March 2019 Newsletter

JANUARY 2019 MARCH 2019

SPRINGTIME IS COMING AND YOU NEED TICKETS!

SPRINGTIME AT PEACHTREE MARCH 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM WWW.SPRINGTIMEATPEACHTREE.ORG

Togetherness | The Orange Room - Two-year-old class | Mixed Media on Paper, 2019

DEAR FAMILIES,

We look forward to seeing everyone at Springtime at Peachtree on March 22. This is a time we can all come together to celebrate and raise needed funds for the Preschool’s Inclusion Program. At Peachtree, our goal is for inclusion to encourage a sense of community and belonging with our families, educators and children.

The Preschool just finished the six-week Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) for parents. We had over 40 parents participate in the class. It was a time for parents to be together as they studied this approach based on relationships and building the inner wealth in children. NHA provides parents a great framework for daily living through relationships.

See you at Springtime.

MISS JANE

Calendar MARCH 4-8 Winter Break - No School

11, 12, 13 Class Pictures with Anne Carr

13

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

15 Professional Development - No School

APRIL 1-5

Spring Break - No School

12

Parents’ Council Meeeting, 9:20 a.m., Studio Annex

15

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

MAY 1 New Family Orientation, 9:00 a.m., The Kellet Chapel Sanctuary

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

21

25

World Down Syndrome Day - wear crazy socks!

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

22

Springtime at Peachtree, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., The Foundry at Puritan Mill

23

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

Pound the Pavement for Peter Family Fun Run, 8:30 a.m., Capital City Club

16

Easter Family Worship Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K Classes

25 & 26

26

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

30

Dad’s Day for Toddler/Two-yearold Classes, 8:45 a.m.

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

8

20

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

9 & 10

21

Mother’s Visiting Days

13 - 17 L ast week of Peachtree Afterschool and Extended Classes

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

22 Last Day of School

JUNE 3-6

10 - 14

17 - 21

Vacation Bible School

Camp Peaches - Week 1

Camp Peaches - Week 2

From Parents’ Council: PARENTS,

Spring has (almost) sprung! This is a very exciting time of year at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool!

Spring brings lots of fun activities, and we hope you will participate and enjoy. Please be sure to check out your Room Parents’ weekly emails and the Preschool website to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Two of the Preschool’s largest and most exciting events will be here soon: Springtime at Peachtree on Friday, March 22, and the Peachtree Family Festival on Saturday, May 4. Springtime at Peachtree is “Off to the Races” themed this year and is our annual auction and gala benefitting the Preschool’s Inclusion Program. Book your babysitters and purchase your tickets now for this fun night (www. springtimeatpeachtree.org).

Peachtree Family Festival is a day of fun for the whole family! Come enjoy pony rides, face painting, bounce houses, and so much more! Please invite family members, friends, and neighbors to both of these wonderful events.

As wild as it seems, we are actually already planning for the upcoming year. Are you interested in getting involved in Parents’ Council? We would really love to have you! We are looking for committee chairs and welcome everyone who is interested.

Also, if you have any suggestions for next year, we would love to hear new ideas. Please contact me at alisongrubinas@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best, Alison Rubinas Parents’ Council Chair alisongrubinas@yahoo.com

Friendship by James Cornelius The Orange Room - Two-year-old class Acrylic on Paper, 2019

CLASS PICTURE SCHEDULE MARCH 11- MARCH 13 Monday, March 11 Arberg/Sewell/Somodean Farr/Legg/Parker Fiveash/Lindler Hathcock/Ross/Troutman Mulwee/Orme/Wasilewsky MacLane/Tilgner Nichols/Vailes Owens/Wells/Young Tuesday, March 12 Amstutz/Klitenic/Myers Beacham/Kirtland Bell/Fleetwood/Montana Bomar/Legg/Rackley Boswell/Burke/Jones Freaney/Troutman/Weber Hathcock/Ross Mulwee/Orme/Wasilewsky Thompson/Wamsley Wednesday, March 13 Barnhart/Olivier/Quintana Bohntinsky/Gross/Purcell/Traynelis Bomar/Burke/Rackley Boswell/Jones Carroll/Leete/Sarajian Freaney/Weber Hatfield/Rothschild/Underwood Justice/Williams/Wright Pope/Rhodes/Smith Thompson/Wamsley

MARCH BLESSING: God Hear My Prayer God in heaven hear my Prayer, keep me in thy loving care.

Be my guide in all I do, bless all those who love me too.

Amen Traditional Image to right Flowers by Hendrick Biggers The Orange Room, Two-year-old class Pastel on Paper

Teacher Appreciation Thank you to Rocky Mountain Pizza, owned by the long-time Preschool family - the Brautigans, for the delicious Teacher Appreciation Lunch in February!

The teachers and staff thoroughly enjoyed the pizza and salad!

Don’t forget to wear your crazy socks on March 21

Teacher Spotlight This month we are spotlighting the dynamic teaching duo of Miss. Jenny and Miss. Valerie. Jenny and Valerie have been teaching toddlers and two-year-olds together for 9 years at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool.

