2016 December newsletter

December 2016

calendar

December 1—Prospective Parent Tour,

9:30 a.m., Welcome Center at the Family Commons

December 2 —Parents’ Council Meeting, 9:15 a.m., Studio Annex December 5-9—Last week of Peachtree Afterschool and extended day for Five/Six classes December 7,8—Toy Drive for City of Refuge

December 12-16 — All classes dismiss at 12:15 p.m.

December 12—Christmas Worship Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Three-year-old classes December 13—Christmas Worship Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K December 19 - January 3—School Holiday No School for Students January 4—Classes resume

Dear Parents, Christmas! What a wonderful time of year as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In our lives we all have certain family rituals that we experience each year during the advent season.

An advent wreath is a great teaching tool to help young children understand the real meaning of Christmas. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The candles represent hope, love, joy and peace. The last candle - the Christ Candle - is lit on Christmas Eve. Prepare your hearts now for joy, hope and love as you celebrate this most special time of year.

Miss Jane

January 6— Parents’ Council Meeting, 9:15 a.m., Studio Annex January 16— School Holiday - No School January 23, 24 and 25— Visiting Days January 26— Prospective Parent Tour, 9:30 a.m., Welcome Center at the Family Commons January 30—Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Three-year-old Classes

January 31— Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K Classes February 1—Camp Peaches registration begins online February 1,2—Buckhead Christain Ministry (BCM) Food Drive

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Parents, The Advent season is here! What a magical time of year, especially for our children and families.

The Parents’ Council would like to extend warmest wishes to each of you for a blessed Christmas season.

Mark your calendars for our annual Toy Drive benefitting the City of Refuge on December 7 and 8. Tell your children to be on the lookout during carpool for Elves who will collect new, unwrapped toys to donate to the City of Refuge.

Save the date for Springtime at Peachtree on Friday, March 17, at American Spirit Works, supporting the programs at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool. The committee is hard at work collecting items for the silent and live auctions. Items needed include vacation homes for a week, gift certificates, concert tickets, airline tickets, and other unique experiences. Please contact the Springtime at Peachtree chairs Alison Carlson, Jeanine Garvie, and Libby Quiner at springtimeatpeachtree@gmail.com if you have auction items or any questions about the event. Springtime at Peachtree also needs more sponsors - details coming soon. Many levels are available to sponsor the Preschool’s biggest fund raiser in a fun and meaningful way. Thank you in advance for your support!

Any questions about Parents’ Council or interested in volunteering? Please contact me at 646-417-2772 or rblanchette23@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.

Merry Christmas, Rebecca

parent first aid and cpr class First Aid for Parents Friday, January 27 9:20 a.m.-10:20 a.m., Room 2303 CPR for Parents, Thursday, February 23 9:20 a.m. - 11:20 a.m., Room 2303 To register contact Nancy Francis, R.N. nfrancis@peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org 404-842-5806 . 2 .

chapel

Chrismon Tree Over the years, the Christmas tree has become a symbol of Christ as the “tree of life.” Through the birth of Jesus, believers have been given God’s gifts of life, light and wisdom.

The use of Chrismons to decorate Christmas trees is popular in many churches today. Chrismons were first developed in 1957 by Frances Kipps Spencer of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA. In an effort to create appropriate decorations for her church Christmas tree, Spencer fashioned centuries-old symbols into white and gold tree decorations.

“Chrismon” is a combination of the words “Christ” and “monogram,” and means “symbols of Christ.”

Chrismons are gold and white, representing majesty and purity. Ideas for fashioning them are developed from early Christian symbols, the Bible and church decorations.

The Christmas Worship Service will be in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Monday, December 12, and Tuesday, December 13. The speaker is Scott Tucker, a Preschool parent and Interim Associate Pastor for Grand Adults at Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

The message of the Christmas Worship will be the Christmas story. We welcome all family members to join in this special celebration.

Earlier in December, we collected toys for the City of Refuge; therefore, we will not be colleting toiletries during these Worshop Services.

Although Chrismons have been used in the United States since 1957, many symbols of Christianity have come down to us through the ages. Early Christians often worshipped in secret to avoid possible persecution and death. They developed certain symbols that were used to communicate with fellow believers and direct Christians to secret places of worship. Symbols that signified the believers’ faith often adorned doors and buildings and were included on items such as jewelry and household utensils.

Enjoy Peachtree’s Chrismon tree in the lobby of the Family Commons!

december blessing Gentle Jesus born this day In a manger filled with hay.

We your Christmas children be Help us now your love to see.

Gentle Jesus, come today Be our Shepherd, Lord we pray.

