Pinwheels for Prevention

April is child abuse awareness and prevention month.  We show our support by participating in Pinwheels for Prevention. We handed out stickers and provided information to all of our parents and staff.  We even have a pinwheels for prevention tree in our lobby.

Why Pinwheels for Prevention?

In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention®. By its very nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions. In essence, it has come to serve as the physical embodiment, or reminder, of the great childhoods we want for all children.

Why Do We Care?

Because we all play a role in children’s lives…

Whether you are an employer enacting policies that impact the work-life balance or a neighbor who offers parents time away from stress, we all have an effect on the lives of children. The responsibility is ours to contribute to the kind of nation in which we want to live. When all children don’t have equal opportunity for healthy growth and development, we put our future as a society at risk. Every day is your call to action and an opportunity for you to recognize that we all play a role in children’s lives.

Because children are our future…

Our most basic obligation is to support the healthy development of our nation’s children. The great childhoods we want for our children require a loving and supporting environment. Children who are raised in supportive and stable environments are more academically and financially successful, and great childhoods help children grow into productive, contributing adults who help their community, and our country, be prosperous and competitive in the global economy.

Because the costs are too high…

When we invest in healthy child development, we are investing in community and economic development. Unfortunately, children are sometimes exposed to extreme and sustained stress like child abuse and neglect, which can undermine a child’s development. Research conducted by Prevent Child Abuse America estimates that implementing effective policies and strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect can save taxpayers $80 billion per year. The cost of not doing this is measured in increased costs for foster care services, hospitalization, mental health treatment and law enforcement, as well as loss of individual productivity and expenditures related to chronic health problems, special education and the justice system.

Teacher Training and Parent Workshop

Tonight teachers and parents alike participated in an enlightening overview of our social/emotional curriculum, Conscious Discipline.  Our host was certified Conscious Discipline trainer, Amanda Bagwell.  We reviewed the three brain states and how to shift our traditional discipline to the more effective and rewarding method of Conscious Discipline.  Teachers got great reminders and learned a few new things!  Parents were introduced to the program and are now better equipped to handle discipline issues at home with the same approach as their child's teachers.  This is what it looks like to be a school family!  :)

We are Creative!

Encouraging children to try out new things and ideas is a crucial factor in their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. Everything kids experience and explore about themselves influences their further development.  

Our Pre-K Two class explored their creativity by painting with different types of magnets.  They used their minds to figure out how to use the magnets to make different types of art. 

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day!

Today reminds people that every kid out there is incredible. This holiday was created in 1997 by Campfire USA as a day to show all kids that they are loved and cared for. This special day is celebrated annually, on the third Thursday in March. It includes a national letter-writing campaign, which encourages adults to write letters of support and love to the children in their lives.

We encouraged our parents to take a moment and write a note to their child about why their child is incredible.  We will then take these notes and read them to their children so they know just how incredible they are! 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Today Pre-K One grabbed their suitcases and passports for a trip.  Some students said they were going to the office, others said they were going to the "Air Force" (aka airport), and one said he was headed to the forest.  Each child made their suitcase full of "clothes".  They were set with everything they needed including ties, pants, shoes, tops, and more.  They also each made a passport with their name and picture.  Security (aka Ms. Sara) checked each suitcase and passport.  If everything was safe the students were clear for take off!

Here we go to the airport!

Checking the suitcase

Stamping the passport

Questioning the travelers

Does your picture match your face?

Everything safe in your suitcase? 

We have to be safe when we travel.

May I have your first and last name please?

Waiting in line is part of the process.

Have fun on your trip!

Dancing a Little Jig

Thank you to Southern Academy of Irish Dancers for visiting AoCS today.  They gave us a mini performance and even taught some volunteers a few moves.  Check out our Instagram page for videos!

The talented step dancers of Southern Academy.

Our volunteers learning a dance.

Point your toe!

Our students enjoyed every minute of the show.

Rain Cloud in a Jar

Today, our Pre-K One class learned all about a fun experiment called Rain Cloud in a Jar.  They used water and shaving cream to create a cloud and took turns adding different colors to watch the "rain" go through the "cloud" and fall down to the bottom of the jar.