FREE Events. . .Courtesy of Key Pen Parks!!

Hey Folks!

I thought I would share this email from Jess Smeall, Recreation Coordinator with Key Pen Parks. Tons of FREE events listed starting this week!! Register today and enjoy a ton of FREE things to do with the kiddos!! :-)

Hello!

I hope you are having a great summer so far!  Here at Key Pen Parks we are looking forward to TEN free events for all ages, starting next week through August.  Please help me share this information with the people who will benefit from these programs, and consider joining us yourself!

I have attached flyers for each program—Play Day (4-10yrs), Family Fun Nights and Landscaping Workshop, Movie Nights (Cinema Under the Stars), and Drum Fest (I am giving you the Drum Camp flyer, at the bottom is the Festival information…still a few spots left in camp too).

 

LISTING OF FREE PROGRAMS BY DATE:

·        Thur. July 25^th 2:00pm-3:30pm @ Volunteer Park –PLAY DAY for 4-10 yr olds, meet at Picnic Shelter.  Register here: http://bit.ly/151U2AX (free program, but we’d love to know a bit about the ages ahead of time to plan accordingly—feel free to just show up too!)
·        Fri. July 26^th @ Volunteer Park—CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, pre-movie activity (7:00pm): DUCT TAPE ART, movie (8:30pm/dark) is WRECK IT RALPH.  Bring a donation for the local food bank!
·        Thur. Aug 1 6:30-8:30pm @ Gateway Park—FAMILY FUN NIGHT, theme is “Worms and Dirt: Composting Fun.”  So many fun and interactive booths to explore, and get a little dirty!  Camp Seymour is bringing their live reptiles, we’ll have songs and prizes, and a great time for all—thanks to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept. for their partnership on these events.
·         Fri. Aug 2 @ Volunteer Park—CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, pre-movie activity (7:00pm): TBA, movie (8:30pm/dark) is RISE OF THE GUARDIANS.  Bring a donation for the local food bank!
·        Thur. Aug 8 2:30-4:30pm @ Gateway Park—LANDSCAPING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS.  Garden expert Greg Butler is travelling all the way from Seattle to host this great workshop, and help you make your yard naturally beautifully.
·        Thur. Aug 8 6:30-8:30pm @ KP Civic Center—FAMILY FUN NIGHT, theme is “H2oh! Exploring Water”  So many fun and interactive booths to explore, and get a little wet!  We’ll have a free car wash, live shellfish from Taylor Shellfish, songs, prizes, and much more!  Come by to learn through fun about the water around us and the creatures in it.
·        Fri. Aug 9 @ Volunteer Park—CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, pre-movie activity (7:00pm): TBA, movie (8:30pm/dark) is ET.  Bring a donation for the local food bank!
·        Sat. Aug 10 10:00am-6:00pm @ Longbranch Improvement Club—DRUM FEST!  Our Drum Campers will perform at 10am, come see some adorable kids, and then every hour is a new and different drumming act, from steel drums to a drum set, you’ll see it all, and get to play on some drums too!  (This event is in the vein of the former event, Beyond the Borders, if you liked that event, come to this one!)
·        Fri. Aug 16 @ Volunteer Park—CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, pre-movie activity (7:00pm): TBA, movie (8:30pm/dark) is DESPICABLE ME.  Bring a donation for the local food bank!
·         Fri. Aug 23 @ Volunteer Park—CINEMA UNDER THE STARS, pre-movie activity (7:00pm): TBA, movie (8:30pm/dark) is HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA.  Bring a donation for the local food bank!

 

PS. Don’t forget about our great camp programs, they are not free, but we do have very reasonable rates and also offer scholarships.  Eco Adventure, Drum Camp, Yoga & Meditation, PeeWee Theater, and Mad Science—all still have room for you camper!  Call or email for more info.

For more information call: Key Pen Parks, (253) 884-9240 x22

 

Jess Smeall

Key Pen Parks - Recreation Coordinator

DIY Paints!!

So while I was perusing Facebook, a friend of mine shared a picture and description of DIY Paint for Kids! I haven't tried it yet, but I sure plan on doing so soon!!

 

Are you looking for something to make or bake? How about these diy paints! It's one of the things you'll find on The Whoot so be sure to drop in now http://bit.ly/19pAFmY

For more great ideas visit Paging Fun Mums

Summer Fun

Summer Fun Activities

Summer is in full swing out here on the Key Peninsula (okay, everywhere really). It's the middle of July. . .beaches have been explored, the sun has been shining brightly overhead, the sprinkler has been dashed through, and copious amounts of bubbles have been blown.

