Did You Know. . .?
by Jill Teitelbaum
There are a lot of things about NSW that parents learn over time. New parents have at least as many questions and anxieties as the new kids – but are usually less able to make their needs known! Rather than keeping this year’s new parents in the dark until they “figure it all out,” we asked some veteran parents what kinds of things they wish they had known from the start—and in the process taught them a thing or two.
Did you know?
some of the most important information you need is in one of two places: (1) on the back of the front door, or (2) above the lunchboxes near where you sign in/out. You can also give notes directly to teachers in their in-boxes to the left of the green office couch.
Did you know: that your kid’s paperwork, clothes and stuff will be in one of the following places: (1) his/her cubby; (2) the black file box next to where you sign in/out; (3) a basket with each child’s file, near the house area in the West Wing; (4) basket with each child’s file in the East Wing; (5) with your child’s nap gear; (6) the lost and found box under the entryway table!
Did you know: that you should call the school if your child will not be coming that day? If you know in advance, write it on the dry erase board on the back of the office door. The board can also be used if you have any special instructions, such as someone else will be picking your child up that day.
Did you know: that the group snacks should not break the bank? Remember, the kid’s tummies are tiny—portions may be one slice of apple, or 4 teaspoons of applesauce. You’re feeding an army—of very small children. On the day your kid “serves” snack, he/she will meet with the teacher to discuss the portions and draw a menu, which will be posted in the hallway. Please have snack at school by 8:30am, or the evening before!
Did you know: that library books could be checked out? Please check with Yoli and sign out your books on the posted sheet in the “library.”
Did you know: that there are envelopes on the door in Roleen’s office for tuition checks, Gymtastics checks, turning in forms, and other required paperwork?
Did you know: that you can find out if your child took a nap by looking at a sheet taped to the inside wall right by the door in the two wings?
Did you know: that if your child had any type of accident (physical, toilet) that a note will be put in the cubby or file by sign in area?
Did you know: that if you can’t find parking right by the school, there is a really good chance you’ll find a spot right around the block, on Venice, or Meier? The earlier you arrive the better to snag one of those FIVE-minute parking spots. Consider walking on Wednesdays or Thursdays during the parking restrictions, or get crazy and walk to school. Consider parking a block away.
Did you know: the school sometimes looks like chaos, but there really is a method to the madness?
Did you know: you should take your kid’s nap linens home weekly for a good washing?
Did you know: that your child could sign up for some special things, such as feeding Willie the turtle? There is a sign up sheet near the tank. Be a star with your kid!
Did you know: that you could volunteer for afternoon snack time any day between 2:30 and 4:30 pm? This is a wonderful way to engage with the children and enjoy some patio hang time. You can do this once, twice, or on a regular basis. It’s a great way to meet everyone at school and participate in fascinating conversation!
Did you know: that circle time is participation time! Talk with your teacher to volunteer to lead circle one day by sharing a favorite book, sharing a family tradition, or a personal talent. Families have shared activities they do together like explaining Hanukah, putting on a puppet show in the Indian tradition, or even sharing the English tradition of holiday "Christmas crackers." Over the years, musical parents have come in for a monthly circle time sing-along and instrumental shows (this can be 5 minutes!), or even to share a story.
Did you know: that the school loves Library Readers! Enjoy reading books to the kids during the day. A sign up sheet with appropriate times will be posted.
Did you know: about Cooking with Mima? Mima is a NSW graduate grandparent (!) who comes to school each Thursday to engage our children in cooking. There is a sign up sheet for ingredients on the hallway wall, but there is also a space to volunteer to assist Mima and the kids making delicious food. You can do it once, twice…. Mima usually cooks at 9:30 and 2:30 Thursdays. *
Did you know: that kid's appointments are 10 to 15 minutes for the West wing, and around 30 minutes on the East wing?
Still have questions? Don’t worry. We’ll provide more answers in upcoming posts. Please let us know if you have questions or answers you would like to share.