March 2023 Newsletter

YOUR ASSIGNMENT ?

Friday THE Twenty-Four OF March AT The Foundry

Image by: Frankie Stelling | The Sky Room | My Octopus Tree | Pre-K class

DEAR FAMILIES,

Peachtree’s focus on professional development is central to our mission. This past Friday, approximately 230 educators from Peachtree and the other Project Infinity schools came together in Greenville, SC, to grow in professional development and the understanding of the Reggio Emilia Approach. During the summer, 26 Peachtree educators will also be going on a Reggio Emilia Study Tour to learn to, with, and from educators from around the world.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Springtime at Peachtree this coming Friday, March 24. 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.

See you at Springtime.

MARCH

24

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

25

Pound the Pavement for Peter, Capital City Country Club, 8:30 a.m.

3- 7

SPRING BREAK, NO SCHOOL

13

Prospective Parent Tour, 9:30 a.m., Lobby of the Family Commons

MAY

6

Peachtree Family Festival, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

10 New Family Orientation, 9:00 a.m., Kellett Chapel

11-12

Mother’s Visiting Days

27

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

28

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

19 - 20

Diaper Drive benefiting The Grocery Spot

20

Dad’s Day for Toddlers and Twoyear old classes, 8:45 a.m.

15-19

Last Week of Extended Day Pre-K, Five/Six and all Peachtree Afterschool classes

16

New Family Orientation, 9:00 a.m., Kellett Chapel

18

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

POUND THE PAVEMENT FOR PETER

Save the Date: March 25, 2023

29

Dad’s Day for Three-year-old classes, 8:45 a.m.

21

Dad’s Day for Toddlers and Twoyear old classes, 8:45 a.m.

19

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

24

Last Day of School and Peachtree Pals

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. Peter was a loved student at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool prior to his passing. This event is held to raise awareness and funds to help families and children with disabilities and debilitating diseases. For more information, www.poundthepavementforpeter.com.

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

From Parents’ Council:

PARENTS,

Spring is such an exciting time of year at Peachtree! We have many exciting activities and events coming up and we hope your family will join in the fun. Please be sure to check out your Room Parents’ weekly emails and the Preschool website and social media to make sure you don’t miss a thing! You may be rewarded by finding cute photos of your student’s day with their friends.

One of our most anticipated events is just around the corner - Springtime at Peachtree on Friday, March 24 at the Foundry at Puritan Mill! This is the 11th annual gala and auction that benefits Peachtree’s unique inclusion program. We will have a Bond-themed casino night with games, food, dancing, live and silent auction, and more. We can’t wait to see you at this memorable night!

The annual Peachtree Family Festival is on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will have inflatables, face painting, games, rides and more to celebrate the school year. This event is so much fun for all of our families and definitely a day you do not want to miss! Since the event is completely parent run, please plan on volunteering for a shift to help. You will receive more information from your room parents, but go ahead and mark your calendars now.

If you can believe it, 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 for the 2023-2024 school year 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 erin.istanbulluoglu@ gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

All the best,

256.412.4541

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

EASTER CHAPEL

Chapel services will be held in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28.

No donations will be collected for Chapel this month.

BUY A RAFFLE for a chance to win

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

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

MERCEDES BENZ STADIUM

SECTION 111, ROW 15

10,000 SQ FT OF CLUB SPACE, UPSCALE DINING AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS, DEDICATED RESTROOMS, COMFORTABLE CUSIONED SEATS AND PRIVATE ENTRANCE $100 TICKET IN SUPPORT OF THE INCLUSION PROGRAM

