DISCOVERY CENTER GAZETTE
March 2024
What's Happening at
The Discovery Center
"Marching in March..."
March is an exciting month at TDC as we continue taking steps in our new journey—nature-based learning (NBL)!
So, what is NBL? Great question! Nature-based learning uses the outdoors and natural materials as a foundation for teaching, helping children build skills and knowledge through active, hands-on exploration. With activities like gardening, composting, nature walks, collecting leaves, and observing wildlife, children experience how things grow and change in real time. NBL fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and environmental awareness, allowing children to develop an understanding of how ecosystems co-exist while sparking a love for learning.
Many parents have asked how traditional academics fit with NBL. “Will my child still learn numbers and letters?” Absolutely! Think of NBL as the engaging framework where reading, writing, math, science, and social studies come to life through real-world exploration and discovery. We’re thrilled to see the growth and enthusiasm this approach brings!
"Jobs in the real world are interdisciplinary. We need to educate children in how subjects integrate and work together. They need to develop diverse skills sets and a passion for exploration and growth. We don’t need children to memorize random facts anymore. We have so many facts at our finger tips now…Instead it [education] is about learning how to think critically and evaluate information. How to apply knowledge, research and skills to problem solve.” Shelley Brewer - STEAM Powered Family
Your child's specific activities for the month are posted outside the classroom door, as well as shared via Brightwheel messaging.
The Discovery Center
"Marching in March..."
March is an exciting month at TDC as we continue taking steps in our new journey—nature-based learning (NBL)!
So, what is NBL? Great question! Nature-based learning uses the outdoors and natural materials as a foundation for teaching, helping children build skills and knowledge through active, hands-on exploration. With activities like gardening, composting, nature walks, collecting leaves, and observing wildlife, children experience how things grow and change in real time. NBL fosters curiosity, problem-solving, and environmental awareness, allowing children to develop an understanding of how ecosystems co-exist while sparking a love for learning.
Many parents have asked how traditional academics fit with NBL. “Will my child still learn numbers and letters?” Absolutely! Think of NBL as the engaging framework where reading, writing, math, science, and social studies come to life through real-world exploration and discovery. We’re thrilled to see the growth and enthusiasm this approach brings!
"Jobs in the real world are interdisciplinary. We need to educate children in how subjects integrate and work together. They need to develop diverse skills sets and a passion for exploration and growth. We don’t need children to memorize random facts anymore. We have so many facts at our finger tips now…Instead it [education] is about learning how to think critically and evaluate information. How to apply knowledge, research and skills to problem solve.” Shelley Brewer - STEAM Powered Family
Your child's specific activities for the month are posted outside the classroom door, as well as shared via Brightwheel messaging.
Literacy Corner
Did you know that children begin their path to reading as babies when they hear and respond to the sound of a human voice? Check out Grand Rapids Resources for Early Literacy 2025 - Everyday Steps to Reading
https://parents.grps.org/article/resources-for-early-literacy-2025/
STEAM Home Activity of the Month
With some sunshine peeking through, enjoy some outdoor time with your little in your yard, around your neighborhood, or at the park while engaging in a nature scavenger hunt! Using the checklist and marker provided, find as many of the items on the list as possible and mark them off.
Choose a couple of your child's great finds, and take a few pictures. If you're feeling brave, allow your little take a photo of YOU with a great find! You can even add some of your treasures to your bag to return with your checklist.
Please forward photos to Ms. Terrie (email: [email protected] or text:817-239-8625).
Checklists and photos will be displayed in the main hallway on the Home-School Connection board.
STEAM Bags will be available for pick-up from the front desk on Monday, 3/17. Please send in photos and return bags by Monday, 3/31.
STEAM activities incorporate many higher level thinking skills including: investigating, discovering, making connections, creating and reflecting
With some sunshine peeking through, enjoy some outdoor time with your little in your yard, around your neighborhood, or at the park while engaging in a nature scavenger hunt! Using the checklist and marker provided, find as many of the items on the list as possible and mark them off.
Choose a couple of your child's great finds, and take a few pictures. If you're feeling brave, allow your little take a photo of YOU with a great find! You can even add some of your treasures to your bag to return with your checklist.
Please forward photos to Ms. Terrie (email: [email protected] or text:817-239-8625).
Checklists and photos will be displayed in the main hallway on the Home-School Connection board.
STEAM Bags will be available for pick-up from the front desk on Monday, 3/17. Please send in photos and return bags by Monday, 3/31.
