• Please send a full-size backpack to school with your child every day. Make it a DAILY ROUTINE to check it as this is our most frequent means of communicating with you.
• Your child will need a "Homework" folder. Please check it everyday and return the completed homework to me.
• Please have your child's name on everything he/she brings to school: backpacks, lunch bags, coats, hats, mittens, "share and tells", etc.
• Share and Tell: During Share and Tell I would like the children to tell about visits enjoyed, things found, creations made, or favorite books. Plan and talk with your child about his/her choice. I would like to avoid just toys which can be distracting and have minimal learning value.
• We love visitors to our class. Please feel free to come and spend time with us!


 

At the Academy, we believe in keeping communication continuous, open, and comfortable. Please feel free to inquire about anything that goes on at the Academy, and to share joys and concerns. We will be able to talk briefly with you at the beginning and end of a class, however, if we need more than a few minutes, please arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher. Please make an attempt to call us during our main office hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you prefer, we can set up a conference before or after school. Rather than talk about a concern in front of your child, which may make him/her feel self-conscious, it is generally better that we have time to communicate freely. If there is something that you feel we need to know and we may not be able to talk or someone else may be bringing your child to school that day, please write a note. We need to work together to make your child’s school experience the very best possible and our honesty with each other is critical. Please read the School Newsletter, “The Teacher’s Monthly News About The Class”, and all notices. This is our main mode of communicating with you. You may also check the web site for frequent updates regarding your child's class. Talking with your child each day about his/her experiences and feelings will bridge your child’s day between school and home. You may also wish to use the school newsletter and calendar, as well as the weekly Lesson Plans posted in your child’s classroom, as a basis for discussion with your child. In addition, all the teachers prepare lesson plans and bulletin boards, which you are welcome to review.

NOTICES are given out by classroom Teachers periodically. Please check your child’s backpack daily. A “SCHOOL NEWSLETTER” is given out to all school families. This is a newsletter about the overall general happenings at The Academy.

BULLETIN BOARDS in each classroom are for parents, as one way to keep you informed of current happenings. Please take a moment to check them when you transport your child to and from school. This is a way of communicating with you between newsletters and notices. Car pooling parents, please pass information along to each other.

ARTICLES for a popular magazine or professional journal may be distributed from time to time. These are made available on topics that are of importance to you as a parent. These articles are for you to keep. We also make multiple copies of valuable articles that we do not disperse to each parent, but place in the Parents’ Lending Library, for parents to take if they are interested. Please feel free to check this!

OUR SUGGESTION BOX is a place for you to express your ideas and concerns. Just jot down your comments and drop them in. If you would like a direct answer, please sign your name. Otherwise, names are not necessary. As always, we welcome your comments, suggestions, praise, and criticisms about all aspects of the Academy’s operations. Your input will help us provide you, your child, and your family with the best programs possible!

We feel it is critical to have parents involved to some degree in their child’s early childhood school years, and that the relationship between parents and teachers is very important in these early years. We invite you, your time, your talents and your enthusiasm to make this year a happy and rewarding one for your child. Parents are asked to volunteer for field trips and are invited to come for a visit to share a special topic or their occupation with the children. The “Teacher’s Monthly News,” Lyric Sheets, Academy Notices, the Academy Newsletter, Special Performances, Open Houses, special parent/child events, and Parent Information Bulletin Boards are all an effort to keep you informed and give you opportunities to be a part of your child’s school experience.

You are welcome in your child’s class at any time as a “Parent Helper”. On “Parent Helper” days, we may plan a special project when an extra pair of hands is necessary. We will most likely schedule our cooking projects on “Parent Helper” days. You may sign up to be a “Parent Helper” on the day of your child’s birthday celebration or on the day you and your child prepare another special snack. “Parent Helper” days allow Moms and Dads the chance to get a first hand look at what goes on during their child’s school day. It enables the children to see their parents as important and concerned members of their school environment and gives children a positive, connected feeling between home and school. Please note: It is important that parents do not bring other children on their “Parent Helper” day. We realize that his may be difficult for some parents and hope that arrangements can be made for parents who need babysitting. It is in your child’s best interest that he/she has your undivided attention on your “Parent Helper” day. It is a very special day for all involved!! We value your involvement and look forward to your day with us this school year! When a teacher is absent we arrange a substitute for that position that day. However, it is nice for the children to have a “Parent Sub” for a teacher when she cannot be in class. This is not something that happens often, but occasionally a teacher does get ill or have a commitment that cannot be rescheduled.

