Naper Settlement Field Trip
by Ms. Mary Lou
Our kindergarten children take a variety of field trip excursions. This month they ventured out to historic Naperville to visit a pioneer town called Naper Settlement. Immediately the children felt the difference between their lives and those of the children long ago while walking outside when the the temperature that day reached only 15 degrees. Even the quaint pioneer cabin was extremely cold and damp. The children were amazed to learn that no matter how cold or hot, there were many chores for them to do. The jobs included fetching water outdoors, cooking over a fire, making candles for light, churning butter and making their own grass mattress to share with all of their siblings.
In addition, the children participated in an old-fashioned classroom and were given authentic names of the time period like Homer and Gertrude. They were asked by the teacher to be seen and not heard, to recite the original pledge of allegiance and to use a proper bow or curtsy when greeting the teacher.
Along with a beautiful story and slide show of a young girl who is uprooted to take a long journey on a covered wagon, the children constructed a paper quilt symbolizing the girl's struggles and joys. Overall, the experience was a great introduction of American history.
I am sure the extended day group was glad to return to their warm cars, ample snacks, indoor bathrooms and beloved electronics. I prefer 2012 myself!
Parent Survey
SWSM has already begun the NAEYC re-accreditation process. In doing so, parents are asked a variety of questions about the many aspects of our school. Because this is a very important component of the procedure, we ask for your help by completing a parent survey. Look for your copy at the parent/teacher conferences.
Extended Day Parent Information Meeting
Come to the 2012/2013 Extended Day Parent Meeting to learn all that SWSM has to offer your future kindergartener and to have all of your questions answered. It will be held on February 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Extended Day room.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Invitations have gone out and plans are coming together for our annual auction to take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 3rd at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. Don't miss the chance to mingle with friends, enjoy dinner and browse and bid on our auction items. So return your completed raffle tickets and dinner reservations to the office now. Accolades go to the Wathier Family for being the first family to return theirs. Let the good times roll!
Love to bake? Have a prized dessert you'd like to share? Then WE NEED YOU! The Dessert Committee is looking for a few good bakers to help lend a hand with the sweet table at the auction. If you would like to contribute but don't bake, we can always use your help during the evening. Contact Sharon Courtney at scourtney76@gmail.com for more information or to enlist your baking services today.
Please contact the office if you have any questions about the auction or if you would like to lend a hand. The next scheduled meeting is set for Monday, February 6th, at 9:00 a.m. Click here for additional solicitation letters.
Preschool Screening
Palos School District 118 has scheduled a preschool screening program for vision, hearing, language and developmental progress on Friday, March 16th. The screening is for children ages three through five who reside within the District 118 boundaries. To make a screening appointment, please contact the Special Services Department at (708) 761-5807. Parents and/or physicians who are concerned about physical, language or other developmental delays in children birth through three years of age should also contact the Special Services Department. If you live outside the boundaries of District 118, contact your local school district for consultation.
Reminders
Signup sheets for Parent/Teacher conferences to be held on February 2nd are posted at the top of the stairs. Kindergarten parents should sign up for their child's extended day teacher as well.
Applications for younger siblings should be submitted to the school office by January 31st. An application can be downloaded
here, or you may request one from the office.
Tuition payments are due on February 1st. It is SWSM's policy that a $30 late fee be posted to your account if monies are not received by February 10th.
If any of your emergency contact information or e-mail address has changed, please update your child's file.
The cold and flu season is here! Remember your child should not return to school until he is fever free for 24 hours and discharge from the nose is clear. If you have any suspicions of vomiting or diarrhea, please do not send him to school.
SWSM is enrolled in the Emergency Closing Center, which works with Channels 2, 5, 7, 9, 32 and CLTV as well as WGN Radio and WBBM Radio, to inform the public about emergency closings. You may search for SWSM at www.EmergencyClosings.com or call (847) 238-1234 and use our phone number as an ID. If we should experience stormy weather, please check with these sources or the home page of our website.
News to Know