We suggest sending your child in clothes that you are comfortable with them getting dirty in. From playtime in the sandpit to painting during our art enrichment, your child will have plenty of opportunities to have fun and get a little messy.

Closed-Toed Shoes. We go on nature walks and are outside the majority of the time. This will help keep the children’s feet safe and dry.

Waterproof Boots, Jackets, Outerwear. It’s recommended that students bring rain boots and raincoats to keep at school.

Thick Winter Coats, Mittens, Scarfs. During the winter you should send your child to AOA in layers! We can always remove layers if your child gets too warm.

Beanies/Hats. Hats are great for protecting your child from sun exposure during the hotter seasons. Beanies and Knitted Hats are great for keeping your child a little warmer on chilly days.

-Packed Backpack

-Healthy Lunch + Snack (packed separately, additional snack if in Aftercare)

- Refillable Water Bottle

- 2 Sets of Clothes (Including socks and underwear)

- Sunscreen and Bug Spray

- Raincoat and rain boots for rainy days

- Coat, mittens, beanies for cold days

- Nap mat and other rest items

We do not have a temperature restriction but on very cold or very hot days we will limit our amount of time outside.

Our gates are locked each day at 9:30 and open again at 2:30. If you need to pick-up your child early you may call the school when you arrive and one of our staff will open the gate for you. 

On any given day our students will spend 3-4 hours outside, should the weather permit.

We have school even if it rains. We encourage “rain play” at AOA and love jumping in the puddles with our preschoolers.We jump in muddy puddles! Part of our AOA packing list is rain boots and raincoats. Teachers will take students outside to play even in rain. We will not be outside if thunder or lightning has been present within 30 minutes. In the event of thunder or lightning, preschoolers will remain indoors and participate in other classroom activities.

We ask that you keep any child home that is exhibiting illness symptoms. In order for a child to return to school they must be symptom free and fever free for 24 hours without the use of any type of medication.

Anothen Outdoor Academy views our student’s education and discipline as a partnership between our Staff, Student, and Families. We will also use positive methods of discipline and guidance. We believe that each parent and teacher will know how to best love, encourage and discipline their students. Our staff will only use positive methods of discipline and guidance that encourage self-esteem, self-control, and self-direction. We believe all conflict is normal but that is identification, confession, restitution, and reconciliation.

Discipline will be individualized and consistent for each child, appropriate to the child’s level of understanding, and directed toward teaching the child acceptable behavior and self-control. Discipline starts with setting reasonable and developmentally appropriate expectations. Mild discipline issues are common to growth and development. These will be addressed by the Teacher in the classroom.

Possible Disciplinary Actions:

• Teachers will exhaust redirection and positive motivation before singling out a student for discipline.

• Teachers may ask a student to sit out for an activity for no more than 1 minute for every year of age.

• Parents will be notified of all discipline issues.

• Although rare, it may be necessary to send children home immediately.

This occurs anytime there is:

a. Physical Injury to another child

b. Hitting, kicking, biting or spitting at a teacher

c. Refusal to follow directions