General

After-school Snacks

When your kids run in the door after school, a snack usually is the first thing they think about. Is snacking a good idea for kids? Will it cause children to be over weight?  

To Snack or not to Snack
A large study of children/s eating patterns found interesting results (Bogulusa Heart Study). Researchers noted between 1973-74 and 1993-94, the number of children who consumed five or more snacks in a day went from 30 percent in 1973-74 to 8 percent by 1993-94. During the same period, the number of kids who limited themselves to one or two snacks per day went from 25 percent in 1973-74 to 52 percent in 1993-94. The researchers say they found “no associations… between meal patterns and overweight
status in children.”

Snack guidelines

in late November, walking down Crawford or East Prairie you may hear the voices of children laughing and communicating. You look over and what do you see Rutledge Hall 4th and 5th graders playing field hockey on a sunny cold late fall day with temperatures in the 30's.. Another unit to keep them active and let them know that just because its cold out, they dont have to hibernate for the winter. Emphasis in this unit is, as always, safety with the hockey sticks and stick handling skills. More importantly, proper clothing to wear so you can enjoy the outdoors year round. Gloves and hats are essential, but teaching the classes about layering. 1st a t-shirt, then sweatshirt, maybe a fleece jacket and then a windbreaker on top. "If they dress with some thought, they will really enjoy the games...no different that dressing for a ski run or sled run down a hill in mid-winter.

     Now that winter temperatures have arrived, please be sure that students wear warm clothing to school. Hats, gloves, and winter jackets are essential for arrival, recess and departure from school.

SCHOOL POLICY  -All students participate in recess unless the school receives a  current doctor's note excusing the student from recess.

I would like to thank all of you for coming to Parent Conferences. I realize that you are very busy, but it was nice to talk to each of you about the progress that your child is making.

BOOK FAIR

Next week is the Book Fair at Rutledge Hall. Thursday night is Family Reading Night at 7:00. All family members are invited.  The Book Fair will be open that night from 5:30-7:00 and 8:00-9:00.  Our class will also go to the Book Fair on Thursday so kids may buy books during the school day, if they wish.

HANDWASHING- AN ESSENTIAL SKILL

Did you know that handwashing is the single most important factor in preventing  illness with your family? Washing your hands frequently and correctly, helps keep your family safe and healthy.  Handwashing minimizes the risk of passing along viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses.  Here
are a few details to consider for both parents and children when washing
hands:

Steps to review with children
• Wet hands with warm water and apply soap
• Scrub soapy hands: top and palms for 10-15 seconds
• Rinse hands for 10-15 seconds
• Dry hands for at least 30 seconds with a hand dryer
• Use a paper towel to turn off the water
• Use a paper towel to open the door in the restroom
 
When is it important to wash hands?
Before
• Food preparation
• During food preparation

There will be no school on Tuesday, November 11 in honor of Veteran's Day. 

Happy Halloween

The Halloween Parade will begin at 2:00.  Make sure to wear your costumes!

Wellness policies are now in effect, so how can they be applied to this fun celebration? One way is to provide healthy snacks as a treat. Or, eliminating food and providing items such as pencils, stickers, erasers, etc is another idea. If treats are to be allowed, be sure to sort them first, and only give one at a time.  Rationing is important; there is no reason for tummy aches the following day!

With regard to safety measures, please review the earlier blog from last year.