So. . .now what? Packing up the kids and taking off an the next great adventure on a moment's notice isn't always feasible. Seems like these days, family get-away vacations get more and more expensive. More and more folks are looking to do 'stay-cations' closer to home.  The closer, hopefully the cheaper.

So. . .as I mentioned previously. . .the beaches have already been explored, the sprinkler's been dashed through about a gazillion times, and if I have to run out to the dollar store for a pack of bubbles one more time, I just might scream. ;-)

A momentary sense of panic set in. . .as I realized that summer was only half-way through, and my household of little munchkins were getting bored with repetitive backyard antics. Luckily, I received an email newsletter from a local family resource website - Gig Harbor Macaroni Kids. It's a great parent resource website, and the best part is their calendar of events. It's main focus seems to highlight those summer activities that are either FREE or fairly cheap. Craft Day at Michael's, Touch Tanks at Skansie Park with Harbor WildWatch, baby/toddler story times at the library. Whew!! I'm saved!! :-)

So feel free to peruse their website (see link below), jot some family-friendly (and best part cost-effective!) activities on the calendar, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

http://gigharbor.macaronikid.com/calendar/

Parent Ed Info from Laura

Dear Families,

Remember, you need to get 8 credits before the end of the school year.  This is coming up fast so please attend as many events as you can if you are still needing credit.  If you know you are going to have trouble meeting this, please email me so we can work together to meet this requirement! laurajstafki@gmail.com

Here are some upcoming opportunities:

Play Date at Home Park

Friday April 26th from 1:00PM - ? at Home Park

Come met with other parents and children from our Key Peninsula Co-op preschools. Help your child develop their gross motor and social skills while playing and having fun.

Livable Community Fair

May 11th 10am - 3pm at the Key Peninsula Civic Center.

Key Peninsula Annual Garage Sale

May 18th 9am - 4pm at Waypoint Church Parking Lot

We are looking for volunteers to be on this committee. It takes many hands to make this a successful event. There will be a sign up sheet in the classroom to sign up to help. We will be looking for donations of tables, people to help make signs, people to work the sale in 2 hour shifts, people to help set up and haul away. If you have not yet had the chance to volunteer on a committee this is a fun one to be on. We have a lot of fun during the sale and hope to see many of you there!

Parent Ed Opportunities at the Key Center Library

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Read with a Princess

Key Center  1:00 PM

Event audience: Children, Family

Come and enjoy story time with a Daffodil Princess! The princess will read stories, talk with the children and be available for photos.

No registration required.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Block Play

Key Center  11:00 AM

Ages 3 - 7.  

Event audience: Children

Building with blocks develops a child's math and science skills, and provides lots of fun! Bring your children to a block party and build, talk, explore and create together. All you need is imagination!

No registration required.

Happy Spring from Miss Mary

Parents,

 

     It is hard to believe that it is already April. Where has the year gone?  In April we will have a bear week where we will do all sorts of fun activities surrounding bears.  When we get back from spring break we will start out butterfly unit. We will raise butterflies from the caterpillars to butterflies. 

    We will also be looking at the changes that happen during Spring. 

    We will also be working on our skills that will get us to the next developmental level in their lives.

    Thank you for sharing your children with me.  They make each and every day something special for me

 

Miss Mary

Early Childhood Seminar

Early Childhood/Parent
Education Seminars

Bates Child Studies instructors train parents, child care employees, and caregivers on countless
topics that strengthen early childhood education programs and create learning opportunities for the
children in your life. $5 for general public, or $10 for STARS credit. All seminars are held at the South
Campus, 2201 S. 78th Street in Tacoma. For more information, contact Child Studies at 253.680.7500
or visit www.bates.ctc.edu/ParentEd.

March

What makes my child tick?
Got a flexible, fearful or feisty child? Explore a variety
of temperament tools that can help you work with your
child’s inborn traits.
Tuesday, March 5, 7-8:30 p.m., South Campus, Building E, Room 116

Stretch your storybook
Take your child’s favorite book and make it better. Get
ideas and activities to expand old favorites and new finds.
Tuesday, March 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Campus Auditorium

April

Yuck! I don’t like that!
Do you have selective eaters? Learn with ease how to
manage eating habits, food preferences and feeding issues
of picky preschoolers.
Thursday, April 11, 7-8:30 p.m., South Campus, Building E, Room 116

Annual Brain Series
Raising courageous citizens: How brain science
can expand your parenting tools.
Thursday, April 25, 7-9 p.m., South Campus Auditorium

May

Visiting preschools in Malawi
Update on the progress of the Early Childhood
Education program in Malawi with world traveler
Sylvia Gentili.
Tuesday, May 7, 12:30-2:30 p.m., South Campus Auditorium

Planes, trains and automobiles: How to travel with
your tots
Start your summer vacation right. Learn tips and
strategies for happy travels with your kids.
Wednesday, May 8, 7-8:30 p.m., South Campus, Building E, Room 118

Child Studies

For more information, call 253.680.7500.
www.bates.ctc.edu/Family

Bates Technical College is an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory
employer and educational institution.

