The Weekly Owl

April 6, 2026

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS:

April 9: Elementary Talent Show- Further details to come

April 9: United States Project Showcase (Lower School Event)

April 13: MAP Testing Begins

April 20- 24: Discovery Book Fair- Hosted by Scholastic Books

April 22: Earth Day

April 22: Gabie's Bus (Onsite STEAM field trip for VPK- 5th Grade)

April 30: Upper School Field Trip to Epcot

Summer Camp Registration is Open!

Collage Day School's Summer Camp registration is now open! We have on-site and off-site options available. Each week is a new and exciting theme! Be sure to sign up soon in order to save your child's spot!

Summer Camps - Collage Day School | Ponte Vedra, FL

LOWER SCHOOL

The Importance of Sensory Play for Young Children

Sensory play is any activity that uses a child’s senses. This includes touch, sight, sound, smell, taste, balance, and movement. Sensory play may look like messy fun, but it is an important way young children learn and grow.

When children use their senses, they build strong connections in their brains. Activities like scooping rice, buttoning clothes, playing with water or touching different textures help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Sensory play also helps children solve problems as they pour, sort and test their ideas. Sensory play supports language and early writing skills too. When children talk about what they feel and see, they learn new words. Using their fingers and hands during play helps strengthen the muscles they will use later for writing.

Sensory activities can also help children feel calm. They support emotional skills by helping children manage big feelings. Sensory play teaches cause and effect as well. For example, splashing water is fun, but it can make clothes wet. Learning cause and effect helps children understand how actions lead to results.

Parents can support sensory play at home using simple items. Bowls of water, playdough, sand, leaves or kitchen spices are great tools. The goal is not to be perfect, but to explore. When children are free to use their senses, they build curiosity, creativity and confidence.

UPPER SCHOOL

Talent Show Information! You're Invited!

Please join us for an exciting night of talent and fun at our Collage Day School Talent Show! Come cheer on our amazing performers in the courtyard from 6:00-8:00 PM as they showcase their skills and creativity. Performers, please arrive no later than 5:15 PM to prepare for the show! Please bring a chair or blanket for viewing of the show as seating is limited.

Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate. Adults are $3 and children under 12 years are $2. Payment options: Cash or charge to your FACTS account.

We will have the About Time Food Truck on site for dinner purchasing options, as well as King of Pops for a healthy desert option.

Note from Nurse Chelsea

Week 10 – Supporting Lymphatic Health

Seasonal focus: Movement, hydration

Gentle movement helps lymph flow.
Encourage jumping, stretching, and walking.
Dry brushing (gentle, parent-assisted) can be helpful for older kids.
Adequate hydration supports detox systems.

School Uniform Sale from Lands End! If you are looking to refresh your child's uniforms for this school year, or purchase new ones for the 2026/2027 school year, please check out the School Uniforms at Lands End for a 25% discount!

*Collage is not affiliated with this sale. For questions or concerns, please reach out to Lands End directly.

Our Coaches Corner... A message from the PVB Performance Center

From your PE Coaches at PVB Performance Center

We’re excited to extend a special opportunity to the entire Collage Day School community — students, parents, and faculty.

🎉 One FREE Week of Training + Performance Assessment & Goal Setting

This complimentary week includes:

• A professional performance assessment

• Goal-setting consultation tailored to you or your child

• Group training sessions designed for kids, athletes, and adults

• Expert coaching focused on strength, speed, injury prevention, and overall fitness

Whether your child wants to build confidence and athletic ability, or you’re a parent or faculty member looking to improve your own health and fitness, our team at PVB Performance Center is here to help.

Our programs focus on building:

✔ Confidence in young athletes

✔ Speed, strength, and coordination

✔ Injury prevention and proper movement mechanics

✔ Sustainable health and fitness habits for adults

We’re proud to serve the Collage Day School community and would love to welcome your family to train with us.

📞 Contact Coach Squats for details:

973-723-7388

⸻

🥩 HEALTH TIP: WHY PROTEIN MATTERS FOR METABOLISM & FAT LOSS

Protein is one of the most powerful nutrients when it comes to energy, metabolism, and body composition.

Here’s why it matters:

• Boosts metabolism – Your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs or fats.

• Supports fat loss – Higher protein intake helps maintain lean muscle while reducing body fat.

• Keeps you fuller longer – Protein helps control appetite and prevents overeating.

• Builds and repairs muscle – Essential for athletes, growing kids, and active adults.

Simple ways to increase protein intake:

✔ Eggs or Greek yogurt for breakfast

✔ Chicken, fish, or lean beef at meals

✔ Protein smoothies after training

✔ Nuts, cottage cheese, or protein bars for snacks

A good general target for active individuals is about 0.7–1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day to support performance, metabolism, and recovery.

Strong bodies are built through smart training and smart nutrition.

PARENT COMMUNITY ALLIANCE (PCA) NEWS

Looking for a simple way to support Collage? Join our PCA Volunteer List!

Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet other families, and make an impact. From fun nights to fundraisers, we rely on our amazing volunteers.

Whether it’s helping with set-up, check-ins, clean-up, or behind-the-scenes tasks, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand. When an event is scheduled, we’ll send out a sign-up form outlining the roles needed—just choose what works best for you!

📌Click here to learn more.

Stay connected: Follow us on Facebook at CDS Parent Community Alliance.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567861563027.

Bridget L. Van Landingham

President, CDS Parent Community Alliance (PCA)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Phone: 904.900.1439

171 Canal Boulevard

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

info@collagedayschool.org