THE FAIRMONT FIVE educational winter break activities

Winter break is a much needed time for kids to let their minds and bodies relax from the everyday school grind. But if you want to make sure your children stay alert and engaged, here are five places to visit that are both fun and educational.

1. Laguna Beach Art Walk

Visit beautiful Laguna Beach the first Thursday of every month and enjoy a free walk through the town's galleries with Main Beach in the background. Arrive between 6pm and 9pm and a shuttle bus will pick you up from the Laguna Art Museum.

2. Discovery Science Center 

Head to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana to really get your "hands on" some science! Have a blast with more than 100 science exhibits that you can actually touch. Hours during winter break are 9am-6pm and children (ages 3-14) are $12.95 and adults (ages 15+) are $14.95. There is also a yearly family membership for $99.

3. Fullerton Arboretum 

The Fullerton Arboretum is the largest botanical garden in Orange County. It boasts 26 acres with 4,000 unique and unusual plant species from around the world. Enjoy its ponds, streams, and wildlife together as you walk and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful oasis in the city. Visit 7 days a week 8am-4:30pm.

4. Angel Stadium Tour 

For some sports fun take the Angel Stadium Tour. Get behind the scenes and visit the Angels dugout, visitors clubhouse, the press box, and dugout suites. Call in advance to make a reservation. Kids cost $3 and adults $5. 

5. Santa Ana Zoo 

It's always fun to go to the zoo. And we have one right in our backyard. The Santa Ana Zoo focuses on the animals and plants of Central and South America and is known for its extensive primate collection with over a dozen species from around the world. It is open daily from 10am-4pm and costs $10 for adults and $7 for kids.

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

SHORT STORY choc toy drive

On Friday, December 14 Santa Claus led an entourage of Harley Davidson Riders to each of our campuses to pick up Fairmont's CHOC Toy Drive donations. Our children had a blast watching the motorcycles roll in and then going to see Santa. 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FRIDAY FOLDER december 14

Ryan S., Emaad R., Lauren J., and Ozi O., hold down the trumpet section during the 

Historic Anaheim Winter Instrumental Concert on Wednesday. 

Condolences for the Victims of the Connecticut Shooting 

We at Fairmont send our sincere condolences to the victims of the tragic Connecticut school shooting. We mourn those students' and teachers' lives that were lost in this terrible act of violence. We would like to ensure our Fairmont parents that your children's safety at school continues to be our utmost priority, and we thank you, as always, for entrusting us with the education of your child.

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

December Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

SNACK TIME cures for the common cold

On average, children have six to eight colds per year. As flu and cold season approaches, it may be wise to stock up on some old time remedies and maybe introduce some new ones. Though you can't actually "cure" a cold, you can improve the way you feel with some simple foods --- see below for some tips that may be worth your while.

Chicken soup is a traditional favorite that has been used to soothe colds and the flu as far back as the 12th century.  Studies have shown that chicken soup can ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including congestion, stuffy nose and cough. Hot fluids also help to keep nasal passages moist, prevent dehydration and soothe a sore throat.

An exotic food once reserved for royalty, mushrooms contain powerful substances including antioxidants and vitamin D that help support the immune system. The majority of mushrooms contain immune building compounds but the Maitake and King Trumpet variety are especially high in these compounds. Use mushrooms as a pizza topping, add them to an omelet or pasta sauce, or include in soups for virus-fighting benefits.

Laboratory evidence indicates that garlic contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties, however, research proving the effectiveness of garlic against the common cold remains limited. Still, it may be worth a try, especially if garlic-infused foods helps improve a stubborn appetite and gets a child to eat.

Drinking hot tea is soothing to mucous membranes while spicy tea such as ginger tea, may temporarily help “open” nasal passages making it easier to breathe.

Flu and cold season have arrived. Is your kitchen pantry cold-remedy ready?

