March Newsletter
2017 - 2018 Academic Year
Spring is in the Air!
Save the Date for Our Fourth Annual Spring Family Festival
Basket Case Fundraiser - Start Collecting Donations Now
As you know, the festival is right around the corner and it is time to start collecting items for the baskets. We will have the sign up sheets posted in the classrooms later this month. However, we encourage families to start asking other local businesses that you frequent for donations now. Family and friends are also a great source! The more items that we can collect, the better the baskets will be!
Some gift card ideas are:
- Salon services (hair, nails, massage, facials, tanning, etc.)
- Home maintenance (pressure washing, landscaping, pool cleaning, interior design, cleaning, etc.)
- Family outings (museums, trampoline park, mini-golf, movies, boat rental, ice cream/fro-yo, water park, etc.)
- Adult outings (restaurants, comedy club, theater, wine tasting, sunset boat cruise, jet ski/paddle board/kayak rental, parasailing, etc.)
- Healthy living (gym, bootcamp, cross fit, yoga, cooking class, holistic therapies, smoothies, health food stores & restaurants, etc.)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will continue during the month of March. Parents can choose to have a face-to-face conference or a phone conference, if that suits your schedule better. Keep your eyes out for an email specific to your child's cottage with more information and a sign-up sheet for a scheduled time slot will be posted in your child’s classroom. During this scheduled time with your child’s teacher, you will have the opportunity to review your child’s assessment as well as discuss your child’s growth and development.
Child Care Facility Handbook 65C-22- Updated Policy
Please see below for an updated policy for child care facilities in the state of Florida from the Florida Department of Health-
“If a child does not arrive to the program or the agreed upon designated pick-up location, child care personnel must communicate as early as possible (within one hour of the child’s scheduled arrival) with the custodial parent/legal guardian; if there was no prior communication from the custodial parent/legal guardian of the child’s absence. If child care personnel are unable to reach the child’s parent/guardian, emergency contacts must be notified.”
If your child will be absent or arriving late to school, please notify your child's teacher or the front office. We appreciate your help!
Drop Off and Pick-up Reminders
The center is open from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday – Friday. After dropping off your child’s belongings in his/her room, please bring your child directly to your cottage’s morning teacher so they can be checked in. We recommend that children are dropped off by 9:00 am so they can participate in the morning hug circle and begin their day with the rest of their friends. Early risers are welcome to join our “Breakfast Club” which ends promptly at 7:30 am. Parents may send a healthy breakfast for their child. We ask that breakfast isn't brought in later than 7:30am as our Caterpillar-Dragonfly Cottages go out to the playground at 8:00am. This gives enough time for our students to eat and food isn't brought outside to our playgrounds.
Parents are required to sign their child in upon arrival and sign out their child at pick-up each day. Parent sign in and sign out sheets are located in their child’s classroom. Please sign in and out when dropping off or picking up your child’s belongings each day, even if you are dropping off or picking them up from another classroom on the campus.
Saying “good-bye” can be hard on children and parents. We recommend spending a few minutes getting your child situated and involved in an activity. It is our philosophy to be honest with him, telling him you are leaving and reassuring him that you will return after work. After giving hugs and kisses, we recommend at that time that you formally leave him with a teacher. When tears occur, be sure not to linger as it often prolongs his sadness. We understand that the child feels this sadness authentically; after all, he loves you more than he loves us, of course! We validate his sadness and comfort him. Know that this transition lasts for only a short time. Remember that you are welcome to call when you get to work to find out how your child is doing. If a child’s difficult transition ever exceeds our normal expectation, we will notify the parents to develop a plan together to help him become more comfortable.
Please formally notify your child’s teacher (or the teacher with the Attendance Clipboard) when picking up your child. Only those individuals indicated on your child’s Emergency Contact Form will be permitted to pick-up your child. If someone other than those listed will be picking up your child on a particular day, please leave written notice in the office as well as notifying your child’s teacher.
Dr. Seuss' Birthday Celebration!
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Mark Your Calendars
3/2 - The Cat in the Hat Visits The Cottages!
3/16 - St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
3/26 - 3/30 - Spring Break for VPK students (Non-Instructional Days)
March Birthdays!
Today you are YOU, that is TRUER than true. There is NO ONE alive who is YOUER than YOU!
3/2- Job T.
3/4- Sloane Z.
3/8- Oliver C.
3/15 - Jack W.
3/13- Ms. Stephanie
3/16 - Sophia S.
3/19 - Ms. Amanda
3/21- Greyson M.
3/23 - Brynn L.
3/26- Marcela C.
3/30 - Abner B.
Happy Birthday to our friends born in March!
