From the Principal’s Office
Dear Chesterbrook Families,
If you thought last month was busy and full of activities…. Hold on tight because April has even more fun filled activities planned! We will start the month with a Rootin’ Tootin’ Western Week! Next, we move into Week of the Young child….. We will have daily themes and lots of fun happening to celebrate our young children! Then, we move onto week 3 where the kindergarteners begin SAT 10 testing! We will end the week with our annual Ladybug release and Earth Day celebration! Every class will be attending a field trip this month as well!
With the warmer weather approaching, please remember to still bring a light jacket for those cool mornings! Mosquito Joe came to spray the grounds in preparation for shorts and swim suits!! The playground is slated to receive a new batch of wood chips this month as well! Look for information coming out about our partnership with Food Share! This is an exciting program to bring local fruits and vegetables into our homes! We are also starting a recycling program and will be teaching the children about ways to help the earth!
Helen and Logan are doing well! He’s just the cutest thing ever! Helen is enjoying her time as a new mother. You will probably see her out and about around town! As always, I am here to help with any comments, questions, or concerns you have!
Melissa Loper, Assistant Principal
- 4-8 – Western Week.
- 8 – Western Week Cook-Out.
- 11-15 – Week of the Young Child.
- 18-22 – SAT 10 Testing for Kindergarten students.
- 18-22 – Scholastic BOGO Book Fair.
- 22 – Earth Day – Lady Bug Celebration!
- 29 – Trike-A-Thon!
- 29 – Links to Learning Folders Go Home.
Field Trips
Tuesday, April 5th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 6
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 6th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 8
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:20am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Monday, April 18th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 9
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 20th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 11
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 20th
Riverbanks Zoo
– Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
– Children are free, adults $11.00
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Meet at front entrance @ 9:30am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Monday, April 25th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 7
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 27th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 10
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Tuesday, April 26th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 12
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
*Field Trips are subject to change due to situations that may arise.
Resources
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! We invite you to “like” our page at www.facebook.com/ChesterbrookAcademy where we’ll be providing our fans with regular educational tips for children from preschool to 8th grade and the opportunity to network with fellow parents. We would love to have your participation in this forum and encourage you to continue to check our school website for local updates specific to our own school. We look forward to having you as part of our Facebook community!
“Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Reminders
Entry & Exit Doors: ** DO NOT USE THE BACK DOOR FOR ENTRY TO THE SCHOOL!!!** As you all know there is a code required for entry to the school. Please be sure to limit the code to family members and/or friends that are picking up your child(ren) on a regular basis. Do not give the code to your child(ren). In addition, everyone should use the front entrance for drop off and pick up. We advise strongly not to let individuals in the side entry door, as this person may or may not be a Chesterbrook parent or other family member. The side door is to only be used as an exit. This guarantees the safety of Chesterbrook Academy students and staff. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Chesterbrook Academy & Queensboro Apparel Company: If you are interested in ordering Chesterbrook Logo apparel for your child(ren), please view our online store. You may notice all the wonderful colors available, but please keep in mind that Chesterbrook Academy uniform colors are Navy, White and Forest/Dark Green.
Chesterbrook Academy & Mabel’s Labels: As a way to target the problem of lost belongings and a large lost and found closet, Chesterbrook Academy is fundraising with Mabel’s Labels, a company with all types of labels that are colorful, indestructible, easy-to-use and fun! Iron-Ons, Stickies, Bag Tags, Allergy Alert labels & more! Personalize your labels with names, nicknames, initials – whatever you choose. Cool icons help even little ones identify their own belongings. Dishwasher, microwave, laundry & kid tested! Dispatched within 24 hours!
Visit www.chesterbrookacademy.mabelslabels.com to place your order.
For Parents
Tuition: Parents, please understand the importance of paying your tuition & paying it on time! Payments are due every Friday for the coming week. Late fees will be applied at 12 noon on Monday following the due date. Unpaid tuition, more than a week past due, will result in immediate dis-enrollment. If you have any questions, please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Field Trips for the 2015-16 School Year: Please be reminded that students must wear the Chesterbrook logo navy t-shirts on field trips. All monies for field trips are to be collected by someone in the front office. Please be sure to turn in signed permission slips for scheduled field trips to your child’s teacher.
