2018 May Newsletter

MAY 2018

Springtime at Peachtree committee picture above - Thank you to everyone for an amazing night!

Join us at Peachtree Family Festival for family fun and the artist market!

Saturday, May 5 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Rain or Shine

Spring Flowers, Three-year-old classes | Paint on Paper

DEAR FAMILIES,

We all know that parent involvement is an essential element of the educational framework; research proves that this is a critical factor for the success of the school and the individual students. But did you know that community is an important aspect for families and educators?

At Peachtree, we look at the well-rounded first educational experience for children and families. Many of our families meet life long friends here. Community events such as the annual Springtime at Peachtree event provide a fun way to connect with other parents as well as raise money for the inclusion program.

On May 5, we will gather for the annual year end celebration at the Peachtree Family Festival. There will be food, games, pony rides and other fun attractions. We’ll have an artist market so that you can shop early for Mother’s Day. The staff attends and many alumni will return. I look forward to seeing you there.

MISS JANE

Calendar MAY 2&3

9

21

New Family Orientation, 9:00 a.m., The Kellet Chapel Sanctuary

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

Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Three-year-old Classes

5

10 & 11

22

P eachtree Family Festival, 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Rain or Shine

Mother’s Visiting Days

Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K

14-18 L ast week of Peachtree Afterschool and Extended Classes

23

4-7

11-15

18-22

Vacation Bible School

Camp Peaches

Camp Peaches

Last Day of School

JUNE

AUGUST 20-21

22-23

Welcome Parties

Frist Days of School

Image above: Clay Town

From Parents’ Council Parents, It is hard to believe that another wonderful school year is coming to a close! The Preschool is blessed to have such loving, creative teachers, administrators and parent volunteers. It is truly a remarkable community, and one that gives our children a strong foundation, celebrating each child and their uniqueness!

Thanks to all who came out for Springtime at Peachtree on Friday, April 13. The 80’s themed gala was a complete blast and no detail was overlooked. How blessed we are to have such an amazing network of supporters (especially all of you!) to help us raise much needed funds for the Inclusion Program. The dollars raised change lives. A HUGE thank you to Emily Kaineg and her amazing committee of volunteers for pulling together this event.

Words cannot describe how incredible you are!

Also, thank you to the current Parents’ Council members and volunteers whose efforts made this school year such a success.

The Parents’ Council appreciates everything the volunteers do to make the Preschool a special place for our children and families.

As the year wraps up, we have one more fantastic event – Peachtree Family Festival! This is a day of fun for our kids, and it is one that you don’t want to miss!! Special thanks to all of the parents volunteering during the event and on the planning committee! A big thank you to our Peachtree Family Festival Chairs – Carrie Clendenin, Susanne O’Neal and Erica Schwalm. Great job ladies!

The 2018-2019 Parents’ Council is forming now, and there is still plenty of space for anyone interested in getting involved. Want more information on what the Parents’ Council does or would like to serve next year? We’d love to talk! Please contact Libby Quiner at libby.quiner@movement.com or 678.749.8073. Thanks in advance!

The Parents’ Council

LIBBY QUINER 678.749.8073 libby.quiner@movement.com

The Green Meadow Room (Two-year-olds) had three generations making waffles in the food atelier for snack at the Preschool.

SEEN AND HEARD AROUND PEACHTREE The Woodland Room (Pre-K) Quotes: “ I like to build. I love stuff. I build everything – toys, everything, bridges, legos and owl houses. I would like to build a big, really long truck I would use different materials. I’m not sure what the stuff would be.

I need to research it on my computer. I like to build little lego trailers, the ones that stand up. I like the trains and building train tracks. I’ve ridden on trains, but I don’t know how many. I just know it has been a lot. I could be an architect when I grow up.” – Oliver “ I’m going be a princess when I grow up. My daddy will bring me a pretty dress. It looks like a princess. I like it. It is red with flowers. So many flowers. I have to take lessons to be a princess. Like dance, and how to build a castle. A princess wakes up and watches cartoons. I like spaghetti, so I will eat it a lot. Princesses do nice things for other people, so I will draw pictures for others.” - Serafina “ I am good at drawing. I like to draw my plant Apenmen. I take a lot of time to draw and paint.” - Mari The class giving each other compliments in a “compliment train”: “ Mari smiles and is happy in the morning.”

