The Peterson Learning Center

Reading and language deficiencies rob students of finding Joy in Learning®. These problems create barriers to teachers’ ability to connect with their students. Studies show that strength in reading and language correlates to stronger engagement, classroom community, critical thinking and confidence. Yet, there just isn’t enough classroom time or resource to guide each individual student through his or her own challenges. At some point, the ability to effectively help students goes beyond the means to do so.

In 1999, Jim and Mary Peterson saw a way to help. They created the Peterson Learning Center to mitigate any reading and/or language obstacles that stand in the way of students reaching their full potential. Thanks to their generosity, Manzano Day School now has a committed team ready and able to offer assistance, support and training for students, teachers and even parents.

Students have the opportunity to work in small groups of peers to practice and advance reading and academic skills at their own pace toward an agreed upon goal. Parent engagement is a key factor in student success; therefore, parents can receive aid and resources regarding their student’s academic development and strategies to create environments that foster Joy in Learning® both in the classroom and at home.

Teachers may use the Peterson Learning Center as a resource for testing, up-to-date information and best practices regarding reading and general learning, and training and assistance to implement the CR Success Learning Program easily and effectively in the classroom. We also provide shoulders to lean on, ears to listen, and maybe even a few snacks to get teachers through the day.

We hope everyone comes to see The Peterson Learning Center as part of an integrated team dedicated to helping each student, parent and teacher find their own Joy in Learning®. Every third Friday, look for the Passionately Curious! section in the Friday Bulletin for more information, helpful tips and insights. Our door is always open. Feel free to drop on by, send an email or pick up the old-fashioned phone.

Gloriane Ortega
Director, The Peterson Learning Center
gortega@manzanodayschool.org
Ext. 309

It is amazing every thing our bodies do all day long. The body digests food, pumps our blood, and sends signals from our brain to our nerves so we can play. But there is one tiny creature that can invade our bodies and make us sick. Those little creatures are called germs. 

There are four types of germs:

1. Bacteria are tiny, one cell creatures that need nutrients from the environment to live. Bacteria can produce both inside and outside of the body. Some bacteria can cause such illnesses such as strep throat, ear infections, and even cavities.  Not all bacteria hurt us. Some bacteria actually prevent us from getting sick. For example, good bacteria from our digestive system help us digest our food properly.
    
2. Viruses need to be inside of a living cell or body to survive. Viruses are spread from person to person. Viruses cause illness like the cold and flu.
    
3. Fungi are multiple cells, plant-like organisms. Fungi get their nutrition from plants, people and animals. Fungi like to live in moist, dark places. Athlete’s foot is caused from a fungus.
    
4. Protozoa are one cell organisms that love the water. Protozoa spread diseases through the water and cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. 

Once these germs attach to our bodies they can stay for a while. They produce toxins and cause symptoms like fever, runny nose, coughing, rashes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You might be asking yourself how do I prevent or get rid of germs? Here are a few ways: 

1. Wash your hands. Last weeks article demonstrated how to wash our hands properly.
    
2. Use tissue for blowing your nose or sneezing. Then throw the tissue away.
    
3. Cough in a tissue or in your arm. If you sneeze or cough into your hand, wash your hands immediately.
    
4. Eat properly. Proper nutrition will help your body fight off germs.
    
5. Get plenty of rest. Being rested will also help fight off harmful germs. 

You might still get the cold or flu, but these hints will prevent many illnesses as well as prevent others from getting your illness.

If you have a child who is a sibling (new to Manzano Day School) who will be applying for the 2017-2018 school year, please go to our website and complete the online application and parent questionnaire, and submit the $80.00 application fee.  If you want your child’s admission file to be in the “sibling preference pool” (please see your Family Handbook, page 32) you must have his/her admission paperwork, as stated in the Handbook, completed by Thursday, December 15.

If you have questions, please stop by and see Madonna or Emily, or call either one at 243-6659.