The below information is general information regarding the summer school-age program, for the 2006 summer.   Your child is eligible for this program if they will be entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2006.  If your child attends Novak Elementary you will have the preference of participating in the program at either one of our 2 locations (Novak Elementary and Hand In Hand).  SPACE AVAILABLE IS VERY LIMITED…..WE RECOMMEND EARLY REGISTRATION FOR THE SUMMER PROGRAMS.  If your child does not attend a Linn-Mar school your child may attend the Hand In Hand program at our Hand In Hand location.   After your child is registered, you will receive calendars for the summer.  Swimming Lesson information will also arrive after February 1^st. 

What will we be doing?

 Each group will be taking a field trip up to 4 days per week to the Marion Pool, bowling, baseball games, etc.  Once a week  will be Library days in which we will travel to the Marion Library and read and check out books.  We will have theme based activities and special activity days planned.  It is possible that rain activities will be done instead of outdoor activities if the weather is not cooperating.  We will ALWAYS inform you of these changes at the earliest possible times.  Periodically we will have “in-house” field trips offered for the entire group.  Please feel free to share any and all ideas with us at any time!

 Field Trips 

All field trips taken with Hand In Hand will be provided by Hand In Hand.  We DO NOT ask for a field trip fee, this is included in your weekly fees.  We DO ask that you provide a pool pass to the Marion pool and a Marion Library card for the summer.  Field trips will include bowling at the Cedar Rapids Bowling Center, Wickiup Hill, Potter’s Obsession, Indian Creek Nature Center, Science Station, local parks and splash pads, etc.  ALL  weekly field trips will be held in the local area of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Hiawatha.  There will be 1-2 field trips per month that will be held outside of the area with parent helpers.  Calendars will be sent home with all registered students as soon as all field trips are finalized.

What do you need to bring?

 A water bottle with your child’s name on it

A towel, swimming suit, Marion pool pass, please bring ALL daily

One bottle of sunscreen to be kept in bag, and one bottle sunscreen to leave at the center. 

What’s for lunch? 

You will be asked to provide a sack lunch for your child every day unless otherwise noted.  Please send a lunch that does not require refrigeration.  

 Reading Rainbow 

Rainbow reading is our incentive program to encourage your child to read, read, read!  At this time we will encourage your child to read a book brought from home, or a center book.  We will provide help with literacy skills as needed.  Once your child’s rainbow has been filled he/she will be provided a “prize”.  (Your child’s prize will vary from an ice cream cone coupon from Dairy Queen to a treasure from the treasure box.) Rainbow reading will continue through the summer with literacy evaluations, trips to the library,  along with reading incentives such as, pizza parties, water-park fun, and baseball game days!

 Children taking swimming lessons

 We will be transporting to and from the 8:30 am swimming lessons at the Marion Municipal Pool. Please have your child at Hand In Hand by 8:00 am during the weeks your child is participating in swimming lessons.  If you are unable to do this, please drop your child off at the pool and notify the Hand In Hand staff member know your child is there. 

Swimming abilities

Because all children swim at different levels, please let the Hand In Hand staff know your child’s strengths or limitations in the pool.  If there are any special needs that need to be met please inform the Hand In Hand staff.  We will have staff at the pool at all times in addition to the lifeguards at the Marion pool.  ALL Hand In Hand staff members are required to be in the pool with the children at ALL times!!

Transportation

All transportation is provided by Hand In Hand, in the Hand In Hand van, and is included in the weekly tuition.

When your child participates in the Hand In Hand Summer Program you are responsible for the following:

 1.         Complete registration form and pay the $25 registration fee and a one       week deposit ($125.00) which will also pay for your child’s first      week of care.          (If you are a current Hand In Hand family there is not a registration fee.)

2.         Provide a current copy of immunizations and annual physical, along             with any Hand In Hand forms received.

3.         Paying tuition on time every Monday (or first day of care)

4.         Providing a Marion Pool Pass for the summer, and a sack lunch when             requested.

For further information contact Kathy at (319) 377-5686.