Dance Avenue

  DANCE AVENUE

At the Civic Center

beginning January 3^rd*

 Intro to Dance

Pre-ballet, tap, jazz, and creative movement

Ages 3-5

Tuesdays 9:30 to 10:15

Ballet/Tap Combo

Ages 6-9

Tuesdays 4:00 to 4:50

Jazz Combo

Jazz, hip hop, and lyrical

Ages 6-9

Tuesdays 5:00 to 5:50

1^st class $28/month

2^nd class $22/month

Additional siblings $22/month

For more information or to register call Julie Miller at 253-606-3763 or juliermiller@comcast.net

* must have minimum of 4 children a class

Ways to Raise

Comedy Night - The Comedy Night is fast approaching! Join us January 28 at McCormick Woods Clubhouse in Port Orchard for a hilarious night of stand-up comedy! This is an adults-only evening, so call your babysitter now! Tickets are $15 until the evening of the show or $20 at the door. We will also raffle off some great baskets the night of the show. We are about 1/3 of the way to our goal, so please help us sell - sell - sell! If you have 8 - 10 people, we can reserve a table for you, if you want. Let me or your teacher know how many tickets you need.
Special FUNdraising Meeting - We will be having a special meeting in the Vaughn Classroom on Monday, January 9 at 6:30pm. We will be raffling of 2 tickets to our Comedy night along with some other prizes. You must attend the meeting to be eligible for these special drawings. At the meeting, we will talk briefly about three major upcoming fundraisers - Comedy Night, Trike-A-Thon, and the annual Garage Sale. 
Trike-A-Thon - This will take place on March 3 from 10-11am at the Key Peninsula Civic Center. Mark your calendars - more details to come!  
First Aid Kits - We still have First Aid Kits available. There are specialized kits for the Home, Auto, or Sports in the classrooms. Each kit is only $10, so grab one today! There are larger kits and other specialized kits available by special order forms (available in the classrooms). We make a great profit on these and they are a quick inexpensive way for you to help raise money for the preschool.

Megan McFarlane

360-362-2358

Preparing Children for School Success

Language and Literacy:

Preparing Children for School Success

Bates Technical College’s Home and Family Life Department presents the 15th Annual Brain Series
Thursday, April 26, 7 - 9 p.m.
South Campus Auditorium, 2201 S. 78th Street, Tacoma. This event is FREE.

Language and communication skills are important to help prepare your child for school.

In fact, advances in brain and behavioral research have bolstered interest in preparing children for
school success. At this year’s Brain Series, you can make the connection between the importance of
early experiences (play, language and literacy) and future academic learning from Dr. Lebedeva, an
expert in emergent language and early literacy. STARS credit is available. No registration required.

Dr. Gina Lebedeva

Dr. Lebedeva is the translation, outreach, and education director at the University

of Washington’s Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS). She believes that
by translating research on how early experiences sculpt the brain, we can better
support children’s learning.

Bates Update

Parent shares for January:

          Vaughn 3-day and Evergreen: Thursday, January 19

          Vaughn 2-day: Friday, January 20.

Dear Parent,

As you are thinking about gifts for your children, keep in mind this list that I “borrowed” from “ExchangeEveryDay” that they got from another source:

          Here is a list of "The 5 Best Toys of All Time," published in, of all places, the high-tech Wired Magazine.

1. Stick
2. Box
3. String
4. Cardboard Tubes
5. Dirt

The staff at “ExchangeEveryDay” would substitute ball for cardboard tubes, but you get the idea. This is certainly food for thought as we all struggle about what appropriate, meaningful as well as fun toys to get for the children in our lives. Remember that the thing that young children want most for the holidays (and anytime for that matter) is time with you. Uninterrupted, focused, relaxed time with you.

Happy Holidays!

