Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Reading Buddies!

We all know it's important to read to children in their baby, toddler, and preschool years, but South Arbor's school-age children are benefiting as well.

I'm referring to the weekly Reading Buddy Program that the 7th and 2nd graders take part in.  Here are some buddies reading to each other.

The smiles!


The books!



The love of learning!



The Green Team is especially pleased because many of the books had an earth friendly theme.  Therefore this community-building, literacy-promoting activity will also help us work toward our Green School Status.



Thanks, reading buddies!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Best kept secret: the uniform exchange!

Did you know that there is a free and easy way to trade uniform clothes at South Arbor?

Yes, it's true! There is a Uniform Exchange Bin in the Parent Room.


When your child is in need of a few items to round out that school wardrobe, simply take a few minutes and look in the bins for an item you could use.  Similarly, when your youngest has outgrown those dress code clothes, consider paying it forward and dropping them off in the bins.




The Uniform Exchange is a great way to participate in the South Arbor community in a quiet, subtle way, perfect for the introverts among us.  Additionally, it can help keep your household clothing costs down, thereby freeing up your family funds for other necessities (the college savings fund, perhaps?)

more Uniform Exchange bins under the bulletin board


Did you know that it takes about 660 gallons of water to make just one tee shirt (according to  waterfootprint.org)? Imagine how many resources it takes to produce an entire dress code wardrobe.  So exchanging uniform clothes is certainly green as well, even if the clothes you end up leaving are khaki and navy.

Let the secret of the Uniform Exchange be secret no longer!




Career awareness bonus: cotton farmer, textiles designer, seamstress/tailor, clothing retailer, water management employee, environmental researcher, financial advisor, student loan officer