Dear Parents,
March is sure to be another busy month at Chesterbrook Academy. There is a ton of amazing learning going on throughout the school and in your child’s classrooms.
Thank you for taking advantage of our “Early Bird Registration” by securing your child’s space for the 2016/2017 school year. We are excited that our current students will continue to learn, grow and shine at Chesterbrook Academy. You still have time if you haven’t registered, however, please keep in mind that available space is now being offered to the public.
March 1st is the last day of pictures. In about 2 weeks the packages will go home and you will be able to choose which pictures you would like to keep and which ones that you would like to return. Price sheets will come inside of the picture packages. They will be handed out in the front office when they arrive.
If you have not yet done so, please, make sure to turn in the application information. We are going to a new system and are updating all of our student records. This information needs to be updated for all children, whether they are returning next year or not.
School Fundraiser – Orders due 3/4
Savory Sweets Cookie Dough Fundraiser
March 4th – 18th
Our school is participating in a healthy, creative fundraiser with Art to Remember. Right now, children are busy creating colorful, fun artwork and soon you will receive a personalized order form showcasing your son’s or daughter’s masterpiece.
Art to Remember offers 30 keepsake products to feature your child’s art work. Makes for a great gift!
Your participation will capture a moment in time with your child and support our school.
Personalized order forms will be sent home March 7th.
Our Scholastic Book Fair will run from Monday, March 28th-Friday, April 1.
Instead of WACKY WEDNESDAY on Thursday, March 17th lets turn the school GREEN!!!!!
3/17 – Have your child wear green!
SPRING BREAK – March 18th, March 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th are NON-VPK days.
Chesterbrook Academy will be open during these days.
Graduation information is being sent home with order forms for caps & gowns. Graduation will take place at the Sagemont School Lower Campus in Weston. Graduation will be on Thursday, June 9th, at 4:00pm. Children are to arrive at 3:30pm dressed in their caps and gowns and ready to start.
March 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
Introducing Your Preschooler to the Fascinating World of Non-Fiction
When you think about children’s books, you might envision princesses in castles, talking animals or a flying magic school bus. Although it’s fun to read these types of stories with your child, it’s important to also introduce him to non-fiction books. You may be surprised to learn that he’s fascinated with exploring real people, places and things!
Non-fiction is not only interesting to children, but it also creates an important foundation for learning. It helps children build new vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills, fuel their curiosity and gain a better understanding about the world around them.
Below are ways we integrate non-fiction in the classroom, as well as activities you can try at home.
INFANTS:
In the classroom: Infants love to look at faces, so our teachers choose non-fiction books that include photographs of people, such as Global Babies by Global Fund for Children. Afterward, they show the baby a photo of his own family and talk about the people in the photo. For example, “Look, Ben. Here’s your mom. Who’s she holding? That’s you.”
At home: Read multi-sensory picture books with your child. Choose non-fiction books with different textures and bright colors to help stimulate his growing sensory awareness.
Recommended reading: Families by Rena D. Grossman, Bathtime (Baby Touch & Feel) by DK Publishing
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Toddlers learn the names of different animals and vehicles and the sounds they make. While singing songs with students, our teachers ask, “What does a pig say?” or “What sound does a fire truck make?”
At home: Point out photographs of familiar animals and vehicles in magazines or books. Ask your child to mimic the noise that each item makes. This can also be done in the car as you’re driving around your neighborhood.
Recommended reading: Baby Animals by National Geographic Kids, Noisy Trucks by Tiger Tales
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Teachers and students read non-fiction books by going on picture walks. A picture walk motivates children to rely on pictorial clues to decipher the story’s plot and make predictions. Before reading the story, they flip through the book, and the child is encouraged to make predictions about the characters and plot. The teacher then reads the book aloud to the student. When finished, the teacher asks questions to start a conversation about the text.
At home: Visit a library with your child, and let him choose a book. Take a picture walk through the book with him. When you’re finished, ask the librarian to recommend a non-fiction book about the same topic. For example, if you read Clifford the Big Red Dog, your child might also be interested in Puppies, Puppies, Puppies, a non-fiction book by Susan Meyers.
Recommended reading: My First Baseball Book by Sterling Children’s, Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Our Intermediate teachers combine non-fiction reading with dramatic play. After reading a book about farm life, children create their own farm in the dramatic play center and pretend to be farmers. Children gain a better understanding of the book, practice problem solving skills, and use new vocabulary.
At home: Select a book with large photographs or illustrations. Flip through the book, and let your child stop on pages that interest him. Don’t worry about reading every page. Ask him to tell you what is going on in the pictures, and encourage him to make comparisons to experiences he’s had in real life. For example, if you pick a book about weather, you might ask, “Where do we go in the summertime when it’s hot?” or “Why do we use an umbrella in the springtime?”