1.When you arrive at The Burlington Academy of Learning, please see Bonnie Shaw in the Main Office to sign in and receive a nametag. We require all visitors to follow this procedure. 2.We introduce our Parent Helpers in the beginning of class. We tell the children they may ask a Parent Helper for assistance because they are…”an adult we can trust.” 3.Keep in mind that the Teachers are instructing the students and will not have an opportunity to confer with parents during the school day. If you would like to discuss the progress of your child, or if you have a concern, please schedule a conference with your child’s teacher which will allow both of you adequate time to concentrate on your child. 4.When you volunteer at The Academy you may become aware of confidential information. It is important that this information not be discussed with another parent or friend. Asking about another child other than your own may be a breach of teacher’s confidentiality. 5.When teachers are instructing the children and you have an idea, it is helpful to discuss it after the lesson so you can speak with the teacher individually. 6.Please allow the children to do things for themselves. We always try to teach independence and encourage self-help skills! 7.Please be supportive with kindness, patience, and caring!

Each class has one or more parents who are the designated “Class Coordinators.” They assist with the events during the school year and their help and enthusiasm contribute to a more successful and happy year for everyone. Remember, if you have a general question, concern, or an idea, which would benefit a class, or The Academy, in general, call your Class Coordinators. They are willing to help!

“Good manners are expected!” The Academy: - encourages individuality - reinforces positive behavior - rewards self control and self discipline - allows individual choices - nurtures a positive self image Behavior Guidelines: Goals for our students: - Self confidence - Knowledge - Development of work ethic - Teamwork - Respect for others and their property - Cooperation in creating quiet time - Follow safety rules - Courtesy - Consideration - Appropriate language - Orderly and purposeful behavior Supervision: All faculty and staff ensure children are interacting in activities in a safe and harmonious atmosphere. Overactive children are calmed by suggesting quiet activities. Safety of the environment is constantly assessed. The path of travel is kept clear at all times. Supervision of children is carried out by all faculty and staff. No child is left unattended in any room, with the exception of the bathroom. Children learning to use the toilet will be supervised and not left unattended. Children 3 & 4 years of age are in groups with a maximum of 1:8 teacher/student ratio and children 5 years of age and older are in groups with a maximum of a 1:10 teacher/student ratio. Depending on age and need, an assistant teacher is also present when necessary. Children will be supervised outside as follows: The teacher/student ratios are consistent outside at all times. No child is every left unattended under any circumstances. Children must remain in their designated playground area. No child shall be allowed to leave the school with someone other than a parent, unless written permission has been received from the parent authorizing the child’s pick-up by someone else, and/or the person’s name is on the “Permission for Pick-up of Child” from. Identification will be checked under these circumstances. Discipline Policy: The following discipline policy is followed by all Academy Faculty and Staff and is reviewed annually and revised as necessary: The Discipline Policy of The Burlington Academy of Learning is one based on positive reinforcement and redirection to encourage appropriate behavior. If a child is behaving in a way that needs modifying, it may be necessary for the child to leave the situation. This “time away,” offers a child a few moments to think about his/her actions, and to regroup before rejoining the other children. Children are helped to understand and use alternate ways of behaving. Most importantly, a child’s dignity is always considered when disciplining is necessary, especially in the presence of peers. The Faculty and Staff never use abusive, neglectful, corporal, humiliating, or frightening punishment under any circumstances. Specifically prohibited disciplinary measures are: spanking, hitting, yanking, squeezing, humiliating or degrading language or actions. No child shall be physically restrained unless it is necessary to protect the safety and health of the child or others.

General Rules: For the overall welfare of the “whole” child. - Children are encouraged to display good manners at all times, and to say “Please” and “Thank you” at school, and to show respect for oneself and to others. - Children may not stand on tables, chairs, or furniture. - Children are encouraged to use words to express anger and frustration. Hitting, pushing, and grabbing are not allowed. - Throwing toys is not allowed. One or mottoes is “We take care of the things we love.” - Children need to show respect for others. - No name-calling, no ethnic or racial slurs, or inappropriate teasing. Inside Rules: A quiet, nurturing environment is our goal. - Children need to use quiet “inside voices” when inside the building. - Children need to walk from room to room. - Food needs to remain at the snack and lunch tables. - Only one child allowed in a bathroom stall at a time. - Children must remain with a teacher when entering and exiting the building. - Rough housing and wrestling is not allowed. Outside Rules: Safety is our goal. - Children must remain in the playground or play area. - Teachers will retrieve toys outside the playground. - Sand must remain in the sandbox. Sand does not belong on the slide. - Slides are to be used one way, Down Only! - Balls need to be kept away from the swings. - Only four children allowed at a time in the fort areas. - Children and adults must use the crosswalk when walking in the parking lot. Thank you for respecting our Rules and Guidelines!

