Header Image

October 2015 News

Message From the Principal:

The first month of school has come and gone! We are so excited to see the students in their new classrooms working hard and having fun learning! The teachers are dedicated to helping each and every student succeed!
We can’t wait to see what the next month brings!
Kristin Reel, Principal


Special Days

  • October 2nd…………………….…..…….MCPS half day !
  • October 6th…………………….…..…….Music program begins!
  • October 5th………………………………..World Teacher’s Day!
  • October 9th…………………….…..…….Art program Starts!
  • October 9th………………………………..Fire Prevention Day!
  • October 12th………………………………Columbus Day!
  • October 14th……………………………….. Butlers Orchard Field Trip (6-Pre)
  • October 16th…………………………….*MCPS Closed!
  • October 21st………………………………. Butlers Orchard Field Trip (group 4)
  • October 27th……..………………………CBA Fall Fest (10:00-12:00)

*MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools)


Signing In and Out We are required to keep accurate records of when each child is present or absent.  We ask that you please take a few moments when dropping off or picking up to sign your child in or out. Thank you!


For Parents

Tuition Reminders Please remember that the tuition is due every Friday . Tuition which is not received by Friday will have a $25 late charge applied. Auto Payment Save yourself time, checks, and late fees by enrolling in our Automatic Payment system (ACH). Tuition fees can be deducted directly from your checking or savings account. Information is available at the front desk.

Referral Program How easy is it to receive a free weeks tuition? Just refer a family and after 90 days of enrollment you earn a free week!

Shoes & Clothes We would like to make sure that your children are prepared for our Outdoor Play. We believe that fresh air is vital to a child’s development and that it is important for children to be able to get out and run and use their large motor skills on a daily basis. Weather watchers, we will go outdoors for a minimum of 30 minutes per day (our time outside will be shorter if the weather is too cold or too hot). *Please take a moment and check out your child’s extra set of clothes to ensure they are weather appropriate. You can find your child’s extra set of clothes in their cubby. Ask your child’s teacher for help if needed. Also, remember, your children are growing, make sure their clothes and socks are the appropriate size. We have clean spare clothes at the center if needed, we request that in the event that your child needs extra clothes, to please wash them and bring them back the next day. Thank you! *** Please note the importance of sending your child to school with closed toe shoes. We are very active during the day. Toe injuries are a top injury which can be prevented with proper footwear. Check your child’s extra clothing to ensure they are weather appropriate.

Hours/Days of Operation Regular hours of operation are 6:30am-6:00pm weekdays. Please be advised that there is a late pick-up fee of $1 per minute after the regularly scheduled pick up time. If this is continual occurrence, that fee may be increased. No excuses.

We are closed the following legal holidays: Labor Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day (limited service the day after Thanksgiving) Christmas Day New Years Day Martin Luther King Jr.President’s Day Memorial Day and Independence Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, we will be closed the Friday before or the Monday after Holiday.

 

A Message from out Education Department

Exploring Community Helpers & the Roles They Play

This month, our students are gaining a greater understanding of community helper occupations, such as police officers, mail carriers, medical professionals and firefighters. The children have a lot of fun imagining themselves in these important roles, and incorporating toy versions of the uniforms, equipment and vehicles that go with them.

In addition, October is National Fire Prevention Month, so we place a special emphasis on the importance of fire safety and the role of firefighters. Our classroom activities help the children become more comfortable around emergency responders in uniform, and teach them basics about what to do in case of an emergency.

Here are some ways children learn about community helpers in the classroom, as well as activities for you and your child to do at home.

TODDLERS (ages 1-2):

In the classroom: Toddlers are fascinated with dressing up as doctors, police officers and firefighters, because they have distinct uniforms and roles that children can easily understand. During dramatic play, our teachers provide students with costumes and props, and encourage them to choose the role they want to play.

At home: Continue dress-up play by providing your child with various props and costumes. Ask him, “Who do you want to dress-up as?” and “What does that person wear?”

Recommended reading: Whose Hat is This by Sharon Katz Cooper

BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):

In the classroom: Our Beginner students learn about the special vehicles that community helpers use, by playing matching games, reading books, and building vehicles using cardboard boxes.

At home: Go for a drive with your child. Point out vehicles that belong to community helpers, such as a fire truck and a police car. Ask, “Who drives that vehicle?” and “Where might it be going?”

Recommended reading: The Little Fire Engine by Lois Lenski

INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):

In the classroom: During fire safety lessons, many of our schools invite local firefighters to visit. Students explore the tools firefighters use, learn “Stop, Drop and Roll,” and may have the opportunity to tour a fire truck.

At home: Continue exploring fire safety by practicing “Stop, Drop and Roll” with your child. Ask him, “Who puts out fires?” and discuss what he should do if he hears a fire alarm at home.

Recommended reading: The Fire Engine Book by Tibor Gergely

PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):

In the classroom: Teachers introduce situations when it might be necessary to dial 9-1-1. Students practice finding 9-1-1 on different keypads, such as cell phones and landlines.

At home: Show your child photos of various community helpers and the buildings where they work. Ask him to identify the helpers and their workplaces, and describe the roles the helpers play in our community.

Recommended reading: The Berenstain Bears: Jobs around Town by Jan Berenstain

We provide many opportunities for students to learn about community helpers. By setting this foundation, they become more familiar and comfortable around the people that make their neighborhoods a better place.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education

 

This entry was posted in Gaithersburg - Kentlands. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.