Wild Roots Nature School at Stonewall Farm~ Nourish the Whole Child… Grow Roots and Blossom! ~

Parent Handbook

Welcome to Wild Roots Nature School at Stonewall Farm! Wild Roots nourishes the whole child by utilizing the natural environment as a classroom. Each day we will spend time outdoors, learning from the natural rhythms of a working farm.

I hope this handbook provides you with the information you need. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns throughout the school year. I am very much looking forward to this opportunity of working with your child and getting to know each one of you over the course of this coming school year. ~ Liza Lowe, Center Director/Lead Teacher

MissionProvide hands-on, nature-based educational experiences to children at Stonewall Farm.

VisionHelp children realize their unique genius and inherent strengths through hands-on, nature-based, experiential education.

Guiding PrinciplesBy allowing children extended time in nature to explore, contemplate and pursue purposeful work, they develop into creative problem solvers and compassionate individualswho can think independently, work in a community and be curious about their world.

Utilizing the natural environment and the farm’s routines as a framework, students can, with the guidance of their teacher(s), construct their own learning.

2013-2014 Tuition Payment PolicyTuition Rate for 2013-2014: 3 half days (8:30-12:30) Monday, Wednesday, Friday = $2,880 per school year ($320/month)

Registration Fee: A $75, non-refundable registration and materials fee must accompany the completed application for enrollment form. This fee also includes a family membership to Stonewall Farm. If you are already a member, the fee will advance your membership one year.

Attendance: The tuition fee is based on three mornings a week for the 2013-2014 school year. No refunds or adjustments will be made for missed days due to illness, vacation, or any other event resulting in non-attendance.

Payment Schedule: Upon enrollment a $320 non-refundable, non-transferable tuition deposit is due. The tuition deposit will be applied to May’s tuition. Tuition payments are due promptly at the first of each month, September through May. Payments are made in advance of the month of service. There is a late fee of $25 for payments made after the 10th of the month. If tuition is over two months late, your child’s enrollment will end until the bill is paid to date. Tuition can be paid in one lump sum, tri-monthly or monthly. There will be a $25 fee charged for each non-sufficient funds check received.

Sample Day at Wild RootsWe value spontaneity and take advantage of “teachable moments”. We also understand that young children benefit from knowing what will happen next. We will maintain a flexible schedule, with predictable events throughout the day such as morning circle, snack, seasonal activities and lunch to offer children the security of structure.

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8:30 - students arriveClass will typically begin outside where students will be greeted by their teacher, signed in and

welcomed to play. (Please refer to arrival information.)

8:45 to 9:30 – journey together to seasonal gathering spot for morning circleThis is a time to check in with one another, go over our schedule for the day, sing, dance, learn

a new game, practice listening and sharing within our learning community.9:30 to 10:30 – free play/snack

Children play, observe, explore and learn about our seasonal gathering spot as their interests dictate. We will work together to set-up for snack, some days preparing it in our classroom kitchen indoors.10:30 to 11:45 – extended outdoor exploration/indoor station work

This time may be used to delve deeper into outdoor explorations or complete a farm chore. Other times our work will take us indoors where stations will be set up for students to continue their nature-based, hands-on learning.11:45 to 12:20 – bathroom/lunch

Building community through conversation and kind manners as we nourish our bodies and listen to a story.12:20 to 12:30 closing circle

A chance to reflect on our day, acknowledge our good work, and say good-bye to our friends.12:30 - pick up

Wild Roots Nature School will use various locations on Stonewall Farm’s property for educational purposes and play. A stream runs through Stonewall Farm’s property and students will need to cross over the stream daily (using a bridge or boardwalk) – to get to the dairy barn, to play on the playground, to access some of the hiking trails, etc. Please notify your child’s teacher if your child has any concerns about water.

Arrival and DepartureOur morning begins at 8:30. Please make every effort to have your child arrive on time. As a class we will journey to our seasonal gathering spot promptly at 8:45. If your child is late the whole group is affected. Please call to notify us if for some reason you will be late. Students should have used the toilet, washed their hands, stored their lunch and change of clothes in their cubby, and be dressed for the weather (including sunscreen and bug spray when appropriate) when they are received by their teacher to sign in for the day.

Our day ends at 12:30. Anyone who picks your child up from school must be on your authorization form. If different pick-up or drop-off arrangements have been made, please inform your child’s teacher directly.