Image via Discover Magazine 

Contributed by Leslie K. Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD, Nutrition Management Services 

THE FAIRMONT FIVE playful gift ideas

The holiday season is here!  Are you feeling the pressure?  I can't help with everything on your to-do list, but I'm happy to let you in on a secret we recently pinned to our Pinterest board (the cutest holiday gift guides for kids you'll find anywhere south of the North Pole).  Whether you're shopping for a budding scientist or a ballerina-to-be, you'll get plenty of great ideas for gifts that delight this season and for many moons to come.  Here are a few themes to guide you:

1. Play
2. Read
3. Music
4. Imagine
5. Scientists and Explorers

Photo from A Lovely Lark

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER december 7

Anaheim Hills Preschool Sing Along 

North Tustin Cheerleaders Take 1st Place in Regional Championship

Highlights From This Week

Congratulations North Tustin Cheerleaders! 

For the second year in a row, our North Tustin Cheerleaders have won first place in the Southern California Regional Championship! Now they will move on to the state and possibly national level to continue competing.  We are wishing them lots of L-U-C-K! 

CHOC Toy Drive 

The spirit of the holiday season is underway, and our Annual Toy Drive kicked off this week. We would appreciate if you could help us by donating a toy for a boy or a girl who is at CHOC - Children's Hospital of Orange County. These children would truly benefit from receiving a special gift on Christmas morning and all year long. You can drop your donation off at your campus now until December 14th. The toys will be picked up by the Orange Coast Harley Davidson's Chapter. They will come to all of our campuses on Friday, December 14th via motorcycles! Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Winter Concerts 

The holidays are just around the corner, and our campuses are all abuzz with holiday cheer! Our annual winter concerts have begun, and they've been a great success so far! You can read re-caps of the 1st and 2nd Grade Performances at the Historic Anaheim Campus and the Preschool Sing Along at the Anaheim Hills Campus (pictured above) in this week's newsletters. 

We still have lots of performances coming up! Check out your campus' newsletter for the dates and times.  

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

December Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

SNACK TIME rudolph sandwiches

The holiday season is a great time to add a little fun to your child's days! Make a winter break lunch extra special by serving up these Rudolph Sandwiches. They look fancy, but don't worry you probably already have all the ingredients on hand. 

What you need:

-fixings for a sandwich

-heart shaped cookie cutter

-candy coated chocolate candy (M&M's)

-pretzels 

Steps: 

1. Make your sandwich according to your child's taste (PB&J is recommended but you could also use grilled cheese). 
2. Use your cookie cutter to cut out the heart shape.
3. Put the pretzels at the two curves of the heart partially inside the sandwich so the peanut butter or melted cheese will help them stay in place. 
4. Place the candy eyes and make sure to use a red candy for the nose so your reindeer can be Rudolph!

Serve this special lunch as a surprise or let your little one get involved.  The important part is that you are making memories! 

Image from And Everything Sweet 

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools 

BULLETIN BOARD: holiday cheer

'Tis the season to be jolly! Ring in the holidays with these festive crafts, decor, and treats. 

1. DIY Button Wreath 2. Resourceful Trader Joes Gift Wrap 3. Natural Christmas Tablescape 4. Creative Mitten Advent Calendar 5. Reindeer Cake Pops 6. Snowflake Gingerbread 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER november 30

Students at our Anaheim Hills Campus give thanks for their Thanksgiving Feast! 

Highlights From This Week

CHOC Toy Drive 

The spirit of the holiday season is underway, and our Annual Toy Drive kicked off this week. We would appreciate if you could help us by donating a toy for a boy or a girl who is at CHOC - Children's Hospital of Orange County. These children would truly benefit from receiving a special gift on Christmas morning and all year long. You can drop your donation off at your campus now until December 14th. The toys will be picked up by the Orange Coast Harley Davidson's Chapter. They will come to all of our campuses on Friday, December 14th via motorcycles! Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Winter Concerts 

The holidays are just around the corner, and our campuses are all abuzz with holiday cheer! We are gearing up for our annual winter concerts on each campus to showcase our students' musical talents. We invite all of our parents to join us for these special shows. Please check your campus' weekly newsletter for specific times and grade levels. 

