October 1 2015 Newsletter

October 2015

calendar

October 1 — Parents’ Night party for the Twoyear-old classes, 7:00 p.m.

October 2 — Parents’ Council Meeting, 9:15 a.m., Studio Annex October 5— Love and Logic Series, 9:30 a.m., Studio Annex October 8 - Prospective Parent Tour, 9:30 a.m.

October 8 — Parents’ Night party for the Threeyear-old classes, 7:00 p.m.

October 12 - Columbus Day - no school

October 14 & 15—Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) Food Drive

October 15 — Parents’ Night party for the Pre-K and Five/Six classes, 7:00 p.m.

Dear Parents, Fall is one of the best times for families. The weather is perfect for lots of outdoor experiences such as playing in the leaves or going apple picking. Children have settled into school routines, and there is a pleasantness about the season.

At the Preschool, we are welcoming three “girls” to the Outdoor Classroom. The girls are chickens, and one is a White Sultan.

We are partnering with CityChick who will provide a coop, organic feed and weekly assistance. Stop by and take a look!

October 16 - Project Infinty Whole Day Staff Meeting - No School

We are announcing a plan for a natural playground space in the next month. The Preschool is currently working with two architects to decide on the plan. More information will be provided to families when the design work is completed.

October 19—Love and Logic, 9:30 a.m., Studio Annex

It has been a pleasure to be with your children!

October 21 - Prospective Parent Tour, 9:30 a.m.

Miss Jane

October 21—Wellness Coffee Chat, 11 a.m., Studio Annex October 21—Vision Screening for Pre-K and Five/Six Students conducted by Prevent Blindness Georgia October 22—Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, Five/Six and M-F Pre-K Classes

October 23—Chapel Service, 9:20 a.m., Sanctuary, MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Threeyear-old Classes October 26—Love and Logic, 9:30 a.m., Studio Annex October 27—Halloween Parades, 9:20 a.m., Fellowship Hall, Five/Six and Pre-K Classes October 28—Halloween Parades, 9:20 a.m., Fellowship Hall, MWF Pre-K Classes, M-F and MWF Three-year-old Classes October 29—Parent/Teacher Conversations T/ Th Classes - No School for T/Th Classes

October 30—Parent/Teacher Conversations M-F, MWF and WF classes - No School

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Parents, Wow! What a great start to the school year! We hope the first month of school has been enjoyable, and that everyone is settling into routines. October is full of exciting activities! The next Parents’ Council meeting will be held on Friday, October 2, at 9:15 a.m. in the Studio Annex. All are welcome, and we encourage anyone interested in learning more about Parents’ Council to join us.

Our Parents’ Night Out parties are a great way for parents to get to know one another in a fun, casual setting! We’d like to thank our fabulous hosts for opening up their homes. Thank you to Amy and Trey Clayton (Toddler Party), Lindsey and Ryan Schoultz (Two-year-old Party), Carla and Jeff Geiger (Three-year-old Party), and Julie and Tucker Greene (Pre-K and Five/Six Party).

I would also like to thank everyone who volunteered to serve as Room Resource Parents, serve on any of the various Parents’ Council committees, and/or those of you who signed up to help in your classroom in some capacity! All of your efforts are so greatly appreciated! We still have available spots on several committees and invite any interested parents to please contact me. Specifically, we are looking for more volunteers for Teacher Appreciation, Art Studio, and Outreach.

The October Food Drive is an opportunity to teach children to give back to their communities.

During carpool on October 14 and 15, volunteers will be present to collect food to fill the pantry at Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM). BCM, a not-for-profit ministry, is supported by area churches, providing emergency financial assistance and food to families in crisis. We encourage families to participate in this outreach effort by bringing non-perishable food items. An itemized list will be distributed prior to the food drive.

Rebecca Blanchette Parents’ Council Chair rblanchette23@gmail.com

@PtreePresPreschool www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

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halloween parades Halloween parades for the Three-year-old, Pre-K and Five/Six classes are scheduled for October 27 and 28, starting at 9:20 a.m.. Parents and friends are invited to come and watch as children parade in the Fellowship Hall, Room 2207, to show their costumes.

Parade Schedules: Tuesday, October 27 Five/Six and M-F Pre-K Wednesday, October 28 MWF Pre-K, M-F and MWF Three-year-old classes

chapel The October chapel speaker will be Cat Mcafee, Executive Director of La Amistad at Peachtree Presbyterian Church.