Carol

"K" is for Kim

Hello Vaughn Families,
Happy Holiday Season! I hope that you all enjoy a wonderful Holiday with your families!
I hope that you can all make it to our Annual Gingerbread House Decorating/Potluck on Thursday evening December 8, from 6-7:30pm in the Vaughn Commons. There is a sign up sheet on the door in the classroom for the Potluck.
In the classroom we will continue to work on letter and number recognition, along with shapes. Our "theme" for these next few weeks is The Gingerbread Man, the children will be learning some of the repetitive story so that they can read it to you during the Gingerbread Party.
Remember, we do not have Preschool from December 15 through January 3 for Winter Break.
Thank you so much for all that you do for our preschool!!!
Happy Holidays,
Teacher Kim

Treasurer's Chest

Hello Preschool Families!
I would like to thank all of you for getting your tuition payments turned in on time! I really appreciate your efforts as it saves me a lot of time. Just a reminder... Tuition is due by the 1st of each month and is considered late if it is received after the 10th. Please do not hesitate to contact me if arrangements are needed to avoid any late fees.
Thanks Again!
Kari Beck
360-551-9624 or beck33988@gmail.com

"M" is for Mary

Parents,

Its hard to believe that it is December , where has the days gone.  We have had a wonderful year so far and I am sure the rest of the year will be as wonderful.

During the next 2 weeks we will be working on Nursery rhymes and The story THE GINGERBREAD MAN.  We are still working on letter recognition and beginning to write our names.

Please remember that we try to go outside each and every day so make sure that you child is dressed appropriately.

   

I hope each one of you have a wonderful holiday season.

Thank you for sharing your children with me

                                       

Miss Mary 

Inclement Weather..........

Any time the Peninsula School District calls a two hour delay, Preschool is CANCELLED.
Find out if there is a weather delay by listening to local television, radio or check the district webpage. You will also receive an early morning phone call if school is delayed or cancelled.

Family Reading Night

Vaughn's First family reading night
December 6th
6:00 -7:00 PM
Dinner (chips/hotdogs) will be served from 6:00 to 6:30 followed by a grand opening of our Family Reading Night. After the official opening, families are free to participate in the many activities throughout the building.

• Grade Specific Games and Activities
• Book Exchange: bring one book and take home two!
• Computer Lab: online activities and games supporting reading
• Get a library card through the Pierce County Library
• Family resources from Communities in Schools (CIS)
• Make and take stations for books and bookmarks

RSVP by 11/30 with the flyer that was sent home

Fundraising Kickoff.....

The Fundraising kickoff meeting will be in the Vaughn Classroom on Monday January 9 at 6:30pm. We will be raffling of 2 tickets to our Comedy night along with some other prizes.

Bates Classes coming up.....

Bates December/January schedule:

December:

“Block play” – teacher inservice

Blocks are tools that provide children with numerous

problem-solving opportunities to explore, discover,

experiment and master skills and concepts.

Dec. 6, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Campus Auditorium

Art for children

Celebrate children’s art. Learn about art and the

developing child, the importance of creativity, and

emerging writing skills through early drawing. Instructors

will offer hands-on activities.

Dec. 7, 7-8:30 p.m., South Campus, Building E, Room 116

January:

“Getting School Ready”

Come and visit the informational Kindergarten Fair,

featuring a panel discussion with local public school

kindergarten teachers.

Jan. 18, 7-8:30 p.m., South Campus Auditorium

Temperament in Children – teacher inservice

Learn about temperament and how it affects children’s

behavior in classroom settings. Based on Temperament

Talk from the Center for Human Development.

Jan. 24, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Campus, Building E, Room 116

Vaughn Gingerbread Party

Vaughn students annual Gingerbread party is coming up soon! December 8th at Vaughn Elementary Lunchroom. This is a very fun event where the students have an opportunity to decorate gingerbread houses and read aloud to you, the Parents!
Dec. 8th - 6-7:30pm Vaughn Lunchroom

Winter Raffle

Winter Raffle is ready and is selling at $2.00 per ticket. These are handmade stockings ready for embroidery upon winning! There are a total of 6, 2 large and 2 small. Good Luck!
Drawing will be December 9th.