If your child is going to be absent, please notify the Main Office between 7:30 am and 8:45 am by phone call, fax, E-mail, or written note. The school will contact the family of an absentee if no message has been received. Homework, if requested by parents before noon, may be picked up at the Main Office between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm or by special arrangement with your child’s teacher. If your child arrives late or leaves early, please have him/her sign-in or out with his/her teacher.

School ceremonies and activities may be videotaped for goodwill and general public viewing. Individual classroom videotaping may occur in school. If you do not wish your child to be videotaped – please notify us in writing.

When your child's birthday arrives, you and s/he may want to participate in our class's Birthday Book Program. On his/her birthday, your child treats the class to a favorite book. It can be wrapped and decorated if you like. It will then become a part of our classroom library. We will glue a picture of your child to the inside cover and add a special inscription.

Regardless of whether or not you decide to have your child give a book, please feel free to bring a birthday snack on your child's birthday and join us for a birthday celebration at snack time.

When a smoke alarm activates, teachers line up the children in their care and have them walk calmly and quietly to the nearest exit (away from the source of the flame) and bring attendance sheets with them. The Head of School, or designated person in charge, checks all rooms including the bathrooms before leaving the building, then goes to the nearest telephone to call “911.” In the unlikely event that evacuation is warranted, The Academy staff will move all children from their classroom to a safe area away from the building. Prescribed “escape routes” are posted for each classroom, and all children will be accounted for at every step in the evacuation process. All children will proceed outside to the playground area(s) where attendance will be taken. When an all-clear signal is given by the Head of School, teachers and children will return inside. If smoke or fire prevents evacuation of a room, teachers will keep children calm and wait for help to arrive. If children and staff are unable to return to school, they will walk to the main office of Erro Contracting. Parents will be notified by phone immediately to come and pick up their child. If the main office of Erro Contracting is unavailable or unsafe for any reason, children will walk to the Main Station of the Burlington Fire Department – a few hundred yards from the school’s property. Fire drills are conducted monthly, and also randomly. Fire safety is also included in the school’s curriculum.

Channels 3, 8, and 30 as well as Radio Stations AM WTIC (1080), FM WRCH (100.5), FM WTIC (96.5), FM WZMX (93.7) are notified as early as possible of The Academy’s snow/storm days, delayed openings, or early closings. Please listen to these stations for Academy information. We would prefer to open on time and have parents use their discretion as to whether they choose to travel or not, especially on days when Region 10 opens late. Weather: When weather becomes severe enough to warrant closing The Academy, parents will be notified that the school is closing at a specified time. If the parents are unable to get to the school by the specified closing time, the parents must contact an alternative person to pick up their child. If parents cannot be reached, the other emergency contact numbers provided for each child will be called.

We need each child to have a spare set of clothing in their backpack. Please place the clothing in a clear ziploc bag labeled with your child’s name. It is important for you to dress your child in comfortable, washable play clothes that will endure food and juice spills and arts and crafts activities. Please be sure your child has appropriate clothing for the season. In good weather we will get fresh air and outdoor exercise. Remember, for outdoor play, sneakers are best! If your child is NOT toilet trained, please maintain a supply of diapers and wipes in a labeled ziploc bag. When we return your empty ziploc bag, it means we need more! Remember to label your child’s sweatshirts, jackets, coats, hats, mittens, snow pants, and backpacks! Be sure you and your child check your child’s belongings upon leaving school to ensure everything is present. Winter Reminder: Please remember to provide a hat, mittens, and boots for your child. When you arrive, help your child put his/her hat and mittens in their coat sleeve, and put boots in their cubby. This makes it easier to locate at outdoor playtime. Please provide pants or leggings for the girls who wear dresses. Those little legs get so cold without extra protection! Remember to provide slippers or alternate shoes for indoors. For safety sake, children need something other than just socks. Also, please keep a second set of warm clothes in the bottom of their backpack during the winter months for children to change into in the event they become wet from snow play. Back Packs: In an effort to keep your child’s belongings at school organized and all in one place, we ask that each child have a backpack. Please label backpacks on the outside in clear view! A Few Other Reminders: 1.Please label your child’s sweatshirts, jackets, coats hats mittens, snow pants, and backpack. 2.Outdoor play is a part of each session – sneakers are best!

