SCHOOL NEWS jaya leslie named top teacher by oc parenting

Congratulations to Fairmont Preparatory Academy teacher, Ms. Jaya Leslie, for being selected as one of OC Parenting magazine's top teachers of Orange County. Read her feature article below:

Jaya Leslie - “Teaching biology is my passion. My goal is to sustain my students’ sense of wonder while teaching them how to study the world around them. Being recognized for this work is truly an honor.”

Fairmont Preparatory Academy (Anaheim) – 11^th and 12^th Grade

Mrs. Jaya Leslie teaches Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Biology; Honors Human Anatomy and Physiology; Advanced Placement Environmental Science; and Biomedical Ethics, Research Theory & Experimental Design at Fairmont Preparatory Academy. She engages her students by teaching science concepts using hands-on demonstrations and experiments. She provides exposure to real-world science lab work and research that most students would not experience until college,” said Bob Tran, Fairmont’s Marketing Manager. “She can often be found on campus late into the evening holding office hours and impromptu discussions with students about anything from homework to future career goals. A true academic, Mrs. Leslie earned her B.S. at UC Irvine and her M.S. at Stanford University. She started her career in the field working as a Research Scientist. She sees her knowledge as simply something to share in order to inspire the next generation of learners.

Source: OC Parenting Magazine

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

A TO Z healthy playrooms

Whether your child’s playroom is a special corner of the house, or the entire basement, make sure it’s a healthy and safe environment with the following tips from Washington Toxics Coalition: 

Choose hard, smooth surface floors that are easy to clean. Kids play primarily on the floor, so make it a healthy material like solid wood, bamboo, cork, and linoleum. If glues or finishes are required, choose ones that do not contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and follow directions carefully.  Choose area rugs made of natural materials like wool or jute instead of wall-to-wall carpet.

When painting, take precautions if lead-based paint is present, and choose low or no-VOC paint. Protect indoor air quality with safer painting products, and protect your family from any lead dust exposure by using appropriate containment and surface prep methods. 

Choose durable, low-toxic furnishings like solid wood furniture. Avoid particle-board products, typically made with urea-formaldehyde (UF) glues. Steer clear of stain-resistance (Teflon) treatments, and products embedded with antimicrobial chemicals such as Microban. Polyurethane foam may contain toxic flame retardants, so instead choose items stuffed with down, wool, cotton, or polyester.  Avoid products containing PVC, such as inflatable furniture, artificial leather, PVC-coated fabrics, and vinyl furniture covers.

Promote healthy indoor air in your play space and throughout your home.  Keep pollution sources out by avoiding products like harsh cleaners, air fresheners, and pesticides. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to keep humidity low, and fix leaks to avoid mold and moisture issues. Open windows for fresh air when appropriate to increase ventilation.

Use the right tools and tactics for safe cleaning. Clean without harmful chemicals using a HEPA vacuum, damp dust with microfiber or terry cloth rags, and try green cleaning recipes. If your family is generally healthy, the need for disinfecting and sanitizing products is rare. Routine cleaning with plain soap and water is an effective method for removing germs from surfaces. 

Avoid clutter so dust and dirt can be easily cleaned. Using closed containers for toys is a great way to minimize dust and clutter. Label bins and rotate them periodically from storage into the playroom to keep toys manageable and make old favorites “new” again. Choose plastic-free storage options such as solid wood toy chests and bins made of wicker, canvas, and cardboard.

Select safer toys. Avoid toys with PVC (vinyl), a soft flexible plastic commonly found in bath and squeeze toys, inflatables, and dolls. Choose plastic-free toys when possible, especially for young children who frequently put them in their mouths. Look for toys made of unpainted wood, cloth dolls, plush toys, and games or puzzles made of paper. 

Encourage creativity with kid-safe art supplies. Children rarely use art products “as directed,” so make sure your art supplies don’t include harmful ingredients. Avoid solvent-based products like permanent and dry-erase markers, mists from sprays, and dust mixes from clays or paints, all of which are easily inhaled. The label “non-toxic” and the ACMI AP symbols indicate less toxic options, though they still are not always completely safe for kids.

Source: Washington Toxics Coalition

Image credit: Remodelista.com

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER February 7

Highlights from the Week:

Congratulations to the Anaheim Hills Campus DSL Boys Basketball team 

for finishing as League Champions. The Cougars went undefeated all season!

Historic Anaheim Campus JH Girls Basketball Team Finishes Strong

Congratulations to the girls Junior High Basketball team. They advanced through the Tri-Way playoffs to the championship game, finishing as runners-up. Congratulations on a wonderful season! Go Panthers!

      

News + Announcements

NO SCHOOL--President's Day

School will be closed Monday, February 17th in observance of Presidents Day.

Weekly Newsletters
Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

February Lunch Menus

Anaheim Hills Menu - 2nd-8th Grade

Anaheim Hills Menu - P-1st Grade

Historic Anaheim Menu - 1st-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Menu - Kindergarten

Historic Anaheim Preschool Menu

North Tustin Menu - 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Menu - P-K

Contributed by Valerie, Fairmont Private Schools

A TO Z chores for every age

Should I start asking my child to do chores? What chores are appropriate? Most parents struggle with these questions. Helping around the house is a good way for your child to learn responsibility and the importance of hard work.  This list of age-appropriate chores from Focus on the Family can help you put a plan in place to recruit some extra help around the house while teaching your child valuable life skills.

