ORSP Newsletter
October 30, 2020
Principal's Message
Happy Friday! Happy Halloween! This week we had so much fun! We had our trick-or-treating event on Wednesday. The students’ costumes were so adorable. That is always one of the favorite days of the year—by staff and students! This week our classrooms finished the Buildings study. Be sure to ask your child what part of the study he/she liked best. Next week we will begin two new studies. Our 3-year-old classrooms and multi-age classrooms will begin the Trees study. Our 4-year-old classrooms will begin the Music Making study. I cannot wait to see the fun activities and learning that comes with these studies.
There appears to be an increase in COVID cases within our community. Please continue to be diligent about wearing masks and washing hands. Keep a safe distance when out in public. Stay healthy!!
Have a wonderful weekend! I hope you have an opportunity to get outside to play. If you go trick-or-treating, please be safe!
Important Dates
- 11/3, no school- Election Day
- 11/25-27, no school- Thanksgiving Break
- 11/5, 10, 12, 17, 19- Love and Logic Class (more information below)
Family Services
Oak Ridge Schools Preschool has partnered with some of the sweet residents at The Groves at Oak Ridge Assisted Living to be Pen Pals! Some of our classrooms have met with their Pen Pals via Zoom. The residents have read books to the students and our students have made special gifts for them! This is such a rewarding partnership/friendship and we are thrilled to be a part of it!
Education
All of our classrooms have Interest Areas that are child-friendly spaces where the children can explore, learn, create, and relax. Over the next several weeks we will highlight a different Interest Area. This week we will start with Blocks.
Interest Area- BLOCKS
What you can do at home…You can encourage your child to learn through block play by taking an interest in what he or she does at school. You can make/purchase your own blocks to play with at home. When you are on walks or away from home, make sure to point out interesting roads and buildings. When your child is playing with the blocks, be sure to talk about the things you saw outside of the house.
What Your Child Learns in the Block Area:
- Use vocabulary to compare objects
- Create, repeat or extend patterns
- Develop hand/eye coordination
- Learn size and shape differentiation
- Understand gravity, stability, weight, and balance
- Think, create and implement plans
- Develop respect for the work of others
Classrooms in Action
Health Reminders
Health Items Needed
Thank you to all the parents that have returned the health items needed!
If you have not returned your child’s most recent physical & dental exams, please do so as soon as possible!
If you have any questions, please give me a call.
Thanks!
Julie Julian
Health/Safety & Facilities Manager – 425-9129
Steps to Take when Trick or Treating
Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 or influenza. Plan alternate ways to participate in Halloween. Below is a link from the CDC with great suggestions to keep trick-or-treating safe for your entire family.
Per the CDC, it is recommended to get the flu shot by the end of October.
- Anderson County Health Department has flu shots available, no appointment necessary. You can get the shot from 8:30-10:30 and 2:00-3:00 Monday-Friday. Call when you arrive and the nurse will take all of the information on the phone. They come out and give the shot while you stay in the car.
- Flu shots are available at Walgreens, Kroger, and Walmart in Oak Ridge. Appointments can be made ahead of time online or by phone, walk-in's are welcome as well. All three have flu shots available for free with most insurance plans.
- Flu shots are also available and typically free at your primary care doctor's office.
ConnectOR
- Below is the link with information about lunch pickup
- Thank you for completing the Ages and Stages with your teacher. We are required to complete a developmental screener on all children enrolled in our program and value your expertise input on your child.