November/December 2003

PLEASE NOTE –

Just a note:  We are combining the November and December newsletter.  Thank you for everything you all do to support our school, children, and teachers.  We are so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, and generous family here at Brewster Co-op!  One more note:  Congratulations and thank you to all of you for helping to raise almost $450.00 from our fundraiser!!   

THANKS TO --all the families who have donated food for our food pantry drive!!

 --the Kimberley family for donating pictures, and sharing N.A. !

 --the Lestrange family for puzzle and book donations! 

 --the Meliambro family for lending us a Thanksgiving movie for us to watch!

--the Perine, Meliambro, and Koehler families for donating pictures!

--The Whistle Stop for donating placemats for us to decorate for our luncheon!!

--The Bennett family for their donation of a turkey for our feast, and a computer for our school!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Scozzaro family on the birth of their son!!

PICTURE DAY was a day full of smiles and “Kodak moments!”  Thanks for your help!

THANKS, ALSO to all those parents who helped make our Halloween celebration fun and successful!  Thank you in advance to all who volunteered for our Thanksgiving Luncheon!  We couldn’t do it without all the extra help!  We’re sure everything will be  delicious and everyone will have a great time!  (although, by the time you read this, our luncheon will be over!!) 

TEDDY BEAR E-MAIL ADDRESS is for the whole school!!  Please feel free to use it whether you are a Teddy Bear or a Critter!!  The address is:  COOPTEDDYBEARS@yahoo.com 

CALLING CHAINS: You should all have received these from your child's teacher. Please SAVE these to refer to during the entire year. It is the quickest way we have to reach everyone when necessary. Please keep the chain going if someone does not answer-- leave a message on the answering machine, if possible, and call the next person on the list.

In case of bad weather, refer to SNOW DAY RULES in your booklet. Phone chains will start by 8:00 A.M. There are rare occasions when the staff does not want to risk your children's well-being and we will close whether Brewster does or not... you will get a call! No matter what, YOU should use your own judgment; please don't come if YOU think it is too dangerous for you to drive!!

OUR VISITING "PETS"' surely are having many adventures with the children at home. The Journals are filling up with great stories that we read to the children. Each day in class, the children anxiously wait to hear who will be the next host-- a good experience for them in learning to have patience and take turns. Thank you for helping your child remember to bring the pet and his book back on time!

HELPING PARENTS-Please remember to arrive 10 minutes before school begins so that you can help with the drop-off system. The system only works if you are there to help. Please park in the parking lot by the stone wall along Oak Street, or you may park in the numbered spots that are empty. This will facilitate our drop-off and pick-up times.

A LESSON ON GIVING-- Our collection boxes will be delivered to St. Andrew’s Food Pantry this week.  Thank you for your generous donations!  We are extending our collection to include Christmas.  We greatly appreciate all your donations, which will be collected through December 17th. This helps to provide an opportunity for you to talk to your child about people who are less fortunate in our community.

WISH LIST –Here is a BIG WISH—We  are looking for a donation of a small Christmas tree for the children to decorate at Christmas time. One that is about 5 or 6 feet tall would be ideal. If you can help, please let one of the teachers know.

PARKING LOT ISSUES…If it is necessary for you to walk your child in to school at drop-off, you must park away from the middle of the parking lot or entrance door so that the cars dropping off children are not blocked.  At pick-up time, please pull your car in as close to the wall or rows of cars as possible, filling in the middle area only if there is no other spot available.  We are experiencing many difficulties and frustrations and with everyone’s cooperation, we will work together to make these times less stressful!

LOOKING AHEAD- REGISTRATION for the 2004-2005 school year will take place on Tues., Jan. 13th from 9:30-11:00 AM. An OPEN HOUSE for all interested parents and students will be held on Fri., Jan. 9th , from 10:00-11:00 AM and 1:15-2:15 PM. Please pass the word on to your family and friends. Invite them to come and see our exciting and wonderful  Co-op!

If anyone would like to help publicize our Open House or if you have any suggestions for the best places to advertise, please let Robin Tedeschi, or any one of the teachers know. We are always looking for new ideas. Where was the first place you thought to look when seeking out a school for your child?

SUMMER BIRTHDAYS will be celebrated as half birthdays here at school.  For example, if your child’s birthday is July 7th, we will celebrate his birthday on or near January 7th.  This way we will avoid having so many birthdays at the end of the school year.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER:

Wednesday, Dec., 17th ~ Holiday Party… please watch for different school times and  surprises!

Tuesday, Dec., 9th ~ Holiday Show at Westcon…please ask teachers for directions! We should try to arrive by 10:00 am, for a 10:30 am show parking can sometimes be an issue…

Thursday, Dec. 18th – Jan. 5th ~ NO SCHOOL…HOLIDAY RECESS!!

PICTURES SHOULD BE IN NEXT WEEK!!!  Please read the payment instructions included with your photos.

ALL OF US HERE AT BREWSTER CO-OP WISH YOU AND YOURS A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY THANKSGIVING AND  HOLIDAY SEASON!!