November 2018
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Brrr...It's Getting Cold Outside
Wow, it seems as though we have skipped over fall and gone straight to winter. Of course, when living in Southwest Ohio, one must expect the unexpected when it comes to weather. However, it always seems like the colder weather catches me by surprise!
Although the temperatures are dropping, we still believe strongly outside recess is an important part of our kindergarteners' daily experience. The opportunity to expend energy, learn to play appropriately with peers and simply getting out of the classroom for a period of time are all beneficial to our students.
Because we will continue to take students outside whenever weather permits, please make sure they have weather appropriate essentials (coats, hats, gloves, etc.). Also, layers may be helpful, as the different areas within the building may be different temperatures. As the parent of a first grade daughter, Arabella, thank you for fighting the good fight! Arabella makes it clear to me on a daily basis her classroom is not cold and she, therefore, does not need to wear her coat to school. I understand it is not always easy to make sure our little ones have what they need for the day.
Along with the cold weather and all of the extra "stuff" students have with them in morning, some of our students struggle to be ready to get out of the car when being dropped off in the morning. In trying to keep morning drop off as efficient as possible, please remind your student to gather their items while you are pulling in and making sure they are ready to hop out of the car when they are greeted.
Also, please remember that as the students start to wear boots and other heavier duty shoes to school due to the weather that we have Physical Education on Wednesdays and Fridays. If your child wears shoes on a Wednesday or Friday that are not sneakers, please send a pair of sneakers with them as well so that they can fully participate in Physical Education.
Thank you!
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
Valerie Fairchild - Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Fairchild is in her fifth year as a kindergarten teacher at Lange after coming to us from teaching second grade at Harman. Mrs. Fairchild's classroom is always a welcoming environment that encourages students to learn in a collaborative and cooperative manner.
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A Bit About Mrs. Fairchild:
Years Teaching: 20 years
Favorite Book: The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Favorite Children's Book: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Favorite Leisure Activity: Kayaking
Favorite Subject as a Student: Biology
Fun Kid Quote:
My favorite kid's quote was actually spoken by my own son at age five when he said to me, "How can you see without eyes in the back of your head?" He obviously was behind me doing something he shouldn't have been doing. Mothers and teachers just know these things!
From Mrs. Fairchild:
I have had the great pleasure of working for the Oakwood City School District for the past 20 years. It is an amazing place, no matter the building. Lange will always have my hear, because it is the place where an amazing group of people show up everyday and give their all for each and every child. In return, we are greeted daily with smiles, hugs, and laughter. At the end of each year, it is to look back and see the incredible growth which has taken place. Kindergarten is such a special year and it is truly a blessing to be a part of the wonderful things taking place at Lange.
CURRICULUM CORNER
Art Changes are Awesome!
Following the completion of the art curriculum audit last school year, Lange art teacher Kristine Gainey submitted a proposal for an updated art space for Lange students. Previously, Lange students had art class in the "Commons," where they also have music and P.E. classes. The Commons is a large, open space with a high ceiling. Folding tables were utilized for art. Mrs. Gainey proposed moving the art class to the "Oakwoods." The Oakwoods is Lange's library area that is well decorated as an inside forest. Mrs. Gainey believed the move to the Oakwoods would help foster students' creativity due to the creativity of the space itself. Mrs. Gainey also proposed the smaller space would be helpful to the kindergarten students in allowing them to be less distracted by the large, open area of the Commons.In considering Mrs. Gainey's proposal, District officials and Mrs. Gainey discussed how to implement the move and allow students to benefit from the space of the Oakwoods, while also being respectful and honoring the tradition of what the space is and has been. Upon approval, permanent tables and chairs were added to a small area within the Oakwoods, a projector and document camera were installed, and a retractable screen was added. Mrs. Gainey did a masterful job of camouflaging electrical drops that were added by painting them to match the background.The new art space has been a wonderful success to this point in the school year! Students are loving their new space and creating wonderful art in a beautiful environment. Thank you Mrs. Gainey for the forethought and courage to ask for a change that enhances our students' learning experiences!NEWS FROM THE NURSE
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Healthy Habits
We have spent time in some of the classrooms teaching and reviewing hand washing and other healthy habits with our students. We know hand washing is the #1 way to stay healthy, but another very important way to stay healthy is by getting enough sleep. When we sleep, our body is repairing itself from the day's activities. When we don't get enough sleep, it can affect every aspect of our life.
The National Sleep Foundation makes the following recommendations for the different age groups:
Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours per day
Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours per day
Toddler (1-2 years): 11-14 hours per day
Pre-school (3-5 years): 10-13 hours per day
School Age (6-13 years): 9-11 hours per day
Teen (14-17 years): 8-10 hours per day
Young Adult (18-25 years): 7-9 hours per day
Adult (26-64 years): 7-9 hours per day
Older Adult (65+ years): 7-8 hours per day
Remember, it is important to "disconnect" ourselves from all electronic devices (computer, phone, TV, video games, ipods, etc.) at least an hour before we go to bed to allow our brains to slow down.
If someone has trouble sleeping, reading, meditation, and other relaxation techniques can prepare your body for sleep.
Breakfast
Research shows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It increases our blood sugar levels in the morning after sleeping all night and helps our brain work better and give our body more energy. In turn, we are more awake in school, have less complaints of feeling sick, are able to concentrate better in school and perform better on tests.
It is important to eat before coming to school. It doesn't have to be a huge meal. It needs to be a healthy meal of protein, whole grains and fruit. It can be a protein bar and apple, whole wheat toast with avocado and some berries or a banana, hard boiled egg and mandarin oranges, bowl of whole grain cereal with milk and fruit. Try to avoid high sugar foods like high sugar cereals and Pop Tarts. It gives the child a sugar high, then a fast "crash" that can result in a headache, feeling tired, stomach ache and not being able to concentrate.
NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS
Parent Teacher Conferences
Scheduled with classroom teachers
Veterans' Day Program
Monday, 11/12
Picture Re-takes
Tuesday, 11/13
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, 11/21 - Friday, 11/24
THANK YOU!
Thank you to all of those who volunteer on a regular basis to add to the daily experiences of Oakwood's youngest learners. Lange has regular volunteers who come in to provide our students with the opportunity to have library on a weekly basis, extend on the classroom learning experience, and help our teachers with material preparation. We are truly blessed to be in a community that is willing to be so supportive of the learning opportunities of our students!
SCHOOL CALENDAR
WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA
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