1.One complete change of clothes (shirt, pants, underwear, socks, etc.) 2.Diapers / pull-ups and wipes (if necessary) 3.Special food - if child has special dietary restrictions / needs 4.Seasonal / sports clothing 5.Backpack Toys at School--We have found that toys children bring to school are often not suitable for group play and can easily become broken, lost, or forgotten at school. We feel it is best that children only bring toys for Share and Tell on their assigned day, and that items will then be placed safely back into their cubby. This will also encourage children to play with the toys we have here at The Academy and to more readily to join with other children in activities. Please explain and reinforce this rule with your child before coming to school.

Each family is assigned a week to provide a nutritious snack for their child's class. We have found that this increases variety for the children. Children gain a sense of pride when it is their week to share. Your child can be involved with the preparation or choosing what to bring in and it can be fun for you and your child to choose snack foods that go along with our themes. We need to know if your child has any individual dietary needs, food allergies, or strong food dislikes. The Academy is a member of the Food Allergy Network and stays current on all information related to food allergies. Due to the increasing number of nut allergies, we are a "peanut free" school. When preparing a special snack to bring to school, please DO NOT use nuts. Children can develop allergies at any time and allergies to nuts can be serious. We have a low sugar policy for snacks at school and encourage parents to bring in birthday snacks or special snacks that are low in sugar. Whenever supplying birthday or special snacks for a class, please bring a list of the ingredients. We have many creative, healthy, and fun snack suggestions if you need ideas. Children who are here for our Lunch Bunch program need to bring a nutritious lunch in their lunch box/bag along with an ice pack. Please exclude candy from your child's lunch.

We rely on parents for transportation to and from field trips in order to keep field trip costs low. If you wish to be a field trip driver, we need a copy of your driver's license and your Auto Insurance Policy cover page. Please submit this to our Main Office prior to the field trip. Please advise your Class Coordinator if you are interested in a carpool. He/she will maintain a list of any interested parents to assist in establishing carpools. Lake Garda Elementary School and Harwinton Consolidated Elementary School students who are in our Before School Program are transported at no additional charge from The Academy via Region 10 school bus. Transportation from Lake Garda and Harwinton Consolidated Elementary Schools to The Academy for the After School Program is available daily at no additional charge via Region 10 school bus. Parents need to write a note to the school office at Lake Garda Elementary School or Harwinton Consolidated Elementary School to inform the school that their child will ride the bus to The Academy. (A general form for this is available in our Main Office.)

We maintain a school environment that enforces safety at all times. Parents are responsible for their children, as well as any siblings, once they arrive at pick-up time. Please keep them by your side at all times. Please be cautious when pulling in and out of the parking lot. Please enter and exit through the far driveway where Partners Realty is located to stay clear of children getting on and off the school buses. Please drive slowly and watchful of children.

Parents are asked to please bring children to school promptly at the start of their class, and pick-up promptly at dismissal. Teachers have specific plans for each day and it is difficult and disruptive for all if a child arrives at school late or is picked up early.

Parents are asked to be prompt in picking up their child from school. If a parent is 10 minutes late without informing us, we will call the parent. If the parent cannot be reached, those on the back-up list will be called to come and pick up the child as soon as possible. A school staff person will remain at the school with the child until he/she is picked up.

When bringing your child to school you are encouraged to park and escort your child into the building. We want you to feel comfortable to come into the school, as you are always welcome! Always remember to look at the bulletin boards for important classroom and school information and look around the classroom to see what’s set up for the day’s activities. When bringing your child to school, please assist him with his personal belongings but always allow and encourage your child to care for and put away his/her own belongings to instill independence. Arrival Procedure 8:30 am and 12:15 pm: Children in Classroom 1 enter through the Main Entrance to the cubby area. Children in Classroom 2 enter through the Classroom 2 entrance into the cubby area. Children put backpacks / coats / lunches in their cubby and then proceed to “open choices” before Morning and Afternoon Circle. Dismissal Procedure 11:30 am and 3:15 pm: Children come in from outside play and prepare to go home. They pack their personal belongings, get their coats on, and join Closing Circle. Children then line up and proceed outside for pick-up. They then shake their teacher’s hand (or hug!) to say goodbye. When picking up your child from school, please be sure they have all their personal belongings. Lunch Bunchers--Students attending Lunch Bunch go to the Main Kitchen at 11:30 am. Inclement Weather--Parents, please wait until 11:30 am or 3:15 pm to come inside. Your child will be waiting patiently in Closing Circle. Pick up--Especially in the case of younger children, any special arrangements or changes in plans should be clearly understood before the child leaves for school in the morning. Students should bring a signed note describing these changes to their classroom teacher.

