Getting Ready For SEDP
Now that you are registered to attend the Southborough Extended Day Program, it may be helpful to consider the following suggestion:
1. Bring weather appropriate clothes. Weather permitting, students will spend time outdoors. In cold weather, be sure to bring boots, snow pants, hats, mittens and warm coats. If you are coming for the summer program, don’t forget your bathing suit, a towel, sunscreen and goggles!
2. Label all of your items, including clothing, sunscreen, water bottles, coats or any other items from home you may bring with you.
3. Make sure you have notified your teacher and the school that you will be attending SEDP. A simple note telling them the days attending and any other instructions will do the trick.
4. If you have any special needs such as dietary or medical, please be sure to send a note into SEDP so that we can be sure they are met.
5. An open mind is important! Sometimes students feel a little nervous about changes to their schedules. Remember, there are lots of super nice teachers that help students with the transition to SEDP. Keep an open mind and ask for help if you need it.
Sometimes students will start SEDP with friends from their grade. Other times, there may not be anyone your child knows enrolled. Making friends is not always easy…. but everyone can make friends. Try these tips for forming friendships:
1. Make a short list of the types of activities you like to do and ask other kids what they like to do. Compare your interests or try something new together.
2. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone new. Tell them your name and ask others what their names are.
3. Compliment someone on something, such as an outfit, their artwork, their backpack or other talent.
4. Greet people each time you see them. Smile and say hello.
5. Invite others to play with you.
6. Ask to be included in games or activities with other kids. If you are feeling shy, ask an adult to help you join in with a group of kids.
7. Never be mean to anyone, even if they make you REALLY mad. Be calm and walk away from someone when they aren’t acting nicely.
8. Make playdates outside of school or SEDP so that you can get to know each other better.
9. Watch how other kids interact with each other and observe how friends talk with each other.
10. Help someone out. If you notice someone who needs assistance with something, offer to help him or her.
Tips for Dealing with Bullies in School
SEDP works hard to encourage a safe environment for all students and does not tolerate bullying of any type. We can’t, however, control what occurs outside of SEDP and we try to help students cope with experiences of all types. Hopefully your child will never experience a bully, but you should be prepared to offer them tips in case they do encounter this difficult scenario at school or somewhere else.
1. Bullies will abuse you until someone says, “that’s enough.” If you can’t say the words, than tell someone who can. All bullies are the same no matter how old they are. Unless someone tells them to stop they believe what they are doing is ok.
2. Travel with a group. When you are with a group bullies lose their courage because they are afraid of what the group could do if they chose to stand up and take action.
3. Ask for help. If you feel like you can’t go to a friend or adult and verbally ask them for help, try writing a short note that names the bully and what you don’t like about the way you are being treated.
4. Violence isn’t the solution. Using violence puts everyone in danger, including you.
Tips for Staying Healthy
Schools are breeding grounds for germs and kids are bound to get sick from time to time. Here are some tips for staying healthy during cold and flu season:
1. Wash Hands!
Frequent hand washing is a must if you hope to keep germs at bay. Viruses and bacteria can live for hours on surfaces touched by an infected person. Then they are transferred to the next healthy person to come along. Wash your hands vigorously with soap and warm water for 10-15 seconds.
2. Don't Touch your Nose and Mouth
Germs love to find warm, moist places to grow! Keep your hands away from your face so that you don’t accidentally give those germs a home in your nose or mouth!
3. Use Hand Sanitizers
Soap and water are the best way to wash away germs, but when you can’t use them, hand sanitizers are a good option.
4. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough
Turn your head and cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow rather than the palm of your hand to avoid the spread of germs.
5. Stay home if you are sick!
If you are sick, please stay home until you are well.
6. Take care of your body
Get plenty of sleep. Exercise to increase the body's virus-killing cells. Eat healthy foods with lots of vitamins, like colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains and yogurt. Drink lots of fluids. All of these activities will keep your body in good shape to fight germs!
Homework Tips
SEDP provides time for students to work on homework at the program. Here are some tips to help your student with their homework no matter where they get it completed:
1. Establish a routine and schedule for homework, for example, set a specific time and place and adhere to the schedule as closely as possible.
2. Limit distractions during homework hours, for example, reduce unnecessary noise and activity.
3. Assist your child in dividing assignments into smaller parts that are more manageable, for example read the directions together.
4. Praise and compliment your child when he or she puts forth good effort