October 2002

     
THANKS TO - - The Regan and Tierney families for donating pictures from the firehouse! 
                     - -  The Chiara family for donating a bag full of art supplies!


OUR FIRST FIELD TRIPS are now past.  We learned a lot about borrowing books and videos from the library!  We also are true fire safety experts, thanks to the Brewster Fire Department!  We were surprised and thrilled to meet their newest addition, "Sparky" the fire dog, and of course, to squirt the hose!  Thanks to all parents who helped walk for these trips!  We couldn't have done them without you!!

PHOTOGRAPHS stir up great memories. If anyone would like to share pictures taken of any of our activities, we would be very grateful!

VIDEOS AND BOOKS are available to borrow. These are excellent videos and books geared to help with child rearing issues and/or difficulties.  There is a parent lending library located in the front hall.  Please feel free to sign out a book or video anytime!  Just sign your name on the clipboard, and cross it off when you return your borrowed item!

THANKS for waiting so patiently out in the hallway at pick up time for your child to be dismissed. This can be a very chaotic time, and we want to keep track of all the children.  Even though it takes a bit longer, we are encouraging the Teddy Bears to get their own coats, bring them into their classroom, and put them on by themselves.  The Critters are also learning to be patient while their parents take their turn coming to the door!


AT PICK-UP TIME, please check your child's art project to make sure it is the right one- - there should be a name on it. Also, make sure your child has emptied his/her mailbox.

HALLOWEEN PARTY!  This year we will be having our 2nd annual Fall/Halloween party!  We will have a partial "regular" schedule, and the 2nd half of the session will be a party.  There will be a sign-up sheet in the hall for extra helpers and "goodie donations!"  We will parade around the block (weather permitting) and show off our costumes!  We are looking forward to a fun day!

THE NATIVE AMERICANS ARE COMING!! During the first part of November all classes will be talking about the Native American Indians, in preparation for Thanksgiving. The children are encouraged to bring in any Native American related items to show their classmates.


A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) When a crisis occurs at home that your child may be aware of, no matter how big or small it may seem, it is important that you notify your child's teacher. This way our staff can be prepared to support and comfort your child, if needed. This will also help us to understand your child's mood that particular day.

2) Helping Parents- - The teachers greatly appreciate having a second pair of eyes and ears in the classroom. If you see trouble coming, try to intervene BEFORE it actually occurs. Please don't hesitate to sit "overly enthusiastic" children down, or tell the teacher if things get out of hand. We really can't watch all the children at once, although we do try!!  Also, if it is your helping day and you have a little one, we ask that you retain a babysitter if he/she is not content to stay in an infant seat or stroller.  We are trying to be as flexible as possible, and if you need to hold your little one, it detracts from your attention to your child here at school.  Please remember arrival time for helping parents only is 10 minutes before the session begins.  Thanks for your understanding in this sensitive issue!

3) When children write their names, the first letter should be capitalized and the remaining letters should be lower case.

4) Please do not call school during class times (9:15-11:45 and 12:30-3:00) unless there is an emergency or it is very important! We prefer that you call before 9:15, after 3:00 or around noon, so as to decrease the number of calls that come in while classes are in session. Thank you for your understanding.

5) Please notify us if anytime during the year you have a change in address, phone number, work or emergency number.

6) Be sure to read all pages that are stapled together when we send notices home. Our special events will be successful if we all work together.

7) Please dress your child in clothes that encourage independence and are easy for them to manage when going to the bathroom. We encourage the children to do as much as possible by themselves.

8) Please make sure you put your child's name on the tuition check (maybe in the memo area), especially if the name on the checking account differs from your child's name.

9) We are looking for donations!!  With cold season upon us, we are in need of extra tissues!  We have a lot of noses to keep dry!  Thanks!!


PLEASE keep an extra eye on your children in the parking lot…they are fast, and it only takes seconds for a tragedy to occur!  Thank you!

NOT A DROP SPILLED!! (Well almost!) In case you might be wondering why your child suddenly wants to pour his own juice, you can thank us!? The Teddy Bears pour their own juice at snack time and are doing a great job!! (at least here at school they are!)

LOTS OF BOOKS were ordered from our Firefly Book Club, and we thank you. The school receives free books and gifts based upon these book orders. Last year we were able to get a free CD player for the classroom. This year we hope to be able to get some computer programs and more books.
Remember, books make great gifts and rewards. If any future book orders are to be a gift for your child, let the teacher know and we will be careful when giving the order to you. You can indicate "gift" on your envelope or order form.

OUR LIBRARY BOXES are stocked and ready for use. Encourage your child to borrow a book to read. Not only will they be sharing time with an adult or older sibling as they read the book, they will also learn about responsibility. The book must be returned before they can borrow another. Perhaps the helping parent of the day can help the children check out a book. If you are not sure what needs to be done, ask the teacher. If your child brings home a book that still has a library card inside the back cover, please explain to him that it must be put into his special "library pocket" at school before he brings the book home.

SPEAKING OF READING - - In addition to stressing the importance of reading to your child, we encourage you to help your child develop his understanding of the story. While you are reading together, or after the story is finished, ask your child specific questions about the story to test for reading comprehension. i.e. Why did... happen?" "What do you think will happen next? Why?" "What was the bear looking for?" "Why did the dog run away?" "Who was really making that noise?" etc.

OUR SPECIAL PETS have been having some great adventures! We hope you have been enjoying their visit. There are a total of five different pets that will visit during the year. As soon as everyone has had a turn taking home the first pet, we will begin with the next one. The children are learning much about patience as they wait for their turn to come!


COMING EVENTS-
 Mon, Oct. 21 --  Trip to THUNDER RIDGE!  A sign-up sheet for drivers is outside your child's classroom!  Thanks in advance to all of you drivers!

Wed, Oct. 30 - HALLOWEEN PARTY!  Extra volunteers will be needed - a sign-up sheet will be posted!  Thanks, again!