Gentle Jesus, come this hour Fill us with your love and power.

You fell asleep in Mary’s arm God kept you safe from all alarm.

Gentle Jesus, come today Be our Shepherd now we pray.

Amen Douglas Raymond

www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

The annual Toy Drive will be December 7 and 8. Tell your children to be on the lookout for Elves during the morning and afternoon carpool. The Elves will be collecting NEW unwrapped toys to be donated the City of Refuge. . 3 .

peachtree afterschool Registration for Peachtree Afterschool - Session Two

The Preschool offers afterschool opportunities, staffed by Peachtree faculty, for children ages 2-6.

Session Two: Week of January 9 - Week of May 8 www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org to register Classes Offered: Afternoon Storytime Create Hola Amigos Studio Ceramics Splendid Day Super Heroes Club The Great Outdoors

professional development The annual NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) convention was held in Los Angeles, CA. For Peachtree educators Jane Montgomery, Sandy Polly, Patty Randall, Ashley Shepherd, and Grant Troutman, it was an opportunity to present the work of the Preschool to professional colleagues, visit Reggio-inspired schools, and attend sessions focused on current studies, strategies and work in early development and learning of young children Project Infinity new teacher experience and Educator Exchange Day was held November 7 at First Baptist Church Kindergarten and Infant Toddler Center in Greenville, SC. Four educators attended for classroom visits and presentations of work.

The Preschool hosted the NAREA Brick by Brick series on November 8. Harold Göthson from Sweden and Rita Melia from Ireland were featured speakers. Harold and Rita shared the educational history of their countries along with current educational situations. Forty educators came together for an exchange focused on international schools that are in dialogue with Reggio Emilia, Italy, and the impact this has within local communities.

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Visiting Days Children in the Three-year-old, Pre-K and Five/Six classes will invite grandparents or other special relatives and family friends to participate in classroom experiences, explore the environment and share past accomplishments.

Monday, January 23

Tuesday, January 24

Bell and Mahle Blackburn and Freeman Carroll and Sarajian Owens and Rothschild Mansfield and Reinhardt

Arberg and Sewell Beacham and Kirtland Gannon and Pope Klitenic and Lucas Smith and Underwood

Wednesday, January 25 Bohntinsky and Purcell Fiveash and Lindler Justice and Wright Jones and Wells Malone and Wilfong Farr and Parker

shop shepherd and walman designs Visit Shepherd and Walman designs December 9 in the Preschool Hallways during morning and afternoon carpool to pick out the perfect Christmas gift!

Purchase your Beautycounter gifts through Peachtree Presbyterian mom, Christina West, and a portion of proceeds will be donated to the Preschool.

When: November 5 through December 15 Where: Online at http://www.beautycounter.com/christinawest Please contact Christina at christinawest.beautycounter@gmail.com or 615.477.1912 . 5 .

Come Shop with Us! We have partnered with Kendra Scott to host two shopping days at our Preschool – just in time for the holidays!

20% of all proceeds will be donated to the preschool!

When: December 12 & 13 (Holiday whorship service days) Where: Preschool hallway Why: Let’s shop & support our wonderful school (and make Christmas shopping easy!)

Presented by the 2017 Springtime at Peachtree Committee

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Calling all artists for the Second Annual Artist Market

May 6, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - rain or shine Please send 3 to 5 images of the artwork and the price range.

There are a limited number of booths, and we strive to have a variety of artwork. Deadline for submission is December 12, 2017, and our booth fee is $100. Two tables are included.

Please contact Christina West at westcv@gmail.com or Stacey Noell at staceywnoell@gmail.com

priority registration

The priority phase of registration for 2017-2018 schoool year will continue through January 13, 2017. Current students and their siblings will be guaranteed admission if applications are received

by January 13. For families new to the program, registration priorities are as follows: 1. Active members of Peachtree Presbyterian Church 2. Families from the community To begin the application process for the 2017 - 2018 school year, please visit www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org/admissions . 7 .

sustainability Tip of the Month It is time for New Year’s resolutions! This year, to kickstart a healthier family, consider adding these to your resolutions: 1. Do a pantry makeover!

•Aim for no more than 8 grams of sugar per meal and 20 grams per day.

•Remove artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup from your diet…100%.

•To avoid BPA: switch canned foods to fresh, frozen or jarred, refuse receipts and only buy plastics #2, 4 and 5 (in the recycling triangle at the bottom).

•Add more real food and less processed foods.

•Eliminate sugary and artificially sweetened drinks.

2. Opt for non-toxic cleaners in your home. As you run out of something, buy a non-toxic product.

You can use www.ewg.com/cleaners as a guide.

