2015 april newsletter

April 2015

calendar

April 1—Family Chapel Service, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary, MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Three-year-old Classes April 2— Family Chapel Service, 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K April 3— Parents’ Council Meeting, 9:15 a.m., Studio Annex April 6-10— Spring Break - No school for students

Dear Parents, Spring! It’s a beautiful time of year but also a time when families tend to get very busy! Children’s sports, end of year events, festivals, and other obligations suddenly dominate our lives. All of this can produce anxiety in parents as well as children.

Slow down this spring and truly enjoy being outdoors with your children. Research has proven that nature alleviates a great deal of anxiety in humans. Enjoy just watching your child play as well as marvel at nature.

Fondly, Miss Jane

April 15—Prospective Parent Tour, 9:30 a.m., Welcome Center at the Family Commons April 23— Dad’s Visiting Days, Toddler/Two-year-old classes, 8:45 a.m.

April 24— Dad’s Visiting Days, Toddler/Two-year-old classes, 8:45 a.m.

May 1— Parents’ Council Meeting, 9:15 a.m., Studio Annex May 2— Spring Fling, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Parents, Spring is here! Woohoo!! What a fun and exciting time at the Preschool as we gear up for a great end of the school year!

A HUGE thank you to all who gave so generously of their time and talents for Springtime in the City! This was a record-breaking year for Springtime, and the Preschool and the Adaptive Learning Center will both benefit so greatly from all of the money raised! Thank you especially to our Springtime in the City committee and specifically our chairs - Rebecca Blanchette and Laura Green - who worked tirelessly for this successful event. Our committee of moms and dads as well as our wonderful administrators devoted so much effort to this event, and it really paid off! I hope all of you that attended had a fabulous time - and came home as a winner of the great auction items!

Now, let’s get ready to concentrate on our day of fun for the kids - Spring Fling! The annual Spring Fling carnival will take place on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event occurs only with the help of our wonderful parents! Look for communication soon (if you haven’t already received it) from your Room Resource Parents as they organize the volunteers for each class. Sign-up for a volunteer spot, invite your friends and family to attend, and get excited for a great day of fun for the kids!

As I’ve mentioned before, we are starting to fill our Parents’ Council spots for next year! Parents’ Council is a great way to get involved - and there are some positions that honestly take very little time commitment! We’d love to have you - so if you have any interest at all, please let me know!!

I hope you and your families enjoy a wonderful Spring Break!!

Natalie Albert 404-771-3483 nataliebalbert@gmail.com

cars needed for spring fling The Spring Fling committee is in need of children's motorized vehicles for the Race Track at Spring Fling. This was a huge hit last year, and we're hoping to have enough ATV's again this year. If you are willing to let us "borrow" your child's car (Barbie jeeps, Escalades, etc), we would greatly appreciate it. Fully charged cars can be dropped off during morning carpool on the Thursday or Friday before Spring Fling, which is May 2. If you can't get your car to school, we are also willing to come get it!

Please contact Julie Greene (juliepgreene@yahoo.com) . 2 .

chapel The May chapel speakers will be the Five/Six Classes, Mosaic and Tapestry Rooms.

The service will be in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, and Friday, May 15.

The donation item for May is deodorant.

Spring has Sprung! - quotes around campus.

“I think Easter is a holiday, not a season” - Hutson “Butterflies could land on your head and think you’re a branch” - Madison “Mr. God, please send us some more sun; it’s cold” - Mia “I’m doing yoga breathing, so I can train my mind to forget bad things” - Caroline “I like kisses from God” - Lucy “Walter, you sure do have a big brain in there!” - Caroline

april blessing Dear God, Thank you for being so good to us.

Thank you for listening to our prayers.

Thank you for the world we live in: the summer and the winter; the sunshine and the rain; the time for sowing seeds and the time to gather crops.

Thank you for all the good things the world gives us.

Amen From Psalm 65 Join the conversation via:

www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

@PtreePresPreschool

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Thank you for everyone’s generous support and donations! Springtime in the City was able to raise over $100,000 this year for Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool and Adaptive Learning Center

Photos courtesy of Kristi Reinhardt www.Kristi-Reinhardt.com

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sustainability Tip of the Month One of the questions I am most commonly asked is, “How do I get started? This is all so overwhelming!” I always suggest starting small and taking baby steps that will last. Overhauling your life in a day is usually not sustainable. Here are some simple ways to start. You can pick just ONE, and it will make a difference!

1. REMOVE ALL FOOD DYES: Go through your food… ALL your food! Ferret out food dyes. It hides in places you won’t suspect. If it is not a fresh food, read the ingredients and look for Red 40, Yellow, Blue etc. Don’t buy any foods with these additives. In Europe these are banned or require labeling stating they are linked to hyperactivity in children.

2. REMOVE ALL HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP: Same as above. This can hide in everything from spaghetti sauce, yogurt, pickles to applesauce.

3. OVERHAUL YOUR CHILD’S PERSONAL CARE: This is easier than your own because your child probably only uses 3-4 items. Switch out toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, soap/ bubble bath and sunscreen. Visit the page below for recommendations!

4. JOIN THE HEALTHY FOOD EXCHANGE: I have created a facebook page for parents and staff. It has been a huge hit with 1000 people joining to date. It helps you start the process of eating and feeding your family healthier with real world experiences and advice! You must contact me to be added as it is secret to keep the group secure! jphankey@gmail.com Here is to wrapping up the year just a little healthier!

prospective parent tours

-Jennifer Hankey

vacation bible school at peachtree presbyterian

Tours of the Preschool give prospective parents an opportunity to visit the school and learn about the Preschool’s philosophy, while seeing students participating in class activities. Tours meet in the Welcome Center at the Family Commons at 9:30 a.m. Please invite any interested friends to attend a tour.

