Instead of going to their grandparents’

house, the grandparents came to school!

GRANDPARENT’S DAY

DECEMBER 2014

KIDS NEWS KIDS NEWS

What a great day with our

grandparents! Thank you for

coming to our school!

KIDS NEWS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Mrs. Thompson– Karson, Eli Mrs. Waddell– Kaleb, Gracie, Ian

Mrs. Bush– Emily, Eden, Tristan, Shaylee, Kayleigh, Brooklyn

Mrs. Kelley— Baylee Mrs. Clay– Jordan, Michelle, Aiden, Kassidy

Ms. McGlone– Tianna, Maleaha

Mrs. Queen– Tucker, Mary

Mrs. Barker– Jordyn, Isabella

Mrs. Cole– Tyler, Avery, Marlee,

Mrs. Snyder– Lane, Jacob, Carlie, Makayla

CALL SANTA!

# (951) 262-

3062

MORE MEMORIES FOR 2014 SCHOOL YEAR

Season's Greetings! As we approach the Holiday Season, I know that many times it can become a time ofstress, instead of a time of joy. There is much hustle and bustle trying to pick the perfect gift, worryingabout finding the money for gifts, and planning how to fit in all the family time that is needed. This year, Ichallenge you to take time to slow down and truly enjoy the little things in life. Below, I would like to sharesomething special that was shared with me by a close friend. I would like you to read about eight gifts thatdon't cost a cent. Please remember that the best gifts are things that money can't buy.

Eight Gifts That Don't Cost a Cent

-THE GIFT OF LISTENING- But, you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning yourresponse. Just listening.

-THE GIFT OF AFFECTION- Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Letthese small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

-THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER- Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh withyou."

-THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE- It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note, or a full sonnet. A brief,handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

-THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT- A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That wasa wonderful meal", can make someone's day.

-THE GIFT OF A FAVOR- Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

-THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE- There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to thosetimes and give the gift of solitude to others.

-THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION- The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone,really it's not that hard to say, "Hello" or "Thank You."

And Don't Forget — LOME is A Gift We Can Give Every Day!!!

Please remember that you are your child's first educator, so please work with your child(ren), while they areat home with you. Make sure that you spend time interacting as a family unit. Read to your child(ren), playgames together, cook together, do chores together, and just talk to one another. The more you interact withyour child, the more likely he/she will be ready to enter kindergarten.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Kelli Prater

Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children

How to avoid child anxiety and holiday stress during thebusy holiday season

By Katherine LeeSchool-Age Children Expert

The holidays are a fun and joyous time, but also a very busy one, and holiday stress and anxietyin children is a common occurrence. During the holidays, there are lots of fun activities andevents going on, both at home and at school. And while that can be a good thing, the reality isthat all that hustle and bustle means schedules are often out of whack, bedtimes get pushed back,and routines are disrupted. As a result, it's inevitable that kids may feel some degree of holidaystress.

Holiday Stress and Anxiety in Children: How Parents Can Help

Set a calm example. The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children duringthe holidays is by trying to keep things relaxed as much as possible. As with so many situations,

the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their kids will behave. If you let holidaystress get to you, your kids will definitely pick up on it, and child anxiety is more likely to be aproblem in your house. To minimize anxiety in children during the holidays, take steps to handleyour own stress and anxiety.

Set up conditions for good behavior* Avoid taking your child to places such as the mall orholiday gatherings when he is hungry or tired. It's hard even for grown-ups to deal with noiseand lots of stimulation when they're not feeling their best; kids get hungry more often andbecome tired more easily, and may understandably have a tough time being on their bestbehavior and are more likely to experience holiday stress when they're exhausted or hungry.

Remember the importance of routines. The holidays can throw a big wrench into householdroutines, and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids,try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. For instance, if a school holidayconcert or a church gathering goes past your child's bedtime, try to stick to quiet, calm activitiesthe next day and get your child to bed on time the next night.

Watch what she's eating. Another thing that can fall by the wayside amidst the holiday hubbubis healthy eating. Between all the extra sugary holiday snacks and the lack of time to sit down to

regular meals, it can be all too easy for kids to eat less healthy foods, which can contribute toholiday stress and anxiety in children. Try packing healthy snacks when you have to go shoppingor run other holiday errands and try to minimize the amount of sweet treats at home. Wheneverpossible, offer healthy snacks, such as air-popped popcorn or apple slices with cheese andcrackers and limit cookies and candy to after-snack treats.

