October 2003

PLEASE NOTE –There was a type-o in the information regarding the date for the Holiday Show at Westcon.  The date of the show is Tuesday, December 9th.  I apologize for any confusion.  Please let me know if this presents a problem for any of you, and I will gladly refund your money.  Sorry!

THANKS TO - - The Carey family for donating computers! 

---  The Amatulli family for donating art supplies!

 ---The Benvenuto family for donating crayons!

A HEARTFELT THANKS TO all of our families for making our first fund raiser a success by either generously purchasing Pampered Chef products or making a donation to our school.  All of your efforts are sincerely appreciated!

ATTENTION CRITTERS:  Please add the following children to your class lists;  Welcome!!

                  AM  Dianna Villa

                  PM  Brianna Piscopo

OUR FIRST FIELD TRIPS were great successes!  We learned a lot about borrowing books and videos from the library!  We are true fire safety experts, thanks to the Brewster Fire Department!  After taking a tour of the firehouse and seeing all the vehicles, we were surprised and thrilled to squirt the hose!  Thanks to all parents who helped walk for these trips!  We couldn’t have done them without you!!

                  Our trip to the Thunder Ridge was also fun and educational!  We took a hayride, picked pumpkins, went through a corn and hay maze, saw some animals and had an apple and apple juice for our snack!  In spite of the wind and cold, a good time was had by all!!  Thanks for everyone who drove and braved the cold to help make the trip fun and successful!

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

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 3rd annual Fall/Halloween party!  We will have a partial “regular” schedule, and the 2nd half of the session will be a party.  There is 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.  We will also be collecting pantry food items to donate to the local food pantry.

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.  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!

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

4)    Please try 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!

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 visits.  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—

Fri, Oct. 31 – HALLOWEEN PARTY!  Extra volunteers will be needed – a sign-up sheet is posted!  Thanks, again!

        Fri, Nov. 1-15 – TUITION BOX WEEK

        Wed, Nov. 5 – PICTURE DAY!!  Please remember to bring lots of smiles

        Mon, Nov. 24 – THANKSGIVING LUNCHEON here at school!  More details to follow!!