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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER 2010 |
Dear Parents,
The month of January is behind us and we all look forward to brighter days and sunshine. We are hopeful that the month of February will be kind to us.
IN THE PRESCHOOL
The Cubs have a new addition in their classroom in the form of a spaceship.
The children have enjoyed learning all about the astronauts and mission control. Conversations on how the sun and moon affect the earth have been remarkable; and this moon cake they made was truly out of this world.
Butterflies are deep into a winter wonderland. Hibernation and information on how animals survive in the winter enhance their days. The letter of the week has been challenging and fun. The class is very appreciative of the mystery readers that have come in.
Ducklings are busy talking about family trees, their placement in the family and who they resemble. Roots, siblings, relatives and pets are all part of the project.
Little Chicks are learning all about snowflakes. They have been very busy painting snowflakes and sorting snowflake shapes. While the snow melts away, paper groundhogs have been created in honor of Groundhog Day. Let’s hope their creations help end winter weather.
The Bunny class has been busy making “snow” out of popcorn and birdfeeders with pine cones and shortening. The popcorn was delicious and they all look forward to seeing how many birds will come to snack on their filled pine cones.
Field Trips
Winter hibernation at Circle of Friends is filled with the excitement of in-house field trips.
Audubon Ark will be here February 1st with a duck and a snake. We are very excited about that.
February is dental health month and we are looking forward to a visit from Framingham pediatric dentist and orthodontist, Dr. Deborah Himelhoch on February 10th.
The preschoolers love these special field trips. If you have an occupation you would like to share with us or would like to come in to read a story or do a project, please let us know.
Weather Permitting
Dressing your child in his or her winter clothes when you leave the house in themorning to come to school will not only keep them warm on their trip over but will also insure that they have all the gear necessary to go outside when they arrive or later in the day.
On those very cold days, there may be times when we are able to venture out at the end of our day. Everyone has to be dressed properly in order for us to enjoy the outside. Labeled hat, mittens, snow pants, and boots are a must. Please keep in mind that everyone in the class must be dressed in winter gear from head to toe in order for the whole class to go outside.
CLOTHING, BACKPACKS AND LUNCH BOXES
Part of our goal at school is to help children become independent and self- sufficient. You can help in this endeavor by sending your child in clothing that is easy to manipulate as well as a backpack and/or lunch box that is more manageable for him or her to handle. Please take a glance at what your child is responsible for to see if anything can be changed or condensed to make life easier.
SNACK CREW &THE LUNCH BUNCH
Snacks
Among the regular fare of crackers, fruit and veggie sticks, snacks this month will include:
Lunch
Everyone who stays for lunch enjoys spending time with friends while munching along. We are very appreciative of the extra effort you have put forth either excluding peanut products (in some classrooms, egg substitute) or alerting us. If you need any suggestions for nutritional meals for your child’s lunch, don’t hesitate to ask any one of us.
WINTER WEATHER
Winter is slowly creeping in. Boots, mittens and snow pants will be the order of the day before you know it.
Don’t forget to mark all outerwear with your child’s name. Dressing and undressing winter gear can be very challenging. Please help us out by labeling everything and sending your child dressed from head to toe.
Just as a reminder, the snow closing for Circle of Friends morning preschool program is determined by the Framingham Public School System. If the public schools are closed, then our morning preschool program is closed.
The snow closing policy for full day, year round students in the preschool and children’s center is determined by the severity of the storm. Accommodations have been made for full day children to attend when the preschool is closed due to inclement weather.
In the event of severe weather conditions, if Framingham State College reports a college closure on the television or radio then we will delay opening until 9:30 a.m. If we are in session during a severe afternoon storm, staff will call if an early dismissal is necessary.
The building will fully close if a State of Emergency is declared.
SUMMER
A brochure for the summer program is attached to this newsletter. We are anticipating an interesting summer filled with lots of fun. We feel very fortunate to report that the summer program will be staffed by several of our preschool teachers.
In the interest of health and safety, children enrolled in the summer program must be toilet trained.