The October Chapel services will be in the Sanctuary at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, September 23.

Each month, students are encouraged to participate in an outreach project by bringing toiletry items for the City of Refuge. October’s item is toothbrush and/or toothpaste.

Because Toddlers and Two-year-olds are easily overwhelmed by people in costume, they will not participate in the parades.

food drive - october 14 and 15 A food drive for the Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) will take place on Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15 during morning carpool. BCM has a critical need for non-perishable food items and hygiene items.

BCM clients often use public transportation, and small cans of food (15 oz. or less) are usually easier for clients to carry long distances. Items that are always needed include: dry milk, canned tuna or chicken, canned spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, soup, jam or jelly.

october blessing Lord, we come before you in thanks for the gifts you have given. The color of the season reminds us of the beauty you alone can create.

We are thankful for the food you provide in the harvest. You filled the earth with your gifts.

You have blessed us. We are grateful, Lord, and will never stop singing your praises.

Amen

Mica Garbarino

The teachers enjoyed a lunch catered by Lovies Barbecue in September. Lovies is locally owned & operated and is in the heart of Buckhead just around the corner from the Preschool. Thank you to following teacher appreciation committee members for their contributions to the September lunch: Rebecca Blanchette, Kate Castellaw, Trish Campbell, Marci Ehrlich, Kristen Entrekin, Melissa Gordon, Tricia Matthews, Anjali Mosteller, Janett Park, Wallis Ronchetti, Lindsey Smithson, Gina Teliho, and Jennifer Williams.

Our committee is still in need of volunteers, so please let us know if you would like to join!

Thanks!

Kate, Liza & Morgan

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school-wide intentions -building a sense of belonging The children and the teachers in the Sky room have been discussing the idea of “sky” in an effort to bulid a sense of belonging to the classroom and deepen the children’s relationships with peers and teachers.

Quotes from the children: “God changes the colors in the sky because He wants to make the trees and flowers and plants grow.” Spencer “The sky is dark pink when the sun is out and then it goes back to normal. Normal is blue and sunny.” John “God wants the sky to look beautiful.”- Holly “God changes the colors in the sky because He is powerful.” - Ava Grace “God rose from death and He is in the sky. He is always with you.” - Spencer “God lives in the sky. He has wings but you can’t see.” - Abe “Grandma is in the sky.” - Gardner “I think they are partying a lot up there.” - Gardner “It changes because it is the sky and God makes it.” -Wells

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sustainability Tip of the Month

Prospective Parent Tour Tours of Peachtree offers prospective parents an opportunity to visit the school and learn about the Preschool’s philosophy, while seeing students participating in class activies. Tours meet in the Welcome Center at the Family Commons at 9:30 a.m.

Please invite any interested friends and family to attend a tour. Reservations are not required.

When celebrating Halloween this month, be sure to avoid face paints that contain lead. Most parents have no idea that many common brands contain lead and that some brands have tested for high levels of lead, a heavy metal that is toxic to the brain. There are no “safe” levels of lead. Finding out if your paint contains lead can be tricky, so we suggest choosing from these lead-free brands:

Upcoming Dates: Thursday, October 8 Wednesday, October 21 Thursday, November 5 Monday, November 16 Wednesday, December 2

Terra Firma Face Paint: www.terrafirmacosmetics.com/naturalfacepaint. html

Please contact Clara Hackney with any questions at 404-842-5809 or chackney@peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org

Pink Quartz Minerals Face Paint: www.pinkquartzminerals.net/Stageand-Halloween-Costume-MakeupBase-and-4-Colors-Your-Choice-hallg. htm

Giotto Face Paint Pencils: www.terrafirmacosmetics.com/naturalfacepaint.html

For a DIY recipe at home – try this:

Tuition The second tuition payment for the 2015-2016 school year is due on or before Monday, November 2, 2015. Payment invoices have been mailed to families.

1 tsp cornstarch ½ tsp water ½ tsp all natural diaper rash cream or a cold cream 1-2 drops natural/ organic food coloring In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch. Add baby cream and food color and mix a bit more.

Receipt for payment of tuition and fees Upon request, the Preschool will gladly issue a receipt containing the amount paid and the program’s tax identification number.

Requirements of flexible spending plans vary, so please specify the exact information needed when requesting a receipt.

