The Weekly Owl

February 20, 2026

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS:

February 20: End of The Kids Heart Challenge

February 26: Living Museum (Building 2 Event)

March 4-5: Elementary/Middle School Spring Pictures

March 2-6: Read Across America. Daily themes to be announced.

March 6: EPCOT Permission Slips are due. (Building 2 event)

March 13-20: Spring Break. Classes resume for Elementary March 23. Optional Care for Tawny and Spotted (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) Classes continue as normal for infants, ones, and two-year-olds.

March 26: International Day

March 31-April 2: Lower School Spring Pictures

Re-enrollment Reminders

Re-enrollment for the upcoming school year is now open. Current families can confirm re-enrollment status through FACTS. This helps us plan class placements, staffing, and resources for next year. To communicate your 2026-2027 decision, please log into your FACTS account and complete all required steps by the designated deadline. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, our office is happy to help.

Summer Camp Registration is Open!

Collage Day School's Summer Camp registration is now open! We have on-site and off-site options available. Each week is a new and exciting theme! Be sure to sign up soon in order to save your child's spot!

Summer Camps - Collage Day School | Ponte Vedra, FL

LOWER SCHOOL

Chinese New Years Activities for the Family

Source: www.hmhco.com

The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated by billions of people of Asian culture each year and is the most significant holiday on the Chinese calendar. It is a 15-day festival with symbolic traditions and rituals that celebrate family, renewal, prosperity, and good fortune. This year it is celebrated February 17-March 3, 2026.

1. House Cleaning Cleaning is an important part of the Chinese New Year traditions. Families clean their homes leading up to the New Year as a way to “sweep away” bad luck from the past year and start fresh. Keep in mind that cleaning on the actual day is discouraged for fear that you will sweep or wash away your good luck! Discuss with your child why cleaning one’s home is an important Chinese New Year tradition. You can also mention that cleaning might emphasize starting the year with a clean slate. Then, consider having your child help you do some cleaning and organizing in your home, and include the whole family.

2. Play Dominoes On (Chinese) New Year’s Eve, children stay up late playing games. The Chinese invented dominoes back in the 12th century, which makes dominoes a fitting game for the holiday. Have your child use dominoes to make patterns, solve basic math problems, or create chain reactions to teach the domino effect.

3. Eat Dumplings and Mandarin Oranges Food and feasting are a major part of the traditions. In particular, the Chinese eat dumplings to symbolize moving away from the old and welcoming the new. Similarly, oranges are eaten because their golden color represents wealth. Make your own dumplings with your child (or buy them) and enjoy some mandarin oranges for dessert.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

You're Invited!

In celebration of Black History Month and Presidents’ Day, students have been working diligently to study influential Black Americans and U.S. Presidents from both the past and present. Each grade level will use their own voices to present facts and share what they have learned about the impact of these important historical figures.

You are invited to join us on Thursday, February 26th, for a walk-through experience in our Hall of Fame Living Museum! To support ease of parking, maintain our normal school schedules, and ensure a smooth experience for all families, we have made slight adjustments to our Living Museum schedule. Please do not park on the grass.

We are excited to welcome families to campus to celebrate our students’ learning during the following times:

Living Museum Schedule

9:00–9:30 – Primary Prep–Kindergarten: Parent class presentations
9:30–10:00 – Primary Prep–1st Grade: Classroom showcase (parents invited to explore)
11:00–11:30 – 1st Grade: Parent class presentations only
1:30–2:00 – 2nd–6th Grade: Classroom showcase (parents invited to explore)
2:00–2:30 – 2nd–6th Grade: Parent class presentations

We look forward to celebrating this special event with you!

MIDDLE SCHOOL

A Look Into Middle School

Our students had an amazing Small Business Day! They showed creativity, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit as they created products, marketed their businesses, and managed their earnings. One of the highlights was giving students the opportunity to shop independently, practice budgeting, and support their classmates. It was wonderful to see their hard work pay off and to watch them encourage one another.

