AFUMC Weekday Preschool Press
Back to School Edition August 2018
Meet the Teacher, Friday, August 10
We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer!! We are so excited about the new school year, and we can't wait to see you! Please join us to visit with your teachers and classmates using the schedule below. The staggered times help ease congestion in the hallways. If you cannot join us at the scheduled time, please let us know so we can put you in touch in with your teacher prior to the first day of school.
10:30 - 11:00
Caterpillars
Honeybees
5 day 2s
3 day 2s
11:30 - 12:00
Butterflies
Young 2s
3 day 3s
5 day 3s
Pre-K
"Who is my child's teacher?" You will hear directly from your child's teacher via email on Thursday, August 9. Be sure to check your junk folder in case your teacher's email address is not recognized. If you have not heard by that Thursday at noon, please contact our assistant director, Susan Brodrick, at preschool@athensfirstumc.org.
A Note from Linsey about Class Placement
Dear Preschool Parents,
Thank you for entrusting the nurture and education of your children to us. We are really looking forward to a wonderful 2018-2019 school year.
Many parents have made special requests related to placement of their children for next year. In response, I would like to explain the method used to determine the community in each class.
- Prayer for each child and for each teacher
- Prayer for our school and church
- Individual needs of each child
- Personalities of children and teachers
- Balance of boys and girls in each class
- Sensitivity to relationships with others (teachers and friends
It is my goal for all the children to thrive in their classrooms and our community at large. I try to make sure that every child has at least one friend if not more in their class. In addition, my goal is for each class to have balance and good chemistry. Our teachers are wonderful and all want to be the best for your children. I regret that it is not possible to honor specific parent requests for classroom placement.
Please know that I pray for months for guidance on how to divide these classes. I am confident in the Lord’s direction and well-being for each child. Please pray with me for our school year, the placement of each child and the new friends that will be made. Thank you for trusting me to do my best for our preschool!
Health Forms Due August 10
Every child must have an up-to-date certificate of immunization from your child's doctor or the health department on file with Weekday Preschool to attend. This document is called a "3231" form and is generated by your child's doctor who records your child's immunizations with the State Health Department. Please have your child's doctor fax your child's 3231 by August 10 to Emily Logan's attention. If you send an expired form, we will notify you so that you may follow up with your doctor.
You only need to send us this form if your child is new to our school or if your child is a returning student and his/her form has expired. We will contact you directly if the form we have on file is expired.
These forms often have an expiration date noted on them. Your child's form must be current/not expired to be valid. Your child cannot attend preschool on August 13 without this health form on file with Weekday Preschool.
Forms may be faxed by your doctor's office to 706-546-4797. Scanned forms may be emailed to emily@athensfirstumc.org.
Tips for the First Day of School!
The first day of school is one that we hope will be a positive experience for you and your child. To help your child start his/her preschool year off on a positive note, please make every effort to:
- Plan your schedule so your child will be well rested, unhurried, well fed and relaxed for the first morning and every morning.
- Expect that your child will go to school happily and will have a good time. Use encouraging and uplifting words with your child about his/her first day. Your child will sense your own insecurity or anxiousness quickly.
- Talk about preschool in a positive way and name specific activities that your child will enjoy during the day. “You will have so much fun making art with your friends” or “I can’t wait to hear about your day and see what you have made” or “Your teacher (use name) will be so excited to see you today”.
- For children in the Y2’s and older classes we ask that you keep all personal items such as: blankets, pacifiers, lovies, etc. at home. These items are “germ catchers” and can easily speed them around when other children try to enjoy them.
If tears at drop off continue to be a problem, we encourage you to go through the car pool line, especially if you feel there may be some separation issues or anxieties. Be assured that your child’s teachers will comfort and calm your child’s fears and/or anxieties. Many times it is more difficult for the parents to leave a child who is struggling with going to school than it is for the child.
Children's Consignment Sale
Each year Athens First United Methodist Church hosts a children's consignment sale in our gym. This year the sale proceeds will go to support foster care in the Athens and surrounding area. Through this sale, our neighbors will be able to purchase affordable children's clothing, school uniforms, bedding, toys, and much more.
