Garage Sale....

If you are anything like me, and like to get an early start on cleaning out closets, cabinets and the garage before spring, you might be finding yourself with a pile that's due to donate to Goodwill. Well, I wanted to catch you before you took that trip. The Co-op will be having our annual Garage Sale mid-May and we need those donations. So what I am doing is hanging onto those items I've cleared out and designated a bin in the garage to donate toward the Preschool's garage sale in May- and I hope you do the same! Oh, and I am also telling my friends that I'll take what they have too!!

Not to sound too Martha Stewart-ish, but, "It's a good thing!"

Take care all of you!
Annie
Newsletter Chair

Presidential Address.....

Hello Preschool Families!

I'm excited to take over as co- president with Therise as we finish out the rest of the school year! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you are interested in getting involved with any of the upcoming fundraisers. Thanks for supporting our wonderful preschool!

Stephanie Traugutt
253-677-8226
sktraugutt@yahoo.com


April 20, 2007

Bates Update

Dear Parents,

The phrase “children learn through play” is a one that we Early Childhood Educators toss around freely and often. I suspect that it is not always as well understood as we think. Hopefully the following will help you understand how this concept works in preschool.

·         “Preschoolers are wigglers and doers”. No surprise here. We all know that. That is why it achieves better results to work with children by providing engaging activities than to work against their natures by making them sit still for long periods of time, talking at them, having a rigid structure, and having all the children do the same thing at the same time.

·         “Research shows that young children learn best through manipulation of materials and age-appropriate hands-on experiences.” A quality preschool will be noisy and busy. It may look chaotic to the untrained eye. Further looking will reveal real learning going on as children explore, investigate, manipulate, and try something over and over again. They truly are young scientists figuring out how the world works. If a child figures out something for himself he will remember it much better than if someone just tells him. As I saw on a sign in a preschool, “telling is not teaching”.

·         “In a high-quality preschool, learning is embedded in activities….” This is probably the hardest concept to grasp. Children are learning numbers and letters, for example, just not always with paper and pencil. They learn letters through being read to, seeing words on their cubbies, name tags, place mats, doing letter puzzles, singing the alphabet song, and in general playing in a print-rich environment with many adults to answer their questions and stimulate their intellect.  They learn counting through finger plays, counting how many children are sitting in circle, how many place mats to set at the table, how many blocks to make a tower, how many children are absent that day and on and on. The teachers do provide a curriculum – it just doesn’t look like high school or even elementary school. It looks like play and that is exactly what it should be. “The best early childhood programs use play to get at academics. One doesn’t rule out the other.”

·         “When learning through play, progress isn’t gauged in terms of a right or wrong answer.” Preschool activities are usually open-ended. So a three year old may use the same materials, do some of the same activities or read the same books as a five year old, yet get something totally different out of them. Even children of the same age will be at different levels of developmental. Some four year olds recognize all the letters of the alphabet while others may recognize only the one at the beginning of their names. As long as children are in a rich environment with skilled adults, they will learn what they need to succeed. A love of learning and an excitement about life are more important to success in school than knowing particular facts or skills.

I have been involved in early childhood education for over twenty five years. Many things have changed in the field since I started, but the message that children learn through play has not changed.

If you have questions or concerns about your individual child and/or about the curriculum, talk with your teacher or me. Let’s keep doing what is best for children and let them play.

Carol

The words in quotation marks are from a Tacoma News Tribune article “Preschool Students Learn Best Through Curiosity-Building Play” from a Parent to Parent column by Betsy Flagler written a few years ag

February LIfe Lines.....

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month. Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in America. The most common type is Coronary Artery Disease. This form causes a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. So, let's support our kids by helping them develop healthy habits now. We can start by being good role models and keep things positive. Kid’s don’t like to hear what they can’t do, tell them what they can do instead. Keep it fun and positive. Everyone likes to be praised for a job well done. Celebrate successes and help your children develop a good self-image. Try limiting time in front of the television, encourage physical activity and make dinnertime family time.
February is also National Children's Dental Health Month. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. Once a child’s diet includes anything besides breast-milk, erupted teeth are at risk for decay. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing dental problems. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

SmileMobile is coming to:
VAUGHN
March 21^st- 25^th, 2012
Vaughn Elementary School
17521 Hall Road Vaughn, WA 98394
The SmileMobile:

¨ provides dental care to children (birth through high school) with limited family income

¨ accepts State of Washington Services Card (Provider One) and sliding fee scale based on family income

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call:
Jennifer Bunch at 253-272-1101before March 15^th.
Appointments must be scheduled before March 21st

The SmileMobile is operated by Washington Dental Service Foundation in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital. This event/activity is NOT being sponsored by the school district and the district assumes no responsibility for the conduct of or safety of the event/activity. In consideration for the privilege to distribute these materials, the school district shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim, or petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal arising out of the distribution of these materials, including all costs, attorney’s fees, and judgments or awards.

"K" is for Kim

Hello Vaughn Families!

I am hoping that all of the inclement weather is behind us, or at least the kind of weather that prevents us from having preschool!  We will be making up some of our days here at Vaughn on March 14, 15 & 16^th.  We will also be moving our year end picnic to Friday, June 8. 

We will be talking about family and love during the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day.  We will be doing some shape and color patterning along with learning Mat Man from our Handwriting without Tears curriculum.  I will be working with each of the children individually over the next few weeks to gather some data to see what areas I may need to be working on a little more.  I want to make sure that all of the children who are going into Kindergarten are ready.