In Social Studies, students have begun learning about the three branches of government — the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. They are exploring how each branch works, the system of checks and balances, and why this structure is important to our country. We’re excited to see them making real-world connections as they build their civic knowledge!

In P.E., students have been having a blast playing whiffle ball! They’ve been practicing teamwork, sportsmanship, and coordination while enjoying some friendly competition. It’s been great to see their enthusiasm and positive attitudes during games.

Please remember to check for EPCOT permission slips, which are due by March 6th. Be sure to return the completed form on time so your student doesn’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Thank you for your continued support. We are so proud of our students and all the effort they are putting into their learning and activities!

WELLNESS CORNER

Mental Health Moment of the Week:

Supporting Mental Health in Young Children

Supporting mental health in young children helps them build strong emotional foundations that last a lifetime. When kids learn to recognize and express their feelings in healthy ways, they develop better self-control, confidence, and resilience. Positive mental health also improves focus and learning, which supports success in school and social situations. Children who feel safe and supported are more likely to form healthy friendships and communicate effectively. Early attention to mental well-being can reduce the risk of anxiety, behavioral challenges, and stress later in life. By nurturing mental health from a young age, families and communities help children grow into balanced, capable, and compassionate individuals.

Note from Nurse Chelsea

Immune-Supporting Breakfasts

Seasonal focus: Eggs, oranges, whole grains

Include protein at breakfast (eggs, nut butter, yogurt).
Add vitamin C-rich oranges or mandarins.
Choose whole grains to support steady energy.
Avoid sugary cereals that spike and crash energy.

Our Coaches Corner... A message from the PVB Performance Center

Collage Day School Families- We've Got You!!

We’re excited to offer something special for all Collage students, faculty, parents, and families!

🔥 ONE FREE WEEK of Group Training

💪 $100 OFF Any Personal Training Package

This is for:

✔️ Kids

✔️ Athletes

✔️ Adults

✔️ Parents

✔️ Faculty & Staff

Whether your child wants to build confidence and coordination, your athlete wants to get faster and stronger, or you’re a parent ready to level up your health — we have a program for YOU.

At PVB Performance Center, we focus on:

• Empowering kids through movement

• Speed, strength & injury prevention

• Confidence & leadership

• Adult fitness & performance

• A positive, high-energy culture where fitness feels like family

We are proud to serve as your PE coaches at Collage and even more excited to support your family outside of school!

📲 Contact Coach Squats – 973-723-7388 for details and to claim your free week or discount.

Let’s get stronger together 💥

___________________________________________________________________________________

🥦 HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK: WHY BROCCOLI IS A SUPERFOOD 🥦

Want a simple way to boost performance, immunity, and recovery?

Eat your broccoli.

Here’s why it matters:

✅ Packed with Vitamin C – Supports immune health and recovery

✅ High in Fiber – Improves digestion and gut health

✅ Rich in Sulforaphane – A powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation

✅ Supports Hormone Balance – Great for growing kids and active adults

✅ Low Calorie, High Nutrient Density – Big benefits, minimal calories

For athletes, broccoli helps:

• Reduce inflammation after workouts

• Support muscle recovery

• Keep the immune system strong during busy seasons

Pro Tip:

Lightly steam it or roast it with olive oil and sea salt to maximize nutrients and flavor.

Strong bodies are built in the kitchen AND the gym. 🥦💪

PARENT COMMUNITY ALLIANCE (PCA) NEWS

Looking for a simple way to support Collage? Join our PCA Volunteer List!

Volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet other families, and make an impact. From fun nights to fundraisers, we rely on our amazing volunteers.

Whether it’s helping with set-up, check-ins, clean-up, or behind-the-scenes tasks, there are plenty of ways to lend a hand. When an event is scheduled, we’ll send out a sign-up form outlining the roles needed—just choose what works best for you!

📌Click here to learn more.

Stay connected: Follow us on Facebook at CDS Parent Community Alliance.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567861563027.

Bridget L. Van Landingham

President, CDS Parent Community Alliance (PCA)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

Phone: 904.900.1439

171 Canal Boulevard

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

info@collagedayschool.org