Cowles Montessori Vision
“Human flourishing, as Maria Montessori put it, means becoming a person of one’s time and place with the means and wherewithal not only to function within but to shape society (NCMPS, 2019).”
“All humans (CHILDREN and ADULTS) flourish in society (ENVIRONMENT).” - Cowles Montessori Vision
The Heart of the Matter
Dear Cowles parents/guardians,
Dental health is an important part of overall health, and regular dental screenings and care can help with early detection of problems.
Iowa requires all students in kindergarten and 9th grade to submit proof of a dental screening. In a normal year, we help with this process by bringing the Smile Squad into school to screen students. However, with schools affected by the pandemic, we have not been able to screen in the usual ways both in the spring and in the fall.
If you have not already submitted a dental screening for your Kindergarten student, please do so now. Our audit will be in early January. Any dentist you have seen since September 2019 can complete the form on your behalf (attached or located here). They may either email the dental certificate back to me at ann.humphrey@dmschools.org or fax it to 515-242-7358. If you have questions, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 515-242-7818 ext. 2757.
If you have difficulty accessing or affording dental care for your student or family, please contact our community partner Dental Connections at 244-9136.
Iowa recently launched a service called COVID Recovery Iowa for those struggling with all aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers access to counseling and other resources. Anxiety, loneliness, anger, and sense of loss are all normal feelings and the pandemic doesn’t affect everyone in the same way or even at the same time. If this sounds like you then I encourage you to try COVID Recovery Iowa. It offers a listening ear.
If you are looking for local mental health resources, you may try Polk County Health Services. If you are not quite ready to talk to others but still feeling a little overwhelmed sometimes, you may try some of the helpful tips found here. In search of other community resources? Call 211, download the app, or visit 211.iowa.org
The holidays might feel a little different this year. It's ok to have a range of feelings, and it's okay to ask for help. We'll get through this together.
Other Reminders:
A yearly preschool physical and dental exam are now due. These documents are needed for DMPS early childhood licensure. I have notified all parents/guardians who are still due so please check your email to see if you need to update your child’s health file. Please contact me if you have additional questions or concerns.
Are you thinking about traveling during the holidays? The CDC is strongly encouraging all people to NOT travel or gather for the holidays. The safest way to celebrate winter holidays is at home with the people who live with you. Travel and gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase your chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. If you do decide to travel, they are encouraging you to test both before and after, plus consider reducing non-essential activities for 7-10 days. More suggestions can be found on the CDC website.
Will you be getting the COVID-19 vaccine? The news about vaccines for COVID-19 looks very encouraging. You can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines, the approval process, and frequently asked questions here.
It’s not too late to get your flu shot. PCHD continues to offer drive-up flu shots M-F 9am-4pm at 1906 Carpenter Ave. Most major insurance accepted (bring your card). Without insurance, a flu shot is $25 for regular dose or $50 for high dose (elderly) but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. They will be operating throughout the month of December. Take the whole family and get one today!
Please remember to notify us if anyone in your family tests positive for COVID-19 or is in quarantine. You can reach me by calling the main office at 515-242-7818 and leave a message or you may email me at ann.humphrey@dmschools.org and I will get back to you.
FREE MEALS: As you know Cowles is not a virtual meal site during virtual learning. Please find a location that is convenient for you for pick up HERE. If you have a special diet, please contact Anita Turczynski, RDN, LD, DMPS Food Service Dietitian at 515-242-7636 and she is happy to help you. Remember these are meals for ages 1-18 years of age. No ID required. Please find out why it is important to support school meals here.
Food Bank of Iowa: I am attaching this great resource for our Cowles Montessori School families. Our pick-up location is Meredith Reformed Church, 5128 Meredith Dr., Wed: 11:30a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Please see attached document for the other 13 locations located throughout the city.
Kindness Challenge: Tell someone how important they are. The Kindness Elves are challenging you this month to reach out to the people in your lives. Did you know that there is a direct correlation between the people we love and/or the friendships we build and the impact on our health and well-being? What about doing random acts of kindness for our neighbors, co-workers, community helpers, or people we don’t even know? Check out this video and learn the science behind random acts of kindness. It will do your body good. The Science of Kindness
Finally, I want to thank you for your continued support over this past year. I am truly grateful for all our Cowles parents, staff and students. From my family to yours…wishing YOU a peaceful holiday season; filled with love, togetherness, and well -deserved relaxation.
Be well! Stay safe!
Nurse Ann
Contact Cowles Montessori
Email: shannon.hines@dmschools.org
Website: cowles.dmschools.org
Location: 6401 College Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-7818
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowlesMontessori/
Twitter: @CowlesDMPS
