FABULOUS FEBRUARY!!!     

Wow can you all believe it is February already - and just days away from winter break.  I always think that once our winter break comes we are in the homestretch of snow and closer to spring!!  January really did fly by and typically it seems like the LONGEST month.  January was a busy month, as we had several families have to move out of North Andover and then several families also begin in our program. Our staff worked hard on winter themes such as snow, bears, penguins, community helpers. The classrooms looked so enriching as visited them throughout the month. I look forward to what the  month of February will bring - maybe some lions and tigers and bears -OH MY!  So, let's see what the month has brought that "inquiry minds would want to know...."

Classroom Happenings: It is always interesting what people think preschool really is all about. If you asked maybe 10 people, the majority of those 10 would probably think we just play and don't really address anything else - and then some parents would like to see us teach their children how to read. So, it is often conflicting as to what preschool should be when you are speaking of curriculum. Preschool is actually a very important time in your children's lives. When you break down what we do in our preschool, it is not so much what our actual curriculum is but what do we address in our program?  Our staff teach your children using themes (such as bears, winter, fairy tales, etc.) but what they actually work on within those themes is what is most important. For example we continuously encourage children to use their language or as we often say "use your words".  When children are not able to do this, it is our job to come up with ways in which our children can effectively communicate. We also consider your children's social/emotional growth and self help skills a priority in what we do every day. We work on simple things like teaching children to play with each other and share toys or other materials. But we also teach them to "fend" for themselves when sharing and other play time situations arise. We teach children to express their emotions, even if it is as simple as saying "I am mad". That is so important with young children. Focusing on self help skills (such as toileting, opening their own snack, putting their own belongings in their cubbies, putting their own boots on, etc.) are really key important steps to development. I do not want to give you the wrong impression that we do not expose your children to letters, print, numbers, etc.  Believe me the classrooms are definitely print rich and the children are constantly exposed to all of the more pre-literacy, number, etc. skills but we firmly believe in providing your children with a well rounded curriculum that incorporates all aspects of your children's lives. Every activity that is planned for your children has multi-levels of curriculum incorporated into it - for example opening the block area for center time has the following skills broken down:  sharing, turn taking, fine/gross motor, expressive and receptive language, and social/emotional skills. Wow...think of all of the skills worked on just during your children's choice time if block building works on all of the mentioned skills! 

Tidbits: Ok, so now are you wondering what else is new in the preschool -I know you are so here are a few of our little "tidbits":

Winter break:  You are all probably wondering when is winter break so we can pack up and go to a warm island - well your wish is granted - our winter break begins on Friday afternoon (February 12th) at 2:40 p.m. and the children return to school on Monday, February 22nd!  Enjoy the break - hopefully for all of your skiers you will have some snow but PLEASE keep it up north!

Kindergarten Registration: An informational/registration night is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Middle School. I am being asked by several of you if it is necessary for our Preschool CUBS parents to attend.  It is important for ALL parents to attend this night. Everyone has questions on the difference between full day and half day kindergarten, curriculum, location of programs, etc. All administrators will be on hand to help answer these questions. You will all also have to register your children for programming. As of right now, parents DO NOT have to set up a screening appointment if your children attend the CUBS program. Your children will be screened by our own preschool staff. If this changes I will let you know. Also, if you plan on signing your child up for full day kindergarten, you should bring a $50.00 check for a security deposit. I will be there this night as well to help with any questions you might have. All parents should

Preschool CUBS 2010-2011: Chris Rodden (my FAB secretary) has sent out a letter of intention for the next school year. This letter went out to all tuition paying families who have a child that will still be preschool age next year - we are asking that you fill out the form to find out if you will be returning next year (of course we hope you all are!) and also a $100.00 security deposit to hold your children's slot. This will be applied to your September tuition. If you are going to return and cannot financially send the deposit, just give us a call and we will accommodate you of course!

Preschool times for next year:  We are waiting to hear what our times will be for the next school year. There is a committee that is working on the times for the whole district in order to provide the best scenario for buses, safety, etc.  I will let you know just as soon as we are notified.

Preschool PTO:  I have a parent that is very interested in starting a PTO for the preschool. He is looking for any other parent that might be interested in helping him.  If you do have an interest in helping with this or just knowing more about it let me know and I'll put you in touch with this other parent.  Thanks!

Electronic Communication:  I am hoping that we are reaching all of you with our electronic communication. If you have any feedback I would love to hear it - also if you have changed your e-mail address or want to add an e-mail address to my communication list just let me know.

AM/PM Switch:  Thank you all for your cooperation for our "switch day". The next day that the AM/PM classes will switch will be March 9th.

Well, if you are still awake after reading my "blah, blah, blah" I will officially sign off for February. But, have no fear because March is right around the corner for another newsletter. It's a short month for us but a busy one. I hope you all have a wonderful winter break and as always, just let me know if you have questions, concerns or comments.  Thanks for all you do for us in the preschool !!!