Please be certain to indicate the type and severity of your child's allergies when completing the enrollment forms. If an Epi-penTM has been prescribed for your child for the emergent control of a severe allergic reaction, he joins another growing group within our school. We have a number of students who keep a pen at school in case of emergency. The staff are trained in the use of the pen should the need arise.
Q: The field trips look great! Are my other children welcome to attend as well?
A: We're glad to hear that you like the field trips. We think that they are a very important part of this educational experience, too. Unfortunately, we cannot always welcome your other children to join us on each of the field trips. Visits to places like the Brookfield Zoo, the Morton Arboretum and the Shedd Aquarium are usually not a problem. However, for plays or concerts it is more difficult to allow others to attend. If you see a field trip and think that you would like to bring a younger sibling along, please check with the Administrative staff to confirm space availablity.
One last thing on this topic: for insurance purposes no one other than our faculty, students and their chaperones are allowed to ride on the school buses that are used for transportation. Should you wish to bring an additional child to a field trip, you will have to drive separately.
Q: My child will be in Extended Day in the Fall. What should I know about packing his lunch?
A. This is a great question and one that causes lots of concern at the beginning of each school year. Here goes:
We have no microwave available for the children, so anything that is meant to be heated must be handled at home and sent in a thermos to keep it warm. (Make sure that the thermos you choose is meant for hot foods; they are metal inside.)
In keeping with school policy regarding nuts, peanut butter sandwiches are not allowed.
If you are sending something that requires the use of a fork or spoon, please consider the use of plastic. This way, when your child tosses it in the trash, you won't be so upset.
Milk, juice and water can all be sent cold and kept cold using small cooler packs.
Having said all of this, you are probably wondering what the children bring to eat. The answer is pretty simple: almost everything! We have seen soups, stews, mac and cheese, hot dogs, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, cold pizza, salads, and pre-packaged lunches like Lunchables. Don't worry, you and your picky eater will find this to be a lot less stressful after a couple of days.
Q: How do you celebrate birthdays that occur during the school year? What about half birthdays?
A. Birthdays are special for all children. Treats may be brought for the class to celebrate your child's birthday (or half birthday) and should include enough for all children. Please speak to your child's Directress to confirm both the type of treat, the number required and the date that you would like to celebrate this special day.
If you will be celebrating your child's birthday outside of school with a birthday party, please do not send invitations to school unless you have included one for each member of the class. A mailing list for your class may be obtained from the Office Staff.