Get your child moving. Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and re-setting thespirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Make sure you schedule sometime to get your child outside to run around and play.

Avoid overscheduling. As tempting as it may be to accept every invitation from friends andfamily, try to limit your holiday parties and activities so that you and your child are notoverwhelmed. A couple of events a week may be fine, but having an obligation every day canlead to holiday stress and anxiety in children.

Have your grade-schooler help you. Big kids love to help mom and dad, especially if they getlots of praise for being responsible and helpful. If you have to shop, ask your child to help you

look for an item at the store (fun stocking stuffers for cousins, for example). Giving your child atask will not only boost her self-esteem, it'll distract her and help prevent any holiday stress andanxiety.

Schedule some quiet time. Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important thanever during the busy holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child orcreate holiday pictures for grandma and grandpa. Take a walk outside in nature, away from noiseand crowds and obligations.

\d your child — and yourself— what the holidays are really all about. A great antidote

for holiday stress and the bloated commercialism of the season is helping others, whether it's byshoveling an elderly neighbor's sidewalk or by wrapping presents for needy kids at your localchurch. Helping your grade-schooler become a charitable child will help alleviate her holidaystress and anxiety.

http://cWldparenting.about.eom/od/heal1lisafe1y/a/holidaystressldds.hta 12/12/2014

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.But that also means a greater risk for fire, fallowing a few simpletips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

HOLIDAY DECORATINGHI Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose

decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant

III Keep lit candles away from decorations and otherthings that can burn.

HI Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, butnot both.

H> Replace any string of lights with worn orbroken cords or loose bulb connections. Readmanufacturer's instructions for number of lightstrands to connect.

HI Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords donot get damaged.

Ill Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAININGHI Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your

home fire escape plan.

Ill Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

Ill Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet

111 Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

Ill Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers tokeep their smoking materials with them so youngchildren do not touch them.

Ill Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wetcigarette butts with water before discarding.

Blow out lit candles whenyou leave the room or go tobed. Turn off all light stringsand decorations beforeleaving home or going to bed.

^^• .̂l̂ ^y;:;̂

Your Source for SAFETY InformationNFPA NFPA Public Education Division * 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169

f every five homedecoration fires arestarted by candles.

(p Nearly half of holidaydecoration fires happenbecause decorationsare placed too closeto a heat source,

Name or Organization Here

Contact Information Here

www.nfpa.org/educatton

As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A smallfire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.

4PICKING THE TREEI>1 Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not

fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREEHi Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the

base of the trunk.

») Make sure the tree is at least three feet away fromany heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles,heat vents or lights.

Ml Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

HI Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add waterdaily.

LIGHTING THE TREEMl Use lights that have the label of a recognized

testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indooror outdoor use.

Ill Replace any string of lights with worn orbroken cords or loose bulb connections. Readmanufacturer's instructions for number of lightstrands to connect.

Ill Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

1)1 Always turn off Christmas treelights before leaving homeor going to bed.

After ChristmasGet rid of the tree afterChristmas or when it is dry.Dried-out trees are a firedanger and should not beleft in the home or garage,or placed outside againstthe home. Check with yourlocal community to find arecycling program.Bring outdoor electricallights inside after theholidays to prevent hazardsand make them last longer.

FACTS\l} One of every three home

Christmas tree fires are causedby electrical failures.

(!) Although Christmas tree firesare not common, when they dooccur, they are more tikely to beserious.

\jfyJ Your Source for SAFETY InformationNFPA! NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169

J A heat source too close to thetree causes roughly one In everyfive of the fires.

Name or Organization Here

Contact Information Here

www.nfpa.org/education

December 2013 • Family Meals Focus #87 • Preventing Holiday Weight Gain

From The Huffmgton Post, Healthy Living, December 12, 2012 by Jean Fain, LICSW, MSW.Licensed psychotherapist and author, The Self-Compassion Diet. Reprinted with permission fromJean Fain.