This year we will again offer a three and five day option. The three days offered will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This will enable families to take long weekends without using camp days.
All full day children are automatically enrolled in the summer program on their regular days. Any Pre-K full day student not attending through the end of August needs to let us know in writing by May 1st.
A WORD FROM INFANTS AND TODDLERS
The Children’s Center teachers have been very busy with the toddlers. Gluing, sponge painting, digging in the sand table, creating collages, and painting are just some of the activities they have enjoyed. Exploring the texture of shaving cream and goop is always fun. With so much cold weather and snow this month, they have not had too many chances to play outside. However, the children love bringing the snow inside, painting it different colors, and watching it melt. They have also enjoyed using the musical instruments, playing games, and singing songs in our play space.
In our infant room, we are pleased to welcome Victor Lisanke this month. He has already been visiting with us and seems to enjoy his new friends. Kayla will be starting her maternity leave mid-month and we will miss her while she is out, but look forward to meeting her new baby boy! We are thrilled that Charlene Locke will be returning to cover some of Kayla’s hours and care for our babies once again.
As you know, if you are late in picking up your child, we do have a late fee of $2.00 per minute. This policy will be applied consistently. Our teachers are scheduled to arrive or leave for the day, with the proper teacher-child ratios, based on your child’s registered hours. If you know that you will need extra hours added to your child’s day (either early or late), please call Maria or complete a change of program form in advance. Also, many of our teachers have families to get home to or other obligations after work, so we appreciate your efforts to not linger beyond your pick up time. If you’d like to play with your child in the classroom, you are welcome to arrive early and enjoy that time together.
Thank you,
The Children’s Center Staff
IN GENERAL
Start of the Day
Please help us keep all children in our care as well as staff healthy. Children should not be in school if they have a temperature or have received medication before coming to school.
There are lots of colds this time of year, so please remember that children who are not feeling tip top have a hard time keeping up with their friends. Children must be in good health, fever free and not showing signs of illness for 24 hours, before they return to school.
In the Car Line
Whether we are taking children out of the car in the morning or delivering them back to you at the end of the Preschool day, patience is needed. Teachers are there to help move children safely to or from your car. If you need to get out of your car during these times, please park in a designated parking space and walk your child to his or her classroom.
SNACK CREW &THE LUNCH BUNCH
Snacks
Among the regular fare of crackers, fruit and veggie sticks, snacks this month will include:
Lunch
Everyone who stays for lunch enjoys spending time with friends while munching along. We are very appreciative of the extra effort you have put forth either excluding peanut products (in some classrooms, egg substitute) or alerting us. If you need any suggestions for nutritional meals for your child’s lunch, don’t hesitate to ask any one of us.
End of the Day
Please take note that end of the day transitions can be stressful for children, parents and teachers. Staff changes throughout the day and it is important that we adhere to our schedules.
Whether your child is in the infant/toddler area or the preschool, you can help us out by not lingering when you pick up your child.
Scholastic Book Club
Just a reminder that books can be ordered on scholastics secure website at http://www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Username: cof1
Password: books
The school earns a free book coupon with every online order!
Special Congratulations
Belated congratulations to Stacy Celorier who got married on December 8th. The new Mrs. Geoghegan will be with us until the end of the month when she will move to Hawaii to be with her husband. Stacy has been with us since 2002 and we are really going to miss her.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I would like to give you an update on our Director search. We have recently listed the position on Craig’s List and are in the process of mailing cards to potential candidates.
Sometimes the best person is right under our nose. If you know of someone who might be the perfect candidate, please have them send their resume to Circle of Friends.
I plan on being here until the end of the summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me.
We will continue to keep you posted on any new developments in our search.
REMEMBER
Next month our Professional Day is March 19th. The building will be closed on that day. We appreciate your making other accommodations for your child or children on that day.
Since our school focuses on the celebration of seasons and the joys of the world around us rather than on holidays, we would appreciate your mailing any Valentine cards your children write. Problems arise when not everyone complies. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program Framingham Public Schools, Family Support Programs is conducting a Needs Assessment "Parent" survey. Families with internet access can complete the survey online: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/ecaf_home.cfm .