Valerie Thompson Birthplace / Hometown: Born in Columbus, OH and raised in Atlanta, GA

Jenny Wamsley Birthplace / Hometown: Born and raised in Chattanooga, TN

Education: The Westminster Schools and The University of Georgia

Education: Vanderbilt University

Personal: I have been married for 28 years and counting to Scot (One “T”) Thompson. I was a Flight Attendant based in Denver and New York before getting married, and I began teaching at Peachtree in 1996. I have two step-children: Adrienne, who taught here a few years ago with Courtney, and Seth, a photographer. Our son, Connor, just graduated from UNC Greensboro on a Tennis scholarship, majoring in Economics. Connor will begin Fire-Fighter /Paramedic training in Gwinnett County in March!

Personal: I married Tom in 1984, and we met when I was 13. We moved to Atlanta in 1987. I have three dear children: Tee and his wife Morgan live in Boston, MA; Callie and her fiancé Chase live in Charlotte, NC; and Lizzie is a freshman at UGA.

Claim to Fame: I painted the Sandy Springs Fire Station “Town Turtle” nicknamed “Sparky”. Also, Scot and I have 10 pets!

Favorite Quote: “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.” - Mother Teresa

CHAPEL Chapel services will be held in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Monday, March 25, and Tuesday, March 26.

Adult socks will be collected for Buckhead Christian Ministry.

Claim to Fame: My children are definitely my claim to fame, and I am thankful for them everyday!

Favorite Quote: “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family” -Mother Teresa

Dads’ Visiting Days Dads in the Three-year-old, Pre-K, and Five / Six classes were invited to spend some time in the classroom. Each class offered various experiences with the dads —including

paper airplane making, building using real tools, creating clay sculptures and exploring the school.

Parents’ Corner Kelli Francis

In early childhood, I had a friend with special needs. Paige and I were the same age, lived in the same condominium complex, and enjoyed playing together. From dressing up our dolls to learning how to play hopscotch, we filled our afternoons with fun while our parents made dinner. There were differences between us, but they didn’t matter. We just liked to play.

As we grew older, I learned that Paige has Down Syndrome. My thoughts of her continue to revolve around the laughter and joy that we found together as kids. As a result of the joyful relationship with Paige, I have been influenced on how to approach parenting my own child with special needs.

Like Paige, my daughter, Kate, has a chromosomal abnormality. I find myself trying to walk the line between understanding that she may feel separate from peers her entire life and hoping that somehow those differences won’t matter. I long for her to have pure friendships and to create happy memories with her peers. Play knows no parameters.

TOURS FOR PROSPECTIVE PARENTS Meet in the Welcome Center of the Family Commons at 9:30 a.m.

Please invite interested family and friends to attend.

To my delight, I see that kind of play and that kind of friendship budding in Kate’s young life. At her fifth birthday party a few months ago, several parents went to great lengths to make sure their children could attend. A few even said that their children asked them to exchange the initial gift they’d bought for Kate, insisting that they knew of something that Kate would like better!

I’m grateful for the purity and dignity of childhood friendship. I hold out hope that as my daughter gets older and has a better understanding of differences, the innocence of childhood memories will remain untouched, as they did for me. Empathy teaches us the importance of seeing others, but friendship delivers a greater gift … the experience of being enjoyed, pure and simple.

UPCOMING TOUR DATES: Wednesday, March 13 Friday, April 26 Wednesday, May 8 Visit us online for more information: www.PeachtreePresbyterianPreschool.org

Artist Market Calling all artisits - If you are an artist or know of any local talent please consider registering to be a vendor at our Artists’ Market. Space is limited. Sign up online at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

MAY 4, 2019 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. (RAIN OR SHINE) PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE TODAY WWW.PEACHTREEPRESBYTERIANPRESCHOOL.ORG

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 lend, please email Nora Guild, noraguild@gmail.com.

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

Please contact Erica Schwalm at ericalcs@me.com for volunteer opportunities.

Educator Exchange Day “A teacher has a unique role.… It is not the role of mother or therapist or peer, but that of one who values learners and learning professionally.” David Hawkins On January 31, Peachtree welcomed educators from fifteen schools in the southeast. Together with the Preschool staff and colleagues from Project Infinity schools, over 180 educators came together to focus on “Listening as a Premise for Every Learning Relationship”.

Here are a few responses, taken from the evaluations, which we feel are representative of the participants thinking:

The Educator Exchange Day was envisioned as one way to share experiences within a reciprocal exchange format. Teachers from the Five/Six Program shared work connected to building relationships and the value of listening through encounters with the “Sculpture”. Teachers from four classrooms and the Studio team engaged in informal sharing with participants.

Classroom exchange and reflection time was a valued time of the day.

“It was wonderful to see the layout of the art studios and outdoor space and to hear about how the children spend time encountering materials and nature.” Teacher from The Cathedral Preschool

We believe that if education is conceived not as a set of rigid methods but as an evolving and advancing knowledge-building process based on active research collaboratively interpreted, then opportunities for discussion and exchange among educators is crucial.