We work together with you and your child to encourage good child health and hygiene habits. For example, we require hand washing before snacks, meals, and after toileting, as well as at other appropriate times. If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be notified (or those on your back-up list will be called) to pick up your child. He / She will stay in the care of a teacher, away from other children, in a quiet location until you arrive. The Burlington Academy of Learning is not equipped to care for sick children. If your child is recovering from an illness and is on medication that needs to be administered while your child is at school, you will need to sign a release form, which also must be signed by your child’s doctor, in order for us to administer the medication. These forms are available in the Main Office and in each classroom. Please call, fax, or E-Mail the Main Office as soon as possible if your child will not be attending school on a certain day. To assist you in deciding whether to send your child to school, please consider the following: If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or more, or any of the following symptoms, your child should stay at home: ·Off-color nasal discharge (often yellowish or greenish). ·Has vomited in the last 24 hours. ·Has a contagious disease.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS TO BE AWARE OF: PINKEYE (Conjunctivitis) Characterized by the white area of the eye being red. There may also be itching, swelling, and a pus-like discharge. Treatment requires being seen by an MD who will prescribe antibiotic ointment or drops. Your child may come to school 24 hours after beginning treatment. CHICKEN POX: Characterized by a sudden onset of fever, sometimes loss of appetite, and a generalized rash. The rash appears as lesions (water blisters) in crops with the greatest concentration on the trunk of the body. The lesions have a teardrop shape and are surrounded by redness. The illness usually lasts 7-14 days. Your child may come to school when all lesions are crusted, even though still visible. The main treatment is to keep your child comfortable. Sometimes antihistamines and/or oatmeal bath may be prescribed. HEAD LICE: This can be a problem even in the cleanest homes and heads. It is characterized by severe itching of the scalp, usually worse at the nape of the neck. Treatment is clear, but please notify the school so that we may give you additional information for treatment, to insure that the proper precautions may be taken. FIFTH’S DISEASE: A viral infection manifested by a red rash on the cheeks. There may also be muscle aches and pains, fever, loss of appetite, and sometimes the rash may appear on the extremities. Persons are highly contagious before the rash appears. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to Fifth’s Disease. If there is a possibility of exposure, please contact your obstetrician. ALLERGIES: If your child has an allergic condition that may require emergency care, please discuss the specifics with the Head of School at the time of admission. Our faculty will work with you to implement an individualized plan of care. INFECTIOUS DIARRHEA: Two or more bowel movements that are atypical for the child. GERMAN MEASLES or SCARLET FEVER: Swollen glands at the back of the neck; a blotchy rash on the stomach and back, or a fine red rash all over the body. MUMPS: Swelling over the jaw or in front of the ear. STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION: A very sore throat indicated by refusing food and drink.

General Guidelines: ·Every attempt should be made to administer medication before you bring your child to The Academy. Often, if required, physicians can provide prescriptions that can be administered twice a day, for example, morning and evening, instead of three times a day. ·Prescription, and nonprescription medications, can only be administered by The Academy staff with a physician’s current prescription, and your written permission. Note: The medicine must be in its original container with prescription information, including your child’s name, recommended dosage, date and dispensing physician’s name. ·Nonprescription medication can only be administered by The Academy staff with written parental permission and a Doctor’s authorization. ·All medications will be stored in a sanitary manner, with precautions taken to insure security and your child’s privacy. ·If your child appears ill, The Academy staff will contact the parent/guardian, and provide care for your child, in a quiet and separate area of the school. ·If your child is injured, The Academy staff will administer first aid immediately, as appropriate, contact the parent/guardian, consult with The Academy doctors/nurses, if necessary, and call for transportation to a local hospital if required. NOTE: All Academy teachers and administrative staff are certified in Child First Aid and CPR. ·Physical examinations are required for each student, prior to their first day of school. ·A note will be sent home if a contagious disease occurs in a child’s class. If there is a contagious disease in the home, our Main Office should be notified immediately. ·Eye examinations and hearing tests are recommended every other year. ·Any change in your child’s health must be reported to The Academy as soon as possible. The Academy is required by law to have proof of immunization before your child can attend school. The following immunizations are required by the state of Connecticut: ·DPT injections with the fourth occurring after the fourth birthday (or a booster is required). ·Polio oral vaccines with the third occurring after the fourth birthday (or a booster is required). ·One (1) HIB vaccine for children under five years of age, received on or after their first birthday. ·One (1) MMR vaccine received on or after the first birthday. ·One (1) MMR vaccine booster for all children age twelve (12) or more. Note: If The Academy does not have immunization records for your child, he or she may not attend school until such records are received.