3. Opt for non-toxic bug and weed control.

4. Clean out your toiletries: use www.skindeep.com for a guide Atlanta area: Don’t forget to sign up to buy non-toxic cleaners at the same cost as traditional ones www.healthygreenproducts.net!

afternoon of stories

Afternoon of Stories Sunday, February 26, 2017 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Teachers are busy working on the craft of storytelling, and we invite families to join in the fun for an afternoon with new and beloved stories told in the oral tradition! If you would like to share your talents, either through storytelling, set design, music, or general volunteering, please contact Patty Randall at prandall@peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org.

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giving thanks “All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.� -2 Corinthians 4:15

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the blossom room The children in the Blossom Room have been interested in exploring new materials. The children have been sketching and drawing with dierent tools to develop compentencies and make connections to past experiences. The children were invited to sketch pumpkins that they brought from home. After they had experience using drawing pencils, black pens, markers, and crayons, charcoal was introduced. The children loved the feeling of the charcoal and how dark the lines became on the paper. The charcoal is easy for small hands with a soft touch to manipulate and has quite an impact to the eye with such dark visible lines. “Look how beautiful my leaves are? Do you see they have a stem at the top? Look at the colors!

- Anne Scott

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shared space - welcome to the piazza The Tapestry Room, Mosaic Room and the Creek Room conceptualized their “piazza” from a desire to create a shared space that fosters community building with neighboring classes and a need for play space outside of the classroom doors.

Words from the Children about the Piazza “You get to pretend in the piazza! Its fun because you make stories up with your friends. Like anything you want, you can make!” - Wilson “It’s good because you can see friends that you haven’t seen in a long time from the Tapestry class and ask them how they are.” - Marion “The people come here to play in the piazza all the times! It’s crowded in here with happy people!” - Aidan “The piazza is special because everybody can play together and you get to see people that you don’t see everyday and then you play!” - Lily S.

“I think it is for everyone to gather around.” Sydney “A place to play games.” Melina “A lot of space.” Sonia “People are talking.” Jackson “It is kind of like how they say party in Italy.” Wyatt

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Christmas at Peachtree

Family Advent Celebration: December 4, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary Join us Sunday, December 4th, for our first ever Family Advent Celebration. It’s an awesome event for Peachtree families. There will be a Christmas Concert, cookies, milk, and fun family activities!

Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the concert starts at 4:00 p.m.. Please bring mittens to give to foster kids in need. Come and prepare Him room!

A Ceremony of Nine Lessons and Carols: December 11, 4:00 p.m., Kellett Chapel The Peachtree Youth Choir and Peachtree Youth Bells present a new Christmas worship service of Lessons and Carols, in a candlelight tradition going back hundreds of years. Featuring student instrumentalists, singers and readers, this will be a very special opportunity to celebrate the Christmas season!

A Christmas Pops Concert: December 18, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary Join us for a spectacular celebration of voices, organ, bells, piano and orchestra to ring in the season of Christmas. You are in for a delightful evening of sparkling Christmas joy! Special guests include Atlanta jazz favorite, the Joe Gransden Quartet, and the internationally-renowned soprano, Indra Thomas.

Christmas Eve Services: December 24, 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Each year we experience the miracle again. Through music and message, the wonder of God’s incredible love in the baby Jesus shines on that Holy Night. Worship at Peachtree this Christmas Eve. • 10:00 a.m. Young Family Service, Sanctuary — Join us for this interactive service for families of toddlers and young preschoolers. This delightful telling of Christmas will capture hearts of children and parents alike. Sing your favorite carols and experience God’s story in a fresh way. Visit the nativity animals on the front lawn before or after the service.

• 12:00 p.m. Communion Service, Kellett Chapel — Come and adore Him through instrumental music, the singing of familiar carols, and Christmas communion.

• 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Family Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary — See the little town of Bethlehem come alive. Sing familiar carols. Hear the great story of Jesus’ birth. Join with the angels, shepherds and wise men as we worship the Christ child through song, word and a special candle lighting experience. Visit the nativity animals on the front lawn before or after the service.

• 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Services, Sanctuary — The majesty of music and the message of Jesus’ birth fill these candlelight services. The Chancel Choir, accompanied by a brass ensemble, leads us in our celebration on this Holy Night.

• 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Services, Summit — Celebrate the season of Christmas with the singing of favorite Christmas carols and a unique candle lighting experience at Peachtree’s Summit Contemporary Worship venue.

Childcare for infants through preschoolers is provided during services in The Nest, Peachtree’s nursery.

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