First Church Preschool Newsletter
JUNE 2011
It is hard to believe that another school year is just about over. Our last day of school is Thursday, June 16th. If
your child is returning next year, please send in your enrollment contract along with your $100 tuition deposit if
you have not done so already. Also, June tuition invoices have been placed in parent pockets. If you were eligible
for snow day credits (any days missed after 3 snow days), the credit has been applied to your balance due. If
your child will be attending Summer Program, applications should be in by Friday, June 3rd. We will need an
updated medical form for anyone with a summer birthday. Additional forms are available at the sign in desk.
Warm weather has arrived and as we begin to use the water tables regularly, wet clothes are inevitable! Please
check and restock clothing bags with plenty of summer clothing. Also, sneakers or strapped sandals continue to
be the safest footwear for swings and climbing. Although our playground is somewhat shaded, you should apply
sunscreen and bug spray (if desired) to your child in the morning before coming to school. If your child remains
in the afternoon and you would like us to re-apply either sunscreen or insect repellent, please send in a small
labeled supply. We also need a completed permission form in order for us to apply either. Forms are available
at the sign in desk.
The t-shirts are in and have been distributed. The drawings are wonderful! Thank you for your support. Field
Days will be held on Wednesday, June 1st and Thursday, June 2nd. Please send a water bottle for your child and
be sure they are dressed for the outdoors in comfortable clothes, school t-shirts for our end of the year whole
school pictures, and sneakers for running games.
As we approach the last weeks of school, we will begin talking with children about the ending of our school year.
We will talk about saying our good-byes to friends as we look ahead to summer and plans for next year. Children
in the 3’s and 4’s classrooms will be visiting the 4’s and 5’s classrooms. Also, teachers may be checking with you
about specific details if you child will be attending a new school.
As thoughts and feelings about what’s next may begin to emerge, it is important for us to let children know that we
are aware that this can be scary as well as exciting, and that we are confident that they will do well in their next
step. Be encouraging and optimistic about what it will be like and let them know how proud you are that they are
now ready for this next step. Acknowledge their feelings of both anxiety and excitement and let them know that
you will be there for them as they make these changes.
In the midst of it all, it is important to stop for a moment and reflect on all we have accomplished this year and to
ready ourselves for the transitions ahead. All of these transitions are challenging for children and parents! It is
not unusual to have worries about changes in routines, expectations at the next level, and developing new
relationships with teachers and other children. Also, don’t be surprised if you see some regression in behavior
as the summer wanes and fall gets closer.
Our Goodbye Picnic is schedule for Thursday, June 16th from 5:30-7:00 PM. This event provides a concrete
experience for the children through which to begin to recognize the changes and endings that are occurring. The
evening begins with a picnic supper on the grassy area in back. Each family should bring their own
blankets/chairs and picnic style dinner. If you would like to alleviate some of the rush and pressure of getting
here by 5:30 with a meal, we will be placing a group order for pizza at Pop’s Pizza. The cost is $13.00 for each 18
inch pizza. The pizza will be delivered at 5:30 and plates and napkins will be provided. Pizzas must be pre-
ordered and pre-paid using the attached order form. Orders must be submitted with payment (checks made out
to 1st Church Preschool) by Tuesday, June 14th. In the event of rain, we will meet in the Parish Hall at 6:00 PM
without the picnic supper. Families that have ordered pizza may eat in the Parish Hall before the skits begin at 6:
00. We are sorry, but due to the limited space, we cannot accommodate all families in the Parish Hall for the
picnic supper.
We have found this gathering to be a meaningful way to complete good-byes to each other as a pre-school
community, especially because we have so many different schedules and so many to say goodbye to! Parents,
please remind your children ahead of time and during the picnic that the church does not want anyone entering
the sacred ground of the Columbarium, climbing on the very treasured horse chestnut tree or playing around on
the ramp and railings of the Whiting House. We would really appreciate your cooperation in supervising the
children. I know it won’t be easy, but it would be very helpful. Children will be preparing a brief skit of a favorite
song/book for us that evening. The skits will takes place on the Parish Hall stage at 6:00 PM. After the skits,
teaches will hand out a personal “Goodbye Book” to your child and we will end with a watermelon dessert!
Even if you will be back for Summer Program, an ending to this preschool year is still important. Please let a
teacher know if you will not be able to attend so we can complete our personal good-byes beforehand. Please
remember we are closed on Friday, June 17th for a staff work day and Summer Program begins on Monday, June
20th.
Thank you also for completing and returning the parent surveys. If you have not yet returned your survey and
need a new one, they are available at the sign-in desk. Please complete and return it in the tuition envelope by
Friday, June 3rd.
It has been another busy and full year! Thank you everyone, especially all our volunteers serving on the Board
of Directors, the families participating in the fundraising and work day events, and the parent volunteers that
have done the shopping, driving, and repairs at school this year. Your help was much appreciated!! See you at
the Goodbye Picnic. Have a great summer!
Brenda