We appreciate the feedback of calleagues which gave us an opportunity to articulate values connected to organization, a sense of belonging and children’s connections to identity and nature: “I was surprised by the organization of the studio.”

“I noticed all the photos of the children, their names throughout the room and their work on display. You could really tell that the children lived in that room.”

“I was blown away by the outdoor space. I know that growing up, I really connected with nature and believe that children should have opportunities to be outside.”

“It is so valuable to see other schools and talk to educators in the ‘thick of it’.”

Teacher from Seeds of Wonder Journey School

“I really enjoyed being able to speak with the staff and ask questions. “ Teacher from Seeds of Wonder Journey School “It is wonderful to see such and inviting environment. I am inspired to add more opportunities for rich exploration.”

Teacher from The Cathedral Preschool “I really enjoyed seeing the ideas of how things work inside the classroom. It was helpful to see the actual applications of the concepts.” Educator Exchange Day participant “I am really interested in the big books that you are using for documentation. I like how children are part of the process and that you use it to revisit the work.”

Educator from Grant Park Cooperative Preschool This exchange amoung educators will continue at the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) Summer Conference in Atlanta on June 27-29. In connection with this conference, Project Infinity will be hosting the exhibit from Reggio Emilia, Italy, “The Wonder of Learning-The Hundred Languages of Children” beginning in June.

Book Review I Need a Hug

by Aaron Blabey In I Need a Hug, a tiny porcupine just wants a cuddle. All of the other animals turn him away because of his prickly spikes. But finally the porcupine meets an animal who’s happy to hug -- a snake!

Rich with author-illustrator Aaron Blabey’s signature rhyming text and unforgettably splendid illustrations, I Need a Hug is a sweet story about friendship and learning not to judge a book by its cover.

POUND THE PAVEMENT FOR PETER Save the Date: March 23, 2019 What: A Family Fun Run. Pound the Pavement for Peter is a Family 5K Fun Run which started in 2009 in honor of Peter Hopkins, who, suffering from a Peroxisomal Disorder (PBD), lived his life with many disabilities, and eventually lost his life at age 3. This event is held to raise awareness and funds to help families and children with disabilities and debilitating diseases.

Place: Capital City Club, Brookhaven Time: 8:30 a.m. Registration Begins at 7:30 a.m.

REGISTER FOR CAMP PEACHES! www.PeachtreePresbyterianPreschool.org JUNE 10-14 & JUNE 17-21 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 28,2019, 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, 2019. Refund prior to May 15, 2019, will incur a $25 processing fee.

SUPERHEROES CLUB SUMMER CAMP

Superheroes Club is designed to reinforce and expand key interpersonal skills that make learning easier and the classroom more productive. We focus on age-appropriate concepts like sharing, turn taking, problem solving and creating play schemes together with peers. Most importantly, we believe that self-confidence is key and if we empower children, they will become the super heroes that they were born to be!

CAMPS JULY 15-19 JULY 22-26 HOURS 9:00-12:00 FEE $350 PER WEEK Contact Katie Troutman for questions and registration information. kntroutman23@gmail.com 678-908-5663

Afternoon of Stories The fifth annual Afternoon of Stories was held on February 10. On a bleak winter afternoon, the Preschool was full of excitement as we welcomed children and families. The school was transformed into a space of imagination: full of magic, whimsy and joy. Over 250 people enjoyed classic

and new stories told in the oral tradition.

Over 45 staff and parents participated as storytellers, assistants, set designers and audience. The commitment to craft the Afternoon of Stories is illustrative of the dedication to early childhood held by staff and families.

Afternoon of Stories The children were excited to munch on snacks as the stories came alive, and we are grateful to Bitsy’s, the official snack of the afternoon.

We encourage you to tell stories to each other at home. Studies reinforce the impor-

tance of oral storytelling in the development of an individual’s social and emotional abilities, cognitive growth, as well as their language skills. Socially and emotionally, oral storytelling is much more personal than telling a story using a book.

“ The wider the range of possibilitieswe offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.�

-Loris Malaguzzi

GET READY TO BID ON ITEMS LIKE THESE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE AT THE PRESCHOOL’S 8TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT!

HELMET

SIGNED BY JULIO JONES PLUS FALCONS TICKETS COTTAGE IN

CAPE COD FOR 7 NIGHTS! NEWLY RENOVATED WATERFRONT HOME IN CHATHAM, MASSACHUSETTS. SLEEPS 6

SPRINGTIME

IS COMING

AND YOU NEED TICKETS! MARCH 22, 2019 | 7:00 PM THE FOUNDRY AT PURITAN MILL TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:

WWW.SPRINGTIMEATPEACHTREE.ORG

IN-HOME DINNER WITH

CHEF BRADFORD PLUS WINE PAIRINGS 4-COURSE MEAL FOR 8 WITH AN IN-HOME CHEF, PLUS 12 BOTTLES OF WINE, PAIRED WITH MENU