Happy November! October was an exciting time in preschool, and we look forward to many new experiences this month.
Fall has offered so many opportunities to explore our surroundings. We will continue to watch the changes happening outdoors. We will also be discovering what types of things can be harvested this time of year. Food, family traditions, friends, leaves and pumpkins will be some of the themes for November. We anticipate plenty of fun projects and activities this month.
Thanksgiving provides a chance to talk about our families and traditions. We will discover different foods that people share at this time of year. If your family has any traditions that you would like to share with the class, please let us know! The children will be gathering with their friends for our Thanksgiving lunch at school. This fun event takes place the week of Thanksgiving.
We will be holding parent-teacher conferences on November 6. Conferences can be in person or via zoom. I will be emailing a sign up shortly. Preschool will be in session that day. I am looking forward to a chance to speak with all of you about your amazing children.
November 11 – First Steps is closed in observance of Veteranās Day
November 28 and 29 – First Steps is closed for Thanksgiving Break
*Please note preschool is open on Wednesday, November 27 although the UPK
classes are closed that day.
As the weather gets colder, please make sure your child has appropriate clothing to stay warm outside. Labeling clothing is very helpful.
Thank you for your continued support!
Heather, Ashley and Alex
In early October, I began my new position as a UPK teacher for First Steps. It has been a pleasure getting to know both you and your child. I have truly enjoyed getting to know your childās interest and favorite things they like to do at school. I am looking forward to working with you, the family, and your child as we learn and grow together throughout the school year.
The children have been introduced to the āHandwriting Without Tearsā program and working on pre-writing skills. This month, we will be focusing on a āletter of the weekā. Each week, we will be learning about the letter through song, building the letter with various materials, and tracing/writing the letter.
November brings a theme of gratitude. We will talk about friends, family, and things we are thankful for. We are looking forward to another great month of getting to know each other, engaging in a time filled with fun and learning.
Thank you,
Sheri
Happy November! We have enjoyed celebrating fall and watching the changes around us. We have taken time to notice the changes in the mountains and trees over the last several weeks.
Our classroom library is a great resource for children to explore our monthly themes and topics as well as develop emergent reading skills such as turning pages, holding books correctly, and making up stories based on pictures in the book. We share in a read aloud each day as we continue to build these skills. We especially love listening to audio of books read by the author or another reader. This is a great time for the children to relax on the rug, listen to a story and either look at the pictures of the book or make up their own pictures in their head.
We will spend the month learning about Thanksgiving, what it means to be thankful, family, and continuing to decorate our classroom with the beautiful artwork of the students. These projects not only help us to learn about our monthly themes in a meaningful way but also promote readiness skills such as gluing, cutting, and motor planning.
This month, we will be bringing in some flavors of fall and Thanksgiving into our classroom as we try some recipes! This is a wonderful way to practice skills such as measuring and pouring as well as trying new flavors and textures. We will also get to share some of these recipes when we have our āFriendsgivingā lunch at school before Thanksgiving break.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, November 6th. This is a great opportunity to discuss your childās progress and address any concerns or questions that you may have. Both in person and virtual conferences are available. Please sign up for a conference on the sheet posted to the bulletin board near our classroom entrance door. Please note that our classroom is not in session on this day.
We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for the time spent with your child each day.
All our best,
Michelle, Brandi & Helen
Hello Families,
It has been such a great start to the school year! I have enjoyed getting to know the children as well as all of their families.
Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. On October 7th at 9am, the Fire Department will be visiting our school to teach us all about fire safety. The children will get to see the truck, speak to firefighters, and do fun activities.
We will also be having our Halloween Walk around the neighborhood on October 31st. The children can bring their costumes to change into in the afternoon. We will start our walk at 2:15. We would love to have our Parent Partners and families who would like to volunteer hand out little treats along the walk. Please contact me if this is something you are interested in volunteering for.
We are still looking for Parent Board Representatives to sit on our Board. It would require one week night a month (usually the second Thursday from 5-7pm) for the school year. Please speak to myself, Pastor Ralph, or your child’s Lead Teacher if you are interested. People who have expressed interest in Parent Partners will receive an email this week welcoming you to the group and setting up next steps. If you do not receive this email by Monday 10/7 and would like to be part of this group, please email [email protected] and let us know.
Best,
Alexis
“Parent Representatives to the First Steps Board are needed”
The Board wants to hear your ideas and concerns. Each class room needs a parent rep to the First Steps Board – to attend the monthly evening Board meeting. Bring parent concerns to the Board and learn from the Board plans and concerns for the program of First Steps. Each Room Parent Rep serves for one school year. Parents who are interested please inform your child’s Lead Teacher, Director Alexis Bell, or (Pastor) Ralph Merante – member of the Board, for more information.
“Parent Partners” group forming!
We are excited with the start of the new school year. Several parents have already expressed interest in a “PTA” like group here at First Steps. All parents or child guardians who wish to join together to support your child’s early education are welcome. First Steps “Parent Partners,” is an action group, to plan fun events, class-room help, work parties, fundraisers, parenting workshops, networking opportunities for First Steps families. Please let your child’s Lead Teacher, our Director Alexis Bell, or (Pastor) Ralph Merante (Board Member) know you want to be part of “Parent Partners.”
“BROOKS Chicken BBQ” Tuesday, October 1st Beginning at 3:00 PM $18.00 for Chicken Dinner: half chicken, Baked Potato, Home Made Coleslaw (Ms.Michelle’s secret recipe!), roll, and homemade dessert. Proceeds help provide maintenance and improvements at Overlook for First steps and all our community partners. Dinners are boxed ready for Take Out. You may also choose to enjoy a picnic with your family on the West Lawn by the Garden. Reserve dinners by calling 845-679-6800, or see Ralph Merante.
Thank you!
Ralph, First Steps Board Member.