Automatic Payment Program: Parents this is a very easy way for you to not worry about writing those checks every week and avoiding late fees. APP can be used to pay tuition only invoices or all invoices (tuition, registration & activity fees). Please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office for details and information on getting signed up or you can print the form from the link on the school website. In addition, you can also set up online bill-pay through your bank.
Contact Information: Please be sure that all home, work, cell and pager numbers and any other contact information is up to date in your child’s file. This helps the staff at Chesterbrook have every available option to contact the parent(s) in the event of an emergency.
E-Mail Addresses: Please update your email addresses with the front office in order to receive important information about upcoming and/or emergency events from the school. We can send email notifications to more than one email address.
School Operating Hours: This is a friendly reminder that Chesterbrook’s hours of operation are 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Half day hours of operation are 8:30 am – 11:30 am. The late pick up fee is $15 per child for the first 15 minutes and an additional $15 per child for each quarter hour after the regularly scheduled pick up time. Also parents, if you are running late and its close to closing time, please be sure to give the school a courtesy call.
Parent Ambassador Program: Spread the word about our school and save on your child’s tuition! Refer a new family to our school and you could earn a free week of tuition. For more information on our Ambassador Program, see your school’s principal. The current referring Chesterbrook family will receive a discount after the referred child has attended full time for 3 months. Discount applies to the tuition of the oldest child in the referring family.
For Parents & Teachers
NUT FREE SCHOOL: We have several children enrolled at Chesterbrook Academy with severe nut allergies. Please do not send your child to school with food containing any type of nut products.
Prescription Policy for Chronic or Allergic Conditions:
** WE CANNOT ADMINISTER OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS TO YOUR CHILD**
Medication may be brought in for chronic or life threatening medical conditions. All medications must be in their original container with the prescription label attached to include the proper administering time(s) and dosage to be given. For the use of a nebulizer, a letter or note will be required from your child’s doctor’s office stating time(s) to be administered and the tubule dosage to be given. In addition, an “Authorization to Administer Medication Form” must be completed and turned in by the parent. Please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office if you have any questions or concerns.
Weather Policy: In the event of severe weather, we will make every effort to open on schedule and to remain open during the course of our regular hours of operation. In the event that severe weather requires us to close our school, delay our school or close early, parents will be notified initially by e-notify. Please make sure we have your most current email address and that you have added us to your address book so our message does not go to spam. In the event that your employer will not allow you to receive email at work, please provide us with an alternate email address for you. Parents may also call the school’s voicemail at 803-699-9988 and listen to the prerecorded message by 5:30 a.m. for information regarding the operating hours. Information will also be posted to the school’s website which is http://Wildewood.ChesterbrookAcademy.com. You can also tune into WIS channel 10 and/or WLTX channel 19 for closing and/or delay information.
**Chesterbrook Academy DOES NOT follow the schedule of Richland School District 2 during weather delays or closings**
Sign In & Out Books: We wanted to take this time to remind you all about an important security here at Chesterbrook. Please remember to sign your child in and out every day on the class Sign In/Out sheets located outside or inside of your child’s classroom everyday. If someone on your child’s authorized pick-up list is picking up, please remind him or her to do so as well. Although we have never had any problem nor do we expect to in the future, this is an important security measure that keeps all of the children safe. Thank you for your continued compliance with our security policies.
Uniform Policy: All children from 3 year old Preschool and up are required to wear uniforms daily at Chesterbrook Academy. The official uniform is navy blue (NOT jean) or khaki bottoms and white, navy blue or hunter green solid tops. Girls may also wear navy blue or khaki jumpers, skirts, skorts, or the plaid jumper offered by the uniform company, Flynn & O’Hara. Shoes should be white, black, brown, or navy blue and preferably athletic type.
Parking Policy
- Traffic should enter the school parking lot at the first driveway and exit through the carport out the last driveway.
- Cars should be parked in designated parking spaces or on the road above the school.
- Please do not park under the carport, behind the bus, or in front of the dumpster.
- Please do not block the mailbox.