Printed copies can be obtained at the reception desk.
This information will help the public school look at how to move forward in a strategic plan for enhancing services to families with children birth through age 5.
Thank you for your time, patience, and commitment in supporting this process!
Stay Warm and THINK SPRING!!!!!
Carola
Parent Board News
I would like to start by thanking Alana Dros for coordinating the Curious Creatures fundraiser, and all of the parents who helped entertain the 30+ kids while we waited for the creatures to arrive. We read, we sang, we freeze danced…the wait was worth it as we were able to get up close and personal with an alligator, 2 snakes, a REALLY big spider, a chinchilla and other cool animals. The weather delay aside, it was great (and profitable day!)
STAY TUNED…
In the coming months, the parent board will discuss ideas for our spring fundraiser, set tuition rates for the Children’s Center, discuss and vote on the school budget, observe what’s going on in the classrooms, and discuss many other items that are important in keeping Circle of Friends on track. If you are interested in joining the board, or looking for a way to help out, come to our next meeting – Thursday, February 11th at 7:30.
Thinking Ahead…
I want to take a moment to put at plug in for the Parent Board. The board meets once a month to discuss all things Circle! From the budget to the fundraising to parent/teacher concerns - becoming a member of the boardis a great way to get to know the school, the staff and parents from other classes. Some of our board members will be graduating from COF this June. Please consider joining the board, and/or taking on the role of an officer. If you have any questions about time commitment, etc, please call Jenine at 508-270-9119, or email at jeninepollack at hotmail.com.
Upcoming Events
We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to raise money. If you have any creative fundraising ideas, please let Jenine or Alana know. We are currently working on a fundraiser for March. Stay tuned for details...
The next meeting is Thursday February 11th at 7:30
On behalf of the Parent Board-
Alana Dros & Jenine Lawton
Co-Presidents, Parent Board
The month of January is behind us and we all look forward to brighter days and sunshine. We are hopeful that the month of February will be kind to us.
IN THE PRESCHOOL
The Cubs have a new addition in their classroom in the form of a spaceship.
The children have enjoyed learning all about the astronauts and mission control. Conversations on how the sun and moon affect the earth have been remarkable; and this moon cake they made was truly out of this world.
Butterflies are deep into a winter wonderland. Hibernation and information on how animals survive in the winter enhance their days. The letter of the week has been challenging and fun. The class is very appreciative of the mystery readers that have come in.
Ducklings are busy talking about family trees, their placement in the family and who they resemble. Roots, siblings, relatives and pets are all part of the project.
Little Chicks are learning all about snowflakes. They have been very busy painting snowflakes and sorting snowflake shapes. While the snow melts away, paper groundhogs have been created in honor of Groundhog Day. Let’s hope their creations help end winter weather.
The Bunny class has been busy making “snow” out of popcorn and birdfeeders with pine cones and shortening. The popcorn was delicious and they all look forward to seeing how many birds will come to snack on their filled pine cones.
Field Trips
Winter hibernation at Circle of Friends is filled with the excitement of in-house field trips.
Audubon Ark will be here February 1st with a duck and a snake. We are very excited about that.
February is dental health month and we are looking forward to a visit from Framingham pediatric dentist and orthodontist, Dr. Deborah Himelhoch on February 10th.
The preschoolers love these special field trips. If you have an occupation you would like to share with us or would like to come in to read a story or do a project, please let us know.
Weather Permitting
Dressing your child in his or her winter clothes when you leave the house in themorning to come to school will not only keep them warm on their trip over but will also insure that they have all the gear necessary to go outside when they arrive or later in the day.
On those very cold days, there may be times when we are able to venture out at the end of our day. Everyone has to be dressed properly in order for us to enjoy the outside. Labeled hat, mittens, snow pants, and boots are a must. Please keep in mind that everyone in the class must be dressed in winter gear from head to toe in order for the whole class to go outside.
