The Screen Time Balancing Act

The appropriate amount of screen time for children has been a hot topic of conversation for years. Now, with so much of children’s socializing, learning and entertainment accessed online, parents are adjusting their screen time rules to adapt to the new normal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen time for those under 24 months, with the exception of video chatting, and allowing no more than one hour a day for children ages two through five. For all other ages, the AAP guidelines focus on healthy concepts of digital use and citizenship. Even though your children may be spending more time in front of a screen, the basics from the AAP remain the same.

Guide your children to appropriate content. Whether it’s an app, website or television show, know what your child is viewing. Sit down together and create a list of approved screen time activities. Even better, watch or play with your child to share your experiences and answer any questions.

Set screen time limits. While the right amount of screen time may vary among children, a schedule is helpful for all. Set aside a specific time of day or certain amount of time for your children to watch the latest YouTube unboxing or play games. Avoid screen time before bed so it doesn’t interfere with sleep.

Understand that not all screen time is equal. Participating in distance learning or connecting with friends and family by video chat is more productive than zoning out while watching a television show. In today’s world where opportunities to socialize are limited, the benefits of face-to-face interaction are a positive result of screen time.

Educate your children about online dangers. As children spend more time online, it’s extremely important to talk to them about the dangers of the internet. Children should be aware of online bullying and the potential for internet predators, including how to spot these behaviors and what to do when they see them. For teens in particular, parents should emphasize the importance of protecting their privacy while online.

Inclement Weather All Centers Closing – Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Dear Apple Tree Families,

The National Weather Center has updated the status of Tropical Storm Isaias. It appears that the storm will increase speed overnight and will be a Category 1 Hurricane when it hits land. It is projected to reach the Hampton Roads area as a Category 1 and will not diminish in strength until approximately 8am tomorrow.

Due to the strength of the storm and potential threat for power outages, all Apple Tree Learning Centers will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday 8/4/2020.

Any summer camp events scheduled for tomorrow, such as the Game-On Bus will be rescheduled for next week.

Thank you for your understanding as we all prepare for this weather event.

Sincerely,
Apple Tree Kids Executive Team

Virginia Back To School Tax Free Weekend is August 7-9th!

The 3-day sales tax holiday starts on Friday, August 7 at 12:01 am and ends the following Sunday (August 9th) at 11:59 pm.

What is it? 

During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax.

What items are eligible?

• School supplies, clothing, and footwear 
  • Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
  • Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item
• Hurricane and emergency preparedness products  
  • Portable generators – $1,000 or less per item
  • Gas-powered chainsaws – $350 or less per item
  • Chainsaw accessories – $60 or less per item
  • Other specified hurricane preparedness items – $60 or less per item
• Energy Star™ and WaterSense™​ products 
  • Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use – $2,500 or less per item

Detailed lists of qualifying items and more information for retailers can be found in the 2019 Combined Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines.

Languages: The Beauty and Benefits of Multiple Voices

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 60 million Americans, or 20 percent, speak a language other than English at home. In total, approximately 430 languages are spoken in homes across America. As the number of people who speak one or more languages continues to grow, researchers are able to study how being bilingual or multilingual impacts society. Their conclusions are clear: speaking more than one language has many benefits.

• Knowing more than one language is good for the brain. Research has shown that young children who are exposed to more than one language have increased executive function in their brains; that is, they are better at performing complex tasks, multitasking and monitoring their performance. For older people, speaking more than one language is also helpful, as it can delay the development of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms by four to five years.

• Opportunities for work increase for those who are bi- or multilingual. Being able to communicate with others throughout the world and throughout your community is a valuable employee trait. Job seekers who speak more than one language are more competitive in today’s diverse work environment and can often garner higher earnings than those who speak one language.

• Speaking in a native tongue makes for more meaningful travel experiences. When traveling abroad, those who speak the language of the country they are visiting have more access to hotels and activities, as they are not limited to those that accommodate foreigners. Often travel can be less expensive—and more authentic and rewarding—with these options.