Late Pick-Up PolicyThe first five minutes after the scheduled 12:30 pick-up time are free of charge. A $1.00 per minute late pick-up fee will be charged for every minute you are late after 12:35.

IllnessChildren are to be kept home if they have symptoms of illness such as a fever of 100 degrees or higher, sore throat, deep cough, rash, diarrhea, inflammation of the eyes, vomiting, or any infectious condition. If your child will not be present please notify Stonewall Farm before 8:30 a.m. Students should not be sent back to school until they have been symptom free for 24 hours. If your child becomes sick at school, you will be notified through the information you provided on the emergency contact form. If we are unable to contact a parent or guardian, then an emergency contact will be notified.

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Inclement Weather/School ClosingsWild Roots Nature School will not operate when extreme weather creates conditions which are dangerous for young children and their families. We will follow the lead of the SAU 29 in making the decision to close and will receive a phone call by 7:30 a.m. Closures for inclement weather are not refundable.

Snacks and LunchesFood and water are a very important part of our time together. Taking good care of our bodies by nourishing them with healthy food and lots of water will help keep us energized and prepared to do our work. Snack and lunch will be eaten together with the teacher(s) building community as we chat, use kind manners and enjoy each other’s company. Snack will be provided by the school. Please notify your child’s teacher of any allergies s/he has. Some mornings we will work together to prepare our snack in the classroom kitchen. Other mornings, our snack will be prepared ahead of time so we can enjoy it together, picnic style, outdoors. Please send your child with a water bottle and nutritious lunch low in sugar.

Clothing Students are involved in many types of activities while attending Wild Roots Nature School and should be dressed accordingly. Hands-on nature-based experiential education requires freedom from restrictive clothing. Students need simple, comfortable, practical clothing that will not interfere with their active work. Students need comfortable, protective shoes with gripping soles for running, jumping and climbing. Sneakers or hiking boots work best, and closed toed sandals with a heel strap are fine for warm weather (no flip flops, clogs, dress shoes or backless shoes please). Please do not dress your child in any one-piece clothing as it is very difficult when they have to go to the bathroom.Each child will have their own cubby to store a seasonably appropriate change of clothes. Please include:

● 2 pair of underwear● 2 pair of socks (1 pair wool)● 2 pair of pants (1 pair can be shorts depending on the weather)● 2 shirts (short or long sleeved depending on the weather)● indoor slippers (no media images or flashing lights please)● 1 hat (when seasonably appropriate)● 1 pair of mittens (when seasonably appropriate)

Expect your child to go outside every day! Children should be adequately dressed in layers for the outdoors. There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing choices. Clothing items that are essential for children at Wild Roots Nature School are listed below: Warm Weather Essentials

● sun hat● raincoat with hood● rain pants● rubber rain boots ● sweatshirt or fleece● sunscreen and bug spray if you have a preferred brand

Cold Weather Essentials● long johns (2 piece)● wool socks● sweatshirt, fleece or sweater● warm hat● warm, waterproof mittens● winter coat● waterproof snow pants● warm, snow boots

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School Calendar

Wednesday, September 4th (First Day of School)

Monday, November 11th NO SCHOOL (Veteran’s Day)

Wednesday, November 27th and Friday, November 29th NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

Monday, December 23rd through Friday January 3rd NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)

Monday, January 20th NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day)

Monday, February 24th through Friday, February 28th NO SCHOOL (Mid-Winter Break)→ Students may sign up for Stonewall Farm’s Vacation Camp at member price (9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)

Monday, May 26th NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)

Friday, June 6th (Last Day of School)

CHECK LISTS

Must be completed before first day of school: Application for Enrollment Enrollment Contract Health Assessment Record and Immunizations Paid the $75 non-refundable registration and materials fee. Paid the $320 non-refundable, non-transferable tuition deposit.

First day of school check list: tuition payment ($320 for monthly payment, $960 for tri-monthly payment) water bottle nutritious lunch sun hat rain gear if inclement weather(including hooded rain coat, rain pants, rain boots) change of clothing including:● 2 pair of underwear● 2 pair of socks (1 pair wool)● 2 pair of pants (1 pair can be shorts depending on the weather)● 2 shirts (short or long sleeved depending on the weather)● indoor slippers (no media images or flashing lights please)

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● sunscreen and bug spray if you have a preferred brand

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