- All preschoolers must be escorted into the school by an adult.
- Elementary students may be dropped off at the front door. Cars should stop in the right lane only and students should exit their cars through the passenger side door.
- Please do not allow your child to run through the parking lot unattended or play on the hill.
- Please drive slowly on school property. Be courteous and patient with other drivers and watch out for our children.
Illness Policy
A parent of a child that is determined to be ill shall be notified immediately. The child must be picked up within an hour of notification. No child shall be allowed to remain at school with the following conditions:
- Elevated Temperature (100 degrees or higher)
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
- Head Lice
- Other Communicable Diseases (ie. chicken pox, strep throat, etc.)
Student Pick-Up: Parents, please be sure to inform the teachers and/or front office if another family member or friend will pick up your child. This applies to names that are on your list as well as names that are not. If it will be the first time the family member or friend picks up your child, please remind them to bring in their drivers license when they come in. This is very important to insure the safety of your child(ren).
School Spotlight
April 4 – 8
Monday: Wear a Cowboy hat
Tuesday: Wear a bandana
Wednesday: Wear jeans
Thursday: Wear boots
Friday: Put it all together to make a Cowboy or Cowgirl!
Friday, April 22nd
Wear your Earth Day shirts as we celebrate this day on the back hill of the school.
We will release lady bugs into the environment as we teach the children
about awareness of and appreciation for Earth’s environment.
April Birthdays
Students
1 – Nathan Pearson
5 – Aarnav Kadian
6 – Tyona Wilson
8 – Jaxon Doby
11 – Cyrus Green
11 – Mitchell Wright
12 – Isaiah Buchanan
12 – Bentley Milam
12 – Kendall Nelson
13 – Jordyn Slaw
14 – Mikayla Mascari
15 – Mark Allen, Jr.
16 – Ishaan Bais
17 – Caitlyn Jenkins
20 – Abigail Shure
21 – Chloe Pooler
26 – Maddox Clay
28 – Bailee Lebby
30 – Madison Deem
Staff
9 – Jessica Harper
24 – Cathy Brown
28 – Sherrakin Pollard
From the Education Department
Linking Learning with Nature
Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Now is a great time for children to explore these environmental changes happening in the world around them.
Not only are children curious about nature, but research shows that it has a profound influence on their problem solving skills, creativity, imagination and cognitive ability. Because of this, our teachers incorporate nature in all aspects of our Links to Learning curriculum.
Below are ways we connect learning with nature, as well as activities you can do with your child at home.
INFANTS/TODDLERS:
In the classroom: After reading a book about springtime, teachers bring children outdoors to explore and investigate objects in nature. The children have fun crumbling leaves, smelling flowers and looking at clouds.
At home: Take tummy time outdoors and allow your infant to explore different sights, sounds and textures. Encourage him to move and grab things by placing objects just beyond his reach. For toddlers, ask questions like, “Who made that chirping sound” or “Can you point to the flowers?”
Recommended reading: Wake Up! Wake Up! A Springtime Lift-the-Flap Book by Kathryn Davis, Welcome Spring by Little Scholastic
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Our Beginners read books about seasonal changes, then bring the story to life by going outdoors to find real-world examples.
At home: Help make your child aware of the seasonal changes going on around him. Talk a walk with him and ask questions such as “Why do we see flowers growing now?” or “What do flowers need in order to grow?” Encourage him to use his creativity when answering.
Recommended reading: Over in the Meadow by Olive Wadsworth, Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Students plant seeds in their school garden and learn about the importance of caring for them. Through this activity, they practice math skills such as measuring, sorting, counting and making predictions.
At home: Set up a bird feeder outside a window that your child can easily see. Let him help you fill it with birdfeed. As the birds come to eat, ask your child to talk about them. “What color are they?” “Are they big or small?” “What are they doing?”
Recommended reading: Little Seed by Eric Carle, Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Pre-K and Pre-K 2 students explore the sounds they hear in nature while playing outdoors. They then use recycled and natural materials, such as string and pine cones, to make their own wind chime.