To comment on this issue, please join on us Facebook

If you're worrying about how to resisttemptation at the next holiday party, you arenot alone. Sadly, too many party goers aremore focused on their ever-spreading midsection than spreading holiday cheer. If allyou really want for Christmas is the secret toovercoming overeating, you're in luck. Irecently discussed preventing seasonalweight gain with one of the leading expertson feeding our families and ourselves: EllynSatter.

Before I devoured Satter's writing on foodand family, I gobbled up her definitionon normal eating. Even if you're familiarwith Satter's un-American definition, it'sworth rereading.As a psychotherapist and dietitian, Satterreally understands why the great majorityfeel compelled to eat like there's notomorrow. So when it came time formy annual interview on seasonal eatingconcerns, I could think of no better subjectthan the author ofSecrets of Feeding aHealthy Family. What follows are questionsand answers from my recent conversationwith Ellyn Satter.

Q. How would you describe normal holidayeating?A. Normal eating is all about trustingyourself to eat in a way that is right for you.The trouble most people have with holidayeating is they get caught up in what theyshould and shouldn't eat. They're anxiousand ambivalent about eating. They might tryto resist at holiday parties, but the table isladen with "forbidden foods/' and they

throw away all control and overdo it. Manytimes they're over-hungry because they'retrying to restrict themselves and lose weight.So the standard definition of holiday eatingbecomes eating way too much.

Q. How about your approach to healthyeating: "eating competence." How wouldyou describe that?A. Rather than tricking yourself about whatyou should and shouldn't be eating, you trustyourself to eat food you enjoy. No food isoff limits. [Which isn't to say] you eat likethere's no tomorrow. With eatingcompetence, [you maintain control by]eating [regular] meals and snacks, and bypaying attention while you're eating. Youtrust yourself to eat as much as or as little asyou need.

Q. What does eating competence look like ata holiday party?A. You take your plate and pick and choosewhat's most appealing. You sit down and eatif you can. If not, you stand in a quiet placeand enjoy your food. If you want, getseconds and eat until you feel satisfied.That's the opposite of standard party eating,where a person doesn't take time to eat. Thefood may taste good momentarily, but,because they're not really paying attention,it's just absent-minded munching.

Q. When I suggest what you're suggesting,new clients say: "If I let myself eat whateverI want, I'd really pack on the pounds." Whatdo you tell clients who are worried aboutgaining weight?

A. Competent eaters don't gain weight overthe holidays because they're accustomed toeating as much as they want of the foodsthey enjoy. It's just another opportunity toeat good food. If you go home too full, youprobably aren't going to be too hungry forbreakfast. [Conversely,] controlling eaterssay: "I really overdid it! I have to cut downtoday." They deliberately under-eat, thenoverdo it. Come New Year's, they gotta getback on the diet. This [vicious] cycle createsa lot of misery, and, in the long run, weightgain. People believe that being hard onthemselves is somehow better than beingpositive and sympathetic.

Q. Can you say more about New Year'sresolutions?A. People say: "I'm not going to eat all thosedelicious foods I love. I'm only going to eatfruits and vegetables [and other 'good'foods.]" These foods are wonderful, but ifyou're eating them as penance, you're notgoing to enjoy them. Later, you're going tothrow away all control and do the opposite.

Q. How do you suggest parents help theirchildren become competent eaters?A. Have meals and sit-down snacks, andregularly incorporate "forbidden foods."Don't set up deprivation with [sugary, fatty]foods. When you set up deprivation, thesame thing happens with children as withdieters — they restrict, then overdo it. Whenyou serve dessert, serve everyone a singleportion. Then let everyone eat it when theywant — before, during or after the meal.Periodically, at snack time, get out the milkand a whole platter of cookies, and letchildren eat as many as they want. If theyhaven't been allowed to eat cookies, they'lleat a lot of them at first. But if the parentdoes this repeatedly, the newness will wearoff. The child will eat a cookie or two andbe fully satisfied. It works.

Q. Eating competently is easier said thandone. What's the best way to get started?A. It's different for everyone. For oneperson, it might be packing something shereally enjoys for lunch. For another, it mightbe making family dinners a priority. That's atall order right there. If you want tomake family dinner a priority, begin byeating what you're eating now. Whatever itis, the idea is to sit down together and enjoyit. After a month or two, if you're payingattention, you'll realize: "This stuff is gettingboring. What can we add to make it moreinteresting?" At that point, it's important youdon't add anything you or your kids don'tlike. When the meal's on the table, leteveryone pick and choose from what'savailable.

