From The Principal’s Desk
Come celebrate Earth Day with our school on April 22nd. We will participate in the annual lady bug release and finish the day with the planting of our gardens. Each classroom will be creating their own 3D art work from recycled materials. These items will be displayed in Harris Teeter on Mallard Creek Rd. Bring in your recycled items to your child’s classroom.
April 12th, Governor Pat McCory has declared as North Carolina Week of the Young Child. This is a special week set aside to recognize the profession of Early Child Care and the important impact early child care education has on the first five years of a child life. Celebrate each day with our fun and help us show our staff the appreciation we have for what they do every day with the life of your child.
Summer Camp 2015 is ready to kick off!!! We have planned 3 months of hands on learning that relate to the 10 weeks of camp themes chosen by our staff. This summer our campers will see an enrichment of STEM activities within the program. We have invited a variety of visitors into the school that will enhance the camp. Details relating to summer camp will be released on May 1st.
A new camp program will be offered to school age children. This camp is for any child eligible to attend a public or private school in the Fall. The camp is limited to no more than 25 total children. It will include a camp atmosphere, swimming at our elementary school pool, in house visitors, projects that will take multiple days to complete and advance art and science projects. If you are interested in this program for a sibling please speak to the administration. The camp has limited openings available and will be opened to the public on May 15th.
Our early bird registration was a success and many of you took advantage of the savings for the upcoming school year. If you have not registered, I stress the importance of doing so as our enrollment is growing and spaces are very limited. Those who have not registered for the new school are only guaranteed a seat until June 30th. Please speak to an administrator regarding your registration as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Sheila Wright, Principal
sheila.wright@nlcinc.com
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- April 6th – Easter Monday
- April 12 – 17th Week of the Young Child
- April 22nd – Earth Day Lady Bug Release
- May 1st – Summer Calendar Release
Sick Policy
The purpose of our sick policy is to reduce the spread of illness among children and to encourage full recuperation of sick children before they return to school. We depend on parents to assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all of our children.
We reserve the right to send home any student who shows signs of illness at school. Any student who becomes ill at school will be made comfortable until his/her parent can be notified and the student is picked up from school. A parent must pick up the ill child within one hour of notification.
A sick child must stay home where he/she is most relaxed and comfortable. Children may be sent home if they have any specific symptoms as listed below.
In addition, a child must be free of all of these specified symptoms for at least 24 hours before he/she can be returned to school. These symptoms are as follows:
- A fever of 100 degrees or more
- Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period
- Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period (including recurring episodes of diarrhea at school)
- A heavy nasal discharge indicative of infection
- A constant cough or sore throat
- Fussy, cranky behavior and generally not himself/herself
- A skin rash, excluding diaper rash
- Head lice
- Symptoms of a communicable disease
Following an illness, a child may return to school once he/she has either been seen by a doctor or it has been determined that the illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested.)
Our Pre-K programs prepare your child for kindergarten
Expectations for student achievement in kindergarten are increasing. Recently, the National Governor’s Association and the Chief State School Officers introduced a new set of national K-12 education standards to prepare our children for success in school and beyond. These new Common Core State Standards specify a broader range of academic skills for kindergarten students.
We’ve responded by updating our Pre-K Links Learning curriculum in reading and mathematics. Our Pre-K programs will now link to the new Core Common Standards in order to better assure our students are confident and ready for Kindergarten.
Having fun while building reading and math skills
Pre-K children are full of curiosity and take great joy in learning. Our new reading and mathematics curriculum incorporates engaging and fun learning activities that can be adapted to each child’s developmental readiness. Links to Learning Pre-K programs introduce letter-sound relationships and vocabulary through fun characters and stories. Our math activities allow children to use concrete objects to explore patterns and find ways to solve problems.
We are committed to the well-rounded development of each child, and we recognize that social and emotional skills are just as important as academics. When children begin kindergarten with strong social and emotional skills, they are more likely to be successful at transitioning into elementary school, developing positive attitudes, and achieving academically. Our character education program uses songs, puppets, games, books, and brain-builder activities to teach and reinforce the following concepts.
- Managing Emotions
- Making Friends
- Problem-solving
- Listening
- Understanding Feelings
- Resolving Conflicts
Our Pre-K experiences will prepare your child for success in kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.
For Parents
Safety focus
We wanted to take this time to remind you about the important security feature at our school. Please remember to sign your child in and out daily in the office. In case of an emergency the sign in / out sheets will give us an accurate count of who is actually in our building at any given time. While we have never had any problems nor do we expect any this is an important security measure that keeps all of the children safe.
Entry into our building is pass-code protected. To ensure that only authorized people gain entrance, please refrain from allowing individuals to follow you into the building UNLESS you recognize them as another enrolled child’s parent or grandparent. HINT: Encourage grandparents or other authorized pickups to enter your pass-code into their cell phone for easy access when they forget.