STEAM activities incorporate many higher level thinking skills including: investigating, discovering, making connections, creating and reflecting
March Holiday Closures and Observances
Holiday Closures:
None
Observances:
3/1 Ramadan begins
3/3 Read Across America Week begins (Dr. Seuss' birthday)
3/8 International Women's Day
3/9 Daylight Savings Time
3/14 Holi
3/17 St. Patrick's Day (Wear Green Day)
3/20 1st Day of Spring
3/20 International Day of Happiness
3/21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
3/31 César Chávez Day
3/31 Eid al-Fitr
None
Observances:
3/1 Ramadan begins
3/3 Read Across America Week begins (Dr. Seuss' birthday)
3/8 International Women's Day
3/9 Daylight Savings Time
3/14 Holi
3/17 St. Patrick's Day (Wear Green Day)
3/20 1st Day of Spring
3/20 International Day of Happiness
3/21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
3/31 César Chávez Day
3/31 Eid al-Fitr
March Birthdays
|
03/20 Miss Evelyn 03/29 Elle 03/31 Noah |
Reminders and Updates
(NEW) - It is that time of year... time to send back rainsuits, rainboots and cold weather wear such as jackets, hats and gloves. We will be enjoying lots of outdoor time, so please make sure your child has these items in their cubby for daily use.
(NEW) - Not sure what to do with siblings when school is out this summer? TDC is offering school-age camps for grades K-3! Enrollment is limited to 10 campers, so please message via Brightwheel if you are interested in your child attending. Watch for camp pricing, dates and times, as well as themes and activities, later this month. Please note, enrollment will be opened publicly on 3/31.
Update - After a short break, and many parents and children asking "WHEN???", ENRICHMENT IS BACK starting in April! Due to provider rates and student materials needed, the new monthly enrichment rate is $85. This allows your child to participate in all enrichment activities throughout the month. Enrichment fees will be reflected on your April billing cycle. If you choose for your child to not participate in enrichment, please message via Brightwheel no later than 3/24 to ensure your billing is updated. *Children not participating in enrichment will spend time in an alternate class when their respective class is participating.
Reminder - Please make sure your child arrives to school no later than 10am. This allows for him/her to participate in morning routines, as well as core literacy and math morning activities, establishing the "flow" for their entire day. In addition, changes to daily staffing needs are made at this time, and exceptions cannot be made regarding teacher:student ratios. Parents MUST sign their child in and out each day utilizing the Brightwheel app.
Reminder - TDC operational hours are 8am-6pm, Monday through Friday (5:30pm - infants). A $15 fee will be assessed for any child picked up after 6pm, with additional fees after 6:15pm.
Reminder - Please check your child's cubby to ensure there are two *full sets of clothes that are size and season appropriate. Any miscellaneous clothing should be taken home.
*Full set includes: pants, shirts, underwear and socks.
(NEW) - Not sure what to do with siblings when school is out this summer? TDC is offering school-age camps for grades K-3! Enrollment is limited to 10 campers, so please message via Brightwheel if you are interested in your child attending. Watch for camp pricing, dates and times, as well as themes and activities, later this month. Please note, enrollment will be opened publicly on 3/31.
Update - After a short break, and many parents and children asking "WHEN???", ENRICHMENT IS BACK starting in April! Due to provider rates and student materials needed, the new monthly enrichment rate is $85. This allows your child to participate in all enrichment activities throughout the month. Enrichment fees will be reflected on your April billing cycle. If you choose for your child to not participate in enrichment, please message via Brightwheel no later than 3/24 to ensure your billing is updated. *Children not participating in enrichment will spend time in an alternate class when their respective class is participating.
Reminder - Please make sure your child arrives to school no later than 10am. This allows for him/her to participate in morning routines, as well as core literacy and math morning activities, establishing the "flow" for their entire day. In addition, changes to daily staffing needs are made at this time, and exceptions cannot be made regarding teacher:student ratios. Parents MUST sign their child in and out each day utilizing the Brightwheel app.
Reminder - TDC operational hours are 8am-6pm, Monday through Friday (5:30pm - infants). A $15 fee will be assessed for any child picked up after 6pm, with additional fees after 6:15pm.
Reminder - Please check your child's cubby to ensure there are two *full sets of clothes that are size and season appropriate. Any miscellaneous clothing should be taken home.
*Full set includes: pants, shirts, underwear and socks.