Recommended reading: Watching the Seasons by Edana Eckart, Wings by Melanie Mitchell
PRE-K/PRE-K2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Our older preschoolers read a non-fiction book paired with a fiction book, and compare and contrast the two stories. After reading Stella Luna and Bat Loves the Night, the teacher might ask, “In Stella Luna, the bat slept upright. Is that how a real bat sleeps?” Students may also create a Venn diagram that shows similarities and differences in the two books.
At home: Read various forms of non-fiction with your child, including books, brochures and flyers. Challenge him to find sight words in the text. Afterward, ask him to write in his journal what he would like to learn about next. Use that information when choosing another piece of non-fiction.
Recommended reading: Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin (fiction), Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser (non-fiction)
By introducing children to both fiction and non-fiction texts in the preschool years, they become comfortable with a wide range of subjects and acquire the skills needed to comprehend important information in kindergarten and beyond. They are better able to tap into their interests and enjoy learning about real world people, places and things.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
The purpose of our sick policy is to reduce the spread of illness among our students 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.
Sick Policy:
Children may be sent home if they have any concerning symptoms. In addition, a child must be free of all of these symptoms for at least 24 hours before he/she can return to school. These symptoms include:
- A Fever of 100 degrees or more
- Vomiting within the previous 24-hour period
- Diarrhea within the previous 24-hour period
- Symptoms of a communicable disease
- Fussy, cranky behavior and generally not himself/ herself
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 illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested.) Please help us keep all of our children healthy by following these rules. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know. Thank you for your support!
TUITION:
We have seen a recent increase in families missing tuition payment deadlines. We really must collect tuition in a timely manner to meet our financial obligations. Please remember that tuition is due the 1st business day of every week. Accounts not paid in full by 12:00pm the second business day of every week are subject to late fees. If tuition is not paid in full your child may not attend until the balance is paid in full. Failure to comply with tuition policies will result in a notice of dis-enrollment. If you’d like to sign up for our ACH program, which automatically pulls your weekly tuition from the account of your choice the 1st business day of every week, just let us know and we will get you signed up.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS FEES:
If your child is signed up to attend a specific enrichment program, the monthly fee must be paid in full the first week of every month or your child may not attend the second week. Please understand, we are obligated to pay our physical fitness vendors in a timely manner for their services. Credits will not be issued for missed classes due to absence or non-payment.
Summer will be here before you know it…
Check out what we have planned for summer 2016 under programs tab/camp.
Reserve your child’s space NOW!
March Newsletter
Dear Parents,
March is sure to be another busy month at Chesterbrook Academy. There is a ton of amazing learning going on throughout the school and in your child’s classrooms.
Thank you for taking advantage of our “Early Bird Registration” by securing your child’s space for the 2016/2017 school year. We are excited that our current students will continue to learn, grow and shine at Chesterbrook Academy. You still have time if you haven’t registered, however, please keep in mind that available space is now being offered to the public.
March 1st is the last day of pictures. In about 2 weeks the packages will go home and you will be able to choose which pictures you would like to keep and which ones that you would like to return. Price sheets will come inside of the picture packages. They will be handed out in the front office when they arrive.
If you have not yet done so, please, make sure to turn in the application information. We are going to a new system and are updating all of our student records. This information needs to be updated for all children, whether they are returning next year or not.
School Fundraiser – Orders due 3/4
Savory Sweets Cookie Dough Fundraiser
March 4th – 18th
Our school is participating in a healthy, creative fundraiser with Art to Remember. Right now, children are busy creating colorful, fun artwork and soon you will receive a personalized order form showcasing your son’s or daughter’s masterpiece.
Art to Remember offers 30 keepsake products to feature your child’s art work. Makes for a great gift!
Your participation will capture a moment in time with your child and support our school.
Personalized order forms will be sent home March 7th.
Our Scholastic Book Fair will run from Monday, March 28th-Friday, April 1.
Instead of WACKY WEDNESDAY on Thursday, March 17th lets turn the school GREEN!!!!!
3/17 – Have your child wear green!
SPRING BREAK – March 18th, March 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th are NON-VPK days.
Chesterbrook Academy will be open during these days.
Graduation information is being sent home with order forms for caps & gowns. Graduation will take place at the Sagemont School Lower Campus in Weston. Graduation will be on Thursday, June 9th, at 4:00pm. Children are to arrive at 3:30pm dressed in their caps and gowns and ready to start.
March 18th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th
Introducing Your Preschooler to the Fascinating World of Non-Fiction
When you think about children’s books, you might envision princesses in castles, talking animals or a flying magic school bus. Although it’s fun to read these types of stories with your child, it’s important to also introduce him to non-fiction books. You may be surprised to learn that he’s fascinated with exploring real people, places and things!