Communication Is the Key
We here at Chesterbrook Academy know that your child is your #1 priority and that you want to know about every great and wonderful event that happens at school. Because of this need we have set up some great communication tools so that we can keep you informed about your child’s Chesterbrook experience!
- Email-Did you know you can receive our monthly newsletter by e-mail? Provide us with your e-mail address to receive on-going communication about school and events within the Chesterbrook community.
- Look What We Learned Today-Posted outside your child’s classroom every afternoon is a detailed report of all the great things they experienced and learned that day. We include the songs they sang, the books they read and all their favorite activities throughout the day.
- Monthly Links to Learning Folder-Starting in September you will receive a “fun and busy month” folder. This folder is full of information about what your child learned in the month, what they will learn in the upcoming month and some great activities that you can do with your child at home. In addition we include work samples from your child.
- Web Site-Our school web site is jam-packed with information to help make your life easier. Want to know what’s for lunch? Check out our menu tab. Want to know what the weekly summer camp theme is? Check out our calendar of events tab.
- We take parent communication very seriously. We believe that when parents and teachers work as partners in a child’s education, it makes the learning experience much richer and more meaningful to the child!
From the Education Department
Appreciating the Wonders of Mother Nature
Spring is here and Earth Day is right around the corner, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect children with nature and reinforce the importance of preserving and protecting the world around us.
Our Links to Learning curriculum uses hands-on activities to cultivate a deeper connection to the earth and foster academic, physical and social skill development.
Below are activities we implement in our classrooms to get children excited about nature, as well as activities and books to read with your child at home.
INFANTS/TODDLERS:
- In the classroom: Our teachers provide natural objects, such as leaves, pinecones and flowers for the children to see and touch. We help children associate words with the concrete objects they represent.
- At-home activity: Allow your child to experience different textured fruits, such as an orange, watermelon and cantaloupe. Talk about what he sees, smells, tastes and feels.
- Recommended reading: Colors from Nature from PlayBac Publishing and The Earth Book by Todd Parr
BEGINNERS (Ages 2-3):
- In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to understand interdependencies in nature. For instance, they learn that ladybugs feed on insects that are harmful to gardens, trees and shrubs. On Earth Day, many of our students have the opportunity to release ladybugs to help local gardens.
- At-home activity: Take a walk outdoors with your child and play a game of “I Spy.” Ask him point out objects found in the springtime, for example a red flower, a blue bird or a colorful butterfly.
- Recommended reading: Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration by Alyssa Satin Capucilli & David T. Wenzel and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
INTERMEDIATES (Ages 3-4):
- In the classroom: As our Intermediates gain a greater understanding and appreciation for how living things grow, the class may adopt a pet such as a fish or bunny. Students develop math, science and language skills by measuring the pet’s food, observing the pet’s behavior and habitat, and learning new vocabulary. Research shows that when children have the opportunity to care for animals, they practice nurturing behaviors that help them interact in gentle ways with people also.
- At-home activity: Create a small garden and allow your child to help you plant and water seeds, either outdoors or indoors. Ask him to predict what the plant will look like by drawing pictures in his journal. Check the plant regularly so he can observe and measure changes in growth. Discuss the importance of watering and caring for the plant.
- Recommended reading: Our Earth by Anne Rockwell and the poem “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out!” by Shel Silverstein
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (Ages 4-5):
- In the classroom: Teachers encourage our older preschoolers to reuse recyclable materials in fun and unconventional ways. For instance, our students use cardboard boxes to create a castle, milk jug lids to sort and match, and plastic bottles to create beautiful, unique artwork.
- At-home activity: Set up a recycling station using cardboard boxes, and label each box with the words “metal”, “plastic” and “paper”. Throughout the month, ask your child to help sort your family’s recyclables by placing the items into the correct box. Explain that recycling is just one way that we can be kind to the earth. Ask him to name a few other ways, such as conserving electricity, picking up litter and planting a garden.
- Recommended reading: A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
We create a path for lifelong learning by providing numerous opportunities for children to study and explore nature. These hands-on experiences lead to growth in all areas of development as students transition into elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education
April News
From The Principal’s Desk
Come celebrate Earth Day with our school on April 22nd. We will participate in the annual lady bug release and finish the day with the planting of our gardens. Each classroom will be creating their own 3D art work from recycled materials. These items will be displayed in Harris Teeter on Mallard Creek Rd. Bring in your recycled items to your child’s classroom.
April 12th, Governor Pat McCory has declared as North Carolina Week of the Young Child. This is a special week set aside to recognize the profession of Early Child Care and the important impact early child care education has on the first five years of a child life. Celebrate each day with our fun and help us show our staff the appreciation we have for what they do every day with the life of your child.
