Firefly welcome letter
Welcome to Our Outdoor Nature Based Program
Dear Families,
Welcome! We are so excited to have you and your child join our Outdoor Nature-Based Program at PCC Sylvania.
Our outdoor classroom is a place where children are encouraged to explore, wonder, create, take appropriate risks, and connect with the natural world. Through hands-on experiences outdoors, children will build confidence, independence, curiosity, friendships, and lifelong appreciation for nature.
Throughout our days together, children will have opportunities to explore the forest and natural spaces, observe plants and wildlife, dig in the dirt, create with natural materials, move their bodies, solve problems, and learn through play. We believe some of the most meaningful learning happens when children have the time and freedom to follow their curiosity.
Because we spend all of our time outside we embrace the changing seasons and all the wonderful Pacific Northwest weather that comes with the seasons. Please send your child dressed and prepared for the weather each day, a quick morning check of the weather app is going to be a routine for us all.
Layers:
- Base: this layer touches your skin directly. Its job is to pull sweat away from your body so you stay dry.
- Good materials include: merino wool, or synthetics like polyester.
- Avoid cotton.
- Middle: this layer is your insulation. It traps your body heat to keep you warm.
- Good choices include fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or down and synthetic puffy jackets.
- Outer: this layer is your shell. It blocks wind, rain, and snow.
- Good options include waterproof and windproof jackets, rain bib overalls, sturdy shoes or boots that are waterproof (nothing worse than cold wet feet). We want to make sure every child has what they need to stay warm and dry outdoors. Rain bib overalls are available for any family who needs them – just let us know your child’s size.
- Please be sure the clothing can get wet, muddy, and well loved clothing is encouraged.
- We also need an extra set or 2 of underwear, base layers, and middle layers. In case your child gets too wet, muddy, or cold.
Most importantly, we want our program to be a place where every child feels safe, welcomed, valued, and excited to come to school. We look forward to getting to know your child and partnering with your family throughout the year.
We can’t wait for a year filled with muddy boots, big discoveries, new friendships, laughter, learning, and outdoor adventures.
Welcome to our nature community – we’re so glad you’re here!
Warmly,
The Outdoor Nature-Based Team
Cassie Mahoney (Mentor Teacher)
cassie.mahoney@pcc.edu