Cougar Care 2025 - 2026

It is with much excitement that I compose Cougar Care’s first newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year. We are ready for another great year and can’t wait to meet and get to know several new participants, while continuing to foster positive relationships with many who are returning. The start of a new school year (Wednesday, September 3rd is first day) is always a big transition with some hurdles to get over, but each day gets a little bit smoother and easier.

Rest assured that we will be running a safe and enjoyable program with your children’s well-being and growth as our primary objective. It is our goal to model and help instill values such as respect, responsibility, and safety, while offering the participants a variety of activities ranging from academic support and homework time, to free play and various group games/sports/activities. Please do not hesitate to let staff know of any questions or concerns you may have regarding Cougar Care or your child. During Cougar Care hours, we can be reached on the Cougar Care cell phone at 469-7718. You can always email me at john.graser@hflcsd.org too. If your child will not be attending afternoon Cougar Care for any reason, please email Kim Roberts, Community Programs Director, at kim.roberts@hflcsd.org. Or you may call her and the Community Programs Assistant, Jonell Lewis at 624-7068 to report an afternoon absence or with any questions/concerns.

Thank you and see you soon!

John Graser

If you registered after August 15 for Cougar Care, the start date your child can attend is Monday, September 15.

If your child has dietary restrictions, please send a supply of their favorite snack or treat to enjoy during birthday celebrations, in case they can't have the provided pizza or cupcakes. The first birthday celebration will be on Wednesday, September 24th and will feature delicious Salvatore's Pizza!

Middle School Cougar Care Shuttle

Bus 21 pick up at Manor at 7:20 am.

Bus 19 will be the third bus in the loop, drop off at Manor approximately 2:10 pm.

Lima Primary Cougar Care Shuttle

Bus 33 pick up at Manor at 8:14 am.

Bus 60 afternoon to Cougar Care approximate arrival to Cougar Care is 3:10 pm.

Mike Finucane and David VanCuran

Beginning this school year, HF-L Policy 7316 will be in effect, limiting the use of personal internet enabled devices — including smartphones and smartwatches — during the school day. Please take a moment to review the full policy details and FAQs to help your child prepare for this change. More information can be found at www.hflcsd.org/page/distraction-free-school-day

As part of our commitment to creating a balanced and engaging environment in Cougar Care, we want to inform you about our updated approach to electronic use. Students will be given a few minutes at the beginning of the program to check in with you via their personal devices if needed. After this brief period, all electronics will be put away so students can fully participate in our planned activities and enjoy free play time with their peers. This policy is designed to encourage social interaction, creativity, and active engagement throughout the program. We appreciate your support in helping us create a positive and enriching experience for all students by not sending in personal electronics with your child.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the final stretch of summer break, now is a great time to help your child ease back into school routines—especially when it comes to screen time. Reducing device use gradually can make the transition to full school days without access to internet-enabled devices much smoother. Students who continue spending long hours on screens may find it harder to adjust, and sudden changes can lead to stress, irritability, and trouble focusing.

It’s also important to encourage balance after school. Long periods on devices can take time away from homework, physical activity, and family responsibilities—a phenomenon researchers call “crowding out” healthy, age-appropriate activities.

To support your child in this transition, consider these helpful strategies:

• Set daily screen time limits
• Turn off non-essential notifications
• Create tech-free zones in your home
• Encourage hobbies as alternatives to screen time
• Remove apps that tend to waste time
• Track screen use together—maybe even make it a fun family challenge
• Use a schedule (e.g., 30 minutes of homework followed by a 10-minute device break)
• Store and charge devices outside of bedrooms to support better sleep

Being proactive now can make a big difference. Consider creating a family media plan that fits your household’s needs and values.

Below are some resources to help guide you through this process and offer additional support as we navigate these changes together.

The 5 Cs of Media Use

Make a Family Media Plan - HealthyChildren.org

AAP Tips and Strategies for Safe Media Use

Talking with Teens about Tech & Digital Media Limits

Sincerely,

Michael S. Black

Director of Pupil Personnel Services

Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District

20 Church Street

Honeoye Falls, NY 14472

(585) 624-7016

Many students take advantage of their time at Cougar Care to get a head-start on homework. If you would like Cougar Care staff to remind your child to do his/her homework, please let us know and we will be sure to do so. Homework assistance is also available. Please note that while we can strongly encourage the students to do their homework, we cannot force them to do so.

Happy September birthday to the following: Nathan D., Connor J. (9/2), Morgan F. (9/5), Amiel B. (9/11), Lennon F. (9/12), Olivia T. (9/14), Oliver A. (9/15), Carly K. (9/15), Hannah D. (9/20), Cecilia J. (9/21), Arlo H. (9/23), Jayce S. (9/24), Evelyn V. (9/25), Colton S. (9/26), Mellody B., Evelyn J. (9/28)

• Label all your child's belongings
• If your child is prone to having accidents, please pack extra clothing as we have limited access to extra clothes
• Morning drop off begins at 6:30 am, we cannot take kids earlier
• In the morning, please call 469-7718 to drop off your child at the main entrance of Manor
• In the afternoon, we are requesting that you, or anyone else on your approved list that is picking up for the first time, please call 469-7718 so we may let you into the building to sign out your child. Please be prepared to show identification before signing out. After the first time picking up your child, you will be able to call 469-7718 and a staff member will bring the child out to your vehicle to be signed out.
• Children must be picked up by 6:00 pm from afternoon Cougar Care
• Late Fees will be imposed for pickups after 6:00 pm

Cougar Care provides quality care for students who attend HFL Schools in K-6th grade. The program includes activities designed to promote social-emotional development, academic enrichment, and physical activity.

Email: hflcommunityprograms@hflcsd.org
Website: https://www.hflcsd.org/parent_community_resources/cougar_care
Location: 83 East Street, Honeoye Falls, NY, USA
Phone: (585)624-7068
Facebook: facebook.com/HoneoyeFalls-LimaCentralSchoolDistrictCommunityPrograms
Twitter: @HFLCommunityEd