Upcoming Tour Dates: Wednesday, April 15

visit us online for more information: www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

June 1-4, 2015 • 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $40 per child

Register now! peachtreepres.org/vbs

Ages 4 (prior to Sept. 1, 2015) thru rising 6th grade All children, including those with special developmental and/or medical needs, are welcome.

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teacher appreciation A big THANK YOU to Whole Foods Market Buckhead for donating all of the delicious breakfast items for our March staff appreciation event. Everyone enjoyed warm quiches, sweet breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt and beverages.

Whole Foods Market Buckhead has been serving the local and surrounding areas since 2005 with a strong commitment to quality, customer service and the community. Please visit Whole Foods Market Buckhead and take advantage of all they have to offer - high quality, organic and locally produced products, healthy prepared foods, and so much more! Did you know they also offer complimentary personal shopping (including delivery for a small fee), a full service floral department with floral arrangements for every occasion, catering, a healthy eating/ nutrition educator and wine tastings!

Thanks again to Whole Foods Market Buckhead!

Whole Foods Market Buckhead is located at 77 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Spring Fling is coming soon!

GAMES! PETTING ZOO! MOONWALKS! CHARACTERS! FOOD TRUCKS! BAKE SALE! May 2, 2015 10:00 – 2:00 (Rain or Shine) BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org!

Bracelets (access to unlimited games & activities): $25 each, $75 max per family.Bracelets and individual tickets can be purchased on the day of the event.

Spring Fling is a parent run, all volunteer event! Don’t forget to sign up for your shift!

For more information, please contact Alison Rubinas (alisongrubinas@yahoo.com) or Andi O’Bryan (andi.obryan@yahoo.com).

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Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool Annual Fund 2014-2015 Peachtree Club $5,000 - $9,999 Patron of the Preschool $100 - $499 The Tecumsch Foundation David and Emily Fournier Jeff and Mary Margaret Shiver Marge Fowler Chuck and Nancy Francis Benefactor $2,500 - $4,999 Jason and Lindsay Ganz Stacey and Davis Noell Ben and Melissa Gordon Clara Hackney Partner of the Preschool $1,000 – 2,499 Craig and Jennifer Henderson Anonymous Ken and Melissa Hodges Matthew and Julianne Brott Brian and Kimberly Hooper Ralf and Christine Deltrap Hardeep Johar and Darshan Arneja Barry and Molly Howell The Lancelotta Family Scott and Sarah Bochar Early Paul and Abigail Landt Warren and Sally Jobe Benjamin Levine Casey and Amy Jones Patrick and Lea Malloy Mike and Valerie Mondelli Amanda Mansfield Pierce and Lollie Owings Jane Montgomery Wade and Megan Morris Supporter of the Preschool $500 - $999 Jay and Sandy O’Meara David and Heather Ansari Matt and Amy Pearson Jeff and Kathryn Brown Curt and Alison Rubinas Jim and Andrea Claussen Douglas and Alison Schmidt Drs. Michael and Lisa Hartman Ashley Shepherd Rob and Elenore Klingler Jeff and Amy Stewart Joseph and Dakota Rollins Chris and Katie Trokey Jack and Kelly Stephens Robert and Kelly Turner Toolan Family Matthew and Katherine Whitmore John and Jodi Webb Sam and Katie Williams

Zach and Brittany Wilson Patron of the Preschool $100 - $499 John and Kay Alexander Friend of the Preschool up to $99 John and Abbey Bradner Kayla Dove Chris and Alison Carlson Rachel Evans Josh and Jennifer Champion Anna Fiveash Thomas and Alyson Cromartie Heath and Mary Higgins Alin Cruceanu Dean and Kameron Joelson John and Alison Douglas Ross Johnson Eric and Allender Durden Cynthia Kirtland Chris and Jessica Eachus Katie Manning Colin and Anne-Ross Edwards David and Melissa Murphy Todd and Marci Ehrlich Matt and Clare Payne The Ellenburg Chair Company, Inc. Valerie Thompson Blair and Emily Farinholt Holly Walman Jason and Christy Fiftal Nick and Sally Williams Dr. and Mrs. Norman Firchau

The generous donations to Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool’s Annual Fund raised over $37,000 which will

be used for playground enhancements. Donations will be accepted through June 30, 2015. For more infor mation visit www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org. . 7 .

build knowledge of the alphabet What the research says: Draw children’s attention to print by asking questions about the print they see (for example, “Where do we start reading on the page?”), by commenting about print (e.g., “That long word says hippopotamus.”) and tracking a finger along the text while reading. Understanding how print works prepares children to be readers.

Tips for Parents Daily Activities: Create labels for organizing children’s belongings. For example, tape a label that says Books onto the book shelf or Toys on the toy box. When tidying up, point to the label on the box and say, “This box says Toys, so let’s put the truck in here.”

Pretend Play: Play “School” together. Let the child be the teacher and have paper and pencils available so they can tell you what to write. While writing, talk about how to start at the top of the page and then go from left to right. Then read what is written.

Reading Books: Before reading a book, point to the title, author and illustrator’s names on the cover. Run a finger under the words while reading the words. Explain that the author writes the story and the illustrator draws the pictures.

On the Go: While driving, look at advertisements that have pictures and big headlines on them. Talk about how the words in the headline help the reader understand what’s going on in the picture.

Source: Piasta, S.B., Justice, L.M., McGinty, A.S., & Kaderavek, J.N. (2012). Increasing young children’s contact with print during shared reading: Longitudinal effects of literacy achievement. Child Developement, 83(3), 810-820.

Enjoy life's simple pleasures!

Camp Peaches 2015

June 8-12 and June 15-19 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Registration for Camp Peaches www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org . 8 .