2021 February Preschool Newsletter

FEBRUARY 2021

Art Sculpture by: The Green Meadow Room | “It’s a turtle party” | Three-year-old Class | Clay

DEAR FAMILIES, Every day, at about 8:45 we open the doors to our most honored guests – the children. Prior to that teachers have been in classrooms preparing for the day with morning provocations, setting up the areas for children to work in and gathering materials.

When the children arrive, there is such joy as they go to their rooms. The robust experiences provided are based on the dimensions of learning, often exceeding what is expected of children this age.

Sure, we miss our usual events but this year, but we rejoice each and every day that we open the glass doors! As I write this, we’ve been in school for 93 days. We are already planning for the 20212022 school year and appreciate all our families that registered again to be with us in this happy environment.

Enjoy this special time with your family. See you at the Valentine’s parade!

MISS JANE

From Parents’ Council: Happy New Year Peachtree!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday break with your families, and enjoyed welcoming 2021 in with open arms. It’s hard to believe we are now in the second half of the school year - what a crazy great year this has been so far!

As February and Valentine’s Day approach, please be sure to show lots and lots of L O V E to your teachers and our amazing staff. Without them, we would not have had the success that we have this year. Let’s make sure they know we love them all and appreciate all their hard work.

One of our most beloved events, Afternoon of Stories, will look a little different this year, so stay tuned for details to come! Also, instead of our annual Springtime at Peachtree gala, we are doing a one-week giving campaign to support our wonderful inclusion program.

Donations of any amount are appreciated and can be given at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org As always, I would love to hear from any and all of you, so please reach out with ideas, questions, etc.

Wishing you all the very best 2021,

Laura Steigerwalt Parents’ Council Chair LFSteig@gmail.com

In the event of a school closing or delayed opening due to weather conditions, the Preschool will notify members of the school community via email, website and social media.

Peachtree does not follow Atlanta Public School (APS) or Fulton County in school delays or closings.

Virtual Prospective Parent Tours This year’s admissions season will look a little different. Please let your family and friends know we will have several virtual prospective parent tours via zoom.

In-person tours can be arranged by emailing jmontgomery@

peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

Visit www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org, or contact us at 404-842-5809 for more details.

Upcoming Dates: February 2 March 10

2021-2022 Registration Registration for the 2021-2022 school year continues on a space available basis.

Applications and the accompanying registration fee of $125 per child may be submitted on-line at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org/ admissions.

Camp Peaches 2021 Come join the fun at Camp Peaches! Skilled teachers and enthusiastic youth assistants provide an exciting, safe environment for campers to develop their active imaginations through handson adventures. Unique classes introduce campers to the stimulating world of discovery.

June 7-11, 2021 June 14-18, 2021 9:15 am - 1:15 pm Children enrolled in Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool for the 2020-2021 school year must be two-years-old by August 31, 2021 to attend Camp Peaches 2021.

Children who do not attend Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool must be three-years-old by August 31, 2021.

The oldest campers are rising third-graders.

Children may attend one or both weeks, and the fee of $225 for one week or for both weeks $425 is due at the time of registration. Camper Registration begins on February 1, 2021.

FEBRUARY BLESSING: A Child’s Prayer for Morning Now, before I run to play, Let me not forget to pray.

To God who kept me through the night And waked me with the morning light.

Help me, Lord, to love Thee more Then I ever loved before, In my work and in my play Be Thou with me through the day.

Amen -Author Unknown

Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) classes continue in February. This approach is about celebrating the greatness in children and avoiding making children conform to a set of expectations, which causes undue frustration for adults and children.

One of the foundational elements of the approach is to avoid energizing undesired behavior while still holding the child accountable.

The Nurtured Heart Approach is a relationship-focused methodology, founded strategically in “The 3 Stands” for helping children (and adults) build their inner wealth and use their intensity in successful ways.

The Nurtured Heart Approach is a powerful tool for awakening the inherent greatness in all children while facilitating parenting and classroom success.

