Dear GUMC Families,

Yes, it is March and that brings to mind St. Patrick's Day, leprechauns, wearing of the green, wind, rain and rainbows. Isn’t it exciting that spring is just around the corner? We've been very lucky to have had a taste of spring's warmer weather in the past few weeks, reminding us of God's promise and goodness. Maybe some of you have also noticed, as I have, that there is already some green peeking up from the soil in the gardens! It won't be long!

With God's promises in mind, we are looking forward to enjoying the journey this March as the classes at GUMC Preschool anticipate spring with lots of fun and exciting learning activities, culminating with their wonderful Easter Celebrations! Your precious children continue to be a blessing and bring joy to me and everyone else on the GUMC staff!

I wish you all the blessings of spring!

Ms Kim

3-1 Music with Ms Amy

3-2 Music with Ms Amy, Jump Bunch #2/6

3-6 Library Story Time Visit (MWF 3's, MWF Pre-K, M-Th Pre-K)
HCPSS Kindergarten registration begins, see more information below.

3-7 Library Story Time Visit (TuTh Older 2's, TuTh 3's, M-F Pre-K)

3-8 Music with Miss Amy

3-9 Music with Miss Amy, Jump Bunch #3/6

3-12 Daylight Savings Time begins, Turn your clocks forward 1 hour.

3-13 Eric Energy Science Show for Pre-K Classes, 10:00am

3-15 Music with Ms Amy, Fundraiser begins: Flower Sale Open for Orders

3-16 Music with Ms Amy, Jump Bunch #4/6

3-20 Parent Connection Group Meeting at 9:30am

3-21 Mr Jon Show for Older 2's and 3's Classes (Details below.)

3-23 Music with Miss Amy, Jump Bunch #5/6

3-28 Christian Kids with Ms Denise

3-29 Christian Kids with Ms Denise, Deadline: Flower Orders DUE!

3-30 Jump Bunch Last Class

It is time again for GUMC's annual Flower Fundraiser! This year we will be fundraising for our Preschool with hopes of appropriating funds to our yearly on-going playground expenses and updating building security. There will be a Google Form link for you to order your spring flowers, vegetables, plants - and Mother's Day hanging baskets! Read carefully and complete your orders online, but bring/mail in your checks made payable to GUMC Preschool and either hand them in an envelope addressed to "GUMC Flower Fundraiser". Checks can also be placed in the locking mailbox out in front of the church in the circle drive. The Fundraiser will run from March 15th through March 29th in order to process the orders and have them delivered right before Mother's Day!

GUMC preschool maintains on-going communications with MSDE OCC (Office of Child Care), the Howard County Child Care Resource Center and the Howard County Health Department in order to stay current with new and existing referral and early intervention resources to share with parents, caregivers and staff members. These resources are identified, kept current and shared annually in the Family and Staff Handbooks and can also be found on our website at www.gumcpreschool.org. Families are encouraged to share concerns as well as resources they may need or find helpful. If a teacher, through daily observation and assessment, suspects that a child might need assistance regarding a possible disability, they will communicate their concerns to the parents and refer them to the Infants and Toddlers Program or Child Find. Several educational resources and contact information are listed below:

Care Center: 410-313-2273 children@howardcountymd.gov

(Serves children who need behavioral support)

Child Find (ages 3-5): 410-313-7046 https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/program-details/

(Serves children with delays or disabilities who need special education services)

DSS- Child Protective Services: 410-872-4203

(To assist children believed to be neglected or abused)

Health / Nurse Consultant: 410-767-1853 contact: Majula Paul

Howard County Public Schools: 410-313-6600 https://www.hcpss.org/

Howard Co. Resource Center: 410-313-1432 contact: Joan Johnson jmjohnson@howardcountymd.gov

Infants and Toddlers (under age 3): 410-313-7017 https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/infants-toddlers-program

(Serves children at risk or with developmental delays)

Come visit Glenelg United Methodist Church!

Always Children Friendly

All are Always Welcome