Early Childhood Education Credit

Our Bates Home and Family Life faculty members will be offering the First Year, Early Childhood Education classes to our affiliated cooperative preschool members as part of your affiliation with Bates Technical College, for the 2011-2012, school year.  ECE - First Year instruction provides students with the skills to work as entry-level child care/early education teachers.  Classes include lecture, discussion and hands-on learning opportunities.

To receive credit for classes, students will be required to register through their Bates Instructor, purchase a text book, attend classes and complete assigned coursework before the end of each quarter.  Students will earn college credits for completed ECE classes.

Bates will offer two of the following ECE classes each quarter:

	WINTER 2011/12
109E	ECE 106  GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT/LEARN	MARSHA HOLAND	11/29-2/16, T/Th, 12-2:30 p.m.
109F	ECE 107  PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT	SANDY MANTHOU	12/3-2/18, Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
109C	ECE 103  STARS	VARIES	1/28-2/11, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
109L	ECE 103  STARS  (HYBRID)	TINA SMITH-KLAH	1/10&1/24, Tuesday, 7-8 p.m.
	SPRING 2012
109G	ECE 108  EMOTIONAL/SOC/DVLPMNT	PAT LEBLANC	2/23-5/10, T/Th, 12-2:30 p.m.
109J	ECE 110  COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT	RACHEL SAXTON	2/27-5/9, M/W, 6-8:30 p.m.
109C	ECE 103  STARS	VARIES	4/14-4/28, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
	SUMMER 2012
109H	ECE 109  CHILD GUIDANCE	JOAN RAPKOCH	5/15-7/24, T/Th, 12-2:30 p.m.
109C	ECE 103  STARS	VARIES	7/7-7/21, Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

 Students registering for the ECE classes will need to purchase the text book, “Early Childhood Education” by Eva L Essa and a student ID card.  The Instructor will give you information about purchasing the textbook.         

Registration for continuing students starts:          Oct. 26^th

Registration for waitlisted students starts:           Nov. 2^nd

Registration for new students starts:                      Nov. 9^th

BATES TECHNICAL COLLEGE

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - PROFESSIONAL-AFFILIATE

 How to Register for Classes:
FIRST: Take CASAS test by contacting Lynn Neal at 253-680-7274.
THEN: Send in an ECE registration form with your CASAS scores and Bates registration form to the H&FL Office. (253-680-7500 or 7503)

VISIT: www.bates.ctc.edu/MyBates and click on New Student Orientation for the online orientation.

WE WILL:  register you for classes which will generate your Bates email address.  An email address will be comprised of your first initial then last name @bates.ctc.edu. For email information, go to www.bates.ctc.edu/MyBates. You will get class information sent to you at your Bates email address.

THEN:

1.            Show up by the second class or you will be dropped.

2.            Develop an education plan during the first two quarters, Dan Eberle, Career Specialist will work with you.

3.            Register online for class each subsequent quarter. The ECE instructor will let students know when to register for the next class.  Registration dates are published in the quarterly schedule and on the Bates website (www.bates.ctc.edu).

ONGOING- BEFORE YOU START THE SECOND YEAR:

·         If you plan on going on to the second year ECE classes, attend an information session at least two quarters before you are going to start the second year ECE classes.  Dates and times are published in the quarterly schedule and on the Bates website (www.bates.ctc.edu).

·         Apply for financial aid online at www.bates.ctc.edu/financialaid.  For Financial Aid questions call 253-680-7020.

·         Scholarships from Washington State Child Care Resource & Referral Network- for information go to www.childcarenet.org.

·         WAIT LIST for second year- Call 680-7002 to make an appointment with the career advisor and bring with you your CASAS or COMPASS scores and pay an application fee to be put on a wait list.

·         Complete the registration and enrollment form with your career advisor (Dan Eberle).  Tuition and fees are due at this time.  If you have any type of funding that is going to cover the cost of your class the career advisor will sign your registration off at that time.

Comedy Night

Comedy Night has been rescheduled! Start planning your night out now.

When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 8:00PM
Where: McCormick Woods Golf Course
Cost: advance purchase price will be 2 for $25.00 ($12.50)
after December 15 $15.00 each
at the door $20.00 each

"M" is for Mary

Parents

First a reminder that the days are getting colder and that we go outside everyday if possible, so please be sure that your child is dresses appropriately for the weather.

During the month of November we will be working on letter recognition, mainly the letters of our names.  I will bring out the farm and we will do many fun activities related to farm life.  We will also be reading the books, THE THREE LITTLE PIGS and THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF

Thanks for sharing your children with me, they make everyday a special day for me  

Miss Mary

"K" is for Kim

Hello Vaughn Families!

We are off to such a wonderful beginning!  I am having so much fun getting to know your children.  We will continue to talk about Fall for the next couple of weeks, including pumpkins, gourds, spiders and leaves. 

I am focusing on fine motor strength and coordination right now, with many of the activities geared at strengthening our pincer grasp to help us get ready to write.  Some activities you may notice are, playdough, lacing, legos and in sensory bins there are tongs for the children to pick up items to place in a bucket.  I will begin to work closely with the 3-day class for the children to be able to form the letters in their names.

We will also be working on “Greetings” and how we respond when people say hello to us or goodbye to us.  This is an activity that is also used when we discuss “Filling up our Buckets”.  As always, if you have any questions about any of our activities, please give me a call J

Thanks so much for sharing your children with me!!!

Teacher Kim

Maple Pumpkin Custards with Crystallized Ginger

Maple Pumpkin Custards with Crystallized Ginger

6 servings
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling and chilling)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups 1% milk
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup maple syrup, (see Ingredient note)
• 3/4 cup canned unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons whipped cream
• 1/4 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Put a kettle of water on to heat for the water bath. Line a roasting pan with a folded kitchen towel.
2. Heat milk over low heat in a small saucepan until barely steaming but not boiling.
3. Whisk eggs and syrup in a large bowl until smooth. Gently whisk in the warm milk (a little bit at a time so the eggs don't cook). Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; whisk until blended.
4. Divide the mixture among six 6-ounce (3/4-cup) custard cups. Skim foam from the surface. Place custard cups in the prepared roasting pan. Pour enough boiling water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the custard cups. Place the pan in the oven and bake, uncovered, until custards are just set but still quiver in the center when shaken, 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer custards to a wire rack and let cool for 45 minutes. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until chilled.
5. To serve, top each custard with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of crystallized ginger.

Pear, Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing

Pear, Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing

12 servings, 2/3 cup each
Active Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 1/4 hours

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced, cut into ribbons
• 2 cups onion, chopped
• 2 cups diced fennel bulb
• 1/4 cup minced shallot
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
• 8 cups stale baguette, preferably multi-grain (not sourdough), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 Bosc pears, ripe but firm, chopped
• 1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
• 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add prosciutto; cook, stirring, until crispy, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel.
3. Wipe out the pan and heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, fennel and shallot and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add sage, thyme and rosemary and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Transfer everything to a large bowl and gently stir in bread, pears, parsley, hazelnuts and the prosciutto. Add broth; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared baking dish; cover with foil.

Bake for 40 minutes; remove the foil and bake until the top is beginning to crisp, 25 to 30 minutes more.

Parsnips and Pears

Parsnips and Pears

8 servings, 1/2 cup each
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 large pear, (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored and halved
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice, juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Place parsnips, pear and garlic in a large saucepan and cover with lightly salted water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the parsnips are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Drain and transfer to a food processor. Add butter, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Process until completely smooth. Scrape into a serving bowl and serve hot. (To keep puree hot for up to 1 hour, cover with parchment or wax paper and set the bowl in a pan of barely simmering water.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Recipes:

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

4 servings, 3/4 cup each
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Preparation

1. Place cauliflower florets and garlic in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover and steam until very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (Alternatively, place florets and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl with 1/4 cup water, cover and microwave on High for 3 to 5 minutes.)
2. Place the cooked cauliflower and garlic in a food processor. Add buttermilk, 2 teaspoons oil, butter, salt and pepper; pulse several times, then process until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and garnish with chives, if desired. Serve hot.