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

December Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

ARTS & CRAFTS creative gift wrapping

There are those for whom gift-wrapping is a tedious, time-consuming holiday chore.  For me, it's like being an elf in Santa's workshop. I love finding fun, unique ways to make even the most meager gifts seem extra special. With a few simple, inexpensive materials you can elevate your gifts to one-of-a-kind works of art. Here's some inspiration pulled from Fairmont's Pinterest boards:

• Rainbow wrap using yarn
• Paper snowflake gift wrap
• Chalkboard gift wrap (great for teacher gifts)
• Silhouette packages
• Fortune cookie package toppers
• Japanese inspired gift wrap

Photo from Pinterest 

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE community service for kids

There are plenty of reasons to despair of the future, but I'm filled with hope and wonder when I spend a little time connecting with kids. They are amazing! 

Just the other night I was watching a 60 Minutes segment that featured the founder of Free the Children, Craig Kielburger, a young man who was struck by the injustice of child slavery back when he was in 7th grade and since has built a successful charity empowering kids to change the world. 

Kielburger's story is inspiring...and humbling at the same time. Saving kids from poverty and lives of servitude proved much harder in practice than in theory, but he didn't give up. He resisted the temptation to become apathetic, a pitfall that keeps many adults (myself included) from getting involved in any number of worthwhile causes.

This holiday season, I hope you will be inspired by this story, as I have been, and will give giving back another chance. You can create a home that inspires your kids to be a part of something much bigger than themselves. Here's how:

1. Make community service part of your family's mission statement--It's easy to say that giving back is important, but when you put it in writing you're more likely to stick with it.  Sit down as a family and write a "mission statement" that makes community service a priority. 
2. Incorporate charitable gift-giving into your holiday traditions--Work with your kids to clean out the closets, the pantry or the garage and donate usable goods to those in need.  You won't have to look far to find a cause eager for donations this time of year.
3. Shop for gifts that go to support important causes--Not sure what to give loved ones this holiday season?  Hop online with the kids and let them help you shop for gifts that give back.  Check out these suggestions from Harper's Bazaar.
4. Let the kids stage their own charitable event--How about a hot cocoa stand, a gift-wrapping service or a cookie party?  Children develop leadership and organizational skills and experience pride of ownership when they dream up their own way to give back.
5. Plan a volunteer vacation--If you really want to take your volunteerism to the next level, plan a service-oriented family vacation for the New Year.  Cross-cultural Solutions offers working trips to destinations around the world.

Photo from Free the Children

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

SNACK TIME harvest fruits and veggies

Can You Name Fall Harvest Fruits and Vegetables?

In Southern CA, the mild winter climate and warm sun make fall harvest vegetables easy to grow and available all year round, but some fruits and vegetables actually prefer a cool climate. Read on for a list of produce that peak during the fall and winter months in Southern California.

Apples – Most apples become ripe in the fall when the weather is cool. Do you know your apple varieties? Late autumn apples include the sweet and crunchy Fuji, Gala, Golden and Red Delicious. On a more sour note, look for McIntosh and Granny Smith, perfect for pie baking too!

Broccoli - A cold hardy vegetable, this Mediterranean native is a member of the mustard family. Eaten raw or cooked and loaded with nutrients, gardeners plant broccoli from December to February in the inland valleys. 

Greens - Leafy greens, such as kale, mustard greens, Swiss chard and spinach thrive in the Inland Valley. Greens are loaded with beta-carotene, vitamin C and fiber, and can be used in a stir-fry, soups or salads.

Root crops such as beets, cabbage, carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips and radishes range in flavor from slightly sweet to bitter to spicy! Turnip and beet tops can be used in salads and the bottoms (the roots) can be roasted, baked or boiled.

