Lilja Lions

On Wednesday we had our first fire drill coordinated by the Natick Fire Department. The students followed the procedures perfectly. We will continue to practice these throughout the year. Additionally, Officer Heffler will be visiting classrooms throughout the fall to join in at snack time or read a story to the class. We are grateful for our community partners!

Lilja is in search of a school psychologist and two full time interventionists to join our team! If you or someone you know would like to work with our Lions please apply here!

1 - GLOBAL CHILD

Global child offers fun and academic classes designed to teach your child a new language. Sessions are offered in both live instruction and zoom format. View program information here. Register by September 23rd!

2 - SOME UNEXPECTED TEARS? THAT'S NORMAL!

As our young learners adjust to the long school days which test both their academic and emotional endurance it is natural for them to arrive back in your familiar and loving homes a bit more vulnerable than usual. Their stamina will build over time, and over subsequent grades. Some of our students hit this moment around the third week of school, and some of our students get there by the end of October. Remind your child that everyone has big feelings sometimes, and guide them to a conversation about a positive part of their day.

3- CONVERSATION TIPS

It can be tricky to find out about your child's day. The skills that enable strong recall of events and sequenced story telling are in development and are often not ready for open ended questions. The interviewing can then cause children to avoid the conversation and parents to feel frustrated. Instead, try sharing about your day using their language. When you mention that you and your friend had lunch together at the office you will likely find that your child chimes in with a story about their own lunchtime conversations!

4 - SLEEP!

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), adequate sleep duration on a regular basis leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. Consider the amount of sleep your child is achieving and, if necessary, work toward the 9-12 hours as recommended by the AAP. Use stable bedtime routines to teach your child's body to slow down at night and prepare for sleep. The AAP also suggests that all screens be turned off 30 minutes before bedtime and that TV, computers and other screens not be allowed in children's bedrooms as screen time diminishes the duration and quality of your child's sleep.

5 - READING TOGETHER

The benefits of reading to brain development happen no matter who is doing the reading. Add a book before bed to your evening routine and help your child to lower stress levels, improve logical reasoning, and quicken their mastery of language. Learn more about these benefits and suggestions for read alouds here!

Save the date! Wednesday, September 28th with be Curriculum Night, an opportunity for you to meet your child's teacher(s), see their classroom, and hear a brief overview of the curriculum. Please note, this is an adult only event and no childcare is provided.

Kindergarten

• Museum Walk Throughs 5:30-5:45pm OR 6:10-6:25pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 5:50-6:05pm

First Grade

• Museum Walk Throughs 5:55-6:10pm OR 6:35-6:50pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 6:15-6:30pm

1/2s

• Museum Walk Throughs 5:55-6:10pm OR 6:35-6:50pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 6:15-6:30pm

Second Grade

• Museum Walk Throughs 6:20-6:35pm OR 7:00-7:15pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 6:40-6:55pm

Third Grade

• Museum Walk Throughs 6:50-7:05pm OR 7:30-7:45pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 7:10-725pm

Fourth Grade

• Museum Walk Throughs 7:15-7:30pm OR 7:55-8:10pm
• Curriculum Presentation in the Library, 7:35-7:50pm

Please choose ONE Museum Walk time per child, and attend the grade level Curriculum Presentation.

We look forward to seeing you!

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