Weekly Update Oct. 25

Dear Families,

Our thanks to you all for your compassionate and helpful responses as we reached out to you  this past week. Your support will help the school weather these hard times. Remember: Dragonfly School is tax exempt as a 501(c)(3) organization; any financial contribution beyond your tuition is tax-deductible.
It has been a good week for communication; we also much appreciated being able to sit together with you on Thursday and Friday to connect and rejoice about your children. We are truly impressed by the community we have created together here at Dragonfly.
As we move toward our goals as a school, we are happy to announce that a $1,000 grant has been awarded to Dragonfly School in order for our Saplings class to study the use of energy by ancient New Mexican peoples! Great work on the part of our teacher, Molly Brooks, and grant-writer, Karen Menetrey, who made this funding happen.
If you lost your Toyota key with fingernail clippers attached in our parking lot recently, it is waiting for you in the office.
DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28: GUEST ARCHEOLOGIST will visit the Saplings class.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 10-12: HALLOWEEN PARTY-We will celebrate by wearing our costumes as we decorate pumpkins, paint  faces and play games. The parade will begin at 10:00. Please let your teacher know if you will be attending. We will again sponsor trick-or-treat for UNICEF; if you will be taking your child out on Halloween night, please bring along this little orange box to solicit change for this worthy cause. Trick-or-Treat boxes are available in your classroom.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 10-12: WHEEL-A-THON RESCHEDULED-We were sorry to see the first snowy day arrive with our scheduled event, but it was precipitation much needed, so we have gladly rescheduled. This also gives us a bit more time to solicit pledges. Please ask friends and family to support your child’s ride. Thank you!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6: SAPLINGS AND BUDS FIELD TRIP TO THE RIO GRANDE ZOO in Albuquerque. They will need drivers and chaperones in order for this trip to happen. Please sign up with your teacher.
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 13 & 14: RECYCLE SANTA FE ART FESTIVAL- Dragonfly students’ work will be on exhibit on Saturday and Sunday along with the rest of this inspiring show. Please come by El Museo Cultural in the Railyard to have a look.
Stay warm.


Weekly Update October 17

Dear Families,

We will happily accept bags of leaves raked by families to add as we re-build our school compost pile. You may leave bags at the bottom gate below the garden. Thanks!

We have seen our first cases of what looks to be the flu. Please have a strategy for supporting your family’s health and a plan for what to do should a family member become ill. For our part, we are increasing our efforts in disinfecting throughout the day and will maintain a commitment to good hygiene, handwashing and nutrition. We will keep a close eye on students for any apparent symptoms which may be as simple as irritability or stomach-ache. Please be cautious and keep children home if you think they may be ill, but please don’t panic.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 9:15 AM: CHICKENS from K J Farms will strut their stuff along with their egg-handler, Ken Baltz, on our outdoor stage. You can find their eggs at the Farmers Market, but come see Ken to learn all about the lives of the chickens at home on the farm.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20-FOR SMALL HANDS CATALOG ORDERS DUE:We will be sending in a group order from the school since that earns us the most credit (15% of a group order over $500) towards some of the lovely materials they offer. Last year we earned some very nice items for our classrooms, and families raved about the quality of their purchases. You may return your individual order to your classroom by Tuesday, October 20th and we will place the order and have your items back to you in time for the holidays. The “For Small Hands” catalogs are available in your classroom. Get your holiday shopping done early this year!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 10-NOON-WHEEL-A-THON FUNDRAISER:We promise never to ask your child to sell candy or wrapping paper; we ARE asking you to bring out your wheels–scooters, tricycles and skateboards– to travel the bike path along the river. If each family managed to bring in just $50 in pledges, that would be $2,350 toward important programs here at Dragonfly. One family let me know they already have $400 in pledges signed up! In these challenging financial times, your participation in fundraising is vital. Please let your family and friends out in the community know about the important work we do with our students here at Dragonfly School! Thanks to you all for making this work possible! Adult riders welcome! Extra hands will help us extend our course; please let your teacher know if you plan to attend. Our great big thanks to Tony and Cheryl Farrar of New Mexico Bike and Sport for providing bike maintenance and repair during the Wheel-a-thon.