The dates and times for this year's sale are:
Friday, August 10 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
If you would like more information about the sale, please see the AFUMC website.
Calling All Interested Moms! AFUMC Parenting Small Group Opportunity
You are invited to join in each Friday morning beginning September 14 for a time of fellowship, study, and discussion. We will begin with "Follow," an IF: Gathering study that tackles the question "Who is Jesus?" Based on the book of Mark, a daily online devotion will offer participants the opportunity for reflection and study. On Fridays we will meet in the AFUMC youth room from 9:15-10:45 a.m. to dig into our responses to the message and discuss how to apply it to our everyday lives. Childcare for young children will be available. Please visit http://athensfirstumc.org/opportunities/news-announcements/parenting-with-purpose-small-group/ for more information and to register!
Lunch Bunch to Begin August 20
2018-2019 Calendar
Preplanning for Teachers- August 6 - 9
“Meet the Teacher”- Friday, Aug. 10
First Day of School- Monday, August 13
No School-Labor Day- Monday, September 3
Fall Book Fair - September 10-14
Memories with Mom - September 11 and 12
No School - Columbus Day - October 8
Fall Picture Days - October 9 and 10
Day with Dad - October 23 and 24
No School-Fall Break- Friday, October 26
No School-Thanksgiving Break- November 19-23
Christmas Program - December 4 and 5 at 11:30 in the Sanctuary
No School-Christmas Break- December 12 - January 4
School Resumes Wednesday, January 7
No School-MLK Day- Monday, January 21
Spring Scholastic Book Fair - February 5-9
No School-President’s Day- Monday, February 18
No School- Spring Break #1 (Clarke Co.)- March 11-15
No School-Spring Break #2 (Oconee Co.)- April 1-5
Spring Picture Days - April 9 and 10
No School - Good Friday - April 19
End of the Year Program - April 30 and May 1
Last Day of School and Pre-K Graduation - May 10
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Friday, August 10: 3231 Health Forms Due to Weekday Preschool
Friday, August 10: "Meet the Teacher" Event; staggered times by class
Monday, August 13: First Day of School for M/W/F and M-F Classes
Tuesday, August 14: First Day of School For T/Th Classes
TUITION and FEES
Confused about when and what you owe to Weekday Preschool?
Hopefully this will help!
REGISTRATION FEE: A non-refundable registration fee of $150 was due at the time of registration to secure your child’s placement in the preschool program.
TUITION: Tuition is paid in nine installments; the first tuition installment for the 2018-2019 school year was due by May 1, 2018 to keep your placement. The remaining eight tuition installments are due on the first of each month starting with September 1, 2018 and concluding with the April 1, 2019 installment. You can pay online through the church website (select "Online Giving") or send in a check payable to AFUMC Weekday Preschool.
SUPPLY FEES: There is a twice a year supply fee of $25 per student due September 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019. You can combine this payment with your September tuition payment if you would like.
Tuition and fee reminders are included in this monthly newsletter. Personalized invoices are NOT sent. A late fee of $20 is assessed if not received by the 5th of the month.
Tuition Amounts by # Days per week your child attends:
2 days per week: $187
3 days per week: $223
4 days per week: $280
5 days per week: $290
Sample Payment Schedule
Registration Fee--Due January or at time of registration, $150 per child
May 1--Tuition Payment #1
Sept 1--Tuition Payment #2 and $25 Supply Fee
Oct 1-- Tuition Payment #3
Nov 1--Tuition Payment #4
Dec 1--Tuition Payment #5
Jan 1-- Tuition Payment #6 and $25 Supply Fee
Feb 1-- Tuition Payment #7
Mar 1--Tuition Payment #8
Apr 1--Tuition Payment #9, last payment for 2018-19
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
327 N. Lumpkin Street
Athens, GA 30606
706-543-2427
athensfirstumc.org/weekdaypreschool