INJURED CHILD CARE PLAN: Assessment of an injury to a child is made by a Certified First Aid staff person, who will attend to the injury unless it is deemed necessary for professional medical attention. At that time, another staff person will call “911” if necessary, for help and notify the child’s parents immediately, while the Certified First Aid staff person stays with the injured child. SICK CHILD CARE PLAN: When a child is not feeling well or is injured, the Certified First Aid Staff member present will make an assessment of the situation. The child will be cared for in an isolated area and will be made as comfortable as possible. The parent will be notified and if it has been determined necessary, the child must be picked up without delay. Note: A first aid kit, clean blanket, pillow, cot, and other treatment materials and supplies are available in the isolation areas.

The beginning of school may be difficult for younger children. Separation anxiety during this period of adjustment is very normal, and generally disappears within a few days after the start of school. Communication between teachers and parents is especially important in the early days of the school year. If your child is having difficulty separating, you are welcome to stay for the time helpful to make your child feel comfortable. When teachers and parents have determined the timing is right, the “Good-bye” should be succinct and quick. Parents should never sneak away! The love and attention children receive, as well as the fun of exciting activities, will soon help your child make the adjustment. During the first weeks of school, don’t be disturbed if your child: ·is shy and clings to you ·is aggressive and won’t share ·hits and refuses to take turns ·tires easily and cries a great deal ·resists using the bathroom, has accidents ·doesn’t talk much about what happened at school. These are all symptoms of tension and stress in a new situation and will disappear as your child becomes used to teachers and other children and the school routines. Even returning children know this is a new beginning and will experience various degrees of adjustment stress! Be sympathetic and supportive! You can help by: ·Letting your child bring in a favorite security object (doll, stuffed animal, blanket, etc.) ·Letting your child just stand and watch (knowing observation is one way of participating) ·Not putting pressure on your child to produce something to take home ·Not pushing your child to conform to routines without time to adjust ·Allowing lots of time for personal routine, a nourishing breakfast, and a pleasant, safe ride to school ·Having a cheerful, positive attitude as your child leaves you, either at home or at school, such as: “Goodbye, I’ll see you a little bit later, this afternoon.” ·Encouraging talk about school by asking specific questions, such as: “Did you play with the _________ today?” rather than an open-ended question that may tend to put them on the spot, such as: “What did you do today?” Always remember,, the more relaxed the parent, the more relaxed the child! PARENTING QUIDELINES: ·Never sneak away, always say “Good-Bye” ·Be fun and enthusiastic ·Make realistic demands ·Show consistency ·Follow-through on your word ·Give love and assurance ·Show interest ·Say “NO” when necessary ·Say “YES” when you can

