Winter 2024-25 Biscuit's Bulletin

WINTER 2025

BISCUIT'S BULLETIN SAINT ANNE'S DAY SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

FROM THE DIRECTOR In This Issue THANKSGIVING

BOOK FAIR

SNOW DAYS

LUNAR NEW YEAR

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

SWEETHEART BREAKFAST

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS

ANNUAL FUND

Dear Day School Community, Happy New Year! The Winter edition of Biscuit’s Bulletin is packed with examples of the love, wonder, and growth ever present at Saint Anne’s Day School. Again, we are publishing right as we go into school break, so you have time to enjoy the newsletter with family and friends. I hope you take a few moments while at the beach, after a day on the slopes, or simply sitting at the kitchen table to read each article and cherish the wonderful learning community we create together.

Since our last issue, we have had several community events and celebrations, including the Sweetheart Breakfast. It was amazing to return to the old format of gathering together in Parish Hall to enjoy refreshments and interactive songs with the children and their sweethearts. Be sure to see information about our upcoming events, the Spring Soiree and Day School Dash. POPs has been working nonstop to make both unforgettable.

This winter, the school engaged in cultural experiences that built community, expanded our funds of knowledge, and inspired creative expression. We celebrated the Lunar New Year, welcoming good fortune and happiness with a parade that featured the children as a beautiful dragon. Also, several classrooms explored science and engineering concepts through their studies of the traffic light, blood banks, and potato chips during Black History Month. Children designed roadways, discussed temperature and cooking times, and examined the human circulatory system by “making” blood.

In this edition, we take a closer look at some of the beauty and joy of child-led learning and the depth of learning in teacher-facilitated projects. In the Classroom Feature, the Birdhouse Room explains how they build individual and collective identity through their yearlong exploration of birds. These rich learning experiences emerge out of our commitment to professional development. The Teaching Practices Specialists article spotlights their ongoing work with educators to bring the very best to our children.

All of the magic of the Day School is made through the combined efforts of educators, families, parishioners, and friends. In our Family Feature, we highlight the Zucchero Family, whose members fill all those roles. Thank you to everyone who donated to our successful Annual Fund campaign and POPs for everything they do to support the school through community building and fundraising.

Happy Winter Break!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Rhonda Mitchell Director

Behind the Bulletin Emily Brown Teaching Practices Specialist Editor, Classroom & Community Correspondent Contributors Rhonda Mitchell, Erised Quintas

To subscribe to Biscuit's Bulletin, or if you have photos, stories, or memories of Saint Anne's to share, e-mail: alumni@saintannesdayschool.com.

THANKSGIVING This Thanksgiving, the Day School reflected on the many things we’re grateful for. Whether through thoughtful projects, delicious feasts, or enjoying each other's company, our Thanksgiving celebrations reminded us all of the importance of kindness, gratitude, and community.

BOOK FAIR & HOLIDAY MARKET The holidays bring joy to children in so many ways. A favorite at Saint Anne’s is the Book Fair, along with the accompanying Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad. Books and a tasty treat pair perfectly with the magic of the season! We also featured out first Holiday Market, showcasing locally owned small businesses from our community.

SNOW DAYS January brought us an Atlanta rarity: a weekend of snow! Many of our children got to experience this joy for the first time. The special weekend was celebrated throughout the school, with children excited to share their adventures and continue in the fun.

LUNAR NEW YEAR At the start of the year, the children explored the traditions of Chinese New Year. Excited groups across the ages took part in learning about customs, designing their own creations, and enjoying delicious foods! The Nesting and Grove 3's ended the week with a parade from classroom to classroom, sharing good fortune and happiness through chocolate coins. The year of the snake symbolizes wisdom and intuition, which can be seen through the halls of the school!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH This February, our school celebrated Black History Month, honoring the incredible contributions, achievements, and stories of Black people throughout history. Powerful lessons, experiments, books, and investigations help us explore the impact of individuals in fields like science, art, politics, and social justice.

SunRiver: George Crum and the Potato Chip The SunRiver Room read about George Crum and the legend of his potato chip invention before taste testing Saratoga Chips!

Girasol: Garrett Morgan and the Stoplight Children in the Girasol Room explored Garrett Morgan and his invention of the three-position traffic signal. They created observation drawings, made their own traffic lights, and used traffic signals in their own cities and towns.

Nesting: Dr. Charles Drew and Blood Banks Nesting Room learned about Dr. Charles Drew and how he discovered a way to save blood to be used at a later time to help the sick. Using every day ingredients, they created their own “blood” to store in a classroom “bank.”

