Sprouts Festival of Trees Staff Policy

Purpose

This policy establishes clear expectations for Sprouts staff participating in the annual Festival of Trees. It outlines how classroom trees are created, decorated, displayed, and how children’s ornaments are personalized and distributed.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Sprouts classrooms participating in the Festival of Trees.
• All Sprouts teachers, assistant teachers, and classroom support staff.
• Any other staff or volunteers assisting with Sprouts trees.

Overview

Each Sprouts classroom is assigned one tree to decorate for the Festival of Trees.

• Tree ornaments are made by the children in that classroom.
• Teachers and staff are responsible for helping children create ornaments and for building excitement about the tree and the event.
• Sprouts trees will be included in the public Festival of Trees event and then moved to the community room for display throughout the season.

Ornament Guidelines

All ornaments for Sprouts trees must:

• Be created by or with the participation of the children in the classroom.
• Include a clear personalization element so it is obvious which child the ornament belongs to. Acceptable personalization may include:
  • A photo of the child.
  • A handprint, footprint, or similar unique mark.
  • The child’s name clearly written.
  • Another simple, identifiable marker approved by the lead teacher.

Additional expectations:

• Ornaments should be age-appropriate and safe for children to handle.
• Ornaments should be durable enough to hang on the tree and be transported home.
• Whenever possible, ornaments should reflect the theme (if any) decided by the Festival of Trees Committee and/or Sprouts leadership.

Distribution of Ornaments

Each child’s ornament will be sent home at the end of the festival period. Ornaments may be distributed:

• On the last day of school before Christmas break, **or**
• At the Christmas concert,

whichever option best serves the children and families and is determined by Sprouts leadership in consultation with the Festival of Trees Committee.

The lead teacher is responsible for:

• Ensuring that each ornament is returned to the correct child.
• Communicating with families about when ornaments will be sent home.

Tree Design and Layout

• The lead teacher, in consultation with classroom staff, will determine the overall design and layout of the classroom tree.
• Teachers are encouraged to:
  • Involve children in age-appropriate decisions (e.g., where to hang certain ornaments, simple thematic ideas).
  • Keep the design welcoming, festive, and appropriate for a family-friendly setting.

Tree Setup and Tear-Down

• The tree will be set up and decorated by the teacher, with optional assistance from classroom staff and children, as appropriate for the age group.
• Teachers may include the children in setup and decorating as a learning and community-building activity.
• The teacher (with classroom staff support) is responsible for:
  • Ensuring the tree is fully decorated by the deadline set by the Festival of Trees Committee.
  • Ensuring the area around the tree is safe, tidy, and accessible.
  • Assisting with the removal of ornaments and the tear-down of the tree after the display period is over.

Display Timeline and Location

• Sprouts trees will be part of the main Festival of Trees event.
• After the event, Sprouts trees will be moved to the community room for ongoing display throughout the season, according to the schedule determined by the Festival of Trees Committee and Sprouts leadership.
• Any changes to display location or timeline will be communicated to staff by Sprouts leadership.

Program Book Submissions

• Information, photos, or descriptions for the Festival of Trees program book (or similar printed/digital materials) must be submitted by the deadlines set by the Festival of Trees Committee.
• The lead teacher is responsible for:
  • Providing any requested class information, theme descriptions, or photos by the due date.
  • Coordinating with Sprouts leadership if assistance is needed to meet the deadline.

Communication and Questions

• Questions about this policy or the Festival of Trees process should be directed to Sprouts leadership or the Festival of Trees Committee.
• Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in advance by Sprouts leadership.