ACADEMIC YEAR SCHEDULING & OPTIONS:

There are a few scheduling options for playschool:

M W F, Tu Th or M-F; either full days from 8:00 am until 3/3:30 pm or half days until 11:30 am.

Kindergarten through 3rd grade is a full day Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 3/3:30 pm. 

Kindergartners and elementary student should arrive between 8:00 and 8:15 am, preschoolers should arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 am.

Afternoon pickup is between 3:00 and 3:30 pm. 

Extended days are available until 4:30 pm upon request.

Research our rates here.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

Saplings will use better judgement when it comes to school cancellations. Typically, when WRSD cancels or delays school, Saplings does as well. [If WRSD switches over to remote learning, the call will come directly from SFNP.] All alerts are sent through Brightwheel. The exception to the rule is if the cancellation or delay is due to temperatures and not travel conditions. If it’s not safe to drive, we do not want you or your child on the road. If Saplings cancels school, you will not be charged. 

If the temperature is too cold (which is much colder by our standards), then we will be in. On such days it is of utmost importance that you pack extra mittens and wool socks and a full set of long wool undergarments. Days where the “real feel” temperature is in the single digits or below, we will start our mornings inside instead of out.

If there are strong winds, we will not be able to be under the canopy and must find an open area to explore or spend more time in the classrooms.

How to effectively layer up and stay warm in winter:

BASE LAYER (warmth and moisture control): The goal of the base layer is to regulate temperature by moving perspiration away from the skin. The base layer should fit close to the body, be a soft, comfortable, natural fabric, such as Merino wool. These fabrics wick away moisture, breathe, don’t itch and can be worn multiple times between washes. AVOID COTTON, which retains sweat, leaving one chilly. Look for long underwear sets or tights and tee shirts. Your child can wear these in the schoolhouse or yurt comfortably and be ready to go out in minutes. 

MID LAYER (insulation): The goals of the mid layer is to retain heat. Wool sweaters, classic fleeces and goose down are the best options for the mid layer. These have the best warmth-to-weight ratios, so your child will still be able to move and not look like the abominable snowman. 

OUTER LAYER (weather protection): The goal of the outer layer is to keep the wind and water out, but also breathe. Waterproof, breathable shells are the BEST option. For the amount of times we’ll be in and out during each day, a non-breathable shell would be suitable as well. 

If our children are warm and dry, they will have great success during these colder, snowy months. They’ll be healthier because they’ll be spending more time in the sun and they hopefully won’t acquire the hatred of winter that so many of us grownups have! Quality winter gear is PRICELESS!

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