DO NOT HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN

For the Foodies

In-Home Private Sushi Party for 16 with bartender from Sushi Party Atlanta

Bites By Eydt Private Chef Dinner for 12

Private Wine Dinner for 8 at Nick’s Westside

In-Home Tequila Tasting for 10 with Proximo Spirits

In-Home Habachi Experience for 6 by Chef Steve

Pasta Making Class for 6 by Bastone

For the Travel Lover

7 Day stay in a 4 bedroom home in Cabo overlooking the Sea of Cortez Staycation at Avalon with dinner for 2 at The Cape

Athens Weekend Getaway

Disney World VIP Guided Tour

For the Entertainment & Sports Enthusiasts

$100 Raffle Ticket for a chance to win 2 Taylor Swift Club Level Seats

2 Tickets to Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour

Set Visit to Will Smith’s Latest Film including Lunch with Executive Producer

4 Atlanta United Tickets for a Home Game with Delta Club Access

2-Hour Play for 6 from Intown Golf

North Georgia Trout Fly Fishing 1/2 Day Trip

For the Fashionistas

Custom Suit by JMac Clothiers

“Let’s Bond” Private Jewelry Party from Bond Jewelry Anna King & Co. One Room Makeover

For Kids and Family Crowd

$4,000 United Nanny Agency Gift Card

After School Music Party with Ms. Sarah - 8 slots available

Luxury Bounce House Full Day Rental from Luxe Bounce Peach Pit Gymnastics Birthday Party

Rested - 3 Nights of Peaceful Sleep for Newborn Parents

For the Art Devotees

Steve Penley Black & White Statue of Liberty Painting

Mary Elizabeth Ellenburg Chandelier Painting

Casey McGraw Custom Watercolor Portrait

Pre-K and Five/Six Dad’s Visiting Day

The Creek Room, Pre-K, The Trick of Shadows

One day the children in the Creek Room, Pre-K, were excited to find shadows on the play yard. Intrigued by the shadows made by the trees, slides, and rocks, they began an investigation. In particular, the children talked about their shadows. They were fascinated by the fact that the shadows moved when the light source or object moved. They gave attributes to the shadows that reflected their thinking and theories.

“It is like your shadow is helping you. If you have a shovel and are digging, then your shadow has a shovel and helps you dig.”- Cece “My shadow is strong!”-Cece

When you are holding hands with your friends, then your shadows are holding hands and are friends as well.”- Sebastian “Shadows are reflections.” Cate

On days when the sun was not out, the children wondered where the shadows went and asked, is the sun the only thing that can make a shadow? The children had prior experiences with light sources in the classroom, so the teachers invited them to explore shadows in the studio using different forms of light and objects. They worked with natural materials and crystals to cast shadows. They took time to observe the shadows, sketch what they saw, and make discoveries in the process.

“When you go up with the flashlight, the circle is bigger. When you go closer, the circle is smaller.” Abby Vance

“I noticed when I hold the flashlight so high, the light almost disappears.” Vic

The teachers thought about the children’s encounters, noting that the children understood that a shadow is a dark area where an object blocks light. With this in mind, they invited the children to capture the shadow of a pathos vine. The sunlight streamed in from the window, as well as from a light that was nearby. With this invitation, the children encountered the three-dimensional plant, the two-dimensional shadow, and the reverse projection of the object blocking the light. It was a thought-provoking encounter, indeed!

The vine and its shadow moved as the children explored the plant, positioning the vines to meet their desires. As time passed, the light and the shadow advanced, and the vines seemed to multiply! Then, suddenly, feeling as though the vines were playing a trick, the studio teacher wondered if they should trick the vines in return. She asked the children, “what if we turn the two-dimensional shadow vines back into three-dimensional vines, like real pathos? How could we do that?” The children suggested a material they know well; clay would serve as the trickster material, and work continued, fueled by the delight of playing a trick on shadows.

So, as spring arrives and shadows abound, we invite you to see what tricks the shadows are playing, and perhaps you will be inspired to play a trick in return.

Preschool Camps 2023

In addition to Camp Peaches, Peachtree offers a variety of camps during the Weeks of July 10, July 17, and July 24. All children must be at least Threeyears-old by February 28, 2023. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to Katie Manning at kmanning@peachtreepreschool.org.

Studio Art Camp: Week of July 10-13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ($325.00)

Studio Art Camp: Week of July 24-27, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ($325.00)-

WAITLIST

Music Camp: Week of July 10-13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ($325.00)

Music Camp: Week of July 17-20, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ($325.00)

Rising Kindergarten Camp: Week of July 24-28, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ($375.00)

FUNdamentals: Week of July 10-14, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ($375.00)

FUNdamentals: Week of July 17-21, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ($375.00)

Social Detectives: Week of July 10 - 14, 9:00 a.m.1:00 p.m. ($400.00)

For more information or to register visit www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

Book Review-

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by

Ibtihaj Muhammad.