SWEETHEART BREAKFAST Valentine’s Day was made that much sweeter with the return of a Saint Anne’s tradition, Sweetheart Breakfast. With special visitors, sweet treats, themed art exploration and a special concert from Ms. Melissa Sebel (Music Teacher), memories were made and the love was felt around the building.

STUDIO: BUTTERFLY ROOM Fine Motor Fun with with Toddlers The Butterfly Room (Toddlers) had a visit from our Studio Educators, Lindsey and Grace. Embracing growth and changing development in the new year, they offered fine motor oppotunities for our youngest learners to engage in.

“With our Butterfly friends, we wanted to do a loose parts check in on their fine motor skills. We offered two provocations.”

Fine Motor Treasure Hunt

Peg-In-The-Hole

The first was a bit of a treasure hunt; we buried gems, animals, stones, prisms, and other colorful tiny things in either kinetic sand or wet play sand, and presented it to friends after discussing all the things we do with our hands. Each friend had their own style of exploring their treasure chests: some fixated on one type of treasure (animals, stones, gems), and some went fully in, finding a new treasure every second. We offered friends a bucket to ker-plunk their treasures in, which some did gleefully, while others kept their found treasures to themselves.

Other patterns we noticed during this provocation: the joy of exploring textures, using tools (sea shells and tiny spoons for scooping and moving the sand), the regulation and calmness that came when someones hands were deep in the sand, cooperation and sharing of treasure boxes, the desire to communicate what they'd found, whether by name or color, and some imaginative play (sharks eating fish, fish eating cake).

We borrowed this peg board from Allison East; she and her husband made it together years ago when she was still a classroom teacher. She also lent us golf tees, the perfect fit for the peg board holes.

We set the board up, and offered it alongside a bowl of tees, sat back, and watched. We were shocked at how confidently friends approached the board, and even took direction. For instance, some tried first with the flat end of the tee, but simply by telling them to try the other way, they were able to correct and move forward, mastering the process. Many friends got into flow states with the peg board and repeated the process time and again.

Lindsey Glass and Grace Mantle, Studio Educators

“In the Studio we strive to remember that what a certain group of children couldn't do at the beginning of the year doesn't limit what they can do now; we want to offer ever-evolving opportunities.”

DESIGN THINKING: BRIDGE ROOM The Bridge Room (Pre-K) features a unique and exciting Design Thinking area. One of the Bridge Room educators, Annie Bryan, answered some questions about what this meaningful space brings to the environment and the children.

Make Up Kit

Trae Young

Unicorn

Ball Launcher

What inspired your love of Tinkering as an educator?

My co-teacher at a previous school introduced me to the concept of tinkering/design thinking. I remember watching this open-ended concept come to life through the children’s creativity and curiosity. It became clear to me how important, meaningful and intentional the art of experimentation is. Watching their interests emerge in a tactile way, versus traditional teaching methods, provided me with a new perspective and outlook on my own teaching practices and the “why” behind them. There is always a “why” behind what the children create. This ever-present “why” provides us (educators) with a steady reminder to remain purposeful in what we do.

Describe the Tinkering area of the Bridge Room.

Our design thinking area of the Bridge Room is used by the children daily. The offerings available include things like: recyclable materials, acorns, cardboard, paper towel rolls, loose parts, adhesives, boxes, and pipe cleaners.

Typically tinker is an open-ended, individual exploration but occasionally we have prompts and/or challenges for the whole class where the children work in small groups or pairs.

Talk about the benefits of tinkering for children and/or its importance in the Reggio environment.

There are many benefits of tinkering for Preschool-age children! It very much mirrors the Reggio approach as tinkering follows the childrens’ interests. Their creations lead to many topics, classroom threads, vocabulary, communication skills, trial and error, fine motor strengthening, relationship building and abstract thinking.

Do you have a favorite moment, memory or experience from Tinkering with this class?

My favorite memory thus far has been our animal homes! For our service project this year, we are raising money for an animal shelter. The children were prompted with a challenge to design homes for animals without a place to live. The habitats they created were amazing! From bunny, cat and dog homes to outdoor areas with hot tubs, exercise wheels and slides for pigs, the detail, collaboration and intentionality we witnessed was nothing short of inspiring.

Cat House

Paw Patrol Lookout

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Commitment to professional development is an important part of the continued growth of our educators and staff.

