A Message From the Principal:

My name is Natalie Williams and I am the principal here at Chesterbrook Academy Cooper City. I invite you to come in and visit with us during one of our upcoming events. We are enjoying Spring by planting Spring Gardens all throughout our school. Stop by and smell the flowers, or enjoy fresh herbs from our herbal garden.

We are currently accepting VPK certificates for Summer VPK and School Year 2015-2016. As a reminder VPK registration opened in January of this year, so it is very important for you to log onto the website www.familycentral.org and obtain your certificate today. If you or someone you know missed the opportunity to participate in VPK this school year and your child will be going to Kindergarten in August of 2015. You can still take advantage of Florida VPK by signing up for Summer VPK at our school. Don’t delay, give us a call today!

Calendar of Events

• April 13: When I Grow Up, I would Like to be…
• April 14: Spot a Rainbow Day
• April 15: Book Character Day
• April 16: Stuffed Animal Day
• April16: Community Project: Donate Pet Supplies for the local Animal Shelter
• April 17: Kite Flying Day
• April 22: Go Organic. Live Green. Love the Earth
• April 24th: Parent’s Night Out

For Parents:

Go Organic. Live Green. Love the Earth
Wednesday April 22, 2015
Join us for our ladybug release, fresh market, eco-bag decorating, tree planting Earth Day celebration!

Links to Learning connects you to what your child is discovering through ParentShare
We are excited to announce that beginning this month our teachers will have a new way to email you with photos of your child’s busy and fun day at school. The email program, called ParentShare, has been designed for teachers as a secure and simple way to share classroom photos, messages and updates using several iPods that our school has been issued. The photos and messages will come right to your email inbox addressed from the lead teacher of your child’s classroom or from the Principal!

Complimentary Yoga Classes for all ages
When children learn techniques for self-health, relaxation, and inner fulfillment, they can navigate life’s challenges with a  ease. Yoga on the preschool level encourages self-esteem and body awareness with a physical activity that’s noncompetitive. Fostering cooperation and compassion—instead of opposition—is a great gift to give our children. So purchase a yoga kit and enjoy complimentary yoga classes every Monday.

Musical Fridays
ALL AGES
Every Wednesday the children are introduced to the instrument of the month, where Miss Alex incorporates song, dance, instrument history, and arts & crafts into her Music lesson plans.

Fun & Fit 4 Kidz will be providing tumbling and gymnastics class for our children on a weekly basis.

All Natural All Organic Lunch Program
Yummy In My Tummy offers fresh, wholesome, and nutritious food that provides a healthy start, tastes great and is made to order. The children are offered organic and natural ingredients with “hidden”puree of fruits and vegetables. School lunches should be HEALTHY & YUMMY!

Sick Policy
The purpose of our sick policy is to reduce the spread of illness among children and to encourage full recuperation of sick children before they return to school. We depend on parents to assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all of our children.

We are Peanut/Nut FREE.
Please remember that due to the large number of students with peanut allergies, we are asking your help to keep the school peanut free.

School Uniforms
Students 3 to 5 year old are required to wear UNIFORM SHIRTS:

• Uniform Shirts –  Navy Polo Shirt w/ School Logo
• Khaki Shorts, Pants, Skorts, or Skirts
• Closed-Toed Shoes and Socks

Order your school uniforms online at http://hollywoodcb233.qbstores.com

From the Education Department

Appreciating the Wonders of Mother Nature

Spring is here and Earth Day is right around the corner, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect children with nature and reinforce the importance of preserving and protecting the world around us.

Our Links to Learning curriculum uses hands-on activities to cultivate a deeper connection to the earth and foster academic, physical and social skill development.

Below are activities we implement in our classrooms to get children excited about nature, as well as activities and books to read with your child at home.

INFANTS/TODDLERS:

• In the classroom: Our teachers provide natural objects, such as leaves, pinecones and flowers for the children to see and touch. We help children associate words with the concrete objects they represent.
• At-home activity: Allow your child to experience different textured fruits, such as an orange, watermelon and cantaloupe. Talk about what he sees, smells, tastes and feels.
• Recommended reading: Colors from Nature from PlayBac Publishing and The Earth Book by Todd Parr

BEGINNERS (Ages 2-3):

• In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to understand interdependencies in nature. For instance, they learn that ladybugs feed on insects that are harmful to gardens, trees and shrubs. On Earth Day, many of our students have the opportunity to release ladybugs to help local gardens.
• At-home activity: Take a walk outdoors with your child and play a game of “I Spy.” Ask him point out objects found in the springtime, for example a red flower, a blue bird or a colorful butterfly.
• Recommended reading: Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration by Alyssa Satin Capucilli & David T. Wenzel and The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

INTERMEDIATES (Ages 3-4):

• In the classroom: As our Intermediates gain a greater understanding and appreciation for how living things grow, the class may adopt a pet such as a fish or bunny. Students develop math, science and language skills by measuring the pet’s food, observing the pet’s behavior and habitat, and learning new vocabulary. Research shows that when children have the opportunity to care for animals, they practice nurturing behaviors that help them interact in gentle ways with people also.
• At-home activity: Create a small garden and allow your child to help you plant and water seeds, either outdoors or indoors. Ask him to predict what the plant will look like by drawing pictures in his journal. Check the plant regularly so he can observe and measure changes in growth. Discuss the importance of watering and caring for the plant.
• Recommended reading: Our Earth by Anne Rockwell and the poem “Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out!” by Shel Silverstein

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

• In the classroom: Teachers encourage our older preschoolers to reuse recyclable materials in fun and unconventional ways. For instance, our students use cardboard boxes to create a castle, milk jug lids to sort and match, and plastic bottles to create beautiful, unique artwork.
• At-home activity: Set up a recycling station using cardboard boxes, and label each box with the words “metal”, “plastic” and “paper”. Throughout the month, ask your child to help sort your family’s recyclables by placing the items into the correct box. Explain that recycling is just one way that we can be kind to the earth. Ask him to name a few other ways, such as conserving electricity, picking up litter and planting a garden.
• Recommended reading: A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

We create a path for lifelong learning by providing numerous opportunities for children to study and explore nature. These hands-on experiences lead to growth in all areas of development as students transition into elementary school and beyond.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education