Policies and Procedures

Fall 2023 Calendar(September2023-June2024)

*Labor Day: September 4

**First Day of School: September 5

** Back to School Evening: September 23

**Festival of Light (Diipa’valii): November 11

*Thanksgiving: November 23-24

*Winter break: December 18-January1

**First Day of School January 2

*Martin L.King Day: January 15

*President’s Day: February 19

*Spring Break: March 25-29

** Spring Festival: May 4

* Memorial Day: May 27

**Last day of School Year: June 25

*Summer In-service: June 26-28

*No School in July -August

Fall 2024 school year

** New Family Orientation: August24 (TBD)

*August In-service: August 26-30

**First Day of School: September 3

(Holidays/Closures* and Special Events**)

School Policies

Inclement Weather

In cases of inclement weather, New Day School follows Portland Public School’s Policy for Closures as a general guideline. You can also subscribe to PPS’ Flash Alerts.

Illnesses and Absences **

If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home from school. This includes if they have:

• A fever of 100 degrees F or higher, and/or

• Symptoms such as flu, vomiting, diarrhea, severe cough, unusual yellow color to skin or eyes, stiff neck, headache, difficulty breathing, abnormal wheezing, excessive tiredness, complaints of severe pain, or any other contagious condition.

According to guidelines from the State of Oregon Health Department, your child should remain at home for 24-48 hours after these symptoms have subsided before returning to school.

** During pandemic-like situations in the community, additional rules regarding school admittance are implemented.

Parent Involvement: Tapah - Helping   Hands - Selfless Service

Our Parent Volunteer Program is an integral part of our Neo-Humanist curriculum, embodying the principle of Tapah from Astaunga Yoga (the willingness to undergo physical hardship to achieve a goal). Within our school context, this translates to helping hands and selfless service that fosters a sense of empathy, compassion, and interconnectedness. It encourages children to recognize the needs of others and take action to address them without expecting anything in return.

We believe that when parents actively engage in their child's school life, it positively impacts their foundational growth, demonstrating to the child that they are valued and that their learning is important to their parents. Moreover, parent involvement enhances the quality of the programs we offer at New Day.

While participation in the Parent Volunteer Program is not mandatory, it offers families a chance to connect with other parents, collaborate closely with our staff, and develop a hands-on relationship with the school community. Families are encouraged to volunteer according to their interests and with prior approval from the administration, enriching the learning environment for all our children.

Events & Food Policy

New Day School holds various all-school events, at least one per season, with family participation encouraged.

For potlucks and food sharing, please bring ONLY sentient, vegan, non-allergenic food:

• Sentient food: No garlic, onions, leeks, meat, fish, eggs or mushrooms

• Vegan food: Only vegetarian and no milk products or eggs

• Non-allergenic: No nuts (peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, almonds)

Please remember to bring your own table service (plate, fork, etc.) for picnics & potlucks.

New Day School Food Policy

We Welcome All

Unity in Diversity is one of the core values upon which New Day School is founded.

This reflects in our commitment to offer an equal opportunity to all, regardless of economic background, race, family dynamics, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical ability, ethnicity, nationality and culture.

We believe that when diversity in background, experience and perspective is nurtured by the practice of universalism, ethical values and service, it inspires individuals to utilize their highest potential and lead creative, inspired and meaningful lives.

Questions and Concerns

We welcome your thoughts and questions at any time.

During drop-off and pick-up times, staff may be engaged with tending to the children’s needs; please consider calling or emailing our office to set a meeting time.