Hello Owls!

Hard to believe we are already into October. Our students have grown so much already. They have enjoyed our first unit on studying trees. The classroom teachers have had so many wonderful activities for our Owls to engage in. Students have learned about what kinds of trees there are, what grows on trees, who lives in trees, and so much more! They were all able to enjoy a school wide event in tasting all the fruits! Thank you for your donations!

There has been an increase in the wasps we are seeing. Please know, I am working diligently with grounds crew and D8 facilities to ensure our building has precautions in place. Also, tomorrow is our National Count Day and Touch a Truck event! I am so excited to see you there. Reminder- no dogs/pets on premise, but this is an outdoor event so families and siblings are welcome! Please stop by the tables to sign your child’s federal aid impact form!

If you do not already, please follow our Facebook page to see updates and activities around our school.

A few other reminders:

Siblings or children not enrolled as a student at Conrad:

Siblings and other children are NOT allowed to visit the classrooms during regular school day sessions due to licensing regulations, ratios, potential health concerns, and disruptions to the classroom environment. Please note that this includes the following situations: birthday celebrations, holiday events during the school day, volunteer activities, etc. Additionally, this is relevant for unenrolled children of all ages - including infants and children in strollers/carriers.

Siblings are welcome to attend outdoor events during the school day (field day, etc.) as well as after-school events such as Family Nights.

To ensure safety of all students, staff, and families: please, no dogs on school property during pick up/drop off times. Remember to use the crosswalks and keep your child close to you in the parking lots.

Happy Fall!

ALWAYS have your ID. If there is a sub for your child's teacher, they will be asking for this to compare to the student's approved pick-up adults. All approved adults must be 18 years or older, per DHS guidelines. We will also scan all visitor ID's for any events.***

• If you do not already, please follow our Facebook page to see updates and activities around our school.
• On the first of each month, the students switch playgrounds! While the weather is ever changing, there may be indoor recess. If you do not see your child's class outside at pick-up, you will sign them out at their drop-off doors. Please remember to send coats and cold weather items for your child in case we are outside and it is chilly!

Siblings or children not enrolled as a student at Conrad:

• Siblings and other children are NOT allowed to visit the classrooms during regular school day sessions due to licensing regulations, ratios, potential health concerns, and disruptions to the classroom environment. Please note that this includes the following situations: birthday celebrations, holiday events during the school day, volunteer activities, etc. Additionally, this is relevant for unenrolled children of all ages - including infants and children in strollers/carriers.

• Siblings are welcome to attend outdoor events during the school day (field day, etc.), as well as after-school events such as Family Nights.

To ensure safety of all students, staff, and families:

• No dogs allowed on school property during pick up/drop off times.
• Remember to use the crosswalks and keep your child close to you in the parking lots.

Exciting News! The city of Fountain has put in a cross walk on Jimmy Camp Road by Conrad! The lights will flash when someone pushes the button so please watch for students crossing the street.

Reminder, we visit the library on Wednesday's. Students have an opportunity to listen to stories, as well as check out library books for the week! If you would like to be a Wednesday library volunteer, please visit our website under the PTO tab. You can sign up for any amount of time; it does not need to be an entire day commitment. Books are due back on the following Tuesday.

Please see the flyers below for all upcoming events at Conrad!

Here at Conrad, we all believe in each and every student. Please, reach out if you have any questions in regards to the upcoming events!

'Good nutrition is important for young children to help them grow healthy and strong. Children need a variety of nutritious foods each day for healthy growth and brain development. Early eating experiences can also affect how people eat as they get older. This is why it is important to introduce young children to healthy foods, including a variety of fruits and vegetables. Follow these tips to help your picky eater try new foods.

• Try eating the food first to show them you like it. Then, let them try it.
• Make funny faces with the foods on their plate. It may help them get excited to eat it.
• Give them a choice of different foods to try. Let them decide which one to try today.
• Serve new foods with foods you know they like.
• Try freezing small bites of leftover foods. You can use these later and avoid throwing food away.
• Wait a couple of days before offering the food again. It can take more than 10 times before your child likes it.'

More info from the CDC here:

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/features/help-picky-eater.html

Pack The Pantry: This month we will join all Fountain-Fort Carson D8 schools in collecting Thanksgiving foods and Turkeys in collaboration with the FFC8 food pantry. More information coming soon!

Happy October! Here are calendars with some ideas of activities you can do with your children to promote speech and language development.

Jessica Meyer M.S. CCC-SLP Marina Kelly M.S.CCC-SLP

jmeyer@ffc8.org marinakelly@ffc8.org

'The Importance of Routines for Kids

Why routines matter:

Research shows that routines support healthy social emotional development in early childhood. In particular, children with regular routines at home have self-regulation skills, the building blocks of good mental health. When children learn to regulate feelings and behaviors, it means they are able to identify their feelings and have skills to manage those feelings so that they don’t feel overwhelmed. Young children who learn to do this well are better able to adapt to everyday challenges, stressors, and new expectations. Children do not learn to do this all at once. Just as when a child is learning other important skills, like reading and writing, self-regulation is a set of skills that build over time. Every stage includes age-appropriate milestones and important things parents can do to coach children from one stage into the next.

There are many parenting behaviors that are important. These include talking about feelings with your child and helping your child respond to his feelings in ways that feel right for your family—such as by taking deep breaths or getting hugs. Parents can also provide structure and support routines for children. When children live in organized and predictable environments, they learn to self-regulate in organized and predictable ways, leading to optimal mental health over time.'

For more information visit this website:

https://zerotothrive.org/routines-for-kids/

Get to know our staff at Conrad!

Where were you born?

Michigan

What is your roll at Conrad?
Early Childhood Special Educator

What is your favorite part of working at preschool?
Working with kids and watching them learn, grow, and make connections.

Do you have any Pets?

I have two dogs. Heinrich is a 3 year old double doodle. Harley is an 11 year old schipperke chihuahua mix.
Do you have any hobbies?

I love being outside, going to the beach, hiking walking, or just relaxing.

If you had to enter a talent show, what would be your act?

Baton Twirling
What is your favorite type of food?

I love tacos!

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I love to travel, so there would be so many places I would want to go. One of my favorite places I have been is Greece and Hawaii.
What is a quote that inspires you?

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" -Arthur Ashe

Is there anything else you want to share about yourself?

I have been working in the preschool setting since 2009. My husband is active duty in the military and our two kids ( 4 and 6 years old) were born in Germany.

What is your name?
Jordan Freeman

Where were you born?

Colorado Springs, CO
What is your roll at Conrad?
Paraprofessional

What is your favorite part of working at preschool?

Watching kids learn new skills and building relationships with them!

Do you have any Pets?

I have a 2 year old Belgian Malinois and two cats.

Do you have any Hobbies?

I love being in the outdoors hiking.

If you had to enter a talent show what would be your act?

A comedian

What is your favorite type of food?

Pasta is the best food!

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

New Zealand, it is beautiful!

What is a quote that inspires you?

"You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think" A.A. Milne

Click on the picture to sign up 👉

Parents may sign up to help out on Wednesdays in Conrad's school Library.

• We need one volunteer per week
• Help kids check in & check-out library books
• Clean and reshelve library books
• Wednesdays during the AM or PM session

Reminder: children may NOT accompany the volunteer.

Please review the available slots click on the button to sign up.

Thank you!