Cub Connection September News
Gerner Family Early Education Center
Getting into a Groove as we move into September!
It is hard to believe that September is here! We have been in school for 2 1/2 weeks and it is amazing to see how well the kids are acclimating to their new routines and structures. The bustling playground, classrooms, hallways, and cafeteria are wonderful to see and hear. It is such a blessing to witness students throughout the building engaged in great learning experiences and having fun.
We will begin our school/PTA fundraiser right after we get back from Labor Day. This is our BIG fundraiser for the year to provide additional opportunities for learning in all classrooms. In the past few years, money raised has support gross motor development with equipment for the playground and classroom supplies to support literacy. The focus for this year is to support a new One Book, One School project. This is going to be a fantastic experience to promote reading and conversation about books as a whole building. More information about the fundraiser is listed below. I want to thank you in advance for supporting Gerner and our students.
Thank you for choosing Gerner as your child's education foundation. We are so glad you are a part of our community!
Warmly,
Ms. Rachel Ward
Coordinator of Early Education Programs
Important School Information
Mark your calendars for the following important dates!
Please plan to participate in upcoming events at Gerner:
- September 2nd - Gerner Closed for Labor Day
- September 4th - 18th - PTA Fundraiser
- September 4th - Parents as Teachers Connection Group: Play and Learn
- September 9th - PTA Meeting at 6:00 PM in Upper LPR
- September 16th - 20th - Lil Angel's Fall Photos (schedules will be sent home soon)
- October 2nd - Parents as Teachers Connection Group: Play and Learn
- October 4th - Parents as Teachers Night Event: Cut Loose and Play
- October 14th - No School for ECSE, Bright Futures, and Title 1 students
- October 16th - Trunk or Treat
- October 24th and 25th - Conferences
- October 25th - No School for ECSE, Bright Futures, and Title 1 students
- October 31st - Fall Parties
Fall Pictures are coming soon!
Safety Drills - Practice to be Prepared!
It is important that students know how to respond to emergency situations that could occur at Gerner. Students and staff will participate in a variety of safety drills every month throughout the school year. Staff handle the drills delicately in order to help students understand the seriousness of the process, yet not make students feel afraid.
For the month of September we will practice two different drills:
- Fire Drill: The goal for this drill is to quickly and safely exit the building and account for all students in case of a fire inside the building.
- Tornado Drill: The goal for this drill is to quickly and safely get in the lower level of building in case of severe weather. We practice our procedures for this drill once each semester.
If you ever have questions regarding the processes for drills, please contact your classroom teacher.
Parking Lot Safety
- Parking Lot Speed: Please be mindful of the speed you are using to enter and exit our parking lot. The speed is posted at 15 mph, but always be aware of the children near cars. There have been a couple of fast cars pulling into parking spaces and driving to drop off children in the past week, so we thought it would be a good time to send out a friendly reminder to everyone. It is best to hold hands of children in the parking lot area and help them be mindful of cars/vehicles nearby.
- Unattended Children in Cars: With the increase in children's safety at stake that has been noted in the news lately, please do not leave children in cars unattended. It is easy to just pop in and out real fast, but it is not a safe practice at any time of the year. Thank you for making it a practice to never leave children unattended in cars in the Gerner parking lot.
Super Cub Expectations
In all areas of the building, we encourage students to...
- Be Ready
- Be Safe
- Make Good Choices
When a staff member "catches" a student demonstrating any of the expectations, a Super Cub Paw (paired with verbal praise for specific behavior) will be given to the student. The student will place the Paw on a class bulletin board to contribute to a class celebration.
We would love for families to discuss our Cub Expectations at home and talk about ways that the children can earn a paw. It would be fun to show how our Cub Expectations are related to quality behavior at home too. In what ways can your children Be Ready for the start of the day? How do your children demonstrate ways to Be Safe while playing outside? I'm sure we would all love for our children to Make Good Choices while at dinner, in public locations, and while playing with friends.