Training on a variety of topics can

help strengthen your family and

early childhood education programs.

March Parent Education

Bates Child Studies Early Childhood/Parent Education Seminars
March 5, 2013, 7:00 -8:30 pm.

What makes my child tick?

Got a flexible, fearful or feisty child? Explore a variety of temperament tools that can help you work
with your child’s inborn trait.

Bates Technical College, South Campus, Building E, Room 116
22021 South 78th Street
Tacoma, WA 98409

Gig Harbor Dental Care

Give Kids A Smile Gig
Harbor

Dr. Block & Dr. Coyner are pleased to participate in
the

Annual Give Kids A Smile Event.

A Dental Care Program for Underserved Children Ages 0-18 Years Old

Treatment Day will be February 9, 2013 9AM-1PM.

3519 56th Street Northwest Suite 140

Dr. Block’s Office

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Treatment is by Appointment Only.

Give Kids A Smile® is Part of the Larger ADA Program

The Program Provides Free Dental Services to Underserved Children

This event is free and space is limited call
Jennifer Bunch for an appoitment.
Office # 253 272-1101

The event/activity is sponsored solely by Dr.Bock and Dr Coyner and assume all responsibility for conduct or safety of

event/activity.
Peninsula School District does not sponsor / endorse the activity and / or information contained in this flyer The PSD assumes no responsibility
for conduct or safety during the
activity/event. In consideration for the privilege to distribute these materials, the PSD shall be held harmless from any cause of action, claim or
petition filed in any court or administrative tribunal, arising out of distribution of these materials, including all costs, attorney’s fees, judgments or
awards.

Literacy Night at Evergreen

Hi Families,

Evergreen Elementary is sponsoring a Literacy night on Feb. 7th.  It is from 5:30 to 7:00.  Dinner is served from 5:30-6:00.  If you plan on attending you need to RSVP with Mary Tyler as soon as possible!  This will count as a parent ed credit so let me know if you go! 

The Trike-a-thon is coming up on March 9th and will also count as a parent ed credit!  

If you come across anything in the community that may have parent ed value, feel free to send me an email so I can check into it and let parents know!

During the parent orientation several of you indicated that you could help run a parent ed session.  It is so fun to have parents run them.  Not only do we have some great knowledge out there, we get a chance to meet in a smaller group, provide support to each other, and possibly develop friendships.  Please let me know if you are interested in running a session. I am looking for topics for April and May in particular.  

Thanks,

Laura Stafki

Reminders from Stephanie

Hello Vaughn Preschool families,

Just wanted to send out few quick reminders about drop-off and pick-up.  

Drop-off
Please make sure to keep distractions to a minimum during drop-off/first circle time.  It is absolutely OK for parents to hang around for a little bit during this time, but please make sure that side conversations are quiet and that younger siblings aren't roaming the room.  We want our preschoolers to stay focused on what teacher Kim is teaching them and to have our day start as smoothly as possible.

Pick-up
Please plan on being to the preschool at 11:25 to ensure that your preschooler is picked up at 11:30. Teacher Kim has an afternoon class that she needs to be ready for so let's help her by being prompt for pick up time.

Thank you for all you do in helping our preschool run smoothly!  Hope everyone has a great weekend and enjoy the sun!

Stephanie Traugutt
Key Peninsula Co-Op President

Civic Center Open Walk

Open Walk at the civic center Mon. Wed. and Fri. 9-11am. $1 donation suggested.

January in Miss Mary's Class

Parents

 

    We have been learning about the Arctic environment.  We have an Igloo set up in our classroom for your children to play in.  We have put Artic animals in our block area and have pretend snow to play with.  We have been doing experiments with eggs and ice. Ask your child what happens when you put a raw egg into vinegar

    We are still working on letter recognition and are starting a safety unit.

   Please make sure that your child is dressed for the weather since we try to go outside every day.

    Thank you for sharing your children with me.  I believe I learn just as much from them as they do from me.

 

                                Miss Mary

Parent Ed: Brain Series

Here is a copy of the flyer about the upcoming Bates Brain Series. I am especially excited about this one because I have taken many workshops sessions with Jody McVittie and always find her information compelling. She is also  a compassionate and articulate advocate for parents and children.

Carol

Click here for details.