Engagement in ongoing trainings, workshops, and hands-on experiences ensures that our children receive an enriching and responsive educational experience.

Clay Workshop Lindsey and Grace, Studio Educators Our studio educators, Grace and Lindsey, led a clay workshop for the 3's educators. Children are often exposed to clay in the studio environment, and the purpose of this workshop was to make the experience more accessible in the classroom.

Educators were guided through encouraging exploration using tools and self expression, as well as the techniques to create lasting pieces.

Sensory Integration Workshop Megan Bartlett, Occupational Therapist Megan Bartlett is an Atlanta-based Occupational Therapist who provides guidance and services at Saint Anne’s. Her sensory integration workshop took our Toddlers and 2's educators through the 8 senses, their systems, and how they affect how our youngest learners experience the world. Educators left with meaningful ways to integrate sensory play and learning into the everyday classroom environment.

TEACHING PRACTICES SPECIALISTS Teaching Practices Specialist was a role created at Saint Anne’s based on the desire for continued educator growth and development. This new position began with Emily Brown in 2023 and grew with the addition of Allison East (Literacy Specialist) in 2024. Our Teaching Practices Specialists strive to improve teaching and learning.

“By collaborating with the educators, children and administrators, we work to refine our Reggio inspired curriculum and practices. We spend time in the classroom environments, leading workshops, and work in small groups to act as mentors and models of best practice.

The best way to support curriculum development is to engage with the children, discover their interests, and guide the investigation that follows. The workshop model has allowed us to provide targeted professional development and support to returning and new educators. Implementing assessments like the EarlyBird and Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) provide us with feedback on how to continually improve our programs. We feel grateful to be able to impact the school in such meaningful ways.” -Emily Brown

Allison East Exploring tape in the Garden Room

CLASSROOM FEATURE: BIRDHOUSE ROOM Get to know the Birdhouse 2's with an introduction to their space and their year-long Identity Birds exploration!

Sarah Cook

Describe the Birdhouse environment. What makes your space unique?

The Birdhouse Room is a welcoming space for two and three year olds to explore, have fun and grow. Our room offers areas for creativity and learning, a peaceful reading corner as well as space to build with blocks or design with trains. We feel lucky to have a beautiful loft that supports our imaginary play area including a kitchen, baby dolls and dress up.

Our room design is inspired by nature. We strive to create a peaceful and welcoming environment every day with dim lighting and music/nature sounds playing from the speaker. Our children are curious to learn about our world, about themselves and each other.

Children this age are discovering who they are in the world around them and learning how to navigate in their world.

The confidence that grows in each child over the year is unmatched and the reason we love our jobs!

What is the meaning behind your class name?

When thinking of a name for this class, we wanted it to be nature inspired and a theme that the children could relate to. From the birds we see in our backyards, to the birds we see in our books and even the ones we spy at the beach or the zoo- birds are relatable, recognizable and each so interesting in their unique ways.

What big threads or interests have come up this year for the children?

Inspired by our classroom name and the general theme of our room, we Alex Weldon wondered: what if each friend had their own bird? Would it foster community and learning throughout the year? Birds are so relative in the children’s lives.

During our first “meet and greet” in August, we planned to ask each child to pick out a bird they would like to be “their” bird. Throughout the first few weeks of school, the friends would proudly show their friends which one was theirs and then ask what bird that friend had. Right away we noticed that the plastic birds had created so many opportunities for new social experiences and new vocabulary!

We have been having more in-depth conversations recently, comparing and contrasting our birds. They are so similar but also so very different! Some are big and some are small. Some fly, some do not. Some are brightly colored others are not. Regardless of these differences, they are all birds.We have noticed that similar to our birds, we are all similar but so wonderfully different - just like our special birds!

Self Identity in the Birdhouse: Clay Birds Project

Snowy Owl

Blue Jay

Hummingbird

Yellow Warbler

FAMILY FEATURE: ZUCCHERO FAMILY As the Spring Soiree approaches, Elizabeth Zucchero, our Day School Director of Admissions, wrote a letter to the Saint Anne’s community. Her heartfelt letter describes how being a part of Saint Anne’s Day School & Church have helped to shape her family into who they are today. Here are a few excerpts from her letter: What brought you to and how long have you been a part of the Saint Anne's community?

