From the Principal’s Office:
Get ready to “fall” into lots of learning and fun this month as we get ready for the sights, sounds, and yummy smells of Autumn at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool!
We encourage you to take a few minutes each month and scroll down to read the reminders, upcoming events, and the articles. We host a variety of events for families to enjoy (Trick or Trunk this month) and we encourage parent participation at our preschool (Halloween Parade). This newsletter, our weekly highlights, and the flyers at the front desk will help you to be better informed about all the fun filled, family events we are hosting this school year. Also Dr. Lauren Starnes from our education department writes a new article each month to help you support your child’s development with quick suggestions and information.
Each month I will provide you with “My Favorite” book list on everything from apples to picnics to feelings. I hope this list inspires you to take a trip to the library or your local bookstore to check out a new book or share an old favorite with your child. Your child will develop language, new vocabulary, phonological awareness, and eventually phonics skills through the words spoken to them, the stories read to them, and the books they are exposed to. I am very passionate about reading all types of books to children and providing a print rich environment. I will also list some poems, songs, or finger plays each month for you to share with your child too. We also have age specific book lists for you to take near the front desk. One of my favorite reading quotes is “everyone is a reader… some just haven’t found their favorite book yet”. Another favorite reading quote “The more that you read, the more things you know, the more that you learn, the more places you will go”.
Top Five Favorite Books about Fall
1. Red leaf, yellow leaf by Lois Ehlert
2. Why do leaves change color? by Betsy Maestro & Loretta Krupinski
3. A tree for all seasons by Robin Bernard
4. Leaf man by Lois Ehlert
5. Leaves fall down by Lisa Bullard & Nadine Rita Takvorian
Autumn Leaves
Down, down, down
red, yellow, brown
Autumn leaves tumble down,
Autumn leaves crumble down,
Autumn leaves bumble down,
Flaking and shaking,
Tumble down leaves.
Skittery, flittery
Rustle by, hustle by
Crackle and crunch
in a snappety bunch.
Run and catch
Run and catch
Butterfly leaves
Sailboat leaves
Windstorm leaves.
Can you catch them?
Swoop, scoop
Pile them up
In a stompy pile
and jump, jump, JUMP
~ Eve Merriam
Here is to a “Fabulous Fall” at Chesterbrook Academy!
Nicole Gleason
Principal
Our calendar for the 2015-2016 school years is viewable online at: http://centralnaperville.chesterbrookacademy.com.
Upcoming Events
October
- Columbus Day is Monday, October 12th
- Fall Portraits are on Wednesday, October 21st and Thursday, October 22nd
- Trick or Trunk on Friday, October 23rd
- Yankee Candle Fundraiser is due on Friday, October 23rd
- Caramel Apple Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th
- Halloween Parade & Parties on Friday, October 30th 2:45pm to 3:45pm
November
- Chesterbrook Academy is Closed for Veteran’s Day on Wednesday, November 11th
- Thanksgiving Dinner at CAES on Thursday, November 19th
- Food Drive Begins on Monday, November 23rd
- Parent Reports Sent Home on Wednesday, November 25th
- Chesterbrook Academy is Closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th for Thanksgiving Holiday
- Book Fair begins on Monday, November 30th
School Spotlight
Trick or Trunk
Please join us on Friday, October 23rd for our annual Halloween Family Event from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Our students will be trick or treating through our parking lot from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and families will get to enjoy a performance by a balloon entertainer in CAES gym from 6:00pm to 6:30pm. We still need more volunteers to decorate trunks for this event. If you are interested in decorating your trunk for this event please fill out a form located at the front desk. Each car will receive a bag of donated treats to pass out to students. If you would like to donate treats to this event please drop them off at the front desk by Monday October 19th. We hope to see you there!
Picture Day is Coming
Wednesday, October 21st: Toddlers, Beginners, and Intermediate students will get their pictures taken.
Thursday, October 22nd: Infants, Prek, Prek2B, and Prek2A will get their pictures taken.
Sibling pictures can be taken either day; just let us know which day you want sibling pictures taken. Photos should be delivered around the Thanksgiving holiday. Your family has one week from delivery to view the photos, make selections, and return unwanted photos with payment. Please see Jen or Nicole with questions.
