A Message From the Principal:

PAR Results are IN!  Here is what our families had to say!

98% of our families said they were satisfied with their child’s educational development
99% of our families said they were satisfied with our curriculum
96% of our families said they were likely to recommend our school
98% of our families said they were satisfied with their child’s overall care
98% of our families said they were satisfied with our facility
98% of our families said they were satisfied with safety
96% of our families said they were likely to recommend our school to others

When asked why our parents chose Chesterbrook Academy Preschool in Oswego, they said:

“Wonderful principal, location, reputation, safety and outstanding communication”

“The teachers are great; I feel like my child is in good hands”

“I like that the staff members really know my child. They understand her likes/dislikes and work hard to meet her individual needs”

“I love how the school cares about my child and takes amazing care of her. The teachers and principal are so caring the minute you walk in the door”

“My son is 2 and it is amazing how much he has already learned! I have no doubt he will be well prepared to start kindergarten! Thank you to all the amazing staff at Chesterbrook”

“We love the curriculum and overall teaching styles. The closeness of the staff with each other and the kids is great! My son has some special needs and all the staff are quick to react when needed. We are so grateful!”

“The principal is very conscientious, diligent in her work and is always putting in extra hours to satisfy the many needy parents in her area. The school is always in top form and shows MANY examples of student work on the walls and the front desk. The curriculum is unmatched by any other school in the area and the teaching staff is fantastic!”

Important Upcoming Dates:

• 4/3 – Egg Hunt
• 4/13-4/17 – Week of the Young Child
• 4/22 – Earth Day
• 4/24 – Spring Fling
• 4/24 – Picture Day

For Parents

Queensboro
We are VERY excited to announce the launch of our new NLCI logo wear online portal through Queensboro Shirt Company.  The Queensboro Shirt Company is our preferred vendor for all logo wear, apparel, and accessory needs and is a one-stop-shop for all NLCI branded items.  As a parent, you are invited to purchase items through the exclusive Chesterbrook Academy  Queensboro website and take advantage of our very special pricing plan.  Simply click on this link, follow the instructions, and place your order. Your orders will be shipped directly to your school!

Extracurriculars:

• Tuesday: GymStars. beginning at 9am
  $60 per 4 week session, $25 registration fee
  Ages 2-5
• Steppin’ Out Dance, beginning at 2:45pm   (DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR ONLY-NO SUMMER)
  $90 per 7 week session, $10 registration fee
  Ages 3-5
• Thursdays:  Pre-Fit, beginning at 9:30am
  $5 per half hour session
  Ages 2-5
• Fridays:  Happy Feet Soccer, beginning at 9:30am
  $40 per month for a weekly half hour session
  Ages 2.5-5

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