AGES 2 & 3

Personal chores

• Assist in making their beds
• Pick up playthings with your supervision

Family chores

• Take their dirty laundry to the laundry basket
• Fill a pet's water and food bowls (with supervision)
• Help a parent clean up spills and dirt
• Dust

AGES 4 & 5 (children at this age can start using a family chore chart)

Personal chores

• Get dressed with minimal parental help
• Make their bed with minimal parental help
• Bring their things from the car to the house

Family chores

• Set the table with supervision
• Clear the table with supervision
• Help a parent prepare food
• Help a parent carry in the lighter groceries
• Match socks in the laundry
• Answer the phone with parental assistance
• Be responsible for a pet's food and water bowl
• Hang up towels in the bathroom
• Clean floors with a dry mop

AGES 6 & 7

Personal chores

• Make their bed every day
• Brush teeth
• Comb hair
• Choose the day's outfit and get dressed
• Write thank you notes with supervision

Family chores

• Be responsible for a pet's food, water and exercise
• Vacuum individual rooms
• Wet mop individual rooms
• Fold laundry with supervision
• Put their laundry in their drawers and closets
• Put away dishes from the dishwasher
• Help prepare food with supervision
• Empty indoor trash cans
• Answer the phone with supervision

AGES 8 & 9

Personal chores

• Take care of personal hygiene
• Keep bedroom clean
• Be responsible for homework
• Be responsible for belongings
• Write thank you notes for gifts
• Wake up using an alarm clock

Family chores

• Wash dishes
• Wash the family car with supervision
• Prepare a few easy meals on their own
• Clean the bathroom with supervision
• Rake leaves
• Learn to use the washer and dryer
• Put all laundry away with supervision
• Take the trash can to the curb for pick up
• Test smoke alarms once a month with supervision
• Screen phone calls using caller ID and answer when appropriate

Teaching your kids to help around the house is a big part of helping them learn to take care of themselves and an important part of growing up. 

Image credit: Focus on Family

Contributed by Darcy, Fairmont Private Schools

BOOK REPORT love monster

Love Monster

by Rachel Bright

"You  might have noticed that everybody loves kittens and puppies and bunnies.  You know cute, fluffy things. But nobody loves a slightly hairy, I-suppose-a-bit-googly-eyed monster." 

So begins a not-so-average love story by author/illustrator Rachel Bright.  It reminds me a bit of Shel Silverstein's poem, The Missing Piece, for "Monster" is looking for love without success until one day...I won't spoil it for you. 

Suffice it to say, this is sweet story with fabulously witty illustrations that appeals to kids and adults--all of us--who at one point or another have felt unlovable.  It's a timely Valentine read, but I'd argue it's a book worthy of purchasing for the home library.  It's good for soothing the hurt feelings of a boy who didn't get picked for the team or a girl whose bestie has turned out to be a mean girl.  It lets kids know that it's normal to be dismayed by love, but encourages them that things can change in the blink of an eye.

Image credit: www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FRIDAY FOLDER january 31

Highlights from the week:

The annual junior high ski trip was a huge success despite the less-than-stellar snow conditions.

North Tustin Campus Cheer Team Takes First Place

Congratulations to the North Tustin Cheer Team for their big win in the CHEER PROS CalIfornia State Cheer & Dance competition held in Ontario on Sunday, January 26.  The hardworking and spirited team had no trouble rallying a cheer for a First Place finish in their division. Way to go, Eagles!

Technology at Fairmont

The Fairmont Technology Team will be holding a series of parent informational sessions regarding the junior high roll out of iPads in the 2014/2015 school year. Please plan to attend your next campus FPA meeting for more information. If you are unable to attend, campus webinars will be held to provide the information discussed at the on-campus sessions (dates and times to follow). You may also learn more by visiting the PrepTEC website (http://www.fpapreptec.com) and clicking on the link: Junior High 1:1 TEC program.

Weekly Newsletters
Anaheim Hills Campus

Historic Anaheim Campus

North Tustin Campus

January Lunch Menus

Anaheim Hills Menu - 2nd-8th Grade

Anaheim Hills Menu - P-1st Grade

Historic Anaheim Menu - 1st-8th Grade

Historic Anaheim Menu - Kindergarten

Historic Anaheim Preschool Menu

North Tustin Menu - 1st-8th Grade

North Tustin Menu - P-K

Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools

FAIRMONT FIVE diy valentines

Valentine's Day will be here in a few short weeks.  It's soooo easy to grab a box of store-bought cards or a bag of candy but where's the fun in that?!  We love these make-at-home Valentines because they're simple, kid-friendly, and show so much more heart.  Happy crafting!

1. Bag of fish Valentine
2. Broken crayons to colorful hearts
3. Chalkboard Candy Box
4. Doily delights
5. Valentine hand prints

Image credit: Skip to My Lou
Contributed by Danyelle, Fairmont Private Schools