Safety: 72 Hour Emergency Kits

72 Hour Kit

After a major disaster the usual services we take for granted, such as running water, refrigeration, and telephones, may be unavailable. Experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in an easily accessible location. Put contents in a large, watertight container (e.g. a large plastic garbage can with a lid and wheels) that you can move easily.

Your basic emergency kit should include:

• Water – one gallon per person per day
• Food – ready to eat or requiring minimal water
• Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
• Plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
• First Aid kit & instructions
• A copy of important documents & phone numbers
• Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member.
• Heavy work gloves
• Disposable camera
• Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
• Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.

A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.

• Flashlight
• Radio – battery operated
• Batteries
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Pocket knife
• Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
• Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
• Local map
• Some water and food
• Permanent marker, paper and tape
• Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
• List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
• List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
• Copy of health insurance and identification cards
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
• Prescription medications and first aid supplies
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.

This information comes from 72hour.org

Please feel free to visit the website for more information.

Welcome Back from Winter Break

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 17
Vaughn 3-day
Friday, January 18

Bates Parent Ed.
Getting School Ready
Learn how to get your child ready for school from a panel
of local public school kindergarten teachers.
Wednesday, Jan. 23, 7-8:30 p.m., 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

Safety Measures in December

From the Peninsula School District:

In light of recent events in the media regarding potential, yet unsubstantiated, threats to student safety in our district and others in our region, and the world-wide discussion concerning the Mayan calendar, we understand there are some concerns over safety at our schools tomorrow. 

Our schools will demonstrate increased awareness to ensure all students and staff feel safe.  We have been working closely with local law enforcement who will be providing a heightened presence, as well.

We understand parents’ sensitivity to school safety and trust your best judgment. If you decide to keep your children home, please notify the attendance office.

We appreciate your patience and concerns and want you to know that the safety of students and staff will continue to be a focus.

Front Office Sign In

Dear Vaughn Preschool Families,

In the wake of yesterday's tragedy, I wanted to address an issue that I have noticed that last few weeks and now I am kicking myself for not bringing it up sooner.  It's unfortunate that we wait sometimes to address issues until something like this happens and our eyes are opened, bringing us to action.

In the last few weeks I have been noticing more and more parents failing to sign in at the front office when dropping their children off at preschool.  I have spoken to some of you directly and given kind reminders, but now I think it is appropriate to address all families.  We are very fortunate to be able to run our preschool within Vaughn Elementary/Peninsula School District and we need to do our part in following all of their rules and safety procedures.  I'm sure that all schools nation wide will be tightening their front door/front office policies and just ask that we do our part in following the rules and encouraging others to do the same.

Thank you again for all you do for our Preschool!

-Stephanie

December in Miss Mary's Class

Evergreen Families

 

    Hope each and everyone of you have a wonderful holiday season. 

    During the month of December we are going to be reading two Nursery Rhymes, first will be Twinkle,Twinkle little star and second will be I'm a little teapot.  We will also be reading the Ginger bread Man.  We will read several different versions  to see how they are the same. 

     We will be having a ginger bread cookie day which you are all invited to come too.  It will be held on the 20th during class time.

    Once again I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for sharing your children with me.

 

            Miss Mary

December with Teacher Kim

Hello Vaughn Families!

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family and

love!

We will begin the month of December reading The Gingerbread Man. We will practice reading

this story throughout the next couple of weeks and be ready to read the story to our families

during our gingerbread house decorating potluck on December 14. We will also be reading

different versions of The Gingerbread Man and talk about how they are the same and/or how

they are different. We will end the month of December reading Jan Brett’s The Gingerbread

Baby, always a class favorite!

I am looking for volunteers to help make the gingerbread houses on Thursday December 6 and

Friday December 7 during class. Please let me know if you are able to help

Thank you so much for all that you do for our preschool, I couldn’t do it without you!!

Happy Holidays,

Kim

Holiday Quick Tips

The holidays are here. Yep. I said it. Now is the time to get your safety game ON! Here are some things to do NOW:

1. Make a game of it! Practice with your kids about what to do if they get separated from you in public. Practice finding a parent with kids or a stroller. Let them know it is OK to ask for help.

2. P.I.C.K! Parent In Charge of Kids! Assign a designated grown 20 minute "shifts" to walk through and check on the kids now and then during holiday parties. Kids love to get into stuff when adults are not paying attention. Especially at parties.

3. Uh-Oh Here come the Kisses! Talk to your kids about how to handle unwanted affection from grownups and older kids. Kids learn about being in charge of their bodies at home. Give them a voice and power over their own bodies by letting them chose who they show affection to.
Kim from Savvy Parents Safe Kids