Pattonville Preschool News
February 2019
Note from the Director
Asking questions can be a key element of the parent-teacher conference. Examples of some helpful questions include:
- What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?
- How does my child get along with classmates?
- Is my child working up to her or his ability? Where could she or he use improvement?
- What can we do at home to support what is being done in the classroom?
Spring conferences will be held Wednesday, February 13th from 3:30 -7:00 pm and Thursday, February 14th from 12:00 - 7:00 pm. If you do not already have a date for your parent-teacher conference, please contact your child's teacher.
In Partnership,
Mary Krekeler
IMPORTANT DATES
- February 13 & 14: Parent/Teacher Conferences
- February 14: No afternoon classes. Full-day and Extended day early release at 11:15.
- February 15: NO SCHOOL following conferences
- February 18: NO SCHOOL President's Day
- February 19: PTO Meeting from 6-7
- February : School Improvement Team Meeting
Safe Touch Plus Program
We have rescheduled the Safe Touch Plus that was previously scheduled on January 31st for April 10th.
In case you missed it - here is some information about the program:
We are pleased to inform you that we will offer the “Safe Touch Plus” program, a safety presentation for our students on Tuesday, January 29th and Wednesday, January 30th. “Safe Touch Plus” is one of four presentations that the Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) offers to children to teach them body safety. These personal safety programs are offered free to all children in the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding counties. The presentation lasts approximately 20 minutes. The goal of the “Safe Touch Plus” program is to provide exposure to the basic concepts of private body parts (parts of the body covered by a swimsuit) and the Body Safety Plan (No, Run, Tell). The “Safe Touch Plus” program utilizes a six-minute excerpt from the video Tick Tock Plays it Safe created by the Women’s Center of Tarrant County, as well as puppets and manipulatives. This interactive presentation is both fun and educational. All participants receive a coloring book reviewing the information that they learned during the program.
Parents will receive more information in the upcoming weeks with more details. If you have any questions about the program feel free to contact Erica Abowitz, our school social worker, for further information at eabowitz@psdr3.org or by phone at 314-213-8962.
A Book of One's Own
Books can be expensive though, especially if they are new and hardback. Paperback and used books are much less expensive, yet just as cherished. Quality children's books, at very reasonable prices, often can be found at half-price bookstores, yard sales, thrift shops or public library sales. Take your time browsing and be choosy. The cost savings is worth the time it takes to look for good books. What exactly makes a good children's book? Strong characters, rich vocabulary, magnificent illustrations and emotional connection.
Books make wonderful gifts. Tell grandparents and others that you welcome gifts of storybooks. And remember that when you buy a book for your child and read it together, you are laying a strong foundation for the child's lifelong learning.
If your family is in need of some children's books, we have some donated books that need a new home. Stop by the Early Childhood office to pick some out! If you are unable to come by the center during school hours, send us an email at PattonvilleEC@psdr3.org and we will have your child pick a couple out and send them home in their backpack.
Peer Model Program
Peer Model students provide positive peer interactions, demonstrate play skills, and model appropriate language and behavior for children with special needs while in the classroom setting. This model provides a wide range of learning opportunities that is both stimulating and challenging for both groups of children. The program also promotes belonging, friendships, understanding and acceptance of others who are different.
A Peer Model student must demonstrate age-appropriate skills in the areas of play, social, behavior, speech, language and motor. Additionally, all peer models must be independent with toileting and speak English fluently. Children must be at least 3 years old by July 31, 2019 in order to be eligible. To ensure an appropriate fit for both the program and the peer models, children will need to participate in a developmental screening, a play-based screening and meet certain criteria.
The peer model program is offered for our half-day classes only. Children in the full-day program are not eligible at this time. Note, that children must meet the eligibility requirements for the peer model program and must be selected (limited spaces available).
If you are interested in your child participating in the program next school year, you will need to:
- Complete the peer model application. application link
- If your child has not had a recent (June 2018 or later) developmental screening through our PAT program, they will need to have a developmental screening. You can sign up for a screening at the button below marked Free Developmental Screenings for ages 3-6.
- Finally, applicants will be invited to participate in a play-based screening. The play-based screening will take place sometime the week of April 29-May 2. You will receive additional information at a later date.
Families will be notified at the end of the current school year as to whether or not their child has been selected to participate in the Peer Model Program. If you have any questions, please email the Director of Early Childhood, Mary Krekeler, at mkrekeler@psdr3.org.
Reminder: Tuition is due the 1st of the month.
PTO Meeting
Our next PTO meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19th at the ECC in the multipurpose room. 6 - 7 pm
Childcare provided.
Blue Iguana Car Wash Fundraiser
Use the code 1234
Pirate & Princess Prom
TEAM CENTRAL GYMNASTICS
Group rate cost is $6 per child (cash or check only). Please turn in to Kendra (314-213-8100) at the ECC by the Wednesday before by 4:30 pm. NO late sign-ups.
Friday, Mar 8, 2019, 09:30 AM
Team Central Gymnastics Academy, Metro Boulevard, Maryland Heights, MO, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.