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November Newsletter

From the desk of the Principal:

October just flew right by as the children learned all about fire safety and fall happenings. Many classes practiced stop, drop and roll and we all participated in a fire drill but I’m pretty sure the highlight was when the Berwyn Fire Company was kind enough to bring their trucks over for us to see! The upstairs classes also had a visit from Rocky the Rhino of the Pro Martial Arts studio where they learned about bullying. Many children, including the very young ones, had a chance to explore fall textures such as pumpkins, gourds and leaves.

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend my 6th annual Principal’s conference in Las Vegas. It was a great networking and learning experience and I can’t wait to share what I have learned with my team! We will begin sharing new ideas at our Staff Development Day next Tuesday, November 3rd. Please remember the school will be closed that day. I am also happy to announce that our school one several ribbon awards as well as a Gold Star Safety plaque award for outstanding employee and student safety performance last year. I have proudly hung it in my office next to the previous 3 years plaques.

What a beautiful month we have coming up, a time to thank everyone that makes a difference in our lives! I just want to take a quick moment to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful teachers. They are the heart and soul of our school and they work so hard to ensure that each child has a joyful and educational experience here. While I have heard so many parents credit the teachers and make comments such as “I don’t know how you do it” to them, I am sure you have all realized that it takes a special individual to be a teacher. We are so very fortunate for the dedicated teachers that we have and it is clear to me by all of the smiles I see on these little faces! Lastly, but certainly not least, I am so very grateful for my right hand gal, Miss Tracy. Her warm smile, random singing and dedication to the school is beyond what I could ask for in an Assistant Principal!

Here’s to a warm & thankful November to you and your families!
Sincerely, Molly Myers

 

Introduction:

Next week we will welcome Miss Rachel to our school.  She will be starting out part-time in the afternoons with us from 2:00-6:00 p.m.  Miss Rachel has previously taught at our Chesterbrook Academy in Limerick before she decided to be a stay at home mom for a little while.  Her children are now ages 1 and 4 and she is excited to ease back into the early childhood field.

 

From the Education Department:

4 Ways to Instill Thankfulness in Young Children

It’s never too early to teach your child about thankfulness. By learning concepts of generosity and compassion, children strengthen their connection to their community and become sensitive to the feelings of others.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, so now is a great time to reinforce the importance of thankfulness and giving back to those in need.
Below are age appropriate activities that we implement in the classroom, as well as activities for you and your child to do at home.
TODDLERS: Be a good role model
In the classroom: Our teachers introduce “please” and “thank you” to our toddlers by using sign language and verbal communication. Students practice good manners with their dolls, stuffed animals and each other.
At home: Modeling positive behaviors is a great way to teach your child good manners. Say “please” before asking him to do something, and always follow with “thank you.”
Recommended reading: Little Critter® I Am Helping by Mercer Mayer
BEGINNERS: Share your gratitude out loud
In the classroom: Our teachers encourage our Beginner students to name a few of their favorite toys and games, and bring one in from home to share with friends. By sharing their belongings, children nurture connections with their classmates, and build necessary problem-solving skills.
At home: Talk with your child about the things in your life for which you are thankful, and ask him to name a few as well. Extend the discussion beyond physical possessions. For instance, if he is thankful for a favorite toy, say “Grandma bought you that toy, and we are thankful for her.”
Recommended reading: Spot Helps Out by Eric Hill
INTERMEDIATES: Show appreciation through actions
In the classroom: By age three, children begin to understand the concept of appreciation. They create birthday cards for their teachers, make art projects for friends, and write thank you cards for classroom visitors.
At home: Go shopping with your child, and buy a small token of appreciation for a friend or family member. Ask your child to draw a picture or write a thank you note to accompany the gift.
Recommended reading: Clifford’s Good Deeds by Norman Bridwell
PRE-K/PRE-K2: Give back to those in need
In the classroom: During the holidays, many of our schools host donation drives for organizations in need. Our older preschoolers discuss why they are participating, count the items donated, and sometimes have the opportunity to deliver the donations.
At home: Donate canned goods to a local food pantry, and allow your child to choose the food that he would like to donate. Explain to him that you are thankful to have good food to eat, and that you want to make sure that others have the same.
Recommended reading: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
We provide many opportunities for our preschoolers to develop thankfulness and show gratitude towards others. By setting this positive foundation, your child will be more appreciative and generous as he enters elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

 

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