– Miss Polly “ Oliver is really good at building.” – Mari “ I love that Jack T hugs me a lot.” – Oliver “ Since Welden likes sharks and dinosaurs, he is an expert on them. I like that. He is good at building NYC out of blocks.”

– Jack T “ Thatcher is very creative and imaginative at building.” – Welden “ Rhodes is good at making bands.” – Thatcher “ I like Julia coming over to my house to play PJ Masks. She is a good friend.” – Rhodes “ Serafina loves the kitchen and playing kitty cat and horse.” – Julia

“ I like Caroline’s drawings. She is a really good artist.” – Serafina “ I like how Katherine unfreezed me on the play yard in the freeze tag game.” – Caroline “ I like that Raley plays in the kitchen and is always sweet to me.” Katherine “ I like that Vivian always plays games with me at school.” – Raley “ Alexis is a good friend and is good at playing games in the kitchen.”

- Vivian “ Landon is an expert at playing with trains.”

- Alexis

MAY BLESSING: May I be fair to others and make this world a better place.

If I see someone being treated unfairly, may I go to help them. If I see someone in need, may I share with them what I have. For I believe that You will bless me. I believe that your goodness will shine on me like the morning sun.

Amen Isaiah 58:6-8

Image at right: The Blossom Class Angels Mixed Media on Canvas, 2018

Teacher Appreciation A big “THANK YOU!� to Menchies at Tuxedo Festival for donating frozen yogurt for the staff. The teachers enjoyed chocolate, vanilla and dairy-free fruit punch sorbet.

Parent volunteers provided the finishing touches with an assortment of toppings. Thank you to: Heather Ansari, Johanna Barnes, Gillian Bradford, Vera Dang, Alyssa Davis, Elisabeth Dombrow, Alison Douglas, Allender Durden, Ashley Evans, Katie Feemster, Alexia Ibing, Aimee Jones, Whitney LaPointe, Lauren Ledford, Merideth Manning, Susan McArthur, Whitney Mulwee, Suzanne Murphy, Laurie Schaub, Lindsey Schoultz, Lindsay Smithson, Brooke Sullivan, Elise Thomason, Lauren Tucker and Lori Vetter.

CHaRM Recycle Drive

Sustainability WHAT IS THE DIRTY DOZEN AND CLEAN FIFTEEN? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a yearly report that provides shoppers with a guide for pesticides in produce. EWG singles out produce with the highest pesticide loads for its Dirty Dozen list, as well as highlighting the produce that is least likely to hold pesticide residues in its Clean Fifteen list. These can be a great resource for deciding how to spend money at the grocery store. If you are trying to save on your bill, these lists will prioritize when you really need to buy organic versus conventionally grown produce.

The latest update reports that USDA tests found a total 146 different pesticides on thousands of fruit and vegetable samples examined in 2014. The pesticides persisted on fruits and vegetables tested by USDA - even when they were washed and, in some cases, peeled. Key findings include: Dirty Dozen - More than 98 percent of strawberry samples, peaches, nectarines, and apples tested positive for at least one pesticide residue.

- The average potato had more pesticides by weight than any other produce.

- A single grape sample and a sweet bell pepper sample contained 15 pesticides.

- Single samples of strawberries showed 17 different pesticides.

Clean Fifteen - Avocados were the cleanest: only 1 percent of avocado samples showed any detectable pesticides.

- Some 89 percent of pineapples, 81 percent of papayas, 78 percent of mangoes, 73 percent of kiwi and 62 percent of cantaloupes had no residues.

- No single fruit sample from the Clean Fifteen™ tested positive for more than 4 types of pesticides.

Visit this site: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/index.php to see the full report, and additional details.

CHAPEL Worship Services will be held in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Monday, May 21 and Tuesday, May 22.

The donation item for May will be deodorant. All donations will be delivered to the City of Refuge.

Teacher Spotlight This month we are spotlighting Anne Beacham.

Anne has taught at the Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool for 28 years.

Birthplace / Hometown: Native Atlantan!! Born and raised in Atlanta GA second generation!!