PTA Information
We are thankful to have a wonderful PTA team at Gerner to support our students, staff and families. If you have not already joined PTA, you are invited to be a part of the team this year!
To stay current on the happenings of the Gerner PTA, don't forget to like our Facebook page!
Meet the 2019-2020 PTA Board:
- Whitney Chu
- Robyn Fulks
- RJ Morrison
Upcoming PTA meetings:
- Monday, September 9th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
- Monday, November 4th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
- Monday, March 2nd from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Upcoming Events:
Fall Fundraiser - Wednesday, September 4th - September 18th
Trunk or Treat - Wednesday, October 16th 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Parent/Teacher Conferences Meals - Wednesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 24th
Spring Fling - Friday, April 17th
There are still openings on the PTA board, if you are interested in finding out more about any of the roles or if you have questions, please email Setsera@parkhill.k12.mo.us or GernerPTA@Gmail.com
Maybe you're not ready to serve on the PTA board, but still want to be a part of the PTA? Join the PTA and sign up as a volunteer!
Please use the following link to join the PTA: PTA Membership Form
Show your Gerner Spirit
Free shipping will be available on all orders from September 20th - October 7th.
Gerner PTA Fundraiser
Our Fall fundraiser will begin on Wednesday, September 4th and end on Wednesday, September 18th. The fundraiser focuses on cookie dough, but also highlights a number of sweet and savory treats. If you choose to visit the online shop, there are a number of additional items that can be purchased. This is a great time to start planning ahead for upcoming holidays and gift giving opportunities. Cookie dough will be arriving mid-October. The exact date will be communicated in the next edition of the Cub Connection.
Please look for information coming home in backpacks on September 4th. Thank you in advance for supporting the Gerner PTA. Online shopping can be found at: Shopfund.com
Volunteer Opportunties
Social Emotional Learning
The following are ideas that can be implemented with preschool age children. Enjoy looking for ways to support your children as they develop strong SEL skills. Be on the lookout for additional family resources as the year progresses.
Parents as Teachers - Connection Events
Parents as Teacher Educators are hosting monthly events for all PAT families to meet others and enjoy time with the educators throughout the community. All PAT families are invited to participate.
September 4th: Play and Learn from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Gerner Family Early Education Center
Enjoy open play with your child and chat with other parents and parent educators during this informal, monthly playgroup.
October 2nd: Play and Learn from 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Gerner Family Early Education Center
Enjoy open play with your child and chat with other parents and parent educators during this informal, monthly playgroup.
October 4th: Cut Loose and Play! from 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: Gerner Family Early Education Center
Let your child be your guide as we explore the amazing potential of ordinary things. Come learn the value of Loose Parts Play.
If there are any questions about the connection events, or about Parents as Teachers, please visit the PAT page on the school website: PAT Information
Parent Corner Feature: Best of September
Our school website has a great section titled "Parent Corner". Over the course of the year, articles and resources will be posted to support the parenting process.
The weather this past week has really made me excited about the change in the seasons. Fall is my favorite season and I'm excited to get out and enjoy adventures in the beautiful weather with my daughter. You may be thinking about what you can do to maximize experiences and the article Best of September from KC Parent Magazine may have some ideas to hit the spot and help you make memories with your child(ren) in the coming months. Enjoy!
Park Hill Star Award
A Park Hill Star award is presented once a month to a Pre-K or Elementary teachers, a secondary teacher, and a support staff employee.
Anyone can nominate an employee for this award by using the form included below. It asks you to share how your nominee demonstrates our district values and supports the goals for the district.
Please take a moment to nominate a Gerner staff member today!
Start Times Advisory Committee
September Menu
Gerner Family Early Education Center
Email: northweatherl@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: http://gerner.parkhill.k12.mo.us
Location: 8100 N Congress Ave, KCMO, MO, United States
Phone: 816-359-4600