Header Image

April News

cloud_earth

A Message from the Principal:

Dear Parents,

Re-registration was a huge success! Thank you families for taking advantage of early bird rate and securing a space for the 2015/2016 school year. We are excited and thankful you have decided once again to choose Chesterbrook Academy for your child’s continuing education and look forward to seeing “Oh, the Places” our students will go in the new year!

We are in the final stretch of our 2014/2015 school year, and it is clearly evident that our children are reaching new heights in development. Many of our children are working on skills that are at a higher level to meet their growing needs. That’s the beauty of our Links to Learning curriculum, it grows with your child. That said, student transitions to the next level will take place on June 8th after our VPK/Pre-K graduation. You will be notified in advance to prepare your child for what lies ahead.

Whew, we survived our three picture days! Thank you for your patience while we shifted classrooms and children around to accommodate our part time and full time families as well as sibling pictures. It’s not an easy task making sure everyone’s needs are met, but as far as I can tell, it looked like the Lifetouch team did a good job capturing all those beautiful faces. Portrait packages should arrive in about 3 weeks. Remember, you are not obligated to purchase portraits.

Planning continues for our Pre-Kindergarten graduation ceremony. The date will be Thursday, June 4th at 10:00am. Graduation will be held at the Port St. Lucie Community Center this year.  Specific details will be sent home as soon as plans are set. You are welcome to invite family and friends to join in the celebration. How exciting…our graduating class of 2015!!!! Soon, you will receive order forms for your child’s 2015 cap & gown. Please, be sure to turn in your completed form with payment to the front office as soon as possible, to ensure delivery in time for graduation. One more request for VPK/Pre-K parents, please email Ms. Pezzullo nicole.pezzullo@nlcinc.com with a baby picture of your child, no later than April 30th. These precious pictures will be part of a special slide show presentation at our graduation ceremony.

On that note, I want to mention that we are going to run a “Kindergarten Kick-Off” program this summer. Kindergarten Kick-Off is a special curriculum designed to challenge our Pre-K students and strengthen the skills necessary for a successful transition to Kindergarten. Information on this program as well as our super calendar of Summer fun will be available by the end of April.

Elementary Summer Camp planning is in the works! We are excited to announce that this summer will be like no other! Our campers will go full S.T.E.A.M ahead as they embark on a summer filled with awesome adventures relating to Science-Technology-Engineering-Art & Mathematics. Click on the camp link to view our summer brochure and more about S.T.E.A.M.

April Snapshot:

  • Elementary Age Spring Break is from March 30th – April 3rd. Sign-up information is located on the front desk.
  • VPK – March 30th – April 3rd are NON-VPK days.  Chesterbrook Academy will be open and ALL VPK students may attend, however, there will be a $25. fee per day. Sign-up information is located on the front desk.
  • VPK/Pre-K Cap & Gown Photos will be taken on Tuesday, April 14th – This is the only day our graduates will have an opportunity to be photographed!

Best Regards,
Melinda Willey, Principal
Nicole Pezzullo, Assistant Principal


VPK Schedules:

  • VPK ONLY (AM) – 9:00am – 12:00pm – Classroom doors open at 8:50am
  • VPK ONLY (PM) – 1:15pm – 4:15pm – Classroom doors open at 1:05pm

ALL VPK ONLY STUDENTS MUST BE PICKED UP IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING DISMISSAL TIME. FULL TIME VPK students are permitted to attend between the hours of 6:30am & 6:30pm

  • March 20th – NON-VPK DAY
  • March 30th – April 3rd – NON -VPK DAYS

These dates are considered NON-VPK days, however, we are open.

This is one of the two times during the school year when full time VPK student are required to pay an additional $25 per day to attend.

Sign-up forms are located at the front desk.


Upcoming Events:

March 30-April 3: Spring Break Camp. Please view our spring break calendar and sign up form.

April 14: Pre-K Cap & Gown Photo Shoot. School uniform required. Cap and gown will be provided. This is the only day scheduled for our graduates to be photographed.

Earth_day_ladybug_release_notice


April Lunch Menu:

REMINDER: If you are only ordering pizza from our monthly lunch menu, please fill out a lunch menu and pay in advance just like regular lunches. Menus will be located at the front desk 2 weeks prior to each new month.


Wacky Wednesday Dramatic Play Schedule – All Age Groups:

4/15: Mustache Day

WACKY_WEDNESDAY_2014


2014-15 Preschool & Elementary Calendars:

Printed copies of calendars are always available in the school lobby.


Our Infants and Toddlers Communicate!

sign_language_2

sign_language_FINAL


A Message From Our 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


Friendly Reminders:

TUITION: Tuition is due on the 1st business day of each month. Rates are the same month to month unless you have changed you child’s program/schedule or added enrichment programs. Please pay tuition in a timely manner to avoid late fees. Statements will be printed upon request once tuition is paid in full. Thank you!

UNIFORM POLICY: Students ages 2 to 5 are required to wear a Chesterbrook Academy uniform Monday through Friday. Although optional, Friday is our school spirit day when teachers and children may wear the NEW Links to Learning orange t-shirt. The past year’s forest green or tye-dye Friday t-shirts are no longer permitted. We currently have black uniform polos and orange Friday t-shirts in stock. Inquire at the front desk.

SIGN-IN & SIGN OUT BOOKS: Signing your child in and out daily is not only a licensing and company policy, but an added security measure in making sure all children are accounted for while in our care. PLEASE BE DILIGENT ABOUT RECORDING THE TIMES YOUR CHILD ARRIVES AND LEAVES. Thank you!