Education: Liberty Guinn and Tuxedo Elementary schools; Dykes High School; Stratford Women’s College Personal: married to the same guy for almost 38 years; two wonderful sons who are married to the best daughter-in-laws EVER!! One adorable (I must brag)ninemonth-old grandson Claim to Fame: I’ve been told I make a mean batch of southern fried chicken, milk gravy and boiled custard!

Favorite Quote: “Can’t never Could”- I don’t know if this is a real quote, but I always use this when I hear someone say “I can’t”.

Always remember “The Little Engine that Could”- “I think I can. I think I can.....”

The Mosaic (Five/Six) Class The Mosaic class is revisiting self-portraits with the children, this time using pencil, black marker, oil pastels and watercolor. They are absolutely beautiful! The attention to detail is remarkable. The children were asked what they like about their face, what their face might tell the world, what they are most connected to and why. Here are a few of their thoughts:

“ My favorite part of my face is my yellow hair. It makes me look handsome. Handsome is nice.” Sawyer “ I’m glad I have my eyes. They help me see things that are creative.”

Stella “ My face shows kindness with my smile. I think it makes people feel a little happy.” Caroline B.

“ I like my smile because when my sister makes me smile it makes me laugh.”

Caroline M. “ I love my smile because it makes people feel great.” Grant “ I like that I smile beautiful. It tells people I love them. They feel love.”

Beckett “ When my mom and dad see my face they are happy and proud of me.” Logan

“ I like my eyes because they help me see. When people see my face they feel good because they like my eyes.

They are blue like the sky and green like the grass.” Luke “ My face tells the world that I like the world’s love. If there is no love in the world, there would be no rainbows, no sun, no glitter and no happiness. The world would be miserably gray.” Gray “ I love that I can see you. My face is beautiful and happy.” Reese

Parents’ Corner Leaving the Preschool

Getting involved in Parents’ Council was such an awesome way to not only support the Preschool, but also to meet some new friends! I co-chaired the Teacher Appreciation Committee after my first year here. I had never met my co-chair, and now we are the best of friends! From there, I moved on to help with pictures. It’s just a nice way to be involved!!

Being a room parent was also super rewarding. It’s nice to be the link between the teachers and the families. And to plan fun mom’s nights out!! :) Embrace every educational offering the Preschool offers. I wish I had attended more of those. It takes a village to raise our children, and it’s always nice to learn that you are not alone!

We will miss the sweet, smiling faces of ALL the teachers and staff at the Preschool. Watching my children grow there has been amazing. From a timid toddler dragging his green, preschool bag to a confident Pre-K’er walking through the doors from carpool like he owns the place...it’s super cool to have observed this growth and development.

My children have an awareness of nature, a sense of the world around them, a creative spirit, and most importantly, an appreciation that there are children who may not learn or look just like them. The Preschool has made such an impact on our family, and we are forever grateful.

Dana - Preschool Parent, 8 years

LIBRARY DONATIONS Thank you to the many special guests during Visiting Days who purchased new books for the Library! Our teachers and students are so excited about these additions. If you would like to donate a book on behalf of your child, please contact Elise Thomason at elwoth@gmail.com

MAY 5, 2018 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. (RAIN OR SHINE) The Peachtree Family Festival is a joyful day of carnival games, delicious food and art!

Enjoy old-fashioned games, pony rides, food trucks, a race track, a bake sale, bounce houses, rescue vehicles, a petting zoo, music, dance performances and photos with some beloved characters. In addition, we invite you to experience the expanded Artists’ Market where many local artists will be showcasing their wares.

We need LOTS of childrens’ motorized vehicles for the racetrack!

If you have one to contribute, please email peachtreefamilyfestival@ gmail.com.

This is an entirely volunteer-run event and a celebratory crescendo to our students’ school year.

Please contact Carrie Clendinen, Erica Schwalm and Susanne O’Neal at peachtreefamilyfestival@gmail. com for volunteer opportunities.

Toddler &Two-year old classes Dad’s Day

Superheroes in the River Room (Three-year-old class) Superheroes are a big part of many preschool-age children’s lives. In The River Room, what began as children sketching superheroes, developed in to many facets of work and great discussion throughout several months.

The children used their sketch as a model to then create a puppet of their character. The class discussed the “powers” that the superheroes possessed and used their puppets to act out stories and dialogue with others.