Cricket Cottage News
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
On March 2nd we will be celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday! Please dress your child in red, white and black or combination of for some class photos! We will read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish during the day. The Cat in the Hat will make a surprise appearance in our room!
Hello Spring!
We are so happy to see the trees sprouting new green growth and the flowers blooming all over town. We will be taking daily stroller rides to enjoy the beautiful weather. We will be talking about the trees, birds and bugs that we may encounter. We will immerse ourselves into Spring by reading books about Spring, Bugs and Baby Animals. You may even hear some new sounds from your little one imitating a baby chick (peep peep) or lamb (baa baa).
St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. This month we will be introducing the color green to our friends. We will highlight green objects in the play areas. Green sensory bottles will also be added to our spring collection. Friends can help participate by wearing different shades of green on Friday, March 16th!
At Home Activity
Babies love to watch someone blowing bubbles. It looks like magic to such young eyes to see something so unusual appear out of thin air. Try this recipe to make a little of your own magic!
Homemade Bubbles
1/2 c. non toxic dish soap
1 1/2 c. water
2 teaspoons sugar
Gently mix all ingredients together, and stir well.
Ladybug Cottage News
Welcome!
We would like to welcome Greyson to our classroom!
February Recap
Loving, Caring, and Sharing
The month of February was a time to show love and caring towards others. During this month we focused on our feelings and emotions. The children are a little young to completely understand how they are feeling but when adults verbalize feelings/emotions for them they are able to build on that as they grow. This also helps them learn empathy when their friends are sad or upset.
March
Drivers, start your engines!
This month is going to be focused on transportation. Our children are so eager to show their love for cars, trucks, and airplanes. Whether it is the vehicles driving by, seen in a book, or heard flying over our heads.
Car Wash
We decided to have our very own car wash to beat the heat. The children will be washing their "dirty" toy cars. We’re adding a few car wash essentials like a scrubbing brush, sponges, and a spray bottle.
Music and Movement
We will be introducing a new song this month. It is sung to the tune of Clementine.
I’m an airplane, I’m an airplane
Flying up into the sky.
Flying higher, flying higher.
As I watch the clouds go by.
I’m an airplane, I’m an airplane
See me flying all around.
Flying lower, flying lower.
Till I land on the ground.
Group Activity
Our little Ladybugs will explore a new painting experience this month. We will have a variety of cars that the children can roll into paint and make tracks onto the large butcher block paper.
Caterpillar Cottage News
February Recap
February was a fun filled month with lots of helping hands. The children had a blast creating art and doing sensory activities from water tables to dinosaur clay adventures. This month we spent time each day reviewing our colors and shapes. The “We are the dinosaurs” marching song was a huge hit and has become one of our favorite ways to transition to the outside playground.
Marching into March
During the month of March, we will be focusing on healthy habits
· Chewing our food well and eating slowly
· Taking deep breaths
· Stretching each morning
· Singing, dancing, laughing
These are just some things we will be practicing and talking about.
Nature Mobiles
Our Caterpillars love going on nature walks around campus! During the month of March while walking around we are going to collect items for a nature mobile. Using clear contact paper and cardstock for bases the children will stick feathers, leaves and other natural items to the contact paper to create a mobile we will hang from our classroom ceiling.
Scholastic Shout Outs!
Thanks to all our amazing parents! We received every book we wished for on our list last month. We can’t thank you enough for all the support.
Everyday Ways to Teach Resilience to Kids
Here are a few points from an article we enjoyed reading. You can check out the full piece in the link below.
· Give your child independence to try new things they initiate, such as climbing at the playground or opening a container, even if you think it is “too hard” for them.
· Encourage your child to serve others or let others go first when sharing food.
· Give your child the opportunity to wait patiently when it is required (such as in a restaurant or during a car ride); do not always provide entertainment.
· Remind your child to be patient with a younger sibling’s interference with their toys; teach them that relationships are more important than *things*.
· Help your child learn self-control regarding electronic mediums and entertainment by demonstrating your own restraint.
· Resist the urge to run to your child’s rescue immediately, such as when you see them having trouble putting on clothes or feeding themselves.
Butterfly Cottage News
February Fun
Our Butterflies loved the month of February! We discussed during circle times empathy and kind words which our Butterfly friends are doing a great job implementing with their classmates. We are seeing it more inside, on the playground, and with their problem solving skills. Along with their kind attitudes, the Butterflies brains are whirring! They used their STEAM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) to construct marshmallow buildings and amazed us with their creations! Along with the alphabet, our Butterflies are rocking the days of the week and months of the year. Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Sarah are so incredibly proud of how smart and hardworking these children are!
