D.A.

V DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2014

D.A.V. Montessori School Newsletter

September 2014
Message from the Director-
All the classes have made a wonderful start to the new school year. No longer tormented
by unrelenting summer heat and volatile weather, September brings the promise of crisp
air and beginning of fall. Hoping to see many new and old parents during our volunteer
meeting.














Labor Day
Observed on the first Monday in September,
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions
and achievements of American workers. It
was created by the labor movement in the
late 19th century and became a federal
holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes
the end of summer for many Americans, and
is celebrated with parties, parades and
athletic events.
Parent Volunteer Tea
On September 12 th between 9
and 10.30 am we will have a
Parent volunteer meeting to
discuss all the volunteering
opportunities for this academic
year.
Did you know?
September 6 is Read a book day
September 7 is National Grandparents Day
September 9 is Teddy Bear Day
September 30 is National Mud Pack Day




D.A.V DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2014
Medical Corner
Nutrition and Children
Nutrient-rich food is important for a child's development. We live in a high-sugar culture full of unhealthy
temptations. Natural sugars like fructose in whole fruits are nutritious. In contrast, high fructose corn syrup
found in sodas, fruit bars, cereals, and white bread can wreak havoc on the body and lead to diseases such as
childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Here are a few tips to make sure your child gets the proper nutrition:
Make sure they are getting enough calories. 2-3 year olds need roughly 1,000 calories and 4-8 year
olds need 1,200-1,400 calories per day (if more active add 100-200 more calories per day).
Balance each meal appropriately. There should be at least one source of protein, starch, fruit and
vegetable for each meal. Vegetarian sources of protein include beans, lentils (daal), cheese, yogurt,
tofu, and nut butters (almond or peanut). A rule of thumb: make half of their plate fruits and
vegetables.
Make sure they are getting enough calcium. The FDA recommends 700 mg of calcium for 1-3 year
olds and 1000 mg for 4-8 year olds per day. For reference, one cup of milk provides roughly 300 mg
of calcium. For those who are lactose intolerant, soy milk, fortified orange juice, fortified cereals,
kale, and tofu can provide calcium. Make sure that vitamin D is also included in their diet for
maximal calcium absorption and talk to your pediatrician if supplementation is considered.
For picky eaters, introduce a new food at least 8 times before giving up on that food. For example,
you may need to give your child broccoli 6 times before he happily eats this vegetable. Keep trying
and eventually he will learn to love it, especially if he sees you eating it.
The best drinks for children are milk and plain water. Try to limit or restrict juice intake, as most
juices have little or no nutritional value and have "empty" calories from added sugars. Whole fresh
fruits are best and add fiber to their diet.
Make sure your child is hungry at meal time. Snacks should not be given at least one to two hours
before mealtime. This will help make eating easier at the dinner table.
Prepare meals together. Have your little one assist with measuring, pouring, or stirring and they are
more likely to eat what they helped make.
Avoid using food to reward or punish your child. Many parents reward their children with sweets or
snack foods or punish them by not allowing them to eat such foods. This practice serves only to firmly
establish these foods as desirable to your child. (I am guilty of this myself!)
Providing a solid foundation in healthy eating habits from the start helps foster a healthy lifestyle when they
become adults.

Reena Vaid, MD
Pediatrician and Dermatologist





D.A.V DIGEST SEPTEMBER 2014


What nobler employment, or more valuable
to the state, than that of the person who
instructs the rising generation.
-- Marcus Tullius Cicero


Dates to Remember

September 1 (M) Labor Day , School Holiday (No childcare)
September 12 (F) Parent Volunteer Tea (9.00 am 10.30 am)
September 26 (F) Noon Dismissal Teachers in service - Regular
day for 2
nd
and 3
rd
grade students
Fun Lunch Recipe

Crispy Idli Fry

Idlis - 6 nos
Oil(sesame preferred) - 2 Tblsp
Idli podi or Chat Masala - as needed

Method:
1. Leftover idlis can be used for this recipe.
2. Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut the idlis into wedges. Sprinkle oil generously to coat it
evenly.
3. Arrange in a baking tray and bake it for 10-12 mins. Take it out, turn the wedges
over, then again bake it for another 10 minutes.
4. Transfer to a bowl and toss it with idli podi or chat masala as needed while it is
hot.

Pack the lunch box with a cup of yogurt or ketchup.
Newsletter Content by Krithika Ganesh and Sudha Srinivasan