It's May and that means so many things - ELC graduation, transitions, celebrations, field trips and, for many of you, IEP meetings. We appreciate your time and any and all support you are able to provide.

The focus for the month of May is all about Self Awareness and Respect.

ELC Graduation will be on May 14th for Blue Class and May 17th for Red Class.

This is a time for all of our ELC families to come together to celebrate our students who are graduating and going to Kindergarten. Each ceremony will be followed by a short reception.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6th - May 10th! Be sure to give your teachers extra love to show how much you care! We cannot accept tangible gifts, such as gift cards, food, etc. However, hand written notes, pictures drawn by a student, etc. are all welcomed and acceptable recognitions of appreciation!

Please call or email with questions and thank you for sharing your delightful children with us!

- Catherine

Catherine Bailey

Director of Early Learning

baileyc1@fsdbk12.org

Phone: (904)827-2835
VP: (904)201-4529

A few things before June 10th, 2024:

Schedule:

7:30-8:00 AM Arrival – Gore Bus Loop

8:00 – 9:00 AM Recess – Playground

9:00-9:05 AM Transition to ELC

9:00 – 9:15 AM Water, bathroom and snack

9:15 – 11:30 AM Work-Period

11:30 – 12:00 PM Lunch

12:00 – 12:30 PM Bathroom/Change for Pool

12:45-2:00 PM * Pool Time

2:00-2:15 PM Change of Clothes

2:00 – 3:15 PM ** Rest time

Recess – Summer Camp theme related activities (outside ELC – tent, chalk, sand table, painting with water, scavenger hunts, obstacle course, group games, etc.)

3:15 – 3:30 PM Snack/ bathroom

3:15 – 3:30 PM Transition to buses/parent pick up

• If a child is still in diapers, they will have a small pool outside to play in (bring swim diapers)
• For those who will use the pool, bring swim vest or floatie
• Students who are not strong skilled swimmers will receive some basic survival skill lessons from staff who are trained
• **Parent pick up can be range from 2:00 pm to 3:30 PM, please contact if you plan to pick up your child specific times during the afternoons
• Transportation will contact you if you indicate you want to utilize transportation.
• Make sure to remember to send the items required every day

• ALL items should be clearly marked with your child's name

TO BRING DAILY:

* bathing suit and a towel (will be left at school for the week)

* lunchbox with a nutritious lunch

* water bottle - filled with WATER ONLY

* backpack

* Sunscreen / hat

* change of clothes to stay at school during camp

* Pillow and blanket if your child naps in the afternoon

ALL items should be clearly marked with your child's name

Camp hours are the same as school hours: 8:00-3:30 M-TH and 8:00-2:00 on Fridays.

Contact: Brooke Stimpfle stimpfleb@fsdbk12.org or Catherine Bailey baileyc1@fsdbk12.org for any additional questions.

May 6th - May 10th: Teacher Appreciation Week & Spirit Week

May 10th: Muffins with Mom

May 13th: NO SCHOOL

May 17th: ELC Graduation

May 30th: Splash Park Field Trip (More information to come)

May 6th - May 10th: Teacher Appreciation Week & Spirit Week

May 10th at 10:00am: Muffins with Mom

May 13th: NO SCHOOL
May 14th at 10:00am: ELC Graduation & Award Ceremony

May 30th: Splash Park Field Trip (More information to come)

Our focus for the month of May has been learning about the bodies of water and the USA, all things involving flowers and water activities, animals that live in the ocean, and learning self awareness and respect. We have been practicing pouring water and how to take care of animals. The students really enjoy taking turns washing their snack plates, making bubbles, and feeling the different textures of the sponge. For Math, we have been practicing counting by 2's! Our literacy this month will consist of tracking braille lines, CVC words, and word endings. The students are continuing to learn about how different colors of the rainbow are made by mixing two colors together, as well as weighing items.

What we have been reading:

"Ocean Friends"

"Never Touch A Shark"

"A Little respectful spot"

"Respect and take care of things"

"The reflection in me"

"I like myself"

"Are you my mother"

"The night before mother's day"

"I love you wherever you are"

"Memorial Day".

Important reminders: Sunscreen- we can only use what you provide

Extra Clothes- we might start water play sometime soon

We have two students who are graduating from the ELC this year, but all of our Blue Class kiddos will receive an award that is just as special as they are. We encourage all families to attend to not only celebrate the ones who are graduating, but to celebrate those who will be returning to the ELC next school year. We will be having lite refreshments and finger foods outside of the Chapel after the graduation ceremony.

This event took place in Gibbs Hall, which is the building located right next to Cary White. There were over 90 pieces of art created by 40 high school students representing the learning, hard work, inspiration, and determination of all. There were themes related to science, nature, literature, music, food, and many more. Each piece had a story, and the titles were very clever! The ELC loved being able to touch the art work and feel the distinctions between the type of material used to make the art.

It is the responsibility of our entire community to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and families. ELC families must support the following guidelines in order to promote the health and well-being of our entire community. Please contact Catherine with any questions.

All children and staff who meet any of the criteria below should stay home or will be sent home. We understand this may be inconvenient, but it is necessary to minimize exposure to the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Staying home when sick or keeping your child home is a responsibility we take very seriously. Please DO NOT send your children to school if they are showing any signs of illness. This is more important now than ever before.

● Fever or chills

● Cough

● Sore throat

● Congestion or runny nose

● Nausea or vomiting

● Diarrhea

● Red or inflamed eyes or discharge from eyes or ears

● Any contagious disease, such as chicken pox

● Any contagious bacterial infections such as strep throat

Parent Responsibilities and when your child can return to school:

All parents are encouraged to be on the alert for signs of illness in their children and are required to keep them at home when they are sick.

Any child with a temperature of 100.4 or above will not be permitted to attend school and will be sent home. Your child can return to school once he/she has been fever-free without the use of any fever reducing medication for 24 hours.

Any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhea should stay home for 24 hours after the stomach distress has stopped.

Early Learning Center

PH or Text: 904-827-2835

Gore Hall Office (if you cannot reach anyone in the ELC)

904-827-2520

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Health Care Center

PH: 904-827-2410

VP: 904-201-3910

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Transportation

PH: 800-992-8747

Parent Services

PH: 904-827-2212

VP: 904-201-4540

Campus Police

PH: 904-827-2315

207 San Marco Avenue,

St. Augustine, FL, USA

ELC Webpage

ELC Facebook Group

The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, political opinion, affiliation, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other basis as mandated by federal and state law in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. FSDB also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by law.

Contacts for questions, complaints, or requests for additional information are as follows:

Student Discrimination/Harassment

FSDB Boarding Program Administrator

PH: 904-827-2603

Requests in writing can be sent to:

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind

207 San Marco Avenue

St. Augustine, FL 32084