These stories then came to life in comic strips that each

of the children made. The class then collaborated together on buidling a “city” for their superheroes. The children designed their city and voted on what buildings should be included in their large replica of Superhero City.

The city includes large buildings, two swimming pools, a gas station, parking lot, and, of course, a candy store!

The discussion has now moved to discussing character traits of all people and even animals and how we all possess “powers”.

CELEBRATING & BENEFITING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Oh what a night!! A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in Springtime at Peachtree!

The event was phenomenal!

MANY THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND SPONSOR

Arco Design/Build PL ATINUM SPONSORS

NCG Cinemas Rogers Electric The Simpson Organization Crescent Grove Advisors NCG Cinemas

Laurie & Matt Schaub

SPONSORS:

GOLD SPONSORS

Mary Elizabeth & Drew Ellenburg Medical Management Associates, Inc. The Heffernan Family The Wood Family Foundation SILVER SPONSORS

GoodSteps Drs. Scott & Sarah Bochar Early Private Bank of Buckhead SEI Group The Schwalm Family Elise & Chuck Thomason The Ready Family

Liz Jones, Beacham & Company Realtors Turner & The Mosteller Family Abacus Solutions & the Carlson Family Alyssa & Mark Davis & American Century Investments Foundation Movement Mortgage & The Quiner Family Tower Wine Butler Tire & Wheels Pratt Clay, LLC HOST SPONSORS The Blanchette Family The Brott Family Carrie and Eric Brune The Clayton Family The Clendenin Family

Candy Cooper The Durden Family Elan Diamond Group The Higgins Family The Johanbakhshnik Family The Jones Family The Kaineg Family Amy Kim and John Gira Kings Fine Art The Lombardo Family The Noell Family Martenson, Hasbrouck & Simon LLP The Matthews Family Whitney and Crosby Mulwee The Murphy Family The Nash Family Dr. Michael Neimkin Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Susanne and Bert O’Neal Sarah and Randy Rhino and The Peach Pit

UBS and The Rubinas Family The Schuler Family & www. getawayto30a.com Kyle and Karyn Sturgeon The Elf on the Shelf The Tucker Family The Vetter Family The Voight Family Stafford’s Studio The Williams Family

IN-KIND SPONSORS Elise Thomason, Designer Holeman & Finch Bottle Shop Taylor, Feil, Harper, Lumsden, Hess - Attorneys at Law Tito’s Handmade Vodka True Fare Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Kaineg The Allenbach Family The Slimp Family The Simpson Family

AND A SHOUT-OUT TO THE SPRINGTIME Johanna Barnes Amadine Bastie Rebecca Blanchette Alison Carlson Jacqui Carlyle Jana Chesley Amy Clayton

Elizabeth Dumbrow Kristen Entrekin Hillary Farrah Kelli Francis Carla Geiger Caroline Heffernan Mary Higgins

Liz Jones Emily Kaineg Lauren Ledford Lisa Lombardo Whitney Mulwee Lydia Nash Margot Peterson

COMMITTEE: Libby Quiner Emily Rembert Alison Rubinas Lindsey Schoultz Greta Schuler Boyd Simpson Elise Thomason

Stafford Weber Windsor Western Jane Montgomery Katie Williams Natalie Albert Katie Manning

PEACHTREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2018 God wants us to join His team, to celebrate our salvation, and encourage one another. So what are you waiting for? It’s Game On! We welcome children four years old (by September 1, 2018) through rising sixth graders. Spaces are available for two and three-year-olds when a parent volunteers for all four days of Vacation Bible School.

Registration Deadline: May 17 Register Today - http://peachtreechurch.org/news/vbs2018

REGISTER FOR CAMP PEACHES! www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org JUNE 11-15 & JUNE 18-22 Come join the fun at Camp Peaches! Skilled teachers and enthusiastic youth assistants provide an exciting, safe environment for campers to develop their active imagination through hands-on adventures. Unique classes introduce campers to the stimulating world of discovery. Camp Peaches is designed for children who will be Two-years-old by February 28,2018, through rising 3rd graders. Children may attend one or both weeks.

The camp registration fee is $200 for one week or $380 for both.

Registration is non-refundable after May 15, 2018. Refund prior to May 15, 2018, will incur a $25 processing fee.