CLOTHING, BACKPACKS AND LUNCH BOXES
Part of our goal at school is to help children become independent and self- sufficient. You can help in this endeavor by sending your child in clothing that is easy to manipulate as well as a backpack and/or lunch box that is more manageable for him or her to handle. Please take a glance at what your child is responsible for to see if anything can be changed or condensed to make life easier.
SNACK CREW &THE LUNCH BUNCH
Snacks
Among the regular fare of crackers, fruit and veggie sticks, snacks this month will include:
- Igloo Cake
- Ocean Jello
- Beach Cookies
- Rice Crispy Treats
- Star Cookies
- Bone Shaped Pretzels
Lunch
Everyone who stays for lunch enjoys spending time with friends while munching along. We are very appreciative of the extra effort you have put forth either excluding peanut products (in some classrooms, egg substitute) or alerting us. If you need any suggestions for nutritional meals for your child’s lunch, don’t hesitate to ask any one of us.
WINTER WEATHER
Winter is slowly creeping in. Boots, mittens and snow pants will be the order of the day before you know it.
Don’t forget to mark all outerwear with your child’s name. Dressing and undressing winter gear can be very challenging. Please help us out by labeling everything and sending your child dressed from head to toe.
Just as a reminder, the snow closing for Circle of Friends morning preschool program is determined by the Framingham Public School System. If the public schools are closed, then our morning preschool program is closed.
The snow closing policy for full day, year round students in the preschool and children’s center is determined by the severity of the storm. Accommodations have been made for full day children to attend when the preschool is closed due to inclement weather.
In the event of severe weather conditions, if Framingham State College reports a college closure on the television or radio then we will delay opening until 9:30 a.m. If we are in session during a severe afternoon storm, staff will call if an early dismissal is necessary.
The building will fully close if a State of Emergency is declared.
SUMMER
A brochure for the summer program is attached to this newsletter. We are anticipating an interesting summer filled with lots of fun. We feel very fortunate to report that the summer program will be staffed by several of our preschool teachers.
In the interest of health and safety, children enrolled in the summer program must be toilet trained.
This year we will again offer a three and five day option. The three days offered will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. This will enable families to take long weekends without using camp days.
All full day children are automatically enrolled in the summer program on their regular days. Any Pre-K full day student not attending through the end of August needs to let us know in writing by May 1st.
A WORD FROM INFANTS AND TODDLERS
The Children’s Center teachers have been very busy with the toddlers. Gluing, sponge painting, digging in the sand table, creating collages, and painting are just some of the activities they have enjoyed. Exploring the texture of shaving cream and goop is always fun. With so much cold weather and snow this month, they have not had too many chances to play outside. However, the children love bringing the snow inside, painting it different colors, and watching it melt. They have also enjoyed using the musical instruments, playing games, and singing songs in our play space.
In our infant room, we are pleased to welcome Victor Lisanke this month. He has already been visiting with us and seems to enjoy his new friends. Kayla will be starting her maternity leave mid-month and we will miss her while she is out, but look forward to meeting her new baby boy! We are thrilled that Charlene Locke will be returning to cover some of Kayla’s hours and care for our babies once again.
As you know, if you are late in picking up your child, we do have a late fee of $2.00 per minute. This policy will be applied consistently. Our teachers are scheduled to arrive or leave for the day, with the proper teacher-child ratios, based on your child’s registered hours. If you know that you will need extra hours added to your child’s day (either early or late), please call Maria or complete a change of program form in advance. Also, many of our teachers have families to get home to or other obligations after work, so we appreciate your efforts to not linger beyond your pick up time. If you’d like to play with your child in the classroom, you are welcome to arrive early and enjoy that time together.
Thank you,
The Children’s Center Staff
IN GENERAL
Start of the Day
Please help us keep all children in our care as well as staff healthy. Children should not be in school if they have a temperature or have received medication before coming to school.
There are lots of colds this time of year, so please remember that children who are not feeling tip top have a hard time keeping up with their friends. Children must be in good health, fever free and not showing signs of illness for 24 hours, before they return to school.