Roasting root vegetables develops their full flavor. Boiling root vegetables and mashing with a bit of butter makes for a creamy comfort food. Experiment with a variety of vegetables for a plate full of color, texture and flavors. Enjoy!

Contributed by Leslie K. Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD, Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services

Image via The Daily Green 

SHORT STORY travel week

This month, our Historic Anaheim 7th Graders had the adventure of a lifetime journeying to Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona for Travel Week! 

The students enjoyed learning about nature during incredible hikes in Bryce.

Our So Cal natives loved experiencing true winter weather and seeing snow on the mountains. 

Excitement was in the air on the day of our visit to the Grand Canyon! 

The views were stunning! 

We marveled at the beauty while enjoying a peaceful lunch in the canyon.

Contributed by Jamie & Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FRIDAY FOLDER november 16

First Kindergarten Field Trip to Centennial Farms! 

Highlights From This Week

Thanksgiving Break 

Don't forget that all Fairmont students are off school Wednesday, November 21-Friday, November 23 for Thanksgiving Break. Wednesday is a teacher in-service day for all of our teachers, and Thursday and Friday are our traditional Thanksgiving holidays. We hope you all have a wonderful time celebrating with your family and friends! 

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving on campus early in the week. There will be a Thanksgiving Feast at the Historic Anaheim Preschool on Monday, November 19. And the Historic Anaheim, Anaheim Hills, and North Tustin Campuses will enjoy their feasts on Tuesday, November 20! We hope to see many parents there to celebrate with us. 

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

November Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

babysitters...A to Z

Quality time away from the kids is essential for every relationship, but it can be very difficult to feel comfortable leaving your children with a sitter. Here are some helpful tips from OC Family for creating a positive babysitter experience:


1. Make a comprehensive babysitting manual in advance. Instead of scribbling down notes at the last minute, put all the important information in one place and let the babysitter know where it is when he or she arrives. Be sure to include emergency contact information, including you doctor's name and phone number. 

2. Make copies of your children’s insurance cards, along with a release form. This is another thing to keep in the babysitting folder along with the manual. Hopefully, it will never be needed, but if there is an emergency, your babysitter has the insurance info as well as a release form that gives him/her permission to seek treatment for the children in your absence.

3. Have the babysitter arrive about a half hour before you leave the house. This is helpful on two fronts: It allows you to have a few child-free minutes to get ready for your date, and it’s also a good way to make sure that you have time to answer any of your babysitter’s questions. This is especially true with a new sitter, who might need a tour of the house and a little more time to ask questions.

4. Explain your plans for the evening to your kids well before the babysitter arrives. The last thing you want to do is ambush them with the news that they’re having a sitter just as she walks through the door. 

5. When it is time to go, leave quickly. Lingering can give the kids the idea that they might be able to convince you to stay. It's best to say quick goodbyes and scoot out so the babysitter can take over. 

6. Get your babysitter on the same page with the house rules. Kids seem to always test the rules with new adults, so make sure your babysitter is armed with knowledge of your rules so he or she doesn't allow the kids to break them. Important things to go over are your rules on sweets and screen time. 

7. Keep bedtime consistent. Again, kids will always push the boundaries with someone new, so be sure to tell your babysitter when bedtime is and that it is a non-negotiable. 

8. Leave the guilt at home. Regular date nights are important for a relationship, and they can also be beneficial to children. It is nice for kids to see you making your relationship and your time a priority. Kids need to know that the world does not revolve around them, and that you have a life full of your own interests and passions. But more than that, it’s important for you to get away and let your brain be free from the constant multitasking that is motherhood – at least for a few hours.

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

Image via Texas Babysitters

ARTS & CRAFTS wax paper leaves

Fall in Southern California is beautiful--but it "leaves" something to be desired (pun intended) if you're used to the dramatic reds, yellows and oranges of traditional fall foliage.  So, if you're yearning for fall in New England you may have to do-it-yourself by way of this fun technique that uses an iron, wax paper and bits of broken crayons to craft colorful translucent leaves.  Your kids can do most of the work, but you'll have to pitch in for the ironing. The upside: you get a house full of beautiful fall leaves without any raking!  Check out the step-by-step instructions.

