FAQ
Is your OWLS program a school?
No, the OWLS program offers academic support for literacy and science on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Our families are homeschooling. Some enroll with a charter such as Hickman, Connecting Waters, and Visions. Some families file a Private School Affidavit every year.
What is a Microschool?
Check out this informative article: Educational Innovations: A 50-State Guide to Microschooling and Mix-and-Match Learning
Is your OWLS program a summer camp?
No, we have terms THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: August-May. Our program runs three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
How do you work with families?
We talk daily at check in and check out. We also send home a newsletter every Friday. We text, call, and e-mail each other.
We are a vendor for Hickman, Connecting Waters Charter Schools, and Visions. If you would like to use school funds, please email contact@seedsoflovecollective.org
What is the student to teacher ratio?
1 teacher for every 8 students.
What are the ages are in your pod?
Students are ages 6-11.
What do you do every day?
Sample Daily Schedule:
9 AM Morning Drop Off/Check Ins, Hike, & Sit Spot
10:30 Fire Prep (as needed/permitted), Snack
11 AM Morning Drop Off/Check In
11:15 Literacy & Science Explorations: Read Aloud, Shared, Guided, or Independent Reading and/or Writing
12 PM Lunch/Play/Choice Time
1 PM Literacy & Science, Outdoor Skills
2 PM Hike & Projects (wood processing, gardening, knitting, building bird houses, etc.)
2:45 Clean Up
3 PM Final meeting of the day: Roses, Buds, and Thorns
3:15 Pick Up
3:30 Family Check Ins/Park Play
We always make sure to hike, explore and do one sit spot. Snack is always around 10:30 and lunch is always around noon with play time after. We do up to an hour of literacy work and allot an hour to practice skills, although these may be broken up into smaller chunks of time rather than in one solid hour. Adjustments are made based on weather, environment, and interest.
Are vaccines required?
Yes, vaccinations are required. In order to help ensure the health and safety of students and staff, Seeds of Love Collective does not allow exceptions to this policy for any non-medical, religious or philosophical reasons.
We require: TaP/Tdap = diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine
Hep B = hepatitis B vaccine, MMR = measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, Varicella = chickenpox vaccine, and Covid-19.
What are your COVID Protocols?
Masks are optional, although they must be worn if there is a known possible exposure to COVID.
We request that you inform us of any COVID symptoms, exposures and/or positive tests. Please do not bring your child if they are exhibiting any symptoms. If your child has been exposed, the CDC "urges those people to wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested after five". "The agency continues to say that people who test positive should isolate from others for at least five days. CDC officials advise that people can end isolation if they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and they are without symptoms or the symptoms are improving." Huffington Post News Article August 2022 CDC What to do if You Were Exposed CDC Isolation Guidelines August 2022
*Children who have tested positive for COVID may return to program when they test negative for COVID.
What happens if my child has a fever or feels sick?
If anyone in your household is feeling ill, please keep your child home.
*Please do a temperature check at home prior to arrival.
“CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.” Flu Prevention
What do you do when it is cold and/or rainy?
We wear quality outdoor gear, sometimes build tarp shelters, and are able to build fires in the fire pits at Camp Herms. We occasionally enjoy using a room with a fireplace at Camp Herms. We also enjoy learning in the Environmental Education Center in the Tilden Nature Area.
What do you do if there is a major wildfire with smoke?
Classes are canceled if there is an Air Quality Index (AQI) level above 150. We use AirNow and receive Air Quality Notifications.
Why do you suggest homework?
We set up homework as an extension of skills practiced during the program. Homework is pretty light since many of the children are involved in a variety of other academic, social, and sports programs. The routine of doing the homework helps students to be responsible and helps them learn how to manage their time. Homework is agreed upon throughout the week and included in the newsletter. The expectation is that students do what they can and come in ready to share their progress on Tuesday. Parents may also submit our coursework to their homeschooling programs.
How do you guys do with kiddos with ADHD etc.?
I have a lot of fun ways to engage and refocus kids, especially outside! I find that the flexibility of our schedule and the multitude of learning opportunities within our outdoor environment, as well as, the individualized supports I am able to provide for academic growth help children have the space and meaningful engagement that allows them to flourish! I am able to structure individual, peer to peer, and small group instruction in partnership with parental input and feedback. All student assignments are in relation to their personal interests, their connection with nature and with each other. I have over 15 years of teaching experience and studies to draw from and I enjoy continuing to learn and grow. Kids with ADHD etc. are definitely given the opportunity to shine with us!
What do you need to bring every day?
*Students must make sure that their backpack has:
Food: Snack & Lunch: They must be able to open, close, and pack it in their backpack on their own.
Water: at least a 16 oz capacity bottle with a loop on the cap.
Layers:
hats (one for warmth and one for sun protection)
long sleeves light layer
gloves (thin, lightweight, waterproof or water resistant)
jacket
rain gear (wear if it has rained recently or rain is predicted)
Sunscreen: must be able to apply themselves.
Hand Sanitizer (travel size).
Folder: Plastic three prong, folder with pockets. NOT A BINDER.
Pencil case with:
scissors
glue stick
sharpened pencils
sharpened colored pencils
pencil sharpener
How much does it cost?
Monthly invoicing is based on a daily rate of $100.
Monthly invoices will vary by the amount of days a student attends per week, as well as, how many program days are in that month.
Monthly invoices are sent out on the 1st and due on the 15th of that month unless paying with school funds from Hickman or Connecting Waters Charter Schools.
Charter school invoices are submitted at the end of the month. Charter students may attend after purchase orders have been issued from the school. After all monthly classes have been attended, an invoice is submitted to the school.
I am currently in the process of applying for grants to provide scholarships.
Seeds of Love Collective: OWLS Calendar
2023/2024 Fall, Winter, & Spring Terms (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Fall Term: 15 weeks, 45 days
August 29-31 (3 program days)
September 5-28 (12 program days)
October (13 program days)
November 1-30 *Fall Break: November 21-23 (11 program days)
December: 5-14 (6 program days)
*Winter Break: December 19th-January 1st
Winter Term: 11 weeks, 33 days
January 2-31 (14 program days)
February 1-29 (13 program days)
March 5-14 (6 program days)
Spring Term: 10 weeks, 30 days
March 19-28 (6 program days)
April 2-30 *Spring Break April 1-5 (10 program days)
May 1-24 (11 program days)
Summer Break May 24th – August 26th
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer 5% off tuition for siblings.
We also offer a promotional rate of $50 for a first visit day.
Sign up for the OWLS Community Newsletter by subscribing to our list below. You will receive, at most, one email a month with highlights and updates about our program.