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The Weekly Owl

November 5, 2025

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS:



  • November 11: Veterans Day - School Closed


  • November 17: Veterans Day Event (9:00 a.m.)


  • November 20: Balloon & Float Parade - Building 1 Event (9:30 a.m.)


  • November 20: Native American Showcase/Feast (Primary Prep through 1st Grade - 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.)



  • November 21: Native American Showcase/Feast (2nd through 5th Grade - 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.)


  • Thanksgiving School Closures:
  • Early Learning: November 27 & 28 (3:00 p.m. release on November 26)
  • Preschool: November 27 & 28 (Optional Care available on November 24 & 25; 3:00 p.m. release on November 26)
  • Elementary: November 24-28

Take a Break with Adventure Camps


Looking for something fun to do over an upcoming break? Our Adventure Camp is the perfect way for students to explore, learn, and connect with nature!


Campers will hike local trails, help care for animals, and enjoy plenty of time outdoors discovering the wonders of the natural world. Check out the flyer below for all the details!


Sign up today!

LOWER SCHOOL

Helping Preschoolers Understand Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an important holiday that honors the brave men and women who have served in our country’s military. While the full meaning of the day can be difficult for preschoolers to grasp, there are a few familiar ideas that can help them build meaning—bravery, patriotism, and service.


Bravery

Has your preschooler ever had to be brave? Maybe they tried something new, went to the doctor, or helped a friend. Talk about what it feels like to be brave and how different people—like teachers, firefighters, police officers, and family members—also show bravery.


Patriotism

Patriotism can be explained simply as loving our country and celebrating the values that make it special, such as freedom and kindness. You can talk about the flag, sing patriotic songs, or share what you love most about your community and country.


Service

A Veteran is someone who is brave, patriotic, and has served our country through the military. People in the military work to protect our country and keep it free. There are six branches of the military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Veterans may still be serving or may have already completed their service—and many live and work right in our communities!


Veterans Day

Once your child understands these ideas, you can explain that Veterans Day is a special time each year when we celebrate and thank the brave, patriotic people who serve or have served in the military. Encourage your child to think about the values your family treasures, such as freedom, safety, or helping others, and express gratitude for the Veterans who protect them.

Ways to Celebrate


There are many simple ways to honor Veterans Day with your preschooler:

  • Write a thank-you card or draw a picture for a Veteran.
  • Count how many American flags you see while out running errands.
  • Attend a local parade or ceremony.
  • Look for patriotic symbols like stars or eagles.
  • Learn a patriotic song together.


Books like Hero Dad, Hero Mom, H is for Honor: A Military Family Alphabet, Lil' Army Soldier, and Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood are wonderful stories to share!


Explaining Veterans Day doesn't have to be complicated. By connecting it to concepts your preschooler already understands, you can help them honor the courage and service of our nation's heroes in a meaningful way.


UPPER SCHOOL

Shine Bright: Introducing Our

Positive Referral Program

We’re excited to celebrate all the wonderful choices our students make every day! Starting this month, teachers and staff will be awarding Positive Behavior Referrals, recognizing students who go above and beyond to show kindness, respect, responsibility, and perseverance.


When a student earns a Positive Behavior Referral, Mrs. Danielle will send home a special note so families can share in the celebration! These referrals can be awarded for helping a classmate, showing great effort, following school expectations, or helping make our school a happy place to be.



We believe that what we focus on grows—and we want to grow positivity, kindness, and community pride. Be on the lookout for those bright smiles and happy notes from Mrs. Danielle!

Here are some examples of “Above and Beyond” Behavior:



  • Helping a classmate without being asked
  • Showing perseverance and great effort when something is difficult
  • Following classroom expectations even when others are not
  • Standing up for a friend or demonstrating leadership


How it Works


Students who go above and beyond will receive a Positive Behavior Referral, which includes:


  • A visit to Mrs. Danielle’s office for a reward
  • A positive phone call home
  • Recognition during the Flag Ceremony


We can't wait to recognize our incredible students!


WELLNESS CORNER

Mental Health Moment of the Week: The Importance of Expressing Emotions


Emotions help us understand ourselves, the world around us, and the people we care about. When we can name and share our feelings, it becomes easier to connect with others in meaningful ways.


Set aside time this week to notice three emotions you’ve experienced, and invite your child to explore the feelings they notice in different places throughout their day.

Note from Nurse Chelsea


Herbal Helpers


Why it matters: Gentle herbs may soothe kids and provide natural immune support.


Tips for parents:

  • Chamomile Tea - Enjoy a cooled cup before bed for relaxation.
  • Elderberry Syrup - This common cold/flu season remedy can help keep kids healthy. (Check with your pediatrician first.)
  • Mint Steam - Put a few mint leaves in hot water and breathe in. The steam helps open airways.
  • Rosehip Tea - This tea is packed with vitamin C and has a mild, kid-friendly taste.


Eat the Rainbow: Brown rice, it's whole lotta nice!


Lower school students continue learning through Collage's Eat the Rainbow program. Students are exploring foods by color each month. This month's color is brown.


Learn more about brown rice :


  • Nutrient Spotlight: Brown rice is rich in whole grains, fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins.


  • Health Benefits: It keeps tummies full longer, supports heart health, and gives steady energy for learning and play.


  • Kid-Friendly Tip: Mix into stir-fries, serve with beans, or make rice cups by adding a spoonful to a muffin tin with cheese and veggies.


We encourage families to join in at home. Let's all make healthy eating fun and colorful!

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

www.collagedayschool.org