Photo from the V and Co blog

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER november 9

Highlights From This Week

Election Day 

Tuesday was a historic day in American history, marking the 2012 presidential election. Students at all of our campuses learned about the American election process. Our preschoolers practiced voting for something that was meaningful to them, like what they wanted for snack. Our elementary and junior high students learned more about the details of the election, including the right to vote and the difference between the popular vote and the electoral college. The Anaheim Hills 5th graders even organized a mock election on campus! 

Veteran's Day 

We would like to remind you that Fairmont is honoring Veteran's Day on Monday, November 12, 2012, and school will be closed. We hope you enjoy this day with your family and spend some time remembering our veterans and recognizing their service to our country. Here are a few ideas for celebrating: 

1. Brush up on your Veterans Day history with a quick video
2. Test your Veterans Day recall with an online quiz
3. Read poigniant veteran-related poems like In Flander's Fields
4. Donate to top-rated veteran causes
5. Have fun with hands-on Veterans Day activities

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

November Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools

SHORT STORY election day

Our Historic Anaheim preschoolers spent Election Day learning about America's voting process and practicing their right to vote in our very own voting booths! 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

BULLETIN BOARD autumn accents

Just like that, November is here--along with some cooler weather and fall leaves sprinkling the sidewalks! Take full advantage of the autumn season with these festive ideas:

1. This turkey-inspired popcorn bag is the perfect centerpiece for any kid's table. 2. The little ones will love these fall reads. 3. Re purpose your corn husks to make these dolls with your little girls. 4. Who needs caramel apples when you have these mini caramel grapes? 5. DIY Fall Leaf Cards can be used to play Odd Leaf Out or Go Fish. 6. Looking for an alternative to the Thanksgiving family football game? How about squash pin bowling?! 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools 

FRIDAY FOLDER november 2

Highlights From This Week

Halloween 

We had a wonderful time celebrating Halloween on campus with all of our little ghosts and pumpkins! The Anaheim Hills students (pictured above) loved showing off their costumes in the annual costume parade. The Historic Anaheim Preschool wowed parents and grandparents with their performance of Michael Jackson's Thriller, and all the Historic Anaheim students loved dressing up for the Halloween Haunt! The North Tustin Campus students AND teachers (pictured above) sported their creative costumes during the annual campus parade. We hope you all had a great time trick-or-treating! 

Historic Anaheim Spelling Bee Champs 

Congratulations to 7th grader Cole W. and 8th grader Patty M. for placing 1st and 2nd, respectively, in the Historic Anaheim 7th and 8th grade Spelling Bee this past Tuesday. Cole's championship word wasmetronome. Both students will advance to the Orange County Spelling Bee where the winner advances to the National Spelling Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.  Congratulations also go out to our 3rd place winners: Michael C., Michael K., and Lauren K. A special thank you goes out to all of our Spelling Bee participants for all their hard work and excellent spelling! 

Good luck at the County Spelling Bee, Cole and Patty!

Fairmont Volleyball Goes Undefeated! 

-Congratulations goes out to the Historic Anaheim Campus DSL Girls Volleyball Team for capturing the Undefeated League Title! Our girls have not lost a game all season long!  

-Congratulations to the Anaheim Hills Tri-Way Girls Volleyball team! They finished the season 11-0 and are the FIRST PLACE team! The Lady Cougars are in the FINALS!! Please come out and cheer them on at TVT in Irvine at 6:30pm Thursday, November 8.

Weekly E-Newsletters 

Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

November Lunch Menus 

Anaheim Hills Preschool-1st Grade

Anaheim Hills 2nd-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool

Historic Anaheim Campus Kindergarten 

Historic Anaheim Campus 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Preschool-Kindergarten

North Tustin 1st-8th Grade

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools