Happy Autumn!!

Hello Wonderful Preschool Moms and Dads!

 
        Happy Autumn!  Even though last Saturday was the first "official" start of Autumn, this weekend certainly felt and looked like a beautiful typical Ohio Autumn weekend! I hope everyone has been able to enjoy nature's beauty a bit this weekend. As our family traveled to Dayton for a family wedding, we couldn't help but notice the brillant fall colors that north western Ohio is experiencing now.  I am sure we will see this same beautiful change soon! What a great way to experience the simple but wonderful touches of God's hand in our world.
     As I look at the calendar, I realize that we are nearing the finish of our first month of school! The children are all getting into the routine and their adjustment is just outstanding. Your children are such a blessing to Mrs. Martin and me! I could be having a really groggy morning but the minute I see their sweet little faces, my day is instantly brightened! I can't help but smile and feel better.  Those little people are just so darn fantastic!  Thank you so much for sharing them with me.

Saint of the Month:

      Your children may have spoken about our Saint of the Month, St. Michael the Archangel for the month of September.  St. Michael is written about in the book of Revelations and he is known to be the patron saint of policemen.  As September ends, we ask St. Michael to pray for our families who have family members that are in the law enforcement career. 

     October's Saint of the Month is St. Vincent de Paul.  St. Vincent is the patron saint of the poor and sick.  We all know someone who is struggling with their health or with other struggles of sickness.
     As Catholic Christians, we teach that the saints are not worshipped but looked to for intercession for us on earth who need help. I liken it to asking your mom or dad or friends to pray for you when you are enduring your own earthly cross. We ask saints, who are even closer to God than family and friends on earth, to pray to God for us, to help us pray for our intentions and prayer request. 

We would like to welcome....

     We would like to welcome Layla Annarino who joined the SEALS class last Tuesday.  We are so happy to have Layla join us here at St. Francis Preschool!

Fundraiser Input:

    It is time for me to start organizing the preschool fundraiser.  Last year, our school sold Fun Pasta.  For those returning families from last year, I would like to hear from you regarding your thoughts on how you thought the pasta tasted, how easy was it to sell, your thoughts on the price, and how long you would like to have to seel it.  I am considering this fundraiser again this year.
 For those new families, Fun Pasta is a pasta company that sells unique shaped pasta and pasta meal kits as well as soups.  I will put out a flyer for you take a look at regarding this company.  I welcome everyones input and thoughts about this.  Our preschool does one fundraiser a year.  We will be doing a fundraiser sooner and it will last a bit longer than last year.  The order will be placed in time for it to come before Christmas.  Last year we hit it too close so this is the reason for me to start this event sooner. Feel free to chat with me about your thought about the fundraiser one on one or you may email me at: mburd@cdeducation.org  to input constructive thoughts and opinions.  Thanks so much!

Parent Handbooks:

Thanks to all who have reviewed and returned their handbook review slips.  If you have not done so, please look over the policies, especially the clothing policy. 

DEVINE FARM Trip:

FOR SEALS CLASS:

On TUESDAY October 2nd the SEALS class will have their Devine Farm trip.  Please make sure your SEAL's students are at Devine no later than 8:30 am.  We will be finished by 10:30 and you are free to leave with your child then or be there to pick them up by 10:30.  Please bring a drink and snack for them as we will have snack at Devine. If you have not paid, please remember to have the fees with you at the Farm on Tuesday.  WE GO RAIN OR SHINE!!!!!

FOR PENGUIN and POLAR BEAR Classes:

On MONDAY October 15th the PENGUINS and POLAR BEARS class will have their Devine Farm Trip.  Please have your fees into me by FRIDAY of this week.  Please NO checks as they are hard to reconcile. 
PENGUINS will need to be at the farm no later than 8:55.  Pick up will be at 11:00am
POLAR BEARS will need to be at the farm between 12:15-12:30  no later than 12:30pm. Pick up will be 2:30pm.
Please bring a snack and drink as we will stop to have snack at Devine.  WE GO RAIN OR SHINE!


Theme of the Week:  FARMS
Color of the Week: White
Feature Letter of the Week: "F"
Sight word of the week: "for" and "Fall"
October Community Helper: Firefighters
October Saint of the Month: St. Vincent de Paul

Prayers:

Some moms and dads have asked for me to write the prayers we say during the day so they can pray them with their child.  Here you go...

Opening Prayer:
" As I start another day, keep me close to you I pray. Be with me both day and night. Help me follow Christ our Light." Amen

Closing Prayer:
" God made the sun; God made the sea; God made the fishies; and God made me.
Thank You for the sun; thank You for the sea, thank You for the fishies, and thank You for me." Amen

Snack Prayer (aka" The SuperHero Prayer):
" Thank you God for giving us food! Thank God for giving us food!  Thank you for the food that we eat; and the friends that we meet.  Thank you God for giving us food; AMEN"

CLOSING Thoughts:

      As week start another fun and exciting week, I want to thank you wonderful mommies, daddies and guardians for your great support.  Mrs. Martin and I appreciate you all.  Also remember to dress those little ones in jackets or sweatshirts as we do try to make every attempt to have our gross motor time.

                                                                            God's blessing...
                                                           Mrs. Burd and Mrs. Martin


           " ...the Lord is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work."   Palsms 145: 13

Happenings in the second full week of school:)

Hello Super-Uber-tastic Preschool Parents!

                 Well, we are onto our second full week of preschool.  You all should be VERY proud of all your little people! All the students are transitioning so well. I am so proud of them.  Here are a few things our classes are working on:
            SEALS:  Seals are working on shape and color identification by playing shape Bingo on Tuesday.  Veeerry interesting this game was!   We have also been talking about how to be good friends to each other.  We  read the book Corduroy.  Some of the students then got a small bowl of gummy bears and graphed the amount of different colored bears they had!   We also have been busy at working on writing our name and writing the letter of the week.  All student are working on simple and complex patterning as well catagorizing objects according to color and shape. OF course, don't forget we are ALWAYS learning new songs!  In religion, we have been learning the Sign of the Cross, learning our starting prayer, snack prayer, and closing prayer. We have also been talking about who Jesus is.  It has been a stupendous couple of weeks! Great work Seals!

         PENGUINS:  Penguins are working on identifying their names, knowing the order of the letters in their names,writing their names, Letter of the Week letter formation and of course letter sounds.  Currently, the students are creating a Name Cheer Mini Book.  We are also learning about the importance of being a good friend to our preschool family members.  We have been working very hard at getting in a good routine at calendar time.  In calendar, we sing songs and learn all about the weather, days of the week, months of the year, patterning, reading the calendar, shapes, seasons, and about the letter and color of the week! This circle time is a VERY important time of our day.  They are partcipating very well  The Penguins are also working on the proper way to do the sign of the cross, glorifying God in our daily prayers, as well as Who is J-E-S-U-S! Ask them about their Prayer Song (to the tune of BINGO) Super work Penguins!

     POLAR BEARS:  The Polar Bears are working hard at creating their very first book of the year. The Polar Bears class create class books each month but this month I decided it would be fun to have each child create their own book that is all about them! We are also working very hard at increasing their knowledge about the letter sounds by encouraging them to think of words that start with the letter of the week.  I put them on large sheets of chart paper and hang them in the hallway on a weekly basis.  What smartie artie pants you have!  The Polar Bears also work a more indepth circle time.  We sing color songs that teach them how to spell each color word, we sing and dance to the month hop that encourages us to not only just sing the order be to spell them and to guess which month comes after another month. OF course, we are learning all sorts of great songs.  I think this class's favorite is "Watching Over YOU"!    We are also working on writing their names as well.  Of course, we emphasize the letter formation.  They are all catching on very well.  Superb job Polar Bears!

Early Childhood Experts suggest that it will take about 4 weeks for preschools to adapt to a new routine and learning the expectation establishment of this routine.  All the children are doing very well!

 

We had Gym Class today!

   The Polar Bears and Penguin classes had gym class today with me (Mrs. Burd).  Yes...believe it or not, I did teach a year of physical education and was a CC coach once upon a time many moons ago! haha  We actually did some integrated language development and physical education teaching during gym class today.  We worked on stretching, exercise the arms and doing some minor cardio activities.  We used the parachute and letter balls today.  I won't spoil it for you, ask your little one about it!  I have P. E. on the calendar outside my classroom on the cork board.  Our next time for P.E. , is Oct 24th.  The SEALS will start their Physical Education around November, 

Our First "All preschool Field trip"....DEVINE FARM PUMPKIN PATCH!!!!!

          This year we will be pumpkin picking instead of apple picking.  Each preschool class will have an assigned date and time in which they can be either accompanied with their parent or can be dropped off at Devine Farms in Hebron instead of coming to our school for their assigned day.  Here are the dates and times.  More detailed info will be coming within the week!

*Tuesday October 2nd the SEALS will be at the Pumpkin Patch from 8:30am-10:30am

*Monday October 15th the PENGUINS will be at the Pumpkin Patch from 9:00am-11:00am

*Monday October 15th the POLAR BEARS will be at the Pumpkin Patch from 12:30pm-2:30pm

Cost will be $7.00 for the students.  If parents would like to chaperone, the parent cost is $3.00 for EACH parent the comes. (No more than 2 adults per child please)  This cost includes admission, a small pumpkin for each student, and a coloring book that touches on the things that the child learned about this day.

Because this is a school function and per the suggestion of the farm, I ask that siblings not accompany the student on this particular trip.  Thank you for respecting this decision.

Pick-Up Procedure

    I just want to send out a huge shout out to all the parents.  The pick up procedure is coming along so well! Thank you for being very patient as we try to get faster in moving the cars through.  Just a gentle reminder to please try to stay in your cars. Parking and walking up to the side walk seems to create a longer delay trying to get all students loaded. Thanks again for being so wonderful and patient with us:) You are awesome!

Extra Clothes Reminder 

    I just wanted to remind moms and dads to make sure that your child has a full set of extra clothes in their backpack.  Every child should have the following in a sealed bag or container:  a change of socks, underwear, shirt, and pants of somekind.  As the weather begins to get a bit chillier, please work on getting the summer type clothes changed out for more autumn appropriate clothing. 
     I also wanted to let you know that we make every attempt to go outside for gross motor time so I would encourage you to pack a light jacket with your child.  Even if the child does not want to wear it coming to school, he/she still has it for when it is time for us to go out.  Thanks so much for your help on this:)

If you got a Yearly Physical request from me... 

    Per State of Ohio mandate, every child that attends our preschool MUST have a yearly physical   When your expiration date is fast approaching, I will send you a reminder that you will need to get your child in for another physical. Please try to get this done sooner rather than later.  Thanks so much for your help and understanding on this.

Concluding Thoughts:

         Thank you for being such a GREAT group of parents! You are so very supportive and understanding.  Please do not hesistate to contact me if you ever have any questions and or concerns.  We strive to keep the lines of communication open.  My email is: mburd@cdeducation.org   I usually check it at my lunch hour as the mornings are very busy with class preparation.  If it is urgent or you need to reach me prior to the 11:15am time, you can always call the preschool office number at: 345-4049 ext 236   God bless you and your beautiful families.

                                                                                      With Christ,
                                                                          Mrs. Burd and Mrs. Martin
      "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; as it is a gift of God"
                                                                                                  Ephesians 2: 8

THANK YOU TARGET!

Hello Wonderful Preschool Moms and Dads!

            I want to give a huge shout out to the Target store in Heath.  We recieved a $25 dollar gift certificate from the Target store.  The preschool was able to purchase some items for the imagination station, basketballs and pump, as well as more cones for our bike area! Thanks so much Target!  We are truly grateful!

      THANK YOU Parents!

     I want to thank all the parents for continuing to be patient and for the great continuous effort to keep our pick up line moving! I am giving you all a double wiggly thumbs up....ask your children....this means
S-U-P-E-R :)
 

      Parent-School Handbooks

I have had some questions regarding Parent Handbooks for this school year.  After looking at this handbook I had realized how dated some things were so I decided to revise and re-write this handbook.  As we speak, it is being worked on and my goal is to get it to you by September 28th. My apologies for it being late.  Thank you for the inquires.  As soon as it goes to print, I will get it to you;)

My email

   A parent has inquired about my email address.  Here is my school address:  mburd@cdeducation.org
Please feel free to drop me an email with questions, concerns, or if you would like to report your child absent. 

   
Mrs. Martin and I want to thank you all for allowing us to be part of your beautiful childrens lives.  They are so great! We truly have been blessed. God bless.

                                                                              Mrs. Burd & Mrs. Martin

Ahhhhhhh...cooler weather!!!!

Hello Dynamic Preschool Parents!