Life Lines

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. About 215,000 young people under 20 years of age have diabetes. Most of them have type 1 diabetes. As obesity rates in children continue to soar, type 2 diabetes, a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45, is becoming more common in young people. To lower the chance of getting the disease be active and make healthy food choices.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner so why not try something new this year.  Replace your traditional mashed potatoes with creamy mashed cauliflower or creamed parsnips. These vegetables make a perfect low-carb stand-in. Are you in charge of making the stuffing? Try using whole wheat bread and adding some dried fruit mixed with a variety of nuts.  And instead of taking a nap before pie, take the kids for a nature walk to enjoy the colorful season. The American Diabetes Association recommends 20 -30 minutes of increased heart rate 3 to 5 days a week.

Daylight Savings ends!

November 6th Daylight Savings Ends. Fall back 1 hour!

Bates Updates

Dear Parent,

It’s November; Thanksgiving time and the start of a busy holiday season. I’m guessing that you want to see your children be sensitive, tolerant and grateful. J

 Even though preschoolers are typically very self-centered, they do show kind and sensitive acts throughout the day. You need to watch for it and do your own modeling to make it a solid family value.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Encourage & Recognize - If you notice your child doing something unselfish, name it and give them recognition for their sensitivity. Let them know that what they are doing is a kind and caring thing (without being too over the top about it). If they do not show sensitivity, patiently ask them to ‘try again’ – allowing for‘do overs’ is a favorite way to correct and encourage.                                                                                                                         

2. Give Responsibility- research shows a correlation between the amount of responsibility children have and their tendency to think of others. A child with no responsibility may become spoiled and begin to lose their sense of caring and concern.

3. Teach by Example and Active Listening - Show children this attitude of empathy in your own actions, by modeling the same behavior and values you want to instill in them. Actively listen to your children by hearing what they have to say, then paraphrasing it back to them so they know you understood it and are concerned with their thoughts and feelings.

4. Say, "I'm Sorry" If you’ve made a mistake or were insensitive to your child, let your child know you are sorry for this. Just be mindful about asking for forgiveness too often without an effort to do better in the future!                                                                                                                             

5. Remember that Unselfishness Does Not Come Naturally - Becoming unselfish is a process that "takes thinking and practicing and a certain amount of maturity to develop." Do not expect your children to naturally always think of others first or know how to be empathetic to those who are suffering. It is a character virtue that you as a parent must model and help them learn.

Enjoy the glorious month of November and all that we have to be thankful for.

As always, I look forward to seeing you and your children at school!

Gratefully,

Carol

You can read more tips for teaching values in Teaching Your Children Values, by Linda and Richard Eyre

Bates parent ed...

November

Media and Children: Join in the discussion and recent research on how all forms of media effect young children’s brain development. Tuesday, Nov. 2, 7-8:30 PM, Bates South Campus.

Picture retakes at Vaughn

Picture retakes will be on November 10th 2011 for Vaughn preschoolers.

Library Card Drive

Fifth annual Library Card Drive: Oct. 1 - 31, 2011

GET THE CARD at any of 17 libraries or 3 bookmobiles and enter to win an iPad2, a gift from Pierce County Library Foundation. If you already have a card, bring in a friend and sign them up for a card and you may enter the drawing, too! If you haven't used your card in 2 years, it is no longer active, so get a new card now. Help reach the goal of 8,000 people with new Pierce County Library cards.

http://www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card-drive.htm

Current Raffle

Each month the Coop features a new raffle. This month we are featuring a basket of homemade goods donated by a preschool family. (A very talented family at that - right!!?) LOTS of canned goods and also a beautiful lap quilt. Buy your ticket for $2 each. The drawing will be mid November!
Also, if you would like to showcase your gift and talent through a raffle just contact Megan McFarlane about your idea for a raffle!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies 
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 egg, lightly beaten
chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat oven to 350. Beat ingredients until blended and smooth. Shape dough into 24 balls, place on ungreased cookie sheet, flatten slightly with fork, bake 10-12 minutes or until set. 