• Being bi-or multilingual opens up one’s world. Speaking in multiple languages allows people to do more than just communicate; it allows them to truly connect with one another. Language is the gateway to learning about other cultures’ traditions, history and viewpoints and leads to increased understanding, empathy and friendship. Knowing more than one language can broaden a person’s perspective, allow them to see the world through new eyes and express themselves in a different way.

Important News – Summer Camp 2020 Registration Forms – Due by June 11

We are so excited to blast off into Summer with “To Mars and Beyond!”

Summer Camp starts June 15th! As many of you are aware, the Governor has allowed our state to enter Phase 2 of the COVID-19 reopening process. All centers are still restricted with capacity allowances, limitations on summer camp programing as well as enforcing social distancing and good hand washing/hygiene practices in the classroom environment.

With that said, spaces in the Summer Camp programs will be limited. If your child’s center is full then we will try to assist families with openings at other Apple Tree locations nearby. Remember we have 4 locations in Chesapeake and 2 in Suffolk.

As of right now, we are not permitted to schedule field trips since there is no way to provide social distancing on the vans. Therefore, we have been working diligently with our vendors to provide the children the same field trip experience here at each center. Camp Calendars will be sent out on a monthly basis so that we can adjust the events for possible future fields trips as the Governor continues to make changes to the restrictions with each phase of reopening.

Attached you will find the forms that need to be printed, completed and returned to the center director by Thursday, June 11th. We are sending the forms out electronically to decrease the amount of contact as possible. The forms include:

1- In-House event permission slip
2- Sunscreen Authorization Form
3- June Activity Calendar (This is for you to keep)

All students ages 6 months old to 12 years MUST have completed forms on file in order to have sunscreen and participate in the events. Please make sure you return the forms by June 11th.

If you are unable to print these forms, please speak with a director for assistance.

Additional Phase 2 restrictions that we need to make you aware of:
1- Children 4-12 years old are allowed in group sizes of 20 with 2 teachers.
2- Children 3 years and younger are limited to a maximum of 12 individuals per group to include children and teachers.
3- Children and staff in childcare are not required to wear masks.
4- Parents who enter the building for any reason MUST wear a mask. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked to wash your hands. If you are sick or show any symptoms of illness you will not be permitted to enter the building.
5- Curbside drop off and pick up procedures will remain in place.
6- Water play is limited to sensory tables. No pools or water features.
7- Outdoor play times are required to be increased throughout the day to allow for the children more exposure to fresh air.

We will continue to keep everyone posted as updates become available.

Thank you for your assistance and support during the pandemic. We appreciate all of our families and hope that everyone is continuing to stay well.

Sincerely,
Apple Tree Kids

Summer is here…. it’s time to celebrate!

Summer is here, and while the summer of 2020 will be unlike any we’ve experienced before, you can still find ways to celebrate the season. Take advantage of the warm weather and let the summer sun brighten your days.

Feast on a summer dish. Enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season, like juicy strawberries, sweet cherries and perfectly buttered corn on the cob. Make good use of your grill with classic barbeque foods and eat outside as much as possible. Don’t forget dessert—nothing says summer like a big ice cream cone.

Select the perfect summer tunes. Certain songs just take you back. Create a playlist of songs that remind you of summers past or select an already created playlist from a music service. Search for top “songs of the summer” or turn on some reggae to go straight to the islands!

Get wet. The hot summer days almost beg for the cool relief of water. You don’t have to go for a swim to get wet, though. Have a water balloon fight with your kids, wade through a creek or head out on your boat. Research shows being near water really does make you happy, so go out and find some this summer.

Soak up the sun. We all know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, but spending time out in the sun can also be good for you. Your skin produces vitamin D, which keeps bones healthy, fights diseases and reduces depression, in response to sunlight. Get out for a walk, read a book outside or have a chat with your neighbors and you’ll reap the benefits of the sun.

