The Weekly Owl

April 17, 2026

IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS:

April 20: Elementary & Middle School MAP Testing Begins

April 20- 24: Discovery Book Fair- Hosted by Scholastic Books

Shopping Hours: Monday through Friday- 7:30-9:00 AM & 2:30-5:00 PM

April 22: Earth Day. Gabie's Bus (On-site STEAM field trip for VPK-5th Grade). Middle School Off-site field trip

April 30: Upper School Field Trip to Epcot

May 2nd: Beach Clean-Up at Guana South Beach Access

May 4th-8th: Teacher Appreciation Week!

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

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

The first years of life are a time of remarkable growth and development. Early learning experiences help babies and toddlers build the skills they need to feel secure, curious, and ready for future learning. Below are just a few ways early childhood education supports young children:

Social‑Emotional Development

Early childhood education helps infants and toddlers learn to understand and manage their emotions, develop self‑confidence, and build positive relationships. Consistent, caring interactions support strong bonds with caregivers and peers.

Language and Communication Skills

The early years are critical for language development. Everyday conversations, stories, songs, and play help children build vocabulary, listening skills, and early communication abilities that support lifelong learning.

Early Math and Science Foundations

Children are naturally curious. Activities such as counting, sorting, exploring nature, and problem‑solving introduce basic math and science concepts. Research shows that early exposure helps strengthen cognitive development and critical thinking skills.

Early Identification and Support

Quality early childhood education helps parents and professionals recognize developmental milestones and identify concerns early. When support is provided early, children can receive the resources they need during the most important years of development.

Strong early learning experiences create a foundation for confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

UPPER SCHOOL

April's PBL Fosters Appreciation for Our Environment

Project-Based Learning: Earth Day in Action!

This month, our PBL theme is inspired by Earth Day! Students will explore our incredible planet—diving into topics like animals, ecosystems, recycling, and ways we can all make a difference.

We’re especially excited to invite our Collage families to a meaningful, hands-on experience right here in our community. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2nd and join us for a Beach Cleanup Day at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve. Let’s come together to care for the beautiful environment in our own backyard! More details coming soon—we can’t wait to see you there!

Hunger Fights Fundraiser Update

Thanks to the generosity of our amazing families, we are so close to reaching our $1,000 goal for the Hunger Fights Fundraiser! Every dollar helps support students in Title One schools. Let’s finish strong and make an even bigger impact together!

Welcome to the Discovery Fair!

Get ready—our STEAM-inspired Scholastic Book Fair is coming next week! Stop by the Learning Commons in Building 2 to explore an exciting selection of books and resources for all ages.

Shopping Hours:

Monday–Friday | 7:30–9:00 AM & 2:30–5:00 PM

Students can bring money to shop independently, or families can set up an e-wallet through Scholastic for easy, cash-free purchases.

For questions, please contact Nora Chambers at NChambers@collagedayschool.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the fair—happy reading!

Note from Nurse Chelsea

Week 12 – Natural Allergy Support

Seasonal focus: Local honey*, nettle tea*

(check with pediatrician)

Local honey may help seasonal allergy tolerance.
Nettle tea (mild, diluted) is traditionally used for allergies.
Shower after outdoor play to remove pollen.
Keep windows closed on high-pollen days.

Attention Parents and Businesses!

Another school year is ending and we would like to offer our Collage families and local businesses the opportunity to purchase a dedication page for your child, or an ad for your business, in the back of our yearbook.

Please reach out to Allison Walcutt with any questions or inquiries regarding the dedication pages. Her email is allison.walcutt@gmail.com

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

From your PE Coaches at PVB Performance Center

We’re excited to extend a special opportunity to the entire Collage Day School community — students, parents, and faculty.

🎉 One FREE Week of Training + Performance Assessment & Goal Setting

This complimentary week includes:

• A professional performance assessment

• Goal-setting consultation tailored to you or your child

• Group training sessions designed for kids, athletes, and adults

• Expert coaching focused on strength, speed, injury prevention, and overall fitness

Whether your child wants to build confidence and athletic ability, or you’re a parent or faculty member looking to improve your own health and fitness, our team at PVB Performance Center is here to help.

Our programs focus on building:

✔ Confidence in young athletes

✔ Speed, strength, and coordination

✔ Injury prevention and proper movement mechanics

✔ Sustainable health and fitness habits for adults

We’re proud to serve the Collage Day School community and would love to welcome your family to train with us.

📞 Contact Coach Squats for details:

973-723-7388

⸻

🥩 HEALTH TIP: WHY PROTEIN MATTERS FOR METABOLISM & FAT LOSS

Protein is one of the most powerful nutrients when it comes to energy, metabolism, and body composition.

Here’s why it matters:

• Boosts metabolism – Your body burns more calories digesting protein than carbs or fats.

• Supports fat loss – Higher protein intake helps maintain lean muscle while reducing body fat.

• Keeps you fuller longer – Protein helps control appetite and prevents overeating.

• Builds and repairs muscle – Essential for athletes, growing kids, and active adults.

Simple ways to increase protein intake:

✔ Eggs or Greek yogurt for breakfast

✔ Chicken, fish, or lean beef at meals

✔ Protein smoothies after training

✔ Nuts, cottage cheese, or protein bars for snacks

A good general target for active individuals is about 0.7–1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day to support performance, metabolism, and recovery.

Strong bodies are built through smart training and smart nutrition.

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