Welcome to March from Ashley

Spring is almost here! We look forward to welcoming spring, a time when everything can begin again and we embrace the notion of possibility and all that lies ahead. This month we will begin starting seeds and preparing the gardens, greenhouse, and yards for planting. We will talk about the changes we can expect and the questions we are wondering about. Most of all, we will celebrate the change of seasons, the change in daylight, and the changes in ourselves as we respond to the natural world. Happy spring!

"It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart."

― Rainer Maria Rilke

SPRING FAIR UPDATES:

Fair Co-Chairs, Jamaal Thomas, Erika Lake-Thomas, and Michael and Laney Alexander had a terrific meeting with a mighty group of parent volunteers in February. All parents are invited to get involved! The date for the next meeting will be shared soon. In the meantime, please make note of the following:

  • Save the Date: May 19th is the fair! (rain date: May 20th). LD tradition is that all families participate on the day of the fair and contribute to this annual community building and fundraising tradition.
  • Tag Sale: Please save gently used children's toys, books, clothing, equipment, furniture, and bikes for the tag sale.
  • Class Reps: Check in with your parent rep to learn what your class is responsible for and how you can be of help.

Please direct questions or ideas about the fair to Jamaal, Erika, Michael, or Laney.

  • March 14th: A Celebration of Community and Care

Wednesday, March 14th will be a day of activism and advocacy across the country. Many schools will be participating in the #neveragain national school walkout, in solidarity with the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The Leila Day teachers and staff have been engaging in substantive conversations about our feelings and response to the big issue of school safety that is currently in the forefront of our national culture.

In response to the national school walkout planned for March 14th, we will be participating in a way that is relevant and appropriate for young children and for our school community. We have planned a morning that we feel is the antidote to school violence: A Celebration of Community and Care. North, South, East, K-Team, and Morning Program will join together to participate in three community building experiences. The administrative staff, teachers, Chef Lou, and Maintenance Manager Bert will be participating, as well. Together, we will create a community mural, sing and dance during a music and movement circle, and prepare and eat a special snack. The morning activities and conversations will focus on relationships, community, and friendship. Please know there will be no mention of violence, threat to safety, or the tragedies that many schools and communities in America have faced in the recent past. Our morning will be a joyful, celebratory affirmation of the power of community.

  • Summer Program

We are working on the details of the 2018 summer program and will be sending enrollment information very soon. The program runs for 8 weeks, in 4 two-week sessions. Families can opt for 8AM-3PM or 8AM-5PM. Children will be divided into 2 mixed-age groups. Summer program includes lots of outdoor time, water play, and popsicles!

Sheila has emailed a google form in order to better understand families' needs. If you plan to participate, please respond via her form and look for additional information in the weeks ahead.

  • NAEYC Accreditation and Family Survey

We are delighted to share that the National Association for the Education of Young Children has informed us that our accreditation has been maintained- always happy news to receive positive feedback about our program! Thank you to those who have completed and returned the NAEYC Family Survey. If you haven't yet completed one, please ask your teacher or stop by the office- we have plenty of extras! The survey is a wonderful opportunity for families to share their feelings about their LD experience. We use your feedback in decision making about all aspects of our program.

  • Holi Happiness!

Charlie has been leading Holi Festival celebrations with all of our children. Also known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a Hindu festival that signifies the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and is festive time to play and laugh. We have been celebrating with stories, dancing, and playing with beautiful pigments. You may notice explosions of color throughout the outdoor space. The children have taken great delight in spreading the colors of spring over the winter landscape.

Lou's Recipe Report: Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

  • Cauliflower - fresh or frozen
  • 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • Fresh Lemon juice (two lemons)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place broken up pieces of cauliflower in a mixing bowl. Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper. Toss well. Place on roasting pan or edged cookie sheet. Roast 20-30 minutes – adjust time for desired tenderness. Eat, enjoy!

SAVE THE DATE:

  • April 16th-20th: Spring Break, No School
  • April 25th: Leila Day Spring Spruce Up, 4:30-6:30 PM
  • May 19th: Spring Fair!! (rain date: May 20th)

Follow Our Adventures on Instagram

We are a capturing the Leila Day experience each day and sharing our adventures on Instagram! Follow us: @leiladay


Colors explode as we celebrate Holi!


Small hands, real tools. Hard at work outside.