Aside from our wedding and birth of our children, many might be surprised to learn that AJ and I count our first Sunday at Saint Anne’s as one of the “big blessings” that put so many wonderful things in motion for our family. He and I will never forget our first worship service back in 2017. We arrived on the doorsteps of Saint Anne’s on Consecration Sunday with baby Winn in tow. AJ and I came to Saint Anne’s as a young family looking to re-center our lives, and we quickly discovered a gracious and loving community that welcomed us with open arms and invited us into fellowship. In short, we found our way home!

Zucchero Family Elizabeth, AJ, Winn, Libby, & Lewis

Describe your connection between your family, the Church and the Day School.

Since our arrival in 2017, all three of our children have been baptized at Saint Anne’s and have experienced the sheer joy that goes hand-in-hand with being a Day School student. While any parent knows that the preschool years are some of the happiest, I credit the Day School for making them magical for our family. The Day School educators poured into the lives of our children beyond expectation. As a result of their unwavering support, Winn, Libby and Lewis flourished

in countless ways. Their curiosity and imagination were sparked. Their milestones were celebrated. They found immense joy in the process of learning and discovery. Most importantly, my children journeyed through the Day School while growing in confidence as little people. They found value in themselves, value in others, and forged friendships that continue to this day.

While I am ever grateful for all the ways in which Saint Anne’s has shaped my life personally, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the ways in which this community has also impacted me professionally. Last spring, I had the honor of accepting the position as Director of Admission at the Day School. I stepped into this role with a similar sentiment as that first Consecration Sunday, eagerly looking for a way to rededicate myself to a greater calling. Undoubtedly, I have found a deep sense of purpose to serve as a “front door” to our community. It has given me so much joy to uplift our shared mission and values to a broader audience and to welcome new families through our doors with all the warmth, love, and enthusiasm that has become so synonymous with Saint Anne’s.

ANNUAL FUND DONORS The Day School is continuously grateful for the ongoing support from our community. Contributions to the Annual Fund go towards professional development, financial assistance, and a safe and secure facility. A special thank you to the following Annual Fund donors.

The Almquist Family The Anderson Family The Anderson Family The Bairstow Family The Baynes Family The Bennett Family The Benoit Family The Breece Family The Brentnall Family The Brooks Family The Brown Family The Bryan Family The Buchly Family The Buzea Yusufji Family The Cain Family The Cessna Family The Chalmers Family The Chen Family The Childress Family The Christopher Family The Cole Family The Cook Family The Costa Family

The Cummiskey Family The Darden Family The Davidson Family The Davidson Family The Davis Family The Davis Family The Dick Family The Dominguez Family The Dunlap Family The East Family The Energy Family The Engram Family The Ferguson Family The Fleming Family The Glass-Deshmukh Family The Gray Family The Hall Family The Hassett Family The Hicks Family The Hobbs Family The Hogan Family The Hutlas Family The Ingram Family

The Iselin Family The Johnston Family The Kelly Family The Kibler Family The Kota Family The Laney Family The Larmore Family The Leach Family The Loyd Family The Maddox Family The Marsh Family The Martin Family The McCullar Family The McNeish Family The Milford Family The Milkey Family The Mills Family The Mitchell Family The Montgomery Family The Moore Family he Morton Family The Murray Family The Nestor-Cardwell Family

Support the Saint Anne’s community by donating today!

$30,450 raised 87% of Day School & Enrichment Programs staff contributed to the Annual Fund!

The O'Rouke Family The Olson Family The Oruganti Family The Oswald Family The Pannell Family The Plomgren Family The Quintas Family The Roane Family The Sarabia Family The Scarboro Family The Schreiner Family The Schultz Family The Sebel Family The Seitz Family The Sisk Family The Stewart Family The Sumner Family The Swanson Family The Thomas Family The Threlkel Family The Watkins Family The Watts Family The Webb Family The Weldon Family

UPCOMING EVENTS Save the date for these Saint Anne’s fundraising traditions!

Spring Soirée & Auction March 15th 7-10 PM There’s still time to purchase tickets or become a sponsor for the Day School’s biggest party and fundraising event of the year!

Day School Dash May 2nd 4:30 PM Registration opens April 14th!

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Smyrna, GA Permit No. 142

3098 Saint Anne's Lane NW Atlanta, GA 30327

Follow the Day School on social media!

@saintannesdayschool @stannnesdayschool

Have a friend interested in applying to Saint Anne’s?

We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

Saint Anne's Day School 3098 St. Anne's Ln NW Atlanta, GA 30327 404-237-7024 alumni@saintannesdayschool.com www.saintannesdayschool.com