References: www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=584 www.safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=397

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wellness coffee chat Please join Kelly Haner, Peachtree Presbyterian mom, as she hosts a Wellness Coffee Chat with Heather Walsh, President of Organic Fundraising and Truly Healthy Baby. Discussion will include simple daily changes that can boost immunity and reduce toxic exposures for the entire family.

Heather will also have yummy food samples to taste. Everyone who attends will be entered in a drawing to take home a FREE box of Nature’s Garden fresh vegetables and fruits! The chat will be held October 21 at 11:00 a.m. in the Studio Annex.

FAMILY MINI PHOTO SESSIONS October 24 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lenox Park photographer Shannon Bell Go to www.clicksofloveatlanta.com to sign up today!

The following resources are now available on the Preschool website using the login information provided on the inside cover of parent packets: The Preschool Handbook Parents’ Council Officers and Committee Chairs Room Resource Parent List Student Forms www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org/parents Bound copies of the directory have been sent home in the children’s bags. . 6 .

parents’ council events Springtime in the City March 18, 2016

7-11 p.m.

The Biltmore Ballrooms Please join new friends and old as we celebrate together at “Springtime in the City”, the fifth annual fundraiser benefiting the Adaptive Learning Center and Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool. Delicious food, fantastic live music, exciting silent and live auction items, plus a few new surprises promise for a memorable evening in Atlanta!

The Springtime in the City committee is already fast at work planning this fabulous night-time auction which benefits the Adaptive Learning Center and Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool. Sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Please contact Jacqui Carlyle at jacquicarlyle@me.com or Jennifer Champion at jenchamp7@gmail.com with any questions.

Spring Fling April 30, 2016

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Peachtree Presbyterian Church Please join the Peachtree Community, rain or shine, for the annual Spring Fling, It is a parent run volunteer event, and we cannot do it without you! You won’t want to miss the fun games: the race track, cake walk, face painting, moon walks, character sightings and so much more!

Please contact Stacey Noell at staceywnoell@gmail.com or Christina West at westcv2@gmail.com with any questions.

peachtree pride

The Parents’ Council offers Peachtree Pride Wear. These adorable T-shirts are available in youth sizes XS-L in either pink or blue for $10. Car magnets are also available for $5. Shop online at www.peachtreepresbyterianpreschool.org or contact Whitney Mulwee at whitney.mulwee@gmail.com to order your Peachtree Pride wear or magnet. . 7 .

five ways to make learning visible at home Adults are not always sure how to respond to or take full advantage of the opportunity for learning when children ask them a question or show them a piece of work. The methods listed below offer simple suggestions for what family members can say or do to encourage children to deepen and share their thinking, learn from and with others, and take ownership of their learning.

1. Don’t answer, ask questions! When your child asks a question, don’t give the answer. Instead, ask, “What do you think?”

2. Encourage group learning at home! Ask children to come up with answers or solutions together with siblings, friends, or classmates. Turn homework into family homework and learn together.

3. Write it down! When children bring home special artwork, ask him or her to describe the work. Write down what the child says and store the documentation with the artwork. Or, write a short quote from the child below the work itself and frame it all together.

4. Take pictures! Photograph children playing at home, helping to cook, on a trip, or doing ordinary activities.

Print the photographs and discuss them with children. Ask questions such as, “Tell me about this. How did it feel doing this? Why did this happen?” Document what the child says during reflection time.

5. Extend the learning! When a child is really excited about a school project or takes an intense interest in something, take some time to research it further at the library, the museum, the park or appropriate location.

Source: Visible Learners: Promoting Reggio-Inspired Approaches in All Schools - Ben Mardell, Mara Krechersky,

Melissa Rirard & Daniel Wilson.

keep the conversation going Make conversations with children go back and forth at least five times. Ask questions that both build on what children have said that they will want to answer. Also, make comments that show your interest and wait expectantly for a response. The longer children stay in a conversation, the more practice, feedback and information they get - all of which build their language skills.

Tips for Parents: Daily Activities - Ask your child to help you unpack groceries and encourage conversation by asking which food items they like best. Keep the conversation going back and forth for five or more turns.

Pretend Play - Pretend with children to encourage conversation. For example, throw a blanket over a table and make a tent. Crawl under the table and watch the conversation take off!

Reading books - Share a book about something that a child has experienced, like getting a new pet or going to the beach. Have a conversation about those experiences.

On the go - While getting ready to go shopping, encourage conversation about the items being purchased. Keep the conversation going for at least five turns.

Source: The Hanen Centre - Hanen Early Language Program . 8 .