Caramel Apple Sales
This month we will be hosting our caramel apple fundraiser to help raise money to support all of our community service projects. Students will get to make the caramel apples on Tuesday, October 27th and will be selling them on Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th. We appreciate your support as our students gain an understanding of how to help others in need. All money raised will go to support future community service projects at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool.
Halloween Parade and Party on Friday, October 30th
The Halloween Parade will begin at 2:45pm with our sister elementary school parading through our building; then our students will parade throughout the building. This year we are asking parents who are not walking in the parade to wait inside your child’s classroom to reduce traffic in the hallways. Classroom parties will be from 3:15pm to 3:45pm. Parent participation is welcome! Please note parking will be limited so arrive early!
Safety Concerns and Traffic Flow in Parking Lot
This is a reminder to parents regarding our policy on entering and exiting the building. I know that it is in our nature to be polite and open doors for others, but when this occurs it negates the safety features of our door code. Please refrain from holding open the door for other adults in order to ensure that only enrolled families gain access to our building. Ms. Jen and I are available from 7:00am to 6:30pm to monitor the comings and goings of parents and students; but occasionally we need to assist in a classroom or in the kitchen. We will be posting a sign at the front desk notifying parents where we are, should we need to leave the front desk area for an extended period of time. We also have an extra staff member monitoring the front entrance from 6:30am to 7:00am, until Ms. Jen or I arrive for the day. Please make sure to sign your child in and out at the front desk every day that they attend also.
Please take a moment to review how traffic should flow in our parking lot: Traffic is to enter the parking lot on the Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School side and then follow all the way around the lot and park on the preschool side. Traffic should exit the parking lot on our preschool side. Please make sure to slow down near the cross walk so that you are able to watch for pedestrians crossing from one building to the next and to avoid any accidents or injuries. Heavy traffic times are from 8:30am to 8:45am and 3:35pm to 3:55pm; to avoid these heavy traffic times please arrive to the campus either before or after these arrival and dismissal times.
Become a Chesterbrook Ambassador!
If you refer a family to any Chesterbrook Academy school, you will receive a free week of tuition off of your oldest child’s tuition. There is no limit to the number of families you refer. Note: The referred family must be full-time student and enrolled for 90 days before the free week of tuition can be applied. If the referral is for a part time student you will receive one hundred dollars off your child’s tuition.
Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School
Please take a moment each month to view what is new and exciting at our Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School website at: http://naperville.chesterbrookacademy.com. You can learn more about all the specialty teachers under the Parent tab or enjoy reading the elementary newsletter.
From the Education Department
Exploring Community Helpers & the Roles They Play
This month, our students are gaining a greater understanding of community helper occupations, such as police officers, mail carriers, medical professionals and firefighters. The children have a lot of fun imagining themselves in these important roles, and incorporating toy versions of the uniforms, equipment and vehicles that go with them.
In addition, October is National Fire Prevention Month, so we place a special emphasis on the importance of fire safety and the role of firefighters. Our classroom activities help the children become more comfortable around emergency responders in uniform, and teach them basics about what to do in case of an emergency.
Here are some ways children learn about community helpers in the classroom, as well as activities for you and your child to do at home.
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Toddlers are fascinated with dressing up as doctors, police officers and firefighters, because they have distinct uniforms and roles that children can easily understand. During dramatic play, our teachers provide students with costumes and props, and encourage them to choose the role they want to play.
At home: Continue dress-up play by providing your child with various props and costumes. Ask him, “Who do you want to dress-up as?” and “What does that person wear?”
Recommended reading: Whose Hat is This by Sharon Katz Cooper
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Our Beginner students learn about the special vehicles that community helpers use, by playing matching games, reading books, and building vehicles using cardboard boxes.
At home: Go for a drive with your child. Point out vehicles that belong to community helpers, such as a fire truck and a police car. Ask, “Who drives that vehicle?” and “Where might it be going?”
Recommended reading: The Little Fire Engine by Lois Lenski
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: During fire safety lessons, many of our schools invite local firefighters to visit. Students explore the tools firefighters use, learn “Stop, Drop and Roll,” and may have the opportunity to tour a fire truck.
At home: Continue exploring fire safety by practicing “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your child. Ask him, “Who puts out fires?” and discuss what he should do if he hears a fire alarm at home.
Recommended reading: The Fire Engine Book by Tibor Gergely
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Teachers introduce situations when it might be necessary to dial 9-1-1. Students practice finding 9-1-1 on different keypads, such as cell phones and landlines.