Peachtree Educator, Miss Callie, and her three-year-old daughter, Luna, share a book review of “The Proudest Blue.” One of our favorite books we have recently been reading before bedtime is The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad. The values demonstrated and illustrated in this book are powerful and create opportunities for conversation with our daughter, Luna, that we feel are essential to the foundation of her character. It is so important to value the differences in other people and learn about why people do what they do and how that makes them special. The central issue in “The Proudest Blue” is the older sister wearing a hijab to school for the first time. It allows our daughter to see a strong, proud, confident female and how she reacts when others don’t treat her compassionately. The clear bond between older sister and younger sister is also compelling, as the younger sister wants to be just like the older sister. Our daughter looks forward to this book and is able to relate to being unique, how to treat people, how to react to other people when they don’t treat people well, and how important family is.

Afternoon of Stories

An invitation to go “Into the Woods” is a call to imagine, discover, and dream, and that is exactly what over 220 families and educators did at the annual Afternoon of Stories. A beautiful sunny day in February offered us the perfect opportunity to come together to share laughs, giggles, shutters, shakes, and delight as we ventured bravely into unfamiliar worlds.

The classrooms transformed into faraway places filled with flora, fauna, and magical adventures. Multiple story paths led families through five unique stories curated by educators to highlight the connection of nature to the art of storytelling. The commitment to participate in the Afternoon of Stories illustrates the dedication of staff and

Afternoon of Stories

families to be present with children through storytelling and the desire to be a part of the Preschool community. We are grateful to the families of the school who shared this critical time with us as eager audience members, story companions, and support to the storying telling crew.

We invite you to continue the joy of sharing stories in your homes through story books, personal stories, and oral storytelling. “Storytelling is something that lies deep inside you. It’s your birthright as a human being.” — Silke Rose West & Joseph Sarosy, How to Tell Stories to Children.

Border Crossings

Reggio Children exhibitions, created in collaboration with the Reggio Emilia Istituzione of Municipal Preschools and Infant-toddler Centers, and translated into several languages, are instruments of professional growth, research and communication. "Bordercrossings" is an exhibition-atelier that tells the story of research done between digital and nature in Reggio Emilia’s Infant-toddler centers and preschools, with the intention of bringing their respective complexities together. (Reggio Children website).

Having the exhibition and atelier at the Preschool allows adults educators to study and discover the intersection between technology and nature. With new experiences in hand, they can create learning contexts highlighting technology and nature in their classrooms.

In addition, it offers children opportunities to work with technological tools to get closer to nature and make incredible discoveries. We are in the early stages of our research and intend to continue it into next year. As we move forward, we hope to open up more opportunities for children and adults to encounter the borders between technology and nature, real and unreal, scientific and imagined, and the unknown and known. We can’t wait to cross the borders into an interesting world!

MAY, 6 2023 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. (SHINE ONLY)

The Peachtree Family Festival is a joyful day of carnival games, delicious food, an artisan market, and more!

Mark your calendars for the Peachtree Family Festival! This wonderful event features bounce houses, activities and games, music, artisan market, face painting, and more! Your children won’t want to miss it and neither will you!

Planning for the festival is currently underway. This is a great way to help with a fun event and to get to know other parents.

Please reach out to Bonnie Sugrue (bonnie.g.sugrue@gmail.com) for more information about the Artisan Market

If you are interested in helping, please reach out to:

Kate Hays (khays213@gmail.com) or Emily Cook (emilyghammond@gmail.com).

We are Hiring!

We are currently looking for innovative teachers to work with young children. Experience in early childhood settings with a disposition to work collaboratively is required. Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia Approach or willingness to learn is desired.

We offer a competitive salary, maternity pay, complimentary gym membership, and professional development experiences with Reggio-inspired educators in Atlanta, North America, and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Please email resume to: Jane Montgomery

jmontgomery@peachtreepreschool.org