ORSP Puppy Chow
August 6, 2021
Principal's Message
Hello Preschool families! Happy Friday!
I hope you and your child had a wonderful week and enjoyed the first couple of full days. I know some of the students got to experience their first ride on a school bus. How exciting! We are looking so forward to our first regular week.
Next week the classrooms will begin the “Welcome to School” study. They will begin to learn about the people who they see in our school and about the classroom rules and routines. This is such an exciting time!
Did you spend some time reading this week? Did you read with your child for a few minutes each day? Did you read something yourself so your child could see that you value reading as well? You will be amazed at the power that those few minutes each day will have on your child’s love for reading.
You can also help your child begin to develop his/her math skills. Math is everywhere! Including your child in conversations and looking for opportunities for “math-talk” in everyday life is very important. This can be done in so many ways. Some ideas: Include your child when you cook or bake. Talk about the ingredients and let him/her help you measure. Count the number of steps you take. This could be the number of steps from the living room to the bedroom, the number of steps from the car to your front door, anyplace you go! Look for and identify shapes and colors of items in your environment. Your child could go on a scavenger hunt for different shapes in your home. Play games. Make learning fun! Math is all around us. Simply pointing it out to your child will have an impact on his/her math skills.
I want you to know that I am here to support you and your child. If you have any questions at all, you may reach me at lmdownard@ortn.edu or (865)425-9101.
Education
Beginning of the Year
Whether children are new to preschool or not, we expect that many will experience strong emotions- fear, anxiety, extreme excitement, sadness, or frustration. Our Beginning of the Year Study supports children's social-emotional development as they become comfortable in their new environment. The time the classroom teachers invest now in building relationships with the children and families is time well spent. Everyone at ORSP is looking forward to a great year with your children!
Health and Safety
Health Reminders
Thank you to all the parents/guardians that have completed the health requirements for enrollment.
Below is a list of the items needed for enrollment. If you have not submitted these for your child, please do so as soon as possible.
- Current Physical
- Up-to-date Immunizations
- Current Dental Exam & Cleaning
- Bloodwork – Hematocrit/Hemoglobin & Lead
- Medication & Diet Restrictions (if applicable)
Just a reminder that if medication is needed at school, we are required to have the medication and the Medication Administration Form prior to your child’s first day of attendance.
If your child has not had their first dental check-up, we can provide you with a list of area dentists.
Arrival and Dismissal Safety Guidelines
During morning arrival & afternoon dismissal, please remember to follow these safety guidelines.
** Please do not block homes, driveways, roads, or business entrances at any time. We want to be good neighbors and be respectful of our surrounding community.
During Morning Arrival :
Using the car loop-
- Walk your child to the sidewalk & remain at your car until staff has taken your child’s hand.
- Do not park & leave your car in the car loop– if you prefer to walk your child in, you must park in the parking lot.
- Please do not go around cars in the line – you must wait until the car line moves forward and follow the car in front of you unless you are instructed to do so by a Preschool staff member
Using the parking lot:
- Please hold your child’s hand as are you walking to the building.
- Be aware of foot traffic in the parking lot.
- Please park in marked parking spaces or along the sidewalk – do not block the traffic flow or parked cars
During Afternoon Dismissal:
- Please do not enter the front car loop until all buses have departed the building- do not block parked vehicles in the parking lot.
- Make sure your child’s car tag is visible hanging from your front mirror.
- Please do not go around cars in the line –you must wait until the car line moves forward and follow the car in front of you unless you are instructed to do so by a Preschool staff member.
Pups in Action
Lisa Downard, Principal lmdownard@ortn.edu
Erin Pearson, Education Coordinator eepearson@ortn.edu
Tribby Kelly, Family & Community Engagement, Compliance Monitor, ERSEA tkelly@ortn.edu
Julie Julian, Health & Facilities Coordinator jmjulian@ortn.edu
“In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.”