Dress Code
Please, please, please dress your child in PLAY CLOTHES. Our program is extremely hands-on and your child’s clothing will show this! Smocks will be strongly encouraged but preschoolers usually find a way around this. If you must go some place directly after school, please bring a change of clothes.

Clothing should be comfortable and suitable for safety when running and playing. We recommend all children wear tennis shoes to school. Shorts under girl’s dresses are recommended.

Outdoor Policy
Outdoor play is an important part of our social curriculum. It is important for parents to provide the appropriate clothing and outerwear for weather conditions. Staff members use the following general guidelines when determining whether to go outside:

• Winter: If the temperature (including wind chill) is 27 degrees or greater, children will go outside. Be sure children are dressed appropriately. The colder the temperature, the shorter the outdoor playtime.
• Summer: If the temperature (including heat index) is 95 degrees or greater, children will not go outside. When the weather is hot, water will be taken to the playground to replenish body fluids. Length of outdoor playtime will be adjusted to be sure children do not get overheated.

Please note that children will go outside when the weather is considered appropriate. Children who are not well enough to participate in outdoor play must have a signed permission form from their physician or they should not attend school.

Children’s Personal Belongings
Children are asked to bring a backpack large enough to hold a complete change of clothing and all of his or her nap gear. Please - no bags on wheels! All personal items must be clearly labeled with the child’s name. The program cannot be responsible for lost or damaged property.

We understand that some children are attached to comfort objects (blankets, stuffed animal, etc.) but please do not send sippy cups, pacifiers or toys. A teacher may delegate certain days as Show and Tell days - items brought for this activity must fit in the child’s backpack.

A Lost and Found box can be found at the Front Desk. Any items left over a thirty day period will be donated to charity.

Donations
We would like to encourage families to donate a favorite book to the school on your child’s birthday. Please inscribe child’s name in the front of the book to serve as a lasting memento of your child’s place in the Westgate family for many years to come.