Relive your childhood. In a time when your previously planned summer activities may not happen, take time to enjoy the summer as you did as a child. Catch fireflies, drink lemonade, play card games, run through the sprinkler and roast marshmallows. Be thankful for the little joys in life that continue throughout time.

Creating Strong Family Bonds

One of the upsides of the COVID-19 pandemic is that families have been able to spend a lot of quality time together. A strong family bond is a lasting connection that all family members carry with them, creating a sense of security and belonging. Research shows that strong family bonds contribute to higher self-esteem, fewer behavioral problems and improved communication skills. Need ideas on how to build your family bond? Try the following:

Summer Camp 2020 Is Right Around The Corner!

June 15 to September 7, 2020

One small step for your kids…one giant leap for God’s Kingdom!

Blast off with the first VBS to land on the moon! Apple Tree Learning Center’s ” To Mars and Beyond” will help kids discover the wonders of God’s universe. They’ll become Voyagers on a journey through space, exploring where God’s power can take them. Beginning in your Assembly area-an outpost on Mars-they’ll lift off to distant planets on special missions to collect power sources. Along the way, they’ll learn how God walked with heroes of the Bible, and that God is always with them, too. Add to the adventure with out-of-this-world fun, learning, and timeless Bible stories that inspire kids to give glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine!

Every year our staff works hard at creating a calendar plan filled with Summer Camp FUN!

Download our Themes and Bible Focus PDF

This theme is designed to engage every child – at every age – with the perfect blend of fun and learning — all captured in a weekly calendar timeline.  The greatest benefit of our camp is that it prepares your child to walk into the school year with even more knowledge, confidence and motivation to succeed in the classroom.

Don’t let your child miss out on a chance of a lifetime where they get to have fun with their friends exploring, dreaming, thinking, creating, and most importantly … a summer filled with learning and fun!

Take a step and plan your child’s summer fun, contact any center to REGISTER YOUR CHILD!

Attention Essential Personnel: We are here to take care of your children, while you care for others!

All of our Apple Tree Learning Centers remain open to our school families, as well as those families who are considered essential and are heading to work every day.

We have been chosen to be one of the trusted providers for local hospitals and other essential personnel who are on the front lines protecting and caring for the community.

Currently we have extended our operating hours* to 7:30 pm at the Greenbrier Preschool and Academy Center – located at 1141 Executive Blvd. in Chesapeake. 

*These extended hours are available for qualified essential hospital personnel only.

CoVid 19 — Academy Teaching Resources

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:   During the quarantine period of the CoVid 19 pandemic, our program has incorporated an “ONLINE Learning Component” with our students as well as staff to student in the classroom. Our curriculum includes educational tools and resources that are a perfect fit to the needs during this time and for every learner.

We’re Here For YOU! All Apple Tree Learning Centers Are Open

While we face an unprecedented challenge for the immediate future, we want to be clear that the Apple Tree Learning Centers will continue to operate as long as it is safe, legal and practical. Our staff will continue to work diligently with local health officials to ensure the safety of our employees, vendors, partners, and customers during this time.

We are keeping a close eye on this developing situation and will continue to take precautions to protect the health and safety of our communities. We will continue to offer the highest level of service to all of our Families.

Be sure to refer to the CDC’s website for up-to-date information about COVID-19, as well as information about its current impact in the United States and locally.

Our prayers go out to each of you during this time of uncertainty and we want you to know that you have our commitment to continue providing care for your children and services you can depend on. Please reach out to your office if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation as we work together during this challenging time.

CoVid 19 — Academy Teaching Resources

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:   During the quarantine period of the CoVid 19 pandemic, our program has incorporated an “ONLINE Learning Component” with our students as well as staff to student in the classroom. Our curriculum includes educational tools and resources that are a perfect fit to the needs during this time and for every learner.