At home: Reuse junk mail for a fun arts and crafts activity with your child. Encourage him to look through flyers and magazines to find words and pictures that he recognizes. Then, ask him to create a collage by cutting and gluing them to a piece of paper or poster board.
Recommended reading: And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano, About Springtime, Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
We provide many opportunities for our preschoolers to think creatively and imaginatively about the world around them. By setting this foundation, children build confidence in their own unique thoughts and maintain a thirst for learning as they enter elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
April News
From the Principal’s Office
Dear Chesterbrook Families,
If you thought last month was busy and full of activities…. Hold on tight because April has even more fun filled activities planned! We will start the month with a Rootin’ Tootin’ Western Week! Next, we move into Week of the Young child….. We will have daily themes and lots of fun happening to celebrate our young children! Then, we move onto week 3 where the kindergarteners begin SAT 10 testing! We will end the week with our annual Ladybug release and Earth Day celebration! Every class will be attending a field trip this month as well!
With the warmer weather approaching, please remember to still bring a light jacket for those cool mornings! Mosquito Joe came to spray the grounds in preparation for shorts and swim suits!! The playground is slated to receive a new batch of wood chips this month as well! Look for information coming out about our partnership with Food Share! This is an exciting program to bring local fruits and vegetables into our homes! We are also starting a recycling program and will be teaching the children about ways to help the earth!
Helen and Logan are doing well! He’s just the cutest thing ever! Helen is enjoying her time as a new mother. You will probably see her out and about around town! As always, I am here to help with any comments, questions, or concerns you have!
Melissa Loper, Assistant Principal
Field Trips
Tuesday, April 5th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 6
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 6th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 8
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:20am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Monday, April 18th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 9
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 20th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 11
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 20th
Riverbanks Zoo
– Rooms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
– Children are free, adults $11.00
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Meet at front entrance @ 9:30am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Monday, April 25th
Challenger Space Center
– Room 7
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Wednesday, April 27th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 10
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
Tuesday, April 26th
Clinton Sease Farm Strawberry Patch
– Room 12
– Cost is $8.00 per child
– Provide a peanut-free bag lunch
– Leaving at: 8:45am
– Wear navy Chesterbrook logo t-shirt
*Field Trips are subject to change due to situations that may arise.
Resources
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! We invite you to “like” our page at www.facebook.com/ChesterbrookAcademy where we’ll be providing our fans with regular educational tips for children from preschool to 8th grade and the opportunity to network with fellow parents. We would love to have your participation in this forum and encourage you to continue to check our school website for local updates specific to our own school. We look forward to having you as part of our Facebook community!
“Tell me and I forget.
Teach me and I remember.
Involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Reminders
Entry & Exit Doors: ** DO NOT USE THE BACK DOOR FOR ENTRY TO THE SCHOOL!!!** As you all know there is a code required for entry to the school. Please be sure to limit the code to family members and/or friends that are picking up your child(ren) on a regular basis. Do not give the code to your child(ren). In addition, everyone should use the front entrance for drop off and pick up. We advise strongly not to let individuals in the side entry door, as this person may or may not be a Chesterbrook parent or other family member. The side door is to only be used as an exit. This guarantees the safety of Chesterbrook Academy students and staff. Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Chesterbrook Academy & Queensboro Apparel Company: If you are interested in ordering Chesterbrook Logo apparel for your child(ren), please view our online store. You may notice all the wonderful colors available, but please keep in mind that Chesterbrook Academy uniform colors are Navy, White and Forest/Dark Green.
Chesterbrook Academy & Mabel’s Labels: As a way to target the problem of lost belongings and a large lost and found closet, Chesterbrook Academy is fundraising with Mabel’s Labels, a company with all types of labels that are colorful, indestructible, easy-to-use and fun! Iron-Ons, Stickies, Bag Tags, Allergy Alert labels & more! Personalize your labels with names, nicknames, initials – whatever you choose. Cool icons help even little ones identify their own belongings. Dishwasher, microwave, laundry & kid tested! Dispatched within 24 hours!
Visit www.chesterbrookacademy.mabelslabels.com to place your order.