I will be sending home more information on the Trike a Thon soon, if you have any questions in regards to this fundraiser please do not hesitate to contact me!  Don’t forget to be talking to family members and friends to “sponsor” your child J

Thank you so much for all of your support, our classroom would not be what it is without you!!!

Take Good Care,
Teacher Kim

Trike-a-thon March 3rd 10-11AM

Our first ever Trike-a-thon! This event will be held Saturday, March 3rd 2012 at 10-11am at the Vaughn Civic Center. The children will ride a tricycle, that the Co-op provides, for 5, 10 or 15 minutes......however long they are willing and able! The preschoolers will raise money by asking their family or friends to sponsor them. (any amount) Example: If each child collects just $10 for their sponsorship, with 40 students we'll raise $400.00 !! There will be prizes for top earnings, games, pictures and fun! Mark your calendar!

Need YOUR vote!

Reminder to vote/send in your ballots by February 14th!

Levy Regarding Kindergarten...

Replacement Educational Programs and Operations Levy Fact Meeting:

For Preschool and Kindergarten Families

Residents of the Peninsula School District will be asked to vote on a replacement levy.  This levy was developed by a task force of the school board, district staff and community members that prioritizes additions for technology, capital projects, teachers and support staff.

Please attend a levy fact meeting to get information about how the levy supports our current four-day (all day) kindergarten program.

Date:            Tuesday, January 24th

Time:            6:00pm—7:00pm

Location:      Purdy Elementary School Library

Address:  

13815 62nd Avenue NW

For additional information call (253) 530-1001 or email to levy@psd401.net.

Recap of Fundraising Meeting.....

Hi All! Thank you very much to the families who came to the FUNdraising Meeting this week! Your support, suggestions, and time were greatly appreciated! During the meeting, we talked about the upcoming Comedy Night. Super excited - the Comedy Night is ON this time! Now, we need your help in selling the rest of the tickets so we can make the most of the night. We are way below our fundraising goal for the year, but this could be our opportunity to get back on track. (We've only raised 15% of the amount raised last year.) Let's maximize this party and sell 100 more tickets before the night of the show!!! With almost 40 families... if we all get involved... we can do it!!!

Reminder - Show's on January 28 at 8:00 p.m. at McCormick Woods Clubhouse in Port Orchard. Tickets are $15 each in advance or $20 at the door. But...if you are looking for good deal... here's one for you! Get your friends and family together for a super fun-filled night out and reserve a table of 10 for only $125! That's a $25 savings! And did I mention there will be some great items raffled off that night, too!

Check out the attached flyer for all the details. (Pssst... print out the flyer and hang it up at work or around town, if you can!) If your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, closest enemies, long-lost relatives, dog's Godparents, or Facebook buddies want to go, tell them to make their check payable to KP Co-operative Preschool. Put any money collected into the Tuition box with your name and how many tickets purchased. Then your tickets will magically appear in your child's cubby!

Call me if you have any questions. Thank you all so much for your help in making this a great night!

Best wishes,
Megan
(360) 362-2358

Bates Updates

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to preschool! I hope that all of you had a wonderful and restful holiday. These last few months I have truly enjoyed getting to better know you and your children. That process will continue as I will be doing parent shares this month. (Please check dates below.) I will have chocolate and you will earn a parent ed credit. Of course there will be opportunity for your questions and sharing with your fellow parents.

Believe it or not, while we are still enjoying and working hard on this year, it is time to start thinking about the next year. Soon we will be selecting new board members and enrolling for the next school year. If your child will be “graduating” begin exploring ways to facilitate that process. (Take advantage of the Bates Kindergarten Panel - info below.) While you continue to get the most out this year, start planning on what will be happening next. Think about joining the board if you really want to understand the workings of your school and to make the most out of your participation. Ongoing information about what will occur will be coming in the days and weeks ahead.

Mark your calendars with these upcoming dates:

Parent Shares - during class

Vaughn 2-day and Evergreen

Thursday, January 19

Vaughn 3-day

Friday, January 20

Bates Parent Ed.

“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., Bates South Campus Auditorium

If you have any questions, feel free to call me @ 680-7517 or cgulczynski@bates.ctc.edu

Carol Gulczynski/ Bates Home and Family Life Instructor

Go ahead and get messy. Well, dry messy that is!!!!

All you need is some dry rice or beans - add some cups and animals and you have hours of fun at your child's fingertips. We use our coffee table that has sides, but a large tote or tub will do the trick too! My 2 and 4 year old love it!

"M" is for Mary

Parents
I hope you all had a relaxing and wonderful vacation.
In the month of January we are going to be discussing the Season of Winter. We will be making snowmen and snow flakes. We will read many exciting winter books and do many fun activities that go along with the books
We will also be visiting the artic. We will play with dogsleds and Eskimos, we will see what it is like to live in and igloo. Ask your child about these things when you are asking about school.

Thanks again for sharing your children with me

Miss Mary

"K" is for Kim

Hello Vaughn Families!

Happy New Year to you all!!  I hope that you have had a wonderful, restful Holiday with your loved ones!  I am so happy to be back in the classroom, I have missed everyone!

We will be talking and learning about Snow, Snowflakes and Snowmen during the next few weeks.  We will be “walking on snow” as a classroom activity and making some snow in our sensory bins.  We will continue to talk about numbers, letters, colors and shapes to make sure our upcoming Kindergarteners are ready!!!

Please make sure to send your child in a coat, the weather has gotten cold, and we go outside everyday….as long as it is not raining too hard.

Please continue to keep in touch if you have any questions and/or concerns!!!

I wish you all a wonderful New Year!!

Teacher Kim

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