January 2021

As the New Year is upon us and we close the doors on 2020, most of us are happy the year has ended and a new one has begun.  There is always hope in a new year.  A new beginning, a new perspective and new ideas and dreams.  The future is always fresh and unknown.  Everything and anything seem possible.
 
We are thrilled that we were able to reopen in September safely.  And, that as each day passes, we mark off on the calendar, “today was safe, today was a success”.  Tiny steps day by day is how the school proceeded into the COVID unknown.  Our wish for 2021 is that each and every family, every child, and every staff member will continue the New Year in good health.
 
Without you – our families – reopening would not have been possible.  We are sincerely grateful to you for your faith, trust and belief in our school.  It is because of you that we are here!  Our hopes, dreams and prayers are for a safe and healthy New Year for All.
 

 No School
Martin Luther King Day - NO EXTENDED CARE
Monday, January 18th

Coming Soon!   Registration 2021-2022
Registration forms for next year will be going out in February.  It is already time to begin thinking about what you would like to do.  If there is a sibling that you would like to register, please let us know and we will send home the appropriate form.  It is different than what current students will receive.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 614-761-2020.
 
Our Parents are WONDERFUL!
 
We have so many generous hearts around Dublin Montessori!  It is such a warm feeling to see the foyer filled with food!  St. Stephen’s is again so grateful to receive the food items. So very appreciated!
 
We are thankful for your time and thoughtfulness to support the causes that we have embraced.  We love this opportunity to show the children what group efforts can accomplish!  Your generosity is overwhelming!  Due to the  the COVID-19 virus causing so many people to be out of work; and in need to provide for their families, pay rent, utility bills, medical bills and put food on the table; one of our parents suggested that we might do another food collection during the school year.  What a great idea!  So, we will be sponsoring another collection to benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.  Stay tuned for further information on this great giving event.
Thank you so much!
 
Car Seats and Cold Weather
 
With the cold weather comes the puffy and heavy coats which can make it difficult securing children in their car seats.  For your child’s safety, please be sure that the car seat is adjusted properly to adapt to your child’s winter outer wear.
Some children prefer to take off their coats, if that is the case; we ask in respect to others in the car line, that you pull over and help your child get safely settled.

Food Preparation
Thank you to our parents for following the guidelines for food preparation for lunch and classroom snacks. 
Please keep these in mind when preparing your child’s lunch and also when providing snack for your child’s classroom.
For Preschoolers (Ages 3-5) the following preparations are recommended:
· Prevent choking by shredding or cutting meat into small pieces, no larger than one half (1/2”) cubes.
· Cut cheese into thin slices or small one-half inch (1/2”) pieces. (Individual lunches only)
· Round foods like hot dogs and grapes should be cut in half lengthwise so the shape is no longer round.
· Cut cherry tomatoes, grapes and strawberries in half.
· Peanut butter (individual lunches only) – spread peanut butter thinly on toast, crackers, fruit or vegetables.  Do not serve in large globs.
· Hard candy over ½” in diameter and gum should not be provided to preschoolers in child care.

School Closing
 If it becomes necessary to close school  because of winter weather you will receive a text  to alert you of school closings due to weather,  special events, scheduled days off, etc.  By now you should have received some messages, please let us know if you haven’t received any messages. 
Montessori classes will close when Dublin City Schools close, however, with Dublin’s on line schedule, it is our understanding that there will be no school closing for inclement weather.  So it is important that you are aware that your notification of the schools status will come through a phone alert.  You may also contact the school regarding the status.