For Parents
Tuition: Parents, please understand the importance of paying your tuition & paying it on time! Payments are due every Friday for the coming week. Late fees will be applied at 12 noon on Monday following the due date. Unpaid tuition, more than a week past due, will result in immediate dis-enrollment. If you have any questions, please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Field Trips for the 2015-16 School Year: Please be reminded that students must wear the Chesterbrook logo navy t-shirts on field trips. All monies for field trips are to be collected by someone in the front office. Please be sure to turn in signed permission slips for scheduled field trips to your child’s teacher.
Automatic Payment Program: Parents this is a very easy way for you to not worry about writing those checks every week and avoiding late fees. APP can be used to pay tuition only invoices or all invoices (tuition, registration & activity fees). Please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office for details and information on getting signed up or you can print the form from the link on the school website. In addition, you can also set up online bill-pay through your bank.
Contact Information: Please be sure that all home, work, cell and pager numbers and any other contact information is up to date in your child’s file. This helps the staff at Chesterbrook have every available option to contact the parent(s) in the event of an emergency.
E-Mail Addresses: Please update your email addresses with the front office in order to receive important information about upcoming and/or emergency events from the school. We can send email notifications to more than one email address.
School Operating Hours: This is a friendly reminder that Chesterbrook’s hours of operation are 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. Half day hours of operation are 8:30 am – 11:30 am. The late pick up fee is $15 per child for the first 15 minutes and an additional $15 per child for each quarter hour after the regularly scheduled pick up time. Also parents, if you are running late and its close to closing time, please be sure to give the school a courtesy call.
Parent Ambassador Program: Spread the word about our school and save on your child’s tuition! Refer a new family to our school and you could earn a free week of tuition. For more information on our Ambassador Program, see your school’s principal. The current referring Chesterbrook family will receive a discount after the referred child has attended full time for 3 months. Discount applies to the tuition of the oldest child in the referring family.
For Parents & Teachers
NUT FREE SCHOOL: We have several children enrolled at Chesterbrook Academy with severe nut allergies. Please do not send your child to school with food containing any type of nut products.
Prescription Policy for Chronic or Allergic Conditions:
** WE CANNOT ADMINISTER OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS TO YOUR CHILD**
Medication may be brought in for chronic or life threatening medical conditions. All medications must be in their original container with the prescription label attached to include the proper administering time(s) and dosage to be given. For the use of a nebulizer, a letter or note will be required from your child’s doctor’s office stating time(s) to be administered and the tubule dosage to be given. In addition, an “Authorization to Administer Medication Form” must be completed and turned in by the parent. Please see Helen, Melissa or Andrea in the front office if you have any questions or concerns.
Weather Policy: In the event of severe weather, we will make every effort to open on schedule and to remain open during the course of our regular hours of operation. In the event that severe weather requires us to close our school, delay our school or close early, parents will be notified initially by e-notify. Please make sure we have your most current email address and that you have added us to your address book so our message does not go to spam. In the event that your employer will not allow you to receive email at work, please provide us with an alternate email address for you. Parents may also call the school’s voicemail at 803-699-9988 and listen to the prerecorded message by 5:30 a.m. for information regarding the operating hours. Information will also be posted to the school’s website which is http://Wildewood.ChesterbrookAcademy.com. You can also tune into WIS channel 10 and/or WLTX channel 19 for closing and/or delay information.
**Chesterbrook Academy DOES NOT follow the schedule of Richland School District 2 during weather delays or closings**
Sign In & Out Books: We wanted to take this time to remind you all about an important security here at Chesterbrook. Please remember to sign your child in and out every day on the class Sign In/Out sheets located outside or inside of your child’s classroom everyday. If someone on your child’s authorized pick-up list is picking up, please remind him or her to do so as well. Although we have never had any problem nor do we expect to in the future, this is an important security measure that keeps all of the children safe. Thank you for your continued compliance with our security policies.
Uniform Policy: All children from 3 year old Preschool and up are required to wear uniforms daily at Chesterbrook Academy. The official uniform is navy blue (NOT jean) or khaki bottoms and white, navy blue or hunter green solid tops. Girls may also wear navy blue or khaki jumpers, skirts, skorts, or the plaid jumper offered by the uniform company, Flynn & O’Hara. Shoes should be white, black, brown, or navy blue and preferably athletic type.
