Natick Preschool
Your Bi-Weekly Update from Natick Preschool
Principal's Message
Greetings Preschool Families,
Prior to learning to read, children listen to stories being told and read to them. Listening helps them to build a framework for stories which will ultimately help them to read on their own. When students listen to stories for 5 - 10 minutes per day, they are exposed to 300,000 to 900,000 words per school year which includes plenty of vocabulary that helps them understand the world around them. Many families will use story time as part of the bedtime routine since it is a calming activity. Whenever you choose to read aloud to your child, choose books that interest them and feel welcome to read them repetitively (tiresome for a grown-up, but very stimulating for a child!) When you are reading you can stop occasionally and ask questions:
Who is in the book (if child can’t answer, point to the character and ask Who is this? Or ask them to point to “who” is in the book.)
Where are they? (if child can’t answer, point to surroundings and ask Are they in a house? Are they outside?, etc. Or ask them to point to “where” the book takes place.)
What are they doing?
What did you like about this book?
Enjoy!
~MaryBeth Kinkead
Natick Preschool Principal
A Message From Our Nurse
Reminder: Preschool Vision Screening Notification for Parents
All health screenings conducted in schools are required by Massachusetts Law. As of this current 2023-2024 school year, annual vision screenings are required for preschoolers starting at age 3 years old. Preschool vision screenings will be ongoing throughout the school year. A referral to parents will be sent home by the nurse if a follow up appointment is needed with their physician.
Parents and legal guardians have the opportunity to request, in writing, that their child not participate in the screenings. The request must be sent each school year. Please send this letter via email or hard copy to the attention of the Mlagan@natickps.org.
Parent Vision Resources:
https://nationalcenter.preventblindness.org/parents-need-to-know/
Social Emotional Learning and Independence
Potty Training
Mindfulness
Below are links to some breathing techniques. It can be tricky to access calming strategies when we are feeling frustrated or upset. The more children practice them during times when they feel calm, the better they will be able to use them during times of dysregulation.
Important Things to Know!
Updates to our Art and Music programming:
We are thrilled that our preschoolers will have instruction by NPS art and music teachers this year. Ms. Abby Khandelwal and Ms. Meghan Olynciw will be joining Natick Preschoolers in their classrooms each week for alternating art and music instruction. Watch SeeSaw for photos!
Reminder for Parents Who Want to Volunteer--CORI Checks
Reminder If you want to volunteer in schools, you must have a CORI check conducted and you must go into the building with identification (driver's license or passport) to do this. Click here for description of what a CORI check is and does. Without a CORI check, you cannot volunteer in the school. Here is the form to fill out for a CORI. Preschool volunteer opportunities include being a Mystery Reader for the class, presenting a family tradition and supporting special projects.
Quick Links
Bullying Incident Report
Use this form to report a bullying incident.
Student Support
PowerSchool Support
Technology Support
COVID-19 Updates
View the latest COVID-19 updates from NPS.