Chesterbrook Academy
December News
A Note from the Principal
December is here and that means a hectic yet fun time for celebrations and Holiday Festivities. Please see the items below in regards to the details of the activities that will be taking place over the next few weeks.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all of our families a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays. Be sure to take time to appreciate all that we have, especially the special people in our lives that make our lives fuller and more wonderful!
I am looking forward to a fun and festive Holiday Season. If there are any concerns or questions please remember that my door is always open.
Karen
Holiday Show
We will hold our annual Holiday Show on Thursday, December 17th. The show times are as follows.
PK2 - 10:00 a.m.
PK - 11:15 a.m.
Kindergarten - 1:30 p.m.
Intermediates - 3:15 p.m.
Beginners - 4:15
Parking for the shows will be very tight. Please come in one car when possible. Do not block the handicapped spots. Please be aware of the show time after your own and plan on moving your car so the next group can get in to park. We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we try to help parking be as pain free as possible.
If you require any assistance with seating for Grandparents etc. Please notify the office in advance so that we can reserve appropriately sized chairs.
Calendar
December
1st - Lil Sports and Computers
4th - St. Nicholas Day
7th - Dentist Visit - PK, PK2 and Kindergarten
8th - Lil Sports and Computers
11th - Scholastic Book Orders Due
15th - Lil Sports and Computers, Last Day for Toys for Tots Drop Off
17th - Holiday Show and Book Exchange
22nd - Lil Sports and Computers
22nd - Grinch Day!
24th - Closing at 3:00 for Christmas Eve
25th - Closed - Merry Christmas
23rd through 31st - Non Academic Days for Kindergarten
Book Exchange
Thanksgiving Feast
B&A, Kindergarten and PK2 enjoying their feast.
Intermediates Feast
Toddlers first Feast!
Grinch Day
Reminders
We will be closing on Christmas Eve at 3:00. We will be closed on December 25th for Christmas.
We will also be closed on January 1st for New Years Day.
The children will continue to go outside everyday as long as weather permits. Please be sure to send in Heavy coats, hats and gloves.
Please be sure to fill in the sign up sheet for the Christmas Week attendance. If you are regularly scheduled to be here you are more than welcomed to come. We ask for attendance plans just so that we can staff appropriately. Thank You for your help with this, it is greatly appreciated.
Extra Clothes - Be sure to check your spare clothes. We have had a few instances where we needed spare clothes but they were too small or had shorts in the bag.
Education
Exploring Holiday Traditions from Around the World
The holiday season is here, providing a wealth of opportunities to enrich the children’s understanding of diverse cultures and traditions around the world. In addition, our students will share their own traditions with others.
Below are age appropriate activities that we use in the classroom, as well as activities for you and your child to do at home.
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: As they near the age of two, children begin to recognize the sights and sounds of holidays celebrated by their family. Parents visit our classrooms to share holiday traditions, including unique books, songs and activities.
At home: Gather family photos and point out traditions, such as unwrapping presents, eating holiday dinner at grandma’s house, and making a snowman. Encourage your child to talk about what he sees in the photos.
Recommended reading: Children Around the World Celebrate Christmas by Christine Tangvald, Happy Hanukkah, Corduroy by Don Freeman, My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Children sing holiday songs from around the world and are introduced to holiday symbols that they may see in their communities, such as Christmas trees or Hanukkah menorahs.
At home: Take a drive with your child or bring him to various holiday festivals in your community. Encourage him to look for and identify holiday decorations.
Recommended reading: Christmas Around the World by Calliope Glass, Hanukkah Hop by Erica Silverman, Li’l Rabbit’s Kwanzaa by Donna Washington
PRE-K/PRE-K2 (ages 4-5)
In the classroom: After learning about holiday traditions around the world, our older preschoolers identify countries on a globe. For example, they might learn about Diwali, the festival of lights, and then find India on the globe. They might make tamales, a dish often served on Christmas, and then find Mexico on the globe.
At home: Ask your child to help you prepare your family’s favorite holiday foods. Talk about the long-standing traditions in which these foods are rooted. For instance, you might explain, “I used to bake cookies for the holidays with my mom. Now we can start baking cookies together!”
Recommended reading: Children Just Like Me: Celebrations by Anabel Kindersley, Light the Lights: A Story about Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman, The Story of Kwanzaa by Mary Washington
Exposing children to various holiday traditions helps them build strong social skills, establish a sense of self, and respect the differences of others as they transition into elementary school and beyond.
- Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
About Us
Email: Karen.stewart@nlcinc.com
Website: www.collegeville.ChesterbrookAcademy.com
Location: 3822 Germantown Pike, Collegeville, PA, United States
Phone: 610-454-9597