Elementary Owls

  Winter Reminders for a Safe & Cozy Season  As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to sparkle, we want to share a few friendly reminders to help our school community stay warm, prepared, and connected this winter. 1. Dress for Winter Success  Outdoor play is an essential part of our day—it keeps children active, energized, and happy. To ensure they stay warm and comfortable, please send your child with  proper winter clothing  every day. This includes: A warm winter jacket Snow pants Waterproof boots Mittens or gloves A hat and neck warmer (scarves are not recommended for safety) Labeling each item with your child’s name helps us return lost gear quickly. 2. Stay Updated on Inclement Weather Alerts  Winter weather can change quickly! We encourage families to stay tuned to  school updates, local news, and weather alerts  for any closures or modified schedules. If the school needs to communicate urgent weather-related information, we will...

  What to bring for DAILY Nature play and Forest school days Although we recognize there are multiple challenges to getting your child dressed for a day in the forest, we want you to know that it is okay! Our staff understands the challenges children may face at the beginning of a new season. Please communicate with us and share how your child feels and any special accommodations we should discuss with you prior to the first day of Forest school. Be advised that children who do not have the required items won't be able to participate. Parents will be called to bring items to school if needed. FALL Daily Essential items pocket snack (peanut free granola bar) water bottle Hat Soft Mittens 2 Layers of clothing A Jacket A pair of heat warmers, hand/ feet (cold days) Thick socks Waterproof splash pants and a splash suit to go over a jacket on rainy days/cold days Waterproof boots Cubbies items (to leave at school) *Extra Shoes *Extra socks *Full set of pants, long-sleeve shirts, and und...

  It all began with my growing concern and frustration. Every day, I found myself repeating the same phrase: “Turn it off, enough with the cheese videos.” Yet the cycle never ended; screens kept pulling my children in, and I was left feeling like a broken record. I was hopeful they would manage their time and respect the limits we set. However, they seem to require constant reminders. One day, I had enough. I realized that if I didn’t make a change, they would never truly disconnect. So, I made a decision: unanimously, without room for negotiation, I unplugged the main TV (the central source of their entertainment) The only exception I allowed was the Nintendo on weekends, and even that was limited. My husband went bunkers! Because this also meant he was being held accountable for. No Netflix, no tennis games, and no nature shows? wait what?  At first, I braced myself for resistance. But to my surprise, they all agreed. Including my husband. There was no choice really... And n...

  A CALENDAR OF NATURE EVENTS By Andrea Lopez The true symbol of summer is the celestial body that astronomers call "The Sun." This time of the year is dominated by the overwhelming and omnipresent light of the Sun.  On June 21, we celebrate the Summer solstice, and although some parts of the country will remain cold, the sun's undeniable rays will slowly pierce through with more intensity, illuminating all creatures great and small! Our sun is the life giver and the force that keeps nature and us alive! June, above all, is the month of flowering plants and when the fields are dressed in green.  Tadpoles swim in shallow ponds, and Oriole nests are at the ends of the Elm branches.  The Tiger swallowtail butterflies fill the air, and fireflies appear.  The door is open for our June bugs to shine. Caterpillars, earthworms, potato bugs, ants, and creepy crawlies tread around our children's playgrounds, capturing their eyes of imagination and opening a whole scope of...

  Understanding Terra Viva's Risky Play philosophy by Andrea Lopez Growing up in a small city in Colombia, my grandmother's house, surrounded by trees and mountains, until the age of 6, was my kindergarten. I cannot recall any stringing rules. On the contrary, I was encouraged to go play and return for lunch, and then go back into the Forest for the afternoon. I used to come back filthy and stinky after a day of exciting adventures. Since the age of 4, I was allowed to climb trees, build forts, make fire, be loud, and explore who I really was!  Was I at risk? perhaps. However, I was privileged enough to live in a safe neighborhood that provided me and other children of my age with the opportunity to be "free and wild " My experience cannot speak for other children who have grown up in different conditions or were a part of marginalized populations, where safety was simply not there. My introduction provides an overview of who I was as a child and how my experiences po...

  Understanding Terra Viva's nature play philosophy. Springtime is here, and with it, it's most soothing, fun, children-friendly, and the most amazing and beneficial natural component: MUD. Every child has the need to touch and feel natural elements. The need to ground their little bodies to the elements of the earth. This "need" is then transformed into incredible memories of freedom, friendships, and relaxation. Getting dirty and filthy are synonyms for fun and pure joyful outdoor play.  Playing in the mud is the same as playing in the sand or water, but a little messier! Our outdoor play philosophy supports 100% playing in the mud! Some parents might wonder what are the benefits of mud play and how to support Terra Viva's natural learning practice. Benefits: Medical research from the Mayo Clinic shows that playing in the mud helps strengthen the immune system. The germs in the mud actually help children with allergies and asthma. Furthermore, letting children b...