At home: Show your child photos of various community helpers and the buildings where they work. Ask him to identify the helpers and their workplaces, and describe the roles the helpers play in our community.
Recommended reading: The Berenstain Bears: Jobs around Town by Jan Berenstain
We provide many opportunities for students to learn about community helpers. By setting this foundation, they become more familiar and comfortable around the people that make their neighborhoods a better place.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
October News
From the Principal’s Office:
Get ready to “fall” into lots of learning and fun this month as we get ready for the sights, sounds, and yummy smells of Autumn at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool!
We encourage you to take a few minutes each month and scroll down to read the reminders, upcoming events, and the articles. We host a variety of events for families to enjoy (Trick or Trunk this month) and we encourage parent participation at our preschool (Halloween Parade). This newsletter, our weekly highlights, and the flyers at the front desk will help you to be better informed about all the fun filled, family events we are hosting this school year. Also Dr. Lauren Starnes from our education department writes a new article each month to help you support your child’s development with quick suggestions and information.
Each month I will provide you with “My Favorite” book list on everything from apples to picnics to feelings. I hope this list inspires you to take a trip to the library or your local bookstore to check out a new book or share an old favorite with your child. Your child will develop language, new vocabulary, phonological awareness, and eventually phonics skills through the words spoken to them, the stories read to them, and the books they are exposed to. I am very passionate about reading all types of books to children and providing a print rich environment. I will also list some poems, songs, or finger plays each month for you to share with your child too. We also have age specific book lists for you to take near the front desk. One of my favorite reading quotes is “everyone is a reader… some just haven’t found their favorite book yet”. Another favorite reading quote “The more that you read, the more things you know, the more that you learn, the more places you will go”.
Top Five Favorite Books about Fall
1. Red leaf, yellow leaf by Lois Ehlert
2. Why do leaves change color? by Betsy Maestro & Loretta Krupinski
3. A tree for all seasons by Robin Bernard
4. Leaf man by Lois Ehlert
5. Leaves fall down by Lisa Bullard & Nadine Rita Takvorian
Autumn Leaves
Down, down, down
red, yellow, brown
Autumn leaves tumble down,
Autumn leaves crumble down,
Autumn leaves bumble down,
Flaking and shaking,
Tumble down leaves.
Skittery, flittery
Rustle by, hustle by
Crackle and crunch
in a snappety bunch.
Run and catch
Run and catch
Butterfly leaves
Sailboat leaves
Windstorm leaves.
Can you catch them?
Swoop, scoop
Pile them up
In a stompy pile
and jump, jump, JUMP
~ Eve Merriam
Here is to a “Fabulous Fall” at Chesterbrook Academy!
Nicole Gleason
Principal
Our calendar for the 2015-2016 school years is viewable online at: http://centralnaperville.chesterbrookacademy.com.
Upcoming Events
October
November
School Spotlight
Trick or Trunk
Please join us on Friday, October 23rd for our annual Halloween Family Event from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Our students will be trick or treating through our parking lot from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and families will get to enjoy a performance by a balloon entertainer in CAES gym from 6:00pm to 6:30pm. We still need more volunteers to decorate trunks for this event. If you are interested in decorating your trunk for this event please fill out a form located at the front desk. Each car will receive a bag of donated treats to pass out to students. If you would like to donate treats to this event please drop them off at the front desk by Monday October 19th. We hope to see you there!
Picture Day is Coming
Wednesday, October 21st: Toddlers, Beginners, and Intermediate students will get their pictures taken.
Thursday, October 22nd: Infants, Prek, Prek2B, and Prek2A will get their pictures taken.
Sibling pictures can be taken either day; just let us know which day you want sibling pictures taken. Photos should be delivered around the Thanksgiving holiday. Your family has one week from delivery to view the photos, make selections, and return unwanted photos with payment. Please see Jen or Nicole with questions.
Caramel Apple Sales
This month we will be hosting our caramel apple fundraiser to help raise money to support all of our community service projects. Students will get to make the caramel apples on Tuesday, October 27th and will be selling them on Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th. We appreciate your support as our students gain an understanding of how to help others in need. All money raised will go to support future community service projects at Chesterbrook Academy Preschool.
Halloween Parade and Party on Friday, October 30th
The Halloween Parade will begin at 2:45pm with our sister elementary school parading through our building; then our students will parade throughout the building. This year we are asking parents who are not walking in the parade to wait inside your child’s classroom to reduce traffic in the hallways. Classroom parties will be from 3:15pm to 3:45pm. Parent participation is welcome! Please note parking will be limited so arrive early!
