School Newsletter: January 2025 - Schoenbaum Family Center

Four young children surround a snowman. The children are bundled up in winter coats, wool hats, and children's boots. The children and the snowman are next to a building made of concrete blocks and bricks. A blue and black polka dot ribbon hangs around the neck of the snowman. — During the winter when the temperature is above 25 degrees, A. Sophie Rogers students will spend time outside to experience snow and the weather.

Hello A. Sophie Rogers’ families! Below please find information about upcoming events, key information, resources, and more.

UPCOMING EVENTS & CLOSURES

To see all upcoming events or to subscribe to the school’s event calendar, visit our events calendar. If you would like to download a printable PDF calendar showing the school’s closure dates for the 2024-2025 school year, click here to download the calendar.

Wednesday, January 1

New Year’s Day – SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, January 20

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – SCHOOL CLOSED

NEWS

Welcome School Social Work Interns, Gianna and Maia

The A. Sophie Rogers School partners with The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work to support undergraduates obtaining their Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW). We are fortunate to have two social work interns for spring semester through April. Maia Kover and Gianna Deanley and will support family engagement work such as weekly Coffee Connections, library experiences, kindergarten transition, and other special family and classroom events. They will be available to support families in areas such as obtaining housing, food, school attendance, childcare benefits or other resources.

Library Update

On Thursday, January 23, from 4:45-5:15 p.m., we will be unveiling our library’s new mural, created by muralist Anthony Pomales in partnership with The Wexner Center for the Arts, Weinland Park Elementary, and ASR families.

Join us for the unveiling ceremony and enjoy light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this special moment with our school community.

Winter Weather Notifications

Snow covers trees and the ground in this winter scene. — In case of severe weather closure or delay, our automated system will send each family a text/email informing of closure or delayed start.

It is that time of year when snowy, icy or other inclement weather conditions may impact school and other daily routines. In case of severe weather closure or delay, our automated system will send each family an email informing of closure or delayed start. Please ensure that your family’s email is current in our system; you can stop by the front desk to inquire at any time.

It is important for young children to explore the snow and winter weather! When the temperature allows (above 25 degrees), classrooms will go outside, if only for a few minutes. Please dress accordingly in winter weather clothing and label hats, coats and other warm weather items. Help to keep track of your child’s clothing and accessories by labeling each with initials or name!

Winter Wellness

Closeup of a child's soapy hands being washed under running water in a sink — Frequent handwashing with soap and water can help prevent illness and disease.

As we navigate through the cold and flu season, it is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of our children and the entire child care community.

Our Child Care Preventive Measures

To further protect our children and staff, we implement the following measures:

Regular Handwashing: We encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.

Sanitizing Surfaces: High-touch surfaces and toys are regularly cleaned and disinfected.

Healthy Habits Education: We teach children about good hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and sneezes.

Health Screenings: Daily health checks are conducted to monitor for signs of illness.

Outdoor Play and Ventilation: We dress properly and go outdoors for fresh air and activity whenever the weather permits.

What Families Can Do

One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping children home when they are sick. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Preventing the Spread of Illness: When a child is sick, they can easily spread germs to other children and staff. Keeping them home helps to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses like colds, flu, and stomach bugs, ensuring a healthier environment for everyone.

2. Faster Recovery: Rest is essential for a speedy recovery. When children stay home, they can rest and recuperate more effectively, which helps them get back to their normal activities sooner.

3. Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: Some children and staff members may have weaker immune systems. By keeping sick children at home, we protect those who are more vulnerable to severe illness.

4. Maintaining a Positive Learning Environment: Healthy children are more engaged and able to participate fully in activities. Keeping sick children at home helps maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all.

What to Look For When Your Child Is Sick

Fever
Coughing or sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Vomiting or diarrhea
Unusual fatigue or irritability

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, please keep them home and consult with your healthcare provider. Together, we can ensure a safe and healthy space for our children to learn and grow. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Kindergarten Transition Meeting: February date to be determined!

If you have a child who is age-eligible for kindergarten in the fall of 2025, we are awaiting confirmation for a date in February to meet with Columbus City Schools about kindergarten transition.  At that time, a representative from Columbus City Schools will join us to discuss kindergarten transition and the Columbus City Schools enrollment and school choice process.  The first part of this meeting will be general kindergarten-readiness and transition; the second half will be devoted to the Columbus City Schools enrollment process. 

You can learn more online about the Columbus City Schools’ different elementary school options, and you can attend a virtual elementary school fair on February 6 from 6-7:30 p.m.

Teachers will communicate the date of our own kindergarten transition meeting with Columbus City Schools when the date is finalized, and we’ll also post it on the communications monitor in the lobby.

If you are interested in kindergarten readiness but your child will not be transitioning in the fall, you are still welcome to join! In addition, the A. Sophie Rogers School and our partner Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy have several online resources available for more general information on kindergarten transition and readiness:

Kindergarten Transitions: Examples from the A. Sophie Rogers School for Early Learning (with a link to a PDF with additional information)

Kindergarten-Bound: Tips for supporting your child during this important transition (with a link to a PDF with additional information)

JANUARY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES AROUND COLUMBUS

If you want more information on an event, you can click on the event name in the left column, which will open a webpage from the event organizers in a new browser tab.