Unity Preschool News
October 29 - Week 4
Director's Dispatch
Dear Preschool Families,
Thank you for a great first month of preschool. The car line is running smoothly and the children are doing well learning and following classroom routines. They have been a joy and a delight as we have adapted to our changing customs this school year.
The curse of 2020 seems to continue with our closure today --- on our Halloween Spirit Day --- due to a Tropical Storm Warning. Like David, a Bible character who is no stranger to difficult times, we will continue to carry on in the face of adversity. Did you know that many of the psalms highlight David's cries to God and his struggles, such as Psalm 142:1-3, which says, "With my voice I cry to the Lord; with my voice I make supplication to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. When my spirit is faint, you know my way." Even though David struggled with his faith, he did not remain in that state for long. He concludes every psalm praising God and giving Him glory. Thus, we continue to find the bright side as we look forward to celebrating our Halloween Spirit Day together next week: Monday for the Fours and Wednesday for the Threes. Plan to wear orange or a Halloween shirt on those days. Please stay safe in today's storm and this weekend as you celebrate Halloween.
Blessings,
Ms. Linda
Director - Unity Preschool
P.S. Remember to "fall back" this weekend and set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.
Help us share some LOVE with our Fort Mill Neighbors
Unity Presbyterian Church is currently collecting food items for the Fort Mill Care Center to provide a Thanksgiving meal for Fort Mill families. We would love the children to bring an item (or more) to Preschool next week. We will discuss loving and sharing with our neighbors and help the children place the items in the collection area. The items most needed right now include: Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Vegetables, Stuffing, Canned Cranberry Sauce, Canned Pumpkin, and other Canned Pie Fillings, Turkey Gravy, Evaporated Milk, and Pie Crust Mixes. We will collect every school day next week.
No School Next Tuesday!
One of the things that we can do during this divisive political climate as a witness to our faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ is to pray for the election and our nation. You are invited to use our Sanctuary for prayer from 12 pm until 6 pm on Tuesday, November 3rd. Four people may sign up to pray. Reservations must be made. Click here to sign up for a 15-minute time slot.
Spirit Day - Halloween Celebration *Postponed*
The last Thursday of each month is "Spirit Day" and we will celebrate in a special way. Because we had to cancel our external events this year, we decided to host fun internal events in our classrooms each month. Our first Spirit Day (Halloween Celebration) will be on Monday (November 2) for the Fours and on Wednesday (November 4) for the Threes. Wear orange or Halloween-themed shirts and Four's can leave their lunch boxes at home that day.
November 19: Feast Day - We will celebrate Thanksgiving in our classrooms. Stay tuned for a Sign-Up Genius from Ms. Linda about items that you can donate for our Thanksgiving Celebration.
December 17: PJ Day - We will all wear our pajamas and enjoy some Christmas fun.
Color Day - Go BROWN
Introducing Ms. Kellie
With the retirement of Ms. Tee, Ms. Kellie is our longest-tenured employee. She currently assists Ms. Brandi in our Four's (Owls) class. This is her second year working with our Four's class. She worked three years in the Three's class and was a Two's Assist at her prior preschool. Ms. Kellie and her husband, Jeff, have two children: Ainsley (a Senior at Nation Ford) and Ryan (a Sophomore at Nation Ford) and a beloved dog, Savvy. Ms. Kellie serves on our Preschool Advisory Board and helps me with singing during our Chapel lessons. We are so grateful for Ms. Kellie and the abundant joy that she shares with us often, especially when she dances in our hallways.
Here are a few of her favorites:
Favorite Foods: guacamole, tacos, and Korean food ("bulgogi and kimchi are amazing!")
Favorite Music: all music but country. Ms. Kellie loves going to concerts, especially with her daughter.
Favorite Book: "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. Ms. Kellie says "I think everyone should read this book so they can learn about humility, acceptance, and inclusion."
Favorite Movies: action/adventure (has seen all 23 Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU a/k/a the superhero movies)) with a good "chick flick" sprinkled in once in a while.
Favorite Activities: Clemson football games, playing cards (Wipeout and Seven), traveling, and riding rollercoasters.
COVID-19 Update
The reporting system is not perfect. However, with continued vigilance and a cautious approach, we can continue to keep your children and our staff safe. This, of course, requires honest conversations like Ms. Lauren and our preschool family had with us. We are also very grateful that you have been cautious about keeping your children home if they were feeling "off." We have had no positive temperatures while at preschool this school year and we have not had to send any children home who were not feeling well. If we continue to maintain good communication and to be thoughtful and diligent in our approach, I believe that we can remain safe and open for everyone. THANK YOU!
COVID-19 Update:
Quarantine Students: 1
Positive Test Students: 0
Quarantine Staff:1
Positive Test Staff: 0
Miscellaneous
*Toys Stay Home: We have had some issues with toys being brought to school for "Show and Tell." Please keep toys at home. Our teachers will let you know if they are asking for items from home.
*Label Clothes: Please remember to label jackets/sweaters/extra clothes that you send to school so that we can make sure they go home with the correct child.
*Directory Update: Thank you for returning your Directory Information forms. Because I worked in one of the Three's classrooms this week, I am a little behind. I hope to have the Directory available by early November.
*Tuition: Our next tuition withdrawal date will be Monday, November 2.
Unity Preschool Staff 2020-21
Left to Right by teaching pairs:
Ms. Heather and Ms. Danielle: Fours (Fish)
Ms. Brandi and Ms. Kellie: Fours (Owls)
Ms. Sarah and Ms. Becca: Threes (Monkeys)
Ms. Lauren and Ms. Sonia: Threes (Frogs)
Ms. Linda: Director (on the slide)
Unity Preschool
Email: preschoolatunity@gmail.com
Website: https://www.preschoolatunity.com/
Location: 303 Tom Hall Street, Fort Mill, SC, USA
Phone: 803-396-8454