Summer Camp 2015 is ready to kick off!!! We have planned 3 months of hands on learning that relate to the 10 weeks of camp themes chosen by our staff. This summer our campers will see an enrichment of STEM activities within the program. We have invited a variety of visitors into the school that will enhance the camp. Details relating to summer camp will be released on May 1st.
A new camp program will be offered to school age children. This camp is for any child eligible to attend a public or private school in the Fall. The camp is limited to no more than 25 total children. It will include a camp atmosphere, swimming at our elementary school pool, in house visitors, projects that will take multiple days to complete and advance art and science projects. If you are interested in this program for a sibling please speak to the administration. The camp has limited openings available and will be opened to the public on May 15th.
Our early bird registration was a success and many of you took advantage of the savings for the upcoming school year. If you have not registered, I stress the importance of doing so as our enrollment is growing and spaces are very limited. Those who have not registered for the new school are only guaranteed a seat until June 30th. Please speak to an administrator regarding your registration as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Sheila Wright, Principal
sheila.wright@nlcinc.com
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sick Policy
The purpose of our sick policy is to reduce the spread of illness among children and to encourage full recuperation of sick children before they return to school. We depend on parents to assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all of our children.
We reserve the right to send home any student who shows signs of illness at school. Any student who becomes ill at school will be made comfortable until his/her parent can be notified and the student is picked up from school. A parent must pick up the ill child within one hour of notification.
A sick child must stay home where he/she is most relaxed and comfortable. Children may be sent home if they have any specific symptoms as listed below.
In addition, a child must be free of all of these specified symptoms for at least 24 hours before he/she can be returned to school. These symptoms are as follows:
Following an illness, a child may return to school once he/she has either been seen by a doctor or it has been determined that the illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested.)
Our Pre-K programs prepare your child for kindergarten
Expectations for student achievement in kindergarten are increasing. Recently, the National Governor’s Association and the Chief State School Officers introduced a new set of national K-12 education standards to prepare our children for success in school and beyond. These new Common Core State Standards specify a broader range of academic skills for kindergarten students.
We’ve responded by updating our Pre-K Links Learning curriculum in reading and mathematics. Our Pre-K programs will now link to the new Core Common Standards in order to better assure our students are confident and ready for Kindergarten.
Having fun while building reading and math skills
Pre-K children are full of curiosity and take great joy in learning. Our new reading and mathematics curriculum incorporates engaging and fun learning activities that can be adapted to each child’s developmental readiness. Links to Learning Pre-K programs introduce letter-sound relationships and vocabulary through fun characters and stories. Our math activities allow children to use concrete objects to explore patterns and find ways to solve problems.
We are committed to the well-rounded development of each child, and we recognize that social and emotional skills are just as important as academics. When children begin kindergarten with strong social and emotional skills, they are more likely to be successful at transitioning into elementary school, developing positive attitudes, and achieving academically. Our character education program uses songs, puppets, games, books, and brain-builder activities to teach and reinforce the following concepts.
Our Pre-K experiences will prepare your child for success in kindergarten and a lifetime of learning.
For Parents
Safety focus
We wanted to take this time to remind you about the important security feature at our school. Please remember to sign your child in and out daily in the office. In case of an emergency the sign in / out sheets will give us an accurate count of who is actually in our building at any given time. While we have never had any problems nor do we expect any this is an important security measure that keeps all of the children safe.
Entry into our building is pass-code protected. To ensure that only authorized people gain entrance, please refrain from allowing individuals to follow you into the building UNLESS you recognize them as another enrolled child’s parent or grandparent. HINT: Encourage grandparents or other authorized pickups to enter your pass-code into their cell phone for easy access when they forget.
Communication Is the Key
We here at Chesterbrook Academy know that your child is your #1 priority and that you want to know about every great and wonderful event that happens at school. Because of this need we have set up some great communication tools so that we can keep you informed about your child’s Chesterbrook experience!
From the Education Department
Appreciating the Wonders of Mother Nature
Spring is here and Earth Day is right around the corner, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect children with nature and reinforce the importance of preserving and protecting the world around us.
Our Links to Learning curriculum uses hands-on activities to cultivate a deeper connection to the earth and foster academic, physical and social skill development.
Below are activities we implement in our classrooms to get children excited about nature, as well as activities and books to read with your child at home.
INFANTS/TODDLERS:
BEGINNERS (Ages 2-3):
INTERMEDIATES (Ages 3-4):
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (Ages 4-5):
We create a path for lifelong learning by providing numerous opportunities for children to study and explore nature. These hands-on experiences lead to growth in all areas of development as students transition into elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education