Safety Concerns and Traffic Flow in Parking Lot
This is a reminder to parents regarding our policy on entering and exiting the building. I know that it is in our nature to be polite and open doors for others, but when this occurs it negates the safety features of our door code. Please refrain from holding open the door for other adults in order to ensure that only enrolled families gain access to our building. Ms. Jen and I are available from 7:00am to 6:30pm to monitor the comings and goings of parents and students; but occasionally we need to assist in a classroom or in the kitchen. We will be posting a sign at the front desk notifying parents where we are, should we need to leave the front desk area for an extended period of time. We also have an extra staff member monitoring the front entrance from 6:30am to 7:00am, until Ms. Jen or I arrive for the day. Please make sure to sign your child in and out at the front desk every day that they attend also.
Please take a moment to review how traffic should flow in our parking lot: Traffic is to enter the parking lot on the Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School side and then follow all the way around the lot and park on the preschool side. Traffic should exit the parking lot on our preschool side. Please make sure to slow down near the cross walk so that you are able to watch for pedestrians crossing from one building to the next and to avoid any accidents or injuries. Heavy traffic times are from 8:30am to 8:45am and 3:35pm to 3:55pm; to avoid these heavy traffic times please arrive to the campus either before or after these arrival and dismissal times.
Become a Chesterbrook Ambassador!
If you refer a family to any Chesterbrook Academy school, you will receive a free week of tuition off of your oldest child’s tuition. There is no limit to the number of families you refer. Note: The referred family must be full-time student and enrolled for 90 days before the free week of tuition can be applied. If the referral is for a part time student you will receive one hundred dollars off your child’s tuition.
Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School
Please take a moment each month to view what is new and exciting at our Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School website at: http://naperville.chesterbrookacademy.com. You can learn more about all the specialty teachers under the Parent tab or enjoy reading the elementary newsletter.
From the Education Department
Exploring Community Helpers & the Roles They Play
This month, our students are gaining a greater understanding of community helper occupations, such as police officers, mail carriers, medical professionals and firefighters. The children have a lot of fun imagining themselves in these important roles, and incorporating toy versions of the uniforms, equipment and vehicles that go with them.
In addition, October is National Fire Prevention Month, so we place a special emphasis on the importance of fire safety and the role of firefighters. Our classroom activities help the children become more comfortable around emergency responders in uniform, and teach them basics about what to do in case of an emergency.
Here are some ways children learn about community helpers in the classroom, as well as activities for you and your child to do at home.
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Toddlers are fascinated with dressing up as doctors, police officers and firefighters, because they have distinct uniforms and roles that children can easily understand. During dramatic play, our teachers provide students with costumes and props, and encourage them to choose the role they want to play.
At home: Continue dress-up play by providing your child with various props and costumes. Ask him, “Who do you want to dress-up as?” and “What does that person wear?”
Recommended reading: Whose Hat is This by Sharon Katz Cooper
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Our Beginner students learn about the special vehicles that community helpers use, by playing matching games, reading books, and building vehicles using cardboard boxes.
At home: Go for a drive with your child. Point out vehicles that belong to community helpers, such as a fire truck and a police car. Ask, “Who drives that vehicle?” and “Where might it be going?”
Recommended reading: The Little Fire Engine by Lois Lenski
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: During fire safety lessons, many of our schools invite local firefighters to visit. Students explore the tools firefighters use, learn “Stop, Drop and Roll,” and may have the opportunity to tour a fire truck.
At home: Continue exploring fire safety by practicing “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your child. Ask him, “Who puts out fires?” and discuss what he should do if he hears a fire alarm at home.
Recommended reading: The Fire Engine Book by Tibor Gergely
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Teachers introduce situations when it might be necessary to dial 9-1-1. Students practice finding 9-1-1 on different keypads, such as cell phones and landlines.
At home: Show your child photos of various community helpers and the buildings where they work. Ask him to identify the helpers and their workplaces, and describe the roles the helpers play in our community.
Recommended reading: The Berenstain Bears: Jobs around Town by Jan Berenstain
We provide many opportunities for students to learn about community helpers. By setting this foundation, they become more familiar and comfortable around the people that make their neighborhoods a better place.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education