First Church Preschool Newsletter
October 2009
Dear Parents,
October news…fall is here and there is a chill in air, before you know it, we will have to wear our jackets everyday,
and will quickly be reminded of how cold it can get here in Connecticut. Labeling jackets, hats, and coats with names
or symbols is very helpful. This is so duplicates do not go home with the wrong child and so we know what things
belong to which child (especially in the 3’s Room). We still use water, inside and out, as children are continually
fascinated with water play. They often end up getting a little wet despite their best efforts. Please be sure to check
your child’s change of clothes bag regularly and replenish with warmer clothes.
We love to plant some bulbs with the children each fall as we talk about the season’s changes. Children who wish to
do some planting around our entrance and playground, together with their group, should bring in a few bulbs from
home over the next couple of weeks. They look so lovely when spring arrives and the children are always amazed at
the beautiful flower their bulb has become. October also brings talk of Halloween. We will soon be sending out the
preschool’s annual “Bah Humbug” letter. This letter explains our thoughts about dealing with this very exciting and
often scary holiday within the developmental guidelines and philosophy of our school.
The children have transitioned very nicely into their new classrooms and seem to be enjoying getting to know
their new teachers and friends. As we continue to become more acclimated we would like to invite parents to have
lunch with their child. It is an opportunity to come for a short visit and experience part of their day. Sign up sheets will
be posted once dates are set.
Cheshire Academy has a community volunteer program for their students. Students may sign up to be regular
volunteers in our Afternoon Program Monday through Friday from 3:30 until 5:00 pm. We are delighted to have these
extra helpers join us! These students are there to assist our staff in the Afternoon Program. They will be playing
with, and helping children on the playground and in the classroom. They are never alone with children. The children
love their individual attention, stories, and enjoy asking them questions about where they are from. Some students
are from far away places. If you have any question please see me.
Many thanks to the folks who have signed up to be parent volunteers on our job list and to parents who have donated
tissues, wipes, wite-out, markers, paper and time. Of course, there are still many volunteer opportunities available.
Your contribution of time and energy makes such a difference to our school. Helping is a wonderful way to be part of
this school community and benefits us all. We are looking forward to our Fall Workday (as well as one in the spring) to
tidy up the playground and add some mulch. We are scheduled for Saturday, October 17th, beginning at 8:30 AM
until noon, with a rain date set for Oct. 24. That sign up sheet will be posted by the sign-in desk. If you are unsure of
your availability, but end up free on that day, you can show up to help at anytime on Saturday morning. The children
are welcome as well!!!
We will need your help with the upcoming fund raising event that helps us pay for special projects like our playground
and other school events. This year the Board has voted to try selling Lyman Orchard frozen pies. The reviews from
others who have sold them is that the pies are delicious! They will be delivered frozen on November 12th, just in time
for the Thanksgiving holiday. So talk it up and get your orders in early. You will be receiving information/order
packets put together by the Board of Director’s Fund Raising Committee. We hope everyone will participate in this
sale! Fruit for all you die-hards can still be ordered on-line. See me for details.
Reminders:
· We are closed on Monday Oct. 12th for Columbus Day.
· Morning 5’s will be taking a walking field trip to the Cheshire Library on Tuesday October 27th. Additional
information will be distributed.
· Tuition payments are due the first week of each new month and should be put into the blue tuition envelope on
the Parent Board, with no written reminder given.
· Each class will be sending home Ct. Preschool Assessments of Performance Standards in late November and
then again in May to chart your child’s growth and progress here and in preparation for Parent Conferences which will
be scheduled in December and May for children in all classrooms as will be explained on Parent Night. (re-scheduled
for 10/14).
· Please try to remember to wash and return your child’s cot sheet in the basket located in the outer hallway near
the cots, so it is ready for the following week.
Finally, please notify us as soon as possible if your child (or their sibling) develops any type of virus or communicable
disease that may pose a risk so everyone can be made aware. We will be enforcing our sick child policies- no
children will be allowed to stay in school with a fever or after vomiting and will not be able to return unless symptom
free (including no fever) for at least 24 hours. We are trying hard to decrease the risk of spreading the many
illnesses that will be going around this winter including H1N1. Thank you for your consideration,
Enjoy these lovely fall days!
Dawn