Parking Policy
Illness Policy
A parent of a child that is determined to be ill shall be notified immediately. The child must be picked up within an hour of notification. No child shall be allowed to remain at school with the following conditions:
Student Pick-Up: Parents, please be sure to inform the teachers and/or front office if another family member or friend will pick up your child. This applies to names that are on your list as well as names that are not. If it will be the first time the family member or friend picks up your child, please remind them to bring in their drivers license when they come in. This is very important to insure the safety of your child(ren).
School Spotlight
Monday: Wear a Cowboy hat
Tuesday: Wear a bandana
Wednesday: Wear jeans
Thursday: Wear boots
Friday: Put it all together to make a Cowboy or Cowgirl!
Friday, April 22nd
Wear your Earth Day shirts as we celebrate this day on the back hill of the school.
We will release lady bugs into the environment as we teach the children
about awareness of and appreciation for Earth’s environment.
April Birthdays
Students
1 – Nathan Pearson
5 – Aarnav Kadian
6 – Tyona Wilson
8 – Jaxon Doby
11 – Cyrus Green
11 – Mitchell Wright
12 – Isaiah Buchanan
12 – Bentley Milam
12 – Kendall Nelson
13 – Jordyn Slaw
14 – Mikayla Mascari
15 – Mark Allen, Jr.
16 – Ishaan Bais
17 – Caitlyn Jenkins
20 – Abigail Shure
21 – Chloe Pooler
26 – Maddox Clay
28 – Bailee Lebby
30 – Madison Deem
Staff
9 – Jessica Harper
24 – Cathy Brown
28 – Sherrakin Pollard
From the Education Department
Linking Learning with Nature
Spring is here! Flowers are blooming, days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Now is a great time for children to explore these environmental changes happening in the world around them.
Not only are children curious about nature, but research shows that it has a profound influence on their problem solving skills, creativity, imagination and cognitive ability. Because of this, our teachers incorporate nature in all aspects of our Links to Learning curriculum.
Below are ways we connect learning with nature, as well as activities you can do with your child at home.
INFANTS/TODDLERS:
In the classroom: After reading a book about springtime, teachers bring children outdoors to explore and investigate objects in nature. The children have fun crumbling leaves, smelling flowers and looking at clouds.
At home: Take tummy time outdoors and allow your infant to explore different sights, sounds and textures. Encourage him to move and grab things by placing objects just beyond his reach. For toddlers, ask questions like, “Who made that chirping sound” or “Can you point to the flowers?”
Recommended reading: Wake Up! Wake Up! A Springtime Lift-the-Flap Book by Kathryn Davis, Welcome Spring by Little Scholastic
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Our Beginners read books about seasonal changes, then bring the story to life by going outdoors to find real-world examples.
At home: Help make your child aware of the seasonal changes going on around him. Talk a walk with him and ask questions such as “Why do we see flowers growing now?” or “What do flowers need in order to grow?” Encourage him to use his creativity when answering.
Recommended reading: Over in the Meadow by Olive Wadsworth, Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Students plant seeds in their school garden and learn about the importance of caring for them. Through this activity, they practice math skills such as measuring, sorting, counting and making predictions.
At home: Set up a bird feeder outside a window that your child can easily see. Let him help you fill it with birdfeed. As the birds come to eat, ask your child to talk about them. “What color are they?” “Are they big or small?” “What are they doing?”
Recommended reading: Little Seed by Eric Carle, Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Pre-K and Pre-K 2 students explore the sounds they hear in nature while playing outdoors. They then use recycled and natural materials, such as string and pine cones, to make their own wind chime.
At home: Reuse junk mail for a fun arts and crafts activity with your child. Encourage him to look through flyers and magazines to find words and pictures that he recognizes. Then, ask him to create a collage by cutting and gluing them to a piece of paper or poster board.
Recommended reading: And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano, About Springtime, Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
We provide many opportunities for our preschoolers to think creatively and imaginatively about the world around them. By setting this foundation, children build confidence in their own unique thoughts and maintain a thirst for learning as they enter elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education