In the Car Line
Whether we are taking children out of the car in the morning or delivering them back to you at the end of the Preschool day, patience is needed. Teachers are there to help move children safely to or from your car. If you need to get out of your car during these times, please park in a designated parking space and walk your child to his or her classroom.
SNACK CREW &THE LUNCH BUNCH
Snacks
Among the regular fare of crackers, fruit and veggie sticks, snacks this month will include:
- Igloo Cake
- Ocean Jello
- Beach Cookies
- Rice Crispy Treats
- Star Cookies
- Bone Shaped Pretzels
Lunch
Everyone who stays for lunch enjoys spending time with friends while munching along. We are very appreciative of the extra effort you have put forth either excluding peanut products (in some classrooms, egg substitute) or alerting us. If you need any suggestions for nutritional meals for your child’s lunch, don’t hesitate to ask any one of us.
End of the Day
Please take note that end of the day transitions can be stressful for children, parents and teachers. Staff changes throughout the day and it is important that we adhere to our schedules.
Whether your child is in the infant/toddler area or the preschool, you can help us out by not lingering when you pick up your child.
Scholastic Book Club
Just a reminder that books can be ordered on scholastics secure website at http://www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Username: cof1
Password: books
The school earns a free book coupon with every online order!
Special Congratulations
Belated congratulations to Stacy Celorier who got married on December 8th. The new Mrs. Geoghegan will be with us until the end of the month when she will move to Hawaii to be with her husband. Stacy has been with us since 2002 and we are really going to miss her.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
I would like to give you an update on our Director search. We have recently listed the position on Craig’s List and are in the process of mailing cards to potential candidates.
Sometimes the best person is right under our nose. If you know of someone who might be the perfect candidate, please have them send their resume to Circle of Friends.
I plan on being here until the end of the summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me.
We will continue to keep you posted on any new developments in our search.
REMEMBER
Next month our Professional Day is March 19th. The building will be closed on that day. We appreciate your making other accommodations for your child or children on that day.
Since our school focuses on the celebration of seasons and the joys of the world around us rather than on holidays, we would appreciate your mailing any Valentine cards your children write. Problems arise when not everyone complies. Thanks so much for your cooperation.
The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program Framingham Public Schools, Family Support Programs is conducting a Needs Assessment "Parent" survey. Families with internet access can complete the survey online: http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/ecaf_home.cfm .
Printed copies can be obtained at the reception desk.
This information will help the public school look at how to move forward in a strategic plan for enhancing services to families with children birth through age 5.
Thank you for your time, patience, and commitment in supporting this process!
Stay Warm and THINK SPRING!!!!!
Carola
Parent Board News
I would like to start by thanking Alana Dros for coordinating the Curious Creatures fundraiser, and all of the parents who helped entertain the 30+ kids while we waited for the creatures to arrive. We read, we sang, we freeze danced…the wait was worth it as we were able to get up close and personal with an alligator, 2 snakes, a REALLY big spider, a chinchilla and other cool animals. The weather delay aside, it was great (and profitable day!)
STAY TUNED…
In the coming months, the parent board will discuss ideas for our spring fundraiser, set tuition rates for the Children’s Center, discuss and vote on the school budget, observe what’s going on in the classrooms, and discuss many other items that are important in keeping Circle of Friends on track. If you are interested in joining the board, or looking for a way to help out, come to our next meeting – Thursday, February 11th at 7:30.
Thinking Ahead…
I want to take a moment to put at plug in for the Parent Board. The board meets once a month to discuss all things Circle! From the budget to the fundraising to parent/teacher concerns - becoming a member of the boardis a great way to get to know the school, the staff and parents from other classes. Some of our board members will be graduating from COF this June. Please consider joining the board, and/or taking on the role of an officer. If you have any questions about time commitment, etc, please call Jenine at 508-270-9119, or email at jeninepollack at hotmail.com.
Upcoming Events
We’re always looking for new and exciting ways to raise money. If you have any creative fundraising ideas, please let Jenine or Alana know. We are currently working on a fundraiser for March. Stay tuned for details...