March into the Celebrations
We have some exciting celebrations that are coming up this month! We are looking forward to celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday & St. Patrick's Day. We are eager to try Green Eggs and Ham as well as enjoy the silliness that Dr. Seuss offers through his beloved storybooks. Don't forget to have your child wear green on Friday, March 16th in honor St. Patty's day. We can't wait to see what shenanigans Sean Sean the Leprechaun has up his sleeve!
Water Play
It's hot outside! We think we have finally passed those couple cold weeks of Florida winter and are excited to get back out and play! Water tables are a great way to cool down in the heat while we play outside on the playground and we love exploring this fun sensory activity. Please make sure your child has short sleeve shirts, shorts, and sunscreen on for our outdoor play this month.
Butterfly Slider
As some parents may have noticed, the sliding door that leads to the playground is now being locked at all times. Please walk around and use our playground path when dropping off and picking up your child. We ask that when we are outside that drop off and pick up happen at the playground gate. Thank you very much with your help and cooperation with this matter.
Reminders
- It's getting hot again so please make sure your child has straps on their sandals if they wear them to school.
- Please apply sunscreen on your child before they come to school.
- We'd like to thank our parents for bringing in items off our wish list. They make our activities possible and the children love them!
Bumblebee Cottage News
February Recap
We had a blast with the creation of our very own class Chinese Dragon to use in our little Chinese New Year's parade in February! We learned about the five senses and integrating these understandings into our exploration of the art and culture of China. Furthermore, we explored Japan in light of the Hanami, the Sakura Viewing Festival which usually takes place around this time of year. Finally, we visited Africa and gave a glimpse into the country and culture, past and present, in our homage to Black History Month. Dental Awareness Month was also given its due thanks to a special guest visit by Smileworks which was the perfect follow-up for all those Valentine's Day treats. Again, thanks to all for your generous donations which allowed our Valentine's Day party to be such a fun and delicious time!
Letter of the Week
This month we will be focusing on the letters Y, Z, and back to A, in both capital and lowercase. Going forward, we will take advantage of the children's prior exposure to the letters of the alphabet by their review in both recognizing the letters in print such as during Literacy Circle. Together we explore featured letters in anything from signs to the words on food packaging during lunchtime. Further familiarization of the alphabet will be encouraged by way of full-arm tracing movements as well as fine-motor writing invitations.
Plant & Flower Inquiry
Spring is coming! Therefore we may be inclined to turn our attentions to new life springing up all around us. We will be taking this opportunity to learn about the plants and flowers around us from those in our own backyard to those found in other areas of our planet. Comparison between both land and sea dwelling greenery, as well as their life-cycle and parts of the plant, will become our focus as we march through March!
Color Inquiry: Green/Ireland Inquiry
We admit we were saving the color green to be featured in the same month as St. Patrick's Day. Just as with Chinese New Year in February, we will be excited to use the vehicle of this holiday to take a virtual journey to the "Green Isle" itself, where we will get to explore the country, customs, and language of Ireland. A culinary arts experience will be involved as a great way to enrich mathematics, literacy, and science. Please be on the lookout for a donations request list for this tasty endeavor!
Fine Arts: Artist of the Month
With the groundwork for an artist's inquiry being laid in the form of a plant/flower and Ireland inquiry, this will serve as inspiration for our artist this month. Though we will be looking both at past and present representations of Irish art, our special guest artist will be Mary Swanzy as we consider her Abstract Geometric Painting of Plants 2. This will allow for a unique look at abstract art as it portrays plant life. We are excited about all March will have to offer!
Dragonfly Cottage News
February Recap
During our Five Senses Topic and Inquiry we learned so much! We had such a blast working on various projects to enhance our senses. We broke each week into a different sense learning new vocabulary and got messy and worked hard. We went on a listening walk and heard lots of cool sounds on our way. We became authors and illustrators as we made a book with all of our work-- pictures, art, and dictations.
March Inquiry
This month will be a mix of Spring-ish inquiries including items such as flowers and rocks. We will be in the garden planting and taking care of our flower beds and will learn about soil and rocks. We will be doing more fun cooking projects and small group teaching. The children love leading the way and have come up with some great leadership roles to support S.T.E.A.M. projects and questions. We want to really promote critical thinking skills and the art of active listening.
Books
We loved the idea of creating books so much last month that we will continue to craft our work into books each week . Our writing has really improved and we all love making words and now string sentences. We love writing down our questions and inquiries daily . We will get more creative in our book making projects and writings in the next months.
Dragonfly Cottage Garden
We would love to start an indoor herb garden from recycled materials. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. The children love taking care of plants. Coffee cans or Tea tins are always cool to plant in and upcycle with.
Math
During our school day we always try to incorporate a math activity that goes along with our monthly topic. In honor of the Spring season we are going to do some math with plants such as flower petal counting, creating a number line 1-30 using flowers, and a beans and flower pots counting activity.