Dates: February 2 March 2 April 20 February 16 March 16 May 4 March 30

Class time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Zoom Duration: 1 hour Register: www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

Thoughts about The Nurtured Heart Approach from a parent…

“I appreciated the community and support that the Nurtured Heart Approach gave me as a parent. The conversations and shared experiences made me feel as if I was not alone in this part of my parenting journey. I was given the confidence that I do have a nurtured heart and I can instill the tools shared to be a more effective parent.

NHA reminded me that even in the challenging behavioral times, there can be good seen in my children. More

importantly, if I remember to see the greatness in my children when things are going well, there will be better behavioral reactions from my children in the future.

I am grateful that PPP and Ms. Jane offer this incredible support and education. These opportunities are priceless to me!”

Heather Hawkinson Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool Parent

T he children from The Green Meadow Room (Two-years-old) and The Creek Room (Pre-K) recently had a chance encounter. Because of health concerns, children from different classrooms cannot be together. At first glance, it appears that the children are separated but on closer inspection, we see they are connecting.

They are connected by curiosity, warm gazes, welcoming smiles, and laughter. The beginning friendship includes discussion about ways the children can continue to build their connections between the classrooms while keeping in mind the need to be physically distanced and the age differences. Creating stories to share between the classes seems to be a perfect way to stay connected. Plans are underway for the children to create stories that focus on the turtles, who once lived in the other room before moving to the two-year-old room, and the shadows the children encounter in the Welcome Center. We are excited to see how stories becomes a vehicle to connect children together in this unique time.

Former and current parents share their experiences with the inclusion program:

SHARE the LOVE

In lieu of the annual Springtime at Peachtree Gala, we are having a one-week giving campaign to benefit Peachtree’s inclusion program.

Inclusive education is a core philosophy at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool.

Children with special rights accomplish more than their families ever dreamed possible by learning alongside typical peers. Their peers learn about differences, collaboration, and acceptance at a very young age; building a foundation of empathy. This life changing program is fully funded and supported by preschool families and our generous donors.

Donations can be made at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org OR Make checks out to Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, subject line: Springtime at Peachtree

February 8 - 12 - one-week giving campaign

Black History Month Book Spotlight: Celebrate Black History with kids of all ages by reading these stories of African-Americans overcoming adversity and making their multicultural mark on the world. With books about everything from jazz and Jackie Robinson to slavery and segregation, there are many rich biographies and themes to explore with children during Black History Month (February) or any time of year. Follow @hereweeread for more great book suggestions.

Dream Big, Little One by: Vashti Harrison This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams.

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.

We March by: Shane W. Evans On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place--more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation’s capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.

We March was one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Children’s Books of 2012, and is an important story about the African American civil rights movement.

Nelson Mandela by Kadir Nelson In this picture book biography, award-winning author and illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of Mandela, a global icon, in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations. It is the story of a young boy’s determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country by believing in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world. This Coretta Scott King Honor Book supports the Common Core State Standards.

At Home February 28, 2021 Imagine the magic of Peachtree families gathering together for an afternoon of oral storytelling.

Now imagine yourself and your family as the storytellers!

You are invited to spend time together telling oral stories in the comfort of your home. Choose stories that fit your family. Include traditional stories, original stories, family stories, and newly discovered stories. Be sure to share your experience on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Set the scene Find a way to highlight the storytellerperhaps using a special chair, hat, or scarf Use simple props Create a special storytelling spot Gather blankets and pillows for a cozy area Turn a bed into a fort Gather around the kitchen table Cozy up to the fireplace or fire pit Invite the family to join in creating the story spot Use lighting to create a magical atmosphere Set a time limit Leave the audience wanting more Begin the story with a special action A clap A whistle A whisper A bow A wave of a wand Make the story personal Embellish details Bring characters to life With voice, gestures, and expressions Focus on emotions Have fun