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 & 23-PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Please double check your conference time in your classroom so that we may stay on schedule. Childcare will be available during your individual conference. We look forward to meeting with you all.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1-4 PM:INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR CLIMATE CHANGE: Meet at the Center for Contemporary Arts (1050 Old Pecos Trail) – Be part of a human postcard photo to send to international leaders at the UN Summit on Climate Change. Then march down to the Roundhouse on Old Pecos/Santa Fe Trail where a rally including youth speakers, performances, and music, tree planting and other actions will take place. Bring artful giant leaves (to represent the importance of trees and their care of us and all life on earth), signs and banners with the number 350 or images & messages about climate change.  Critical mass will be riding so bring your bike if you can. We will also be filling the Santa Fe Trails buses to promote public transit and include the elderly and differently abled. The event is a collaborative effort of artists, nonprofits and schools throughout northern New Mexico including Earth Care International, New Energy Economy, the Sierra Club, Wild Earth Guardians, Allspecies Project, Cahnge Climate Change, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Taos Code Pink, Stop the War Machine, Acequia Madre Elementary School, Littleglobe, the United World College, Earth Works Institute.Contact Bianca Sopoci-Belknap at 505-699-1025 or Bianca@earthcare.org <mailto:Bianca@earthcare.org> for more information or to sign yourself up.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER , 10-NOON:HALLOWEEN PARTY Children may wear costumes to enjoy games,crafts, a parade and non-sugar (yes, that’s right; no sugar) treats. Extra hands, ideas and cameras welcome! Please let your teacher know if you are available to help during the party or if you can provide extra treats. A designated party shopper would also be very appreciated, as a few items will need to be found and purchased prior to the party day. Thanks!

Be Well,

Stephanie Smith

Preschool Director

Dragonfly School

(505)995-9869

stephanie@dragonflyschool.com

Weekly Update October 11

Our weather is really changeable now; please be sure your child has appropriate clothing every day and be SURE there is a COMPLETE CHANGE of clothes on hand at school.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12-COLUMBUS DAY-SCHOOL OPEN!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6-8PM-BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Everyone welcome. Childcare available with RSVP.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20-FOR SMALL HANDS CATALOG ORDERS DUE-We will be sending in a group order from the school since that earns us the most credit (15% of a group order over $500) towards some of the lovely materials they offer. Last year we earned some very nice items for our classrooms, and families raved about the quality of their purchases. You may return your individual order to your classroom by Tuesday, October 20th and we will place the order and have your items back to you in time for the holidays. The “For Small Hands” catalogs are available in your classroom.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 10-NOON-WHEEL-A-THON FUNDRAISER-Bring out your wheels–bikes, tricycles and skateboards– to travel the bike path along the river. Please help your child find sponsors who may pledge by the lap or a lump sum for participation. (Pledge sheet attached to the bottom of this email or available in your classroom). Get your bodies moving and keep the support coming! We couldn’t provide all we do without so much participation from our families and community. Thank you for all that you do!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 & 23-PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES. Sign up in your classroom. Childcare will be available during your individual conference.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-HALLOWEEN PARTY during the morning hours. Children may wear costumes to enjoy games,crafts, a parade and non-sugar (yes, that’s right; no sugar) treats. Extra hands, ideas and cameras welcome! Please let your teacher know if you are available to help during the party!
THANK YOU!

Wheel-A-Thon Rescheduled

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 10-NOON

Bring out your wheels–bikes, tricycles and roller skates to travel the bike path along the river. Please help your child find sponsors who may pledge by the lap or a lump sum for participation. (Pledge sheet available in your classroom). Get your bodies moving and keep the support coming! We couldn’t provide all we do without so much participation from our families and community. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for all that you do!

Weekly Update October 4

We will be participating in the annual promotional catalog sales with Montessori Services again this year. We will be sending in a group order from the school since that earns us the most credit (15% of a group order over $500) towards some of the lovely materials they offer. Last year we earned some very nice items for our classrooms, and families raved about the quality of their purchases. You may return your individual order to your classroom by Tuesday, October 20th and we will place the order and have your items back to you in time for the holidays. The “For Small Hands” catalogs are available in your classroom.

DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5-NO SCHOOL. Teachers In-Service
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8-INDIVIDUAL AND CLASS PHOTOS with David Pascale. David will photograph all children, then send out packets with proofs and order info for your response. Please talk to your teacher about showing up for group photos if it is your child’s day off.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 9:30-12-BUDS FIELD TRIP to visit the Aspens. Please leave your car seats inside the gate at the bottom of the driveway. Be sure your child has good walking shoes, warm layers and a hat.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 6-8PM-BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING. Childcare available with RSVP.
WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 21, 10-NOON-WHEEL-A-THON FUND-RAISER POSTPONED!-Bring out your wheels–bikes, tricycles and roller skates to travel the bike path along the river. Please help your child find sponsors who may pledge by the lap or a lump sum for participation. (Pledge sheet available in your classroom). Get your bodies moving and keep the support coming! We couldn’t provide all we do without so much participation from our families and community. Thank you for all that you do!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 & 23-PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES. Sign up in your classroom
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30-HALLOWEEN PARTY during the morning hours. Children may wear costumes to enjoy games, a parade and non-sugar (yes, that’s right; no sugar) treats. Extra hands, ideas and cameras welcome!