Peninsula Youth Wrestling

Peninsula Youth Wrestling Register for the 2011-2012 season

Who: Boys and Girls ages 4-13

When: Friday October 14^th and Saturday October 29th

Where: Key Center Library meeting room 4-6:30pm

Cost: $70 (family discounts and sponsorships available)

Additional info: Practices are held in the KPMS gym and begin November 2^nd.
The Season runs through February with meets starting in
January.

Please contact Bill or Becky (Maribelle and Persephone’s parents) with any additional questions. 253-514-0892

NO SCHOOL OCT 10th

Just a reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, Oct 10, 2011.

Parent Ed credit for....

If you were lucky enough to attend the Key Peninsula Farm Tour last Saturday, you were lucky enough to also receive a parent education credit for this event. Be certain to sign the sheet in the classrooms to receive credit!

Horseback Riding Lessons....

Horseback Riding Lessons! All ages welcome! Beginning to advanced riding in nearly every discipline. Bring your own horse or ride one of our excellent lesson horses. Years of experience. Located near Lake Kathryn village. Horse training available as well. For more information contact Heidi at 253-225-0561.

Thank you! Heidi

October 2011

Welcome to the 2011-2012 preschool school year! You can check in here anytime for important Preschool information like:

"M" is for Mary and "K" is for Kim - teacher updates   

Fundraising opportunities 

Parent education opportunities 

House of Representatives - class rep updates 

Presidential address - updates from the presidents 

Treasurers Chest - update from the treasurer

Bates...updates - update from Bates instructor

Life Lines - health and safetly updates

Community events 

Curds and Whey - miscellaneous

"K" is for Kim

Hello Vaughn Families!

Welcome to Preschool!  We are going to have a great year making new friends and learning new and exciting things.  We will play, have fun & get messy, learn to be a friend and how to share with each other.  I know that you are entrusting me with a very precious gift, and I feel very honored to be your child’s first teacher, thank you so much for sharing them with me! 

We are off to a great start, our first few days of preschool have been magical!!!  What a great group of children!!! Please remember to stay in touch and always feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Happy Fall!!!

Teacher Kim

"M" is for Mary

Evergreen Parents:

We have had a wonderful start to the new year. We are making new friends and learning the classroom routine. It is going to be a great year.

In October we are going to be exploring the areas of fall leaves and apples We will read The Book Brown Bear and do many activities that are associated with the book. We will also be concentrating on name recognition, shapes and colors.

Thanks or sharing your children with me

Miss Mary

Bates Updates

Dear Parent,

Welcome to co-op preschool! The beginning of school is always such an exciting time, as the possibilities for a great new year are endless. It is personally an exhilarating time as I get the opportunity to meet and to get to know all of you a little better.

One of the ways that this meeting happens is through the parent shares that I facilitate once a quarter; in October, January, and March. For those of you who don’t know what a parent share is there is a description at the end of this article. For those of you who do know, you already know how fun and informative that they can be.

The upcoming parent shares for October are:

Vaughn 3-day – F 10/21
Vaughn 2-Day – Th 10/20
Evergreen - W 10/12.

In addition to your concerns and questions (which we always spend most of our time on), I usually highlight a book at the shares that I think is an invaluable addition to a parenting library. Since I know that most of you are too busy being parents to read a lot of information about parenting, I will do the reading and give you nuggets of information that may help in your parenting journey.

The book I have chosen this year is “Mind in the Making – The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs” by Ellen Galinsky. The seven life skills are listed below.

§  Focus and self-control
§  Perspective taking
§  Communicating
§  Making connections
§  Critical thinking
§  Taking on challenges
§  Self-directed, engaged learning

As you can see, this is a pretty impressive list. I look forward to helping us all understand more about this list and seeing how we can assist our children in acquiring these necessary skills while at the same time dealing with the immediate issues of getting our children dressed in the morning, to get them to stop hitting their sister, to eat nutritious meals, to sleep in their own beds, etcetera, etcetera.

I look forward to seeing you all at the next parent share.

Carol