Q. I can hear parents worrying their kidswill get fat. What would you say to thoseparents?A. It's too bad that there's so much anxietyand confusion about eating. It's making ourchildren finicky and fat. Don't get mewrong, some children will be large because,genetically, that's the way they are. But nochild has to be fatter or thinner than natureintended. If we do a good job with feeding,we can raise children who have bodies thatare right for them.

;.iV.> ?»;;?, ' /£esj©2013 by Ellyn Satter. Rights to reproduce: As long as you donft change it or charge for it and you do include the formore about and copyright statements, you may reproduce this article, Please email me about how and where YOU haveused it (include a link if applicable).

i

Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of homefires —- and home fire deaths* Remember, a candle is an open flame,which means that it can easily ignite anything* that can burn.

'CANDLE WITH CARE"

11) Blow out all candles when you leave the room or goto bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroomand other areas where people may fall asleep.

Ill Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anythingthat can burn.

Never leave a child alonein a room with a burningcandle. Keep matches andlighters up high and out ofchildren's reach, in alocked cabinet.

Think about using flamelesscandles in your home. They look

and smell like real candles.

IF YOU DO BURN CANDLES, make sure that you...

ill Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won't tipover easily.

in Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

JH Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and anyloose clothing away from the flame.

II! Don't burn a candle all the way down — put it outbefore it gets too close to theholder or container.

ill Never use a candle if oxygenis used in the home.

Ill Have flash lights andbattery-powered lightingready to use during a poweroutage. Never use candles.

FACTS

Your Source for SAFETY InformationNFPflf NFPA Public Education Division » 1 Battery march Park, Quincy, MA 02169

CD December is the peak timeof year for home candlefires*

CD Roughly one-third of homecandle fires started in thebedroom.

CD More than half of all candlefires start when things thatcan burn are too close tothe candle.

www.nfpa.org/education

JANUARYGet Moving Today! ACTIVITY CALENDAR

SundayStart the New Year offwith a family walk. Asyou walk, share theways that your familycan stay healthy thisyear.

Time for a winter rockparty. Turn on themusic and dance untilyou feel your heartbeating really fast.

Find a bunch ofpillows and set up anobstacle course. Usethe pillows as rocks tostep on as you crossthe river. Don't getwet!

Roll up some socks;put them on a bigbeach towel, hotel onethe ends pf the toweland fling the socksinto the air.

Monday

Get outside again andwork on the conceptof big and small. Canyou take big stepsand small steps? Bigjumps and smalljumps?

Shut off the lights andhave fun with a

When the flashlight isshinned onto a body

move it in

reacn> bend

Read a book withyour family - act outthe movements in thebook.

movementroom.

Gut out papersnowflakes and makea trail through yourhome. Walk, run, andhop along the trail.

^

Using a laundrybasket and recycledpaper, make a bunchof paper balls andpractice throwinginto the basket fromdifferent distances.

^

Practice rolling yourbody into differentshapes and thenmoving across thefloor. Can you bestraight like a penciland small like amarble?

Build your musclestoday by acting like acrab, a bear and a seal.

j$c$^

Make a hopscotchpattern on the floorusing paper plates, andwork on yourhopping/jumping skillswhile you help yourbody get fit.

the pajrs

Play "add-on". Taketurns doing one simplemovement, such asbending your elbow. Asyou do a newmovement, repeat themovements that havealready been done.

Recycle the paperplates from yesterdayand set up targets onthe floor - close andfar. Using rolled upsocks practice yourunderhand tossingskills. Remember tofollow through bypointing at the target.

Go ice skating inside!Put two paper plateson the floor and usethem to skate around.Try taking big steps orsmall steps; try goingin a straight line or acurvy line.

Rainbow Game - findas many things inyour home that aredifferent colors of therainbow. When youget to each item, jogin place and count to10.

Ssirvg a JinaMe iDelieve

Make a tunnel usingchairs and a blanket.Have fun crawling^^through it and **runningaround it.

