Thursday, November 15

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 

Monday, November 12

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, November 9

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

Wednesday, November 7

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 

Monday, November 5

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, November 2

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.

Wednesday, October 31

SHORT STORY halloween



Our Historic Anaheim preschoolers put on a great Halloween show for their parents performing Michael Jackson's Thriller! 

Contributed by Alyssa, Fairmont Private Schools