develop help foster independence and self-confidence.

In preschool, our goals are to lay the foundation for important life and communication skills such as listening, empathy, problem solving, negotiation and tolerance. Through their work in the classroom, their experiences on the playground and around campus, and their interactions with peers and nurturing adults, ELC children are building these skills.

This holiday season, we wish you all the best and as always, thank you for sharing your children with us.

Gail, Aimee, Becca, Brooke, Karen, Laura, and Shawnna

• Be a good role model. Children are watching and learning from you. Show compassion, forgiveness and understanding.
• Talk about being peaceful. Peace can mean different things to different people. It can be as simple as a quiet moment. Listen to your child.
• Practice conflict resolution skills. A peaceful way to resolve conflict is to identify feelings, such as, "You feel angry bc she took your toy" and to remind children to take turns. Talking about your own feelings will help your child learn to identify and name theirs.
• Encourage your children to care for their environment. Watering plants, feeding pets or washing dishes helps children to understand they have important work to do as part of their family.
• Read. The act of reading is peaceful. Keep a few "quiet" books to read at nap or bed time. Reading together has the bonus of encouraging your child's love of learning.

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Make sure you are signed up for Transparent Classroom. The teachers are posting photos of your children working, descriptions of the lessons taught, messages from teachers.....and so much more.....Please go to the ELC website https://sites.google.com/fsdbk12.org/early-learning-center/home. for more information or click the transparent classroom link here: www.transparentclassroom.com. Watch for the lessons below to show up in your child's activities! Once you are in Transparent Classroom, you are able to click on the links you are sent of your children working to learn more about the lessons they are completing.

Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff healthy as we come back to school. The ELC and FSDB staff have worked tirelessly arranging the classrooms, the schedule and the routines in order to provide social distancing and a safe environment. Each day, ELC teachers and staff spend at least an hour cleaning every shelf, table and work in the classroom to try to prevent the spread of germs. The staff and children are washing their hands, using sanitizer, wearing masks and/or face shields and doing really really well distancing from each other. Everyone is doing their part to keep each other healthy. You are helping us by keeping your children home if they are showing symptoms of illness. Thanks to all of your for coming to pick up your children and for keepting them home if they are exhibiting signs of illness.

Many of you have called asking for clarification about our ELC/FSDB Wellness Policy.

Please keep in mind, none of us have ever experienced a pandemic before and we are learning everyday. It is the responsibility of our entire community to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and families.

Please click here for a detailed explanation of the ELC/FSDB Wellness Policy and please contact Gail with any additional questions or concerns.

The holiday season is a time when families gather to celebrate. Many families may feel a disruption to traditions due to continued safety precautions and social distancing. More than ever it is important to have family chats. Talking with your children will help them better understand their emotions and will give you an opportunity to model a positive response.

Here are some ways to keep things festive and fun at home!

• Have a cookie decorating contest and gather votes through social media.
• Take turns with family or friends hosting mini virtual celebrations: caroling, storytelling, and holiday movie watch parties.
• Go crazy with decorations both inside and out.
• Act out favorite movie scenes.

Check out these recommendations on staying healthy this holiday.

ELC Office

PH or Text: 904-827-2835

VP: 904-201-4529

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Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

VP: 904-201-3910

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Transportation

PH: 800-992-8747

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Vaill Hall (Dorm)

PH: 904-827-2806

VP: 904-201-4461

Parent Services

PH: 904-827-2212

VP: 904-201-4527

Campus Police

PH: 904-827-2315

207 San Marco Avenue,

St. Augustine, FL, USA

strasselg@fsdbk12.org

ELC Webpage

ELC Facebook Group