December 2022

Cold Weather
 If the cold weather would ever decide that it is here to stay, it will be important for your child to dress appropriately so that he or she can participate in outdoor play.  The classes will go outside if the temperature is above 26 degrees and weather permits.  This becomes  challenging for your child to remember the additional articles of clothing.  Please discuss with your child colors, etc. of their clothing so that they may readily identify their things.  All items should be labeled so that we can help your child find what belongs to them.  We often have duplicate articles so labeling is especially important.  You may also want to change your child’s extra set of clothing that you provided at the beginning of the year. 
 
When sending your child to school in snow boots, please make sure to send in a pair of shoes to change into.  Snow boots make it difficult for a young child to maneuver around the classroom during the day. 
 
Planning Ahead
 With all the special activities within the classroom this time of year, it would be helpful to know if your child will be absent prior to our Winter Break.  If you are planning on leaving early, would you please send a note letting us know.  Thank You! 
 
School Closings
 Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however we make every effort to keep the Extended Care program open.  You may call the school if you are in doubt, as the status of the school will be announce on our text system as well as on the voicemail. 
 
Coming Events
Winter Break Begins
Monday, December 19th

Winter Break Ends
Friday, December 30th

Classes Resume
Monday, January 2nd
 
Parent Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Thursday, January, 12th
 
NO SCHOOL NO EXTENDED CARE
Martin Luther King Day
Monday, January 16th

Open House for DMA Families
4:30—6:30 pm  
Thursday, January 26th

 
Annual Food Drive for St. Stephen’s Community House
One tradition that we have had for many years is a food collection for St. Stephen’s Community House.    The need this year is more dire than ever with empty shelves in many food pantries around the United States.  With our support, St. Stephen’s offers hope and encouragement to many families during the holiday season.   They are truly grateful for our donations. Beginning November 30th through December 9th, your child can bring in any canned goods or unopened non-perishable food.  This is a wonderful way to show the children how their individual efforts can come together and affect so many!  Requested food items include, but are not limited to:  rice, pasta, canned tuna/chicken, cereals, baby food and dry baby cereal, formula, spaghetti sauce, soups, peanut butter & jelly, canned beans, canned vegetables, breakfast bars, Hamburger Helper, fruit snacks, and macaroni & cheese dinners.  Gift cards to local grocers are always welcomed.       
Collection November 30th to December 9th
 

American Sign Language
In the month of November our American Sign Language class explored several books including : If You Take a Mouse to School. The Thank You Book and My Friends.  We learned the signs for various things you find around the classroom (blocks, paper, pencil, table, books to name a few).  We also learned the signs for various animals including bat, snake, bird, worm and many more.  We studied letters A thru J and can sign at least one thing that begins with these letters.
In the month of December our American Sign Language class will take a look at If You Take a Mouse to The Movies and Five Little Penguins Slipping on the Ice.  We will learn to count to 25 with one hand.  We will also practice cold weather signs through song.
 
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Thank you for providing such wonderful prepared snacks.  Please keep in mind that the portions need to be small.  For example:  2 apple slices, 1/2 banana, 6—8 grapes cut in half lengthwise, 2 carrots cut in half lengthwise, 2 orange slices, no more than 6—8 pretzels, 1/4 cup of goldfish, 2 crackers, etc.  We greatly appreciate all the extra effort in providing nutritional  safe servings for our children.  As always, if in doubt, please contact the office.