Non-fiction is not only interesting to children, but it also creates an important foundation for learning. It helps children build new vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills, fuel their curiosity and gain a better understanding about the world around them.
Below are ways we integrate non-fiction in the classroom, as well as activities you can try at home.
INFANTS:
In the classroom: Infants love to look at faces, so our teachers choose non-fiction books that include photographs of people, such as Global Babies by Global Fund for Children. Afterward, they show the baby a photo of his own family and talk about the people in the photo. For example, “Look, Ben. Here’s your mom. Who’s she holding? That’s you.”
At home: Read multi-sensory picture books with your child. Choose non-fiction books with different textures and bright colors to help stimulate his growing sensory awareness.
Recommended reading: Families by Rena D. Grossman, Bathtime (Baby Touch & Feel) by DK Publishing
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Toddlers learn the names of different animals and vehicles and the sounds they make. While singing songs with students, our teachers ask, “What does a pig say?” or “What sound does a fire truck make?”
At home: Point out photographs of familiar animals and vehicles in magazines or books. Ask your child to mimic the noise that each item makes. This can also be done in the car as you’re driving around your neighborhood.
Recommended reading: Baby Animals by National Geographic Kids, Noisy Trucks by Tiger Tales
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Teachers and students read non-fiction books by going on picture walks. A picture walk motivates children to rely on pictorial clues to decipher the story’s plot and make predictions. Before reading the story, they flip through the book, and the child is encouraged to make predictions about the characters and plot. The teacher then reads the book aloud to the student. When finished, the teacher asks questions to start a conversation about the text.
At home: Visit a library with your child, and let him choose a book. Take a picture walk through the book with him. When you’re finished, ask the librarian to recommend a non-fiction book about the same topic. For example, if you read Clifford the Big Red Dog, your child might also be interested in Puppies, Puppies, Puppies, a non-fiction book by Susan Meyers.
Recommended reading: My First Baseball Book by Sterling Children’s, Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Our Intermediate teachers combine non-fiction reading with dramatic play. After reading a book about farm life, children create their own farm in the dramatic play center and pretend to be farmers. Children gain a better understanding of the book, practice problem solving skills, and use new vocabulary.
At home: Select a book with large photographs or illustrations. Flip through the book, and let your child stop on pages that interest him. Don’t worry about reading every page. Ask him to tell you what is going on in the pictures, and encourage him to make comparisons to experiences he’s had in real life. For example, if you pick a book about weather, you might ask, “Where do we go in the summertime when it’s hot?” or “Why do we use an umbrella in the springtime?”
Recommended reading: Watching the Seasons by Edana Eckart, Wings by Melanie Mitchell
PRE-K/PRE-K2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Our older preschoolers read a non-fiction book paired with a fiction book, and compare and contrast the two stories. After reading Stella Luna and Bat Loves the Night, the teacher might ask, “In Stella Luna, the bat slept upright. Is that how a real bat sleeps?” Students may also create a Venn diagram that shows similarities and differences in the two books.
At home: Read various forms of non-fiction with your child, including books, brochures and flyers. Challenge him to find sight words in the text. Afterward, ask him to write in his journal what he would like to learn about next. Use that information when choosing another piece of non-fiction.
Recommended reading: Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin (fiction), Wonderful Worms by Linda Glaser (non-fiction)
By introducing children to both fiction and non-fiction texts in the preschool years, they become comfortable with a wide range of subjects and acquire the skills needed to comprehend important information in kindergarten and beyond. They are better able to tap into their interests and enjoy learning about real world people, places and things.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
SICK POLICY REMINDER:
Sick Policy:
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 illness is not contagious. (A doctor’s clearance may be requested.) Please help us keep all of our children healthy by following these rules. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know. Thank you for your support!
TUITION:
We have seen a recent increase in families missing tuition payment deadlines. We really must collect tuition in a timely manner to meet our financial obligations. Please remember that tuition is due the 1st business day of every week. Accounts not paid in full by 12:00pm the second business day of every week are subject to late fees. If tuition is not paid in full your child may not attend until the balance is paid in full. Failure to comply with tuition policies will result in a notice of dis-enrollment. If you’d like to sign up for our ACH program, which automatically pulls your weekly tuition from the account of your choice the 1st business day of every week, just let us know and we will get you signed up.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS FEES:
If your child is signed up to attend a specific enrichment program, the monthly fee must be paid in full the first week of every month or your child may not attend the second week. Please understand, we are obligated to pay our physical fitness vendors in a timely manner for their services. Credits will not be issued for missed classes due to absence or non-payment.
Summer will be here before you know it…
Check out what we have planned for summer 2016 under programs tab/camp.
Reserve your child’s space NOW!