It "rained" yesterdayso there are lots ofpuddles today.Pretend to runthrough the puddles,jump over thepuddles, crawl aroundthe puddles, andsplash in the puddles.

Find two differentsongs - one fast andone slow. Do a fastdance and then do arelaxing slow stretch.

Practice your rhymingskills while moving.Say any movementword you can think of- like run. Then thinkof words that rhymewith it. Act out yourwords. Have fun, asyou run, under thesun!

Practice your kickingskills. Roll up a big pairof socks and kick themacross the room into alaundry basket turnedonto its side.

Play "MovementEmotional Charades".Use your entire body toact out differentemotions and see ifsomeone can guesswhat you are feeling.

Let's go silly walking!Walk all around yourhome acting outdifferent emotions.Can you walk happy,sad, shy and angry?

Reach through eachday again and repeatyour favorite Januaryactivity. Enjoy!

© Head Start Body Start, 2012. Reprinted with permission. www.headstartbodystart.org

EscapeTEW

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Plan Ahead! If a fire breaks out in yQur^vhome, you may have only a few minutesto get out safely once the smoke alarmsounds. Everyone needs to know what todo and where to go if there is a fire.

SAFETY TIPSMI MAKE a home escape plan. Draw a map of your

home showing all doors and windows. Discuss theplan with everyone in your home.

HI KNOW at least two ways out of every room, ifpossible. Make sure all doors and windows leadingoutside open easily.

Ill HAVE an outside meeting place (like a tree, lightpole or mailbox) a safe distance from the homewhere everyone should meet.

Ill PRACTICE your home fire drill at night and duringthe day with everyone in your home, twice a year.

>» PRACTICE using different ways out

1)1 TEACH children how to escape on their own in caseyou can't help them.

}» CLOSE doors behind you as you leave.

IF THE ALARM SOUNDS..*m If the smoke alarm sounds, GET OUT AND STAY

OUT. Never go back inside for people or pets.

»1 If you have to escape through smoke, GET LOWAND GO under the smoke to your way out.

m CALL the fire department from outside your home.

survey, only one of everythree American householdshave actually developed andpracticed a home fire escapeplan.

* While 71% of Americanshave an escape plan in caseof a fire, only 47% of thosehave practiced it.

[ One-third of Americanhouseholds who made anestimate thought they wouIdhave at least 6 minutes beforea fire in their home wouldbecome life-threatening; Thetime available is often less.And only 8% said their firstthought on hearing asmoke alarm wouldbe to get out!

Your Source for SAFETY Information www.nfpa.org/educationNFPA NFPA Public Education Division * 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169

iDear Parents:

iWould your family know how to escape if there was a fire in your home? A home _escape plan is a plan to get out of the home safely in case of a fire. Every household *member should know two ways out of each room in case one way is blocked by fire or -smoke.

E ' .Here are some easy steps for you to follow in making your plan.

1. Get your family together and draw a simple floor plan of your home. You can use -the grid included with this letter. ^

E2. Plan two ways out of each room. The first way out should be the door and thesecond way out could be another door or window. ii

3. Make sure doors and windows can be opened easily. In a two-story building, ^plan your escape through a window onto a roof or porch. If you must use an escape eladder, be sure everyone knows how to use it

P4. Choose a special meeting place for all family members outside the home andmark it on the floor plan. A meeting place should be something that always stays in the fsame place, such as a tree, telephone pole, or a neighbor's home. 6

5. Make sure everyone understands the planned escape routes.

6. Install smoke detectors on each level of the home and outside each sleeping areaand test them weekly. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, make sure everyone canhear the smoke detectors.

7. Have a fire drill at least twice a year. Have family members practice using theirsecond way out as well as their primary route.

8. If you live in an apartment, use the stairs. Never use an elevator in case of a fire.The elevator could take you to the floor where the fire is burning. If fire blocks yourexit, close your apartment door and cover all cracks where smoke could enter. Tele-phone the fire department, even if fire fighters are already at the building, and tell themwhere you are. Wave a sheet or towel from the window to help fire fighters find you.

9. If you live in a manufactured or mobile home, follow the same steps. Keep all exitsclear and install smoke detectors on interior walls.

53

aFamily Escape Plan

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PRACTICE AN ESCAPE PLAN