Dear Parents,

Concerns were raised regarding safety during our time in the backyard. This week we implemented a new strategy to keep kids busy and engaged by participating with them as hands-on overseers. After their snack, we are dividing the upper backyard area into to big delimited spaces: a play area and a sitting area. The first one is for all of those students that want to run around. Ms. LeAnna is taking care of the kids who have been playing soccer or other high-energy games by refereeing the activities; this way, the rules are clear and everyone gets to play fairly. The other section is for those children who do not want to engage in fast-paced games. These kids are being watched by Ms. Sophia in a corner area of the backyard (the most protected one from the wind) and are being given materials for art projects. Ms. Rosa has been in charge of taking students to the bathroom and seeing that they clean up after their snack time. I (Ms. Cata) have been the only one standing by to oversee everything at once in case of an emergency. We communicate with the kids in the target language unless we have to make announcements to all the kids or they get hurt. This week, we had no major issues.

In regards to recess, it takes place in the upper yard as well, but on the padded playground. Since the beginning of the school year, Ms. Sophia, Ms. LeAnna, and Ms. Rosa have had their recess at about the same time (3:10 to 3:25 approx.). Ms. Cata’s class goes out to recess at 3:30, and from there, to pick-up. This recess is free time for the children.

Homeroom teachers have agreed to let us go directly to the classrooms when the weather gets too cold or rainy.

Also, to all the parents that have not yet scheduled a time to meet with your child’s teacher, we will contact those who have shown interest. If you have not yet told us you would like to meet, please contact your child’s teacher directly, or Ms. Cata at catalina.atria@i-immersion.com

Please, do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any questions and/or concerns, including volunteering during our outdoor time.

Happy Thanksgiving!