ADDITIONAL PARENT INFORMATION:

  • Tuition is due on the 1st of every month to avoid a late fee. LATE FEES WILL BE APPLIED THE FIFTH BUSINESS DAY OF EVERY MONTH.
  • School uniform policy requires children ages 2 to 5 to wear:  C.A. Black Polo, Khaki Bottoms & Closed Shoes and Socks daily.
  • Label all of your child’s belongings!
  • Please remember to sign-in & out daily at the front desk.
  • We close promptly at 6:30pm. Per licensing and company policy we are not permitted to care for children beyond 6:30pm.  Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to closing.  Staff members are expected to clock out at 6:30pm.  We understand that from time to time there may be an emergency or traffic, etc… If that is the case, please call us and an administrator will stay with your child until you arrive.  Please refer to your Preschool Tuition Agreement or Fee Schedule regarding late fees.
  • As a precaution, all classrooms have a posted allergy list.  Please take a moment to check with your child’s teacher to make sure she has accurate information on your child if he/she has allergies, special needs or religious exceptions.
  • LUNCH ORDERS- monthly hot lunches & pizza must be paid for in advance.  You will have a one week opportunity prior to each new month to place and order.
  • Please do not leave children or valuables in your vehicle at pick-up or drop-off.  We have been informed that preschools in the PSL are being targeted by smash and grab criminals.  We have not had an incident of this nature at our school, but want to be pro-active.  SAFETY is PARAMOUNT!

WE NEED YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

PARKING – As many of you have experienced, finding a parking space between 8:45am & 9:15am is challenging.  Assigning a parking attendant is not possible, so we are asking families to please be considerate during drop-off and pick-up times by not parking in an area that is not a designated parking space.  There is a field on the north side of the building that we have permission to use for parking, so you are welcome to park there during drop-off and pick-up times. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE DUMPSTER.

Thank you


Good to Know:

We offer a “Hot Lunch” program, which is an optional service for families.  Lunch menus will be located at the front desk two weeks prior to each new month.   Orders and payments must be made prior to each new month.  If you miss the deadline, you will have to provide lunch from home until the following month’s menus are available.  Thank you for your cooperation!

Enrichment Activities

We are pleased to offer soccer, dance, gymnastics and a sports program as additional enrichments to your child’s early education.  These wellness programs are conducted on campus during school hours.  If you would like your child to participate, please inquire at the front desk.  Lessons are held once a week for about 30 to 45 minutes.  All instructors are trained professionals and approved to work with children.  Prior to making a decision, you are welcome to sign your child up for a trial lesson for one or all four enrichments. Sign up forms for all are located at the front desk.

  • Happy Feet Soccer – Every Wednesday
    • 2 & 3 year olds – 9:30am
    • 4 & 5 year olds  – 10:00am
  • iShine Dance & Ballet – Every Friday
    • 3 year olds – 10:00am
    • 4 & 5 year olds – 10:30am
  • Fun Bus Gymnastics – Every Tuesday-
    • 18mo. to 3 year olds
    • 3 to 5 year olds – 10:30am
  • Kenpo Karate w/ Sensie Nuwar – Every Tuesday – 3 to 5 years old – 10:00am
  • Play Ball Sports & Fitness – Every Monday
    • 2 year olds – 10:15am
    • 3 & 4 year olds – 10:50am
    • Pre-K 4 & 5 year olds – 11:25am to 11:55am
  • Happy Kicks Tennis – Every Thursday – 10:00am

Uniform Shirts are mandatory for students 2 to 5 yrs. old. Currently accepting orders for the 2014/2015 school year. ORDER FORMS LOCATED ON FRONT DESK.

Hot Lunch Program Menus available the last week of each month for the following month.

Pizza Pack Fridays – Every Friday. A pizza pack includes: 2 slices of pizza, drink & fruit snack. Order forms are located at the front desk.

School Pride Fridays – Every Friday. Join us as we show our school spirit by wearing a SPECIAL CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY T-SHIRT every Friday!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN-IN AND OUT DAILY! DOCUMENTATION OF VPK ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.


A Powerful Connection to a Lifetime of Learning:

Your children experience the perfect balance of learning and play in a safe, nurturing environment.  Our Links to Learning (LTL) curriculum prepares them for kindergarten by introducing concepts in reading, math, art, music and much more.  You will receive progress updates, as well as ideas to continue the learning at home.

As a reminder, we encourage you to take a few moments each week to review your child’s classroom Links to Learning “Parent Board”. This is one way you can”Link” to your child’s early education. Posted are “Weekly Skills”, “Lesson Plan”, “Daily Schedule”, “Spanish for the Month”, and the daily “This is What We Learned Today!” Parent folders go home the last Friday of every month!  Please review the contents and return your child’s folder for the following month. We hope you enjoy “Linking” to what your child is learning at school !

Our Links to Learning curriculum provides the foundation for Florida documented kindergarten standards.


Don’t forget about our PARENT AMBASSADOR REFERRAL PROGRAM
Spread the word about Chesterbrook Academy and save on your child’s tuition.  For more information, see the principal.

AUTOMATIC PAYMENT PROGRAM
This payment option allows you to have your monthly tuition debited directly from your bank account.  Convenient! No Checks! No Late Fees! If you are interested in this payment program please inquire at the front desk.

Keeping in touch with your Treasures
So each child receives the best care possible it is imperative that parents and teachers maintain frequent and accurate communication.  Please feel free to call or stop by at any time to see how your child is doing.  We always have an open door policy!

This entry was posted in Port St. Lucie. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.