Our Nursery School Program is designed specifically with the 3 / 4-year-old child in mind and heart. This program is a bridge from home to school providing a gentle introduction for a child’s first experience with school. Children do not need to be toilet trained to attend this program. Our classroom with enclosed bathroom offers a nurturing, warm, and loving setting for the young child away from home for the first time. A wide variety of stimulating activities are planned to help our children learn fundamental concepts, learn to follow direction, make decisions, develop motor and language skills, enhance imagination and creativity, develop social skills, master self-help skills, and most importantly, gain self-confidence and build self-esteem. Children make discoveries about their world and learn best through play and active hands-on involvement with their environment. Therefore, our children spend time choosing among Discovery Centers such as Music, Art Creations, Science and Investigation, Reading, Drama, Sensory Play, Math and Manipulatives such as games, puzzles and blocks. This Activity Time allows a child to develop his/her creativity and socialization skills. Children learn to respect others, learn sharing and cooperation, learn problem solving skills such as conflict resolution as well as becoming confident in appropriately defending oneself with words. Children are taught responsibility for completing and cleaning up after an activity has been completed. We start each day with Circle Time. This special time together helps create a sense of unity and encourages our connectedness together as a School Family. We do our daily calendar, job chart and discuss the themes and concepts of the day, week or month. We also do finger plays, sing songs, and play games. At Circle Time we also discuss the character development theme of the month. Other group activities include art, science experimentation, cooking, music and movement, exercise fun and story time with books, puppets and the flannel board. . Special programs include an Introduction to the Spanish Language and Music Appreciation. Outside Playtime offers the opportunity for children to release energy and explore their outdoor environment. Our children develop large motor coordination on age appropriate outdoor equipment, and are also given the option of joining organized outdoor games. All activities are planned to give children a balance of independent time – when a child can have the opportunity for expression of his/her individuality and learn resourcefulness, and group time – when a child can experience greater self-control, a cooperative spirit, a positive sense of belonging, and develop positive feelings about school.

Our SUMMER FUN and LEARNING PROGRAMS offer a unique blend of education and recreation, providing a summer to remember! HOT STUFF is our Summer Camp for 3-5 year olds. Childhood is a world of wonderful possibilities, each fresh and exciting! Our HOT STUFF SUMMER CAMP experience is designed to enhance each child’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual development, providing a myriad of opportunities for your child to grow and learn, and make friends. HOT STUFF is friendship, sharing, laughing, learning, and FUN! JUMP START is designed to provide children with a preview of, and preparation for, the exciting challenges routines, and expectations waiting for them in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. The program is designed to enhance the children’s positive feelings toward learning and help them build greater confidence in their abilities. The children will have the opportunity to practice important academic and social skills and learn self-directed problem solving in our academic environment filled with exciting hands-on experiences and opportunities for active exploration. Students will take part in activities such as: ·Reading readiness skill work ·Creative writing projects ·Math computation fun ·Fine motor skills refinement ·Music appreciation ·Special investigative projects ·Large motor skill development Our goal is to reinforce basic preemergent literacy skills (reading and writing) and math skills for beginning kindergarten and 1st grade students.

Throughout the school year, The Burlington Academy of Learning hosts workshops with open forums designed to support parents and families. We do this in conjunction with The Parent Training Consortium of New Britain, and other professional speakers. Our goal at The Burlington Academy of Learning is to help parents raise healthy, well-adjusted children while we, as parents and educators, continue to grow through our own process of personal development. A number of dynamic, gifted, and enlightened speakers join us to lead topics of interest. They provide information and support to increase our knowledge in a circle of comfort where we are all encouraged to share the wisdom found within, and to help one another love and care for our children. A preview of some of our workshop offerings: ·Parents helping their children understand, appreciate, and effectively use today’s computer technology ·Encouraging the development of self-esteem ·The art of positive discipline ·Raising safe kids in an unsafe world ·Stages of parenthood ·Creative grand parenting ·Balancing work and home – The organized family ·Monsters and big dogs – Understanding our children’s fears ·Coping with sibling rivalry ·Helping children with grief and loss ·The spirited child ·Sharing kids after the divorce ·Homework strategies – How much help is enough? ·Planning for your child’s financial future Information on our Parenting Education Programs is included in our Monthly School Newsletter.

·Parent/Teacher Night Exchange ·Welcome Days ·Parent Orientation Nights ·Back-to-School Family Pizza Picnic ·Student Portraits (Paul Cryan Photography) ·Teddy Bear Graduation Photographs ·Halloween Parade ·Thanksgiving Feast ·Grandparent’s / Special Person Days ·Graduation Ceremonies ·Field Trips ·Various Fundraisers

The tuition shall be paid in 12 equal installments due the 1st of each month, July 1st – June 1st. We will not bill you for these monthly payments unless a late fee needs to be assessed. Your check, payable to “BAL,” should be mailed directly to The Academy or left in the main office mailbox. SIBLING DISCOUNT: A 5% tuition discount is given to families with more than one child enrolled at The Academy. GENERAL POLICIES: ·Dismissal for the After School Program is at 6:00 pm. After 6:00 pm, The Academy will charge $10 for each incremental 15 minutes. ·Any pick-up from the After School Program after 4:30 pm will be charged the full After School rate.