      
        Thank you Jesus for cooler weather!!! What a difference 20 degrees can make, eh?  I hope everyone had a VERY restful weekend! I am sure your little ones were tired...I know I was!  I think last week went very very well.  Your children are so amazing.  Each day, we are able to add a little bit more and more to our schedule.  My main goal for last week and this week is to establish a consistant pattern to our schedule. We continue to add a little bit more each day to our circle time and large group time. 
      This week each and every class will work on writing their names. I know that many of the students know how to write their names however I see three consistant things that we need to work on. The first is to teach the children NOT to use capital letters in the middle of their names.  In our preschool, we teach that the ONLY letter that should be uppercase is the first letter in the name.   The second is to get the children in the habit of starting from the top down in writing their names and the third is to review in identifying their own names.
         Next week I hope to assess the children using the same criteria the statewide early childhood standards.  This will give me a more concrete idea of what we can skip, what we can review, and what each individual child needs reinforcement on. 

PICK-UP Reminder!

     For all classes, our new pick up is working pretty well. Thank you:)   Please remember NOT to park or turn off your car and get out to wait for your child.  Please stay in your car so you can pull up to our building & pick up your child.  When you pull up and your child's seat is on the driver's side, I will deliver your child to that side of the car for you to buckle in otherwise I will help them buckle in.  It seems the more parents park and are not able to continue the flow of traffic, the longer the pick up process seems to take.  I am confident that this will continue to work itself out and pick up will continue to get smoother.  Thank you so much for your help and patience with this process;) You are so wonderful!

WELCOME!!!!

    Our preschool would like to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart and Mackenzie as they welcome a new set of twins into their family! What a beautiful blessing.  Congratulations to your beautiful family!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

     I want to take this moment to thank all you moms and dads in a few things:  1st:  Thank you for getting paperwork into me so very promply.  I SOOOO appreciate your cooperation with this.
2nd: Thank you for all the families that donated Clorox wipes as well as things from our Giving Garden.  We are truly touched by your generosity. 
      The children and I have talked daily about sneezing and coughing into our sleeves .vs. our hands.  We also have encouraged the children to keep their hands off their noses and mouths.  (I do insist that children keep their fingers out their mouths.   We strive very hard to keep each and every precious little one healthy so they can be in school as much as possible!)


Have wonderful week and please pray for this continued cool and beautiful weather!

                                                                            Respectfully yours,
                                                                      Mrs. Burd and Mrs. Martin

  "All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children."

                                                                                              Isaiah 54:13

GREAT day Penguins!!

Hello Uber-Awesome Preschool Mom's and Dad's!

           What a SUPER day we have during the Penguin's very first day of preschool! All the students did such a wonderful job at paying attention and participating.  We actually got through an entire calendar time on the very first day!  This doesn't usuallly happen until the second week!  You have great kids! Good job Penguins.

        A HUGE shout out goes to Makenzie Richner's family for the very generous donation of another fan for our classroom. Thank you, thank you, thank you! The classroom was much more comfortable today.  Thanks Richner family!

         I want to thank the afternoon Polar Bear families for a much more smooth pick up.  Thank you so much for not parking against the guard rail or the circle turn-around during pick up.  I think pick-up went much more smoothly. 
     A VERY good question arose today from some wonderful parents.  The question was:
                "Do we get out of the car to buckle our child in OR do we let you buckle them in?"
My answer is this:  If your child's car seat is on the drivers side in the back then YES please pull up, wait for me to bring your child to you, then feel free to get out and buckle your child in.  IF your child's car seat is on the side of the curb side pickup, then I will buckle them in if your child can not do so on their own.
        Thanks for the great question! Keep them coming!

             Today the Polar Bears played letter musical chairs.  It was a blast! It is musical chairs but with a letter writing twist. It was great fun. Your children are so smart.

        Just to let you know that volunteer sheets are on the brown chair outside the classroom.  If you want to volunteer, please fill one of these out and return it to me. 

          Thanks so much.  God bless your wonderful family!

                                                                            Mrs. Burd & Mrs. Martin

Great day SEALS & POLAR BEARS!

Hello Stupendous Preschool Families!

                  Other than being tremendously humid, it was a FABULOUS day for both the Seals and Polar Bears first day!  It was a fairly easy day for both classes.  Both classes worked so hard trying to listen hard and pay attention through this yucky heat! IF any family would be willing to donate or let us borrow an extra fan (preferably a pedistal fan)   we would be extremely grateful!!!!!!!   Yowser it is warm!
                 Tomorrow the Penguins will have their very first day!  We open the doors at 8:05am. In a previous paper, I accidently typed 8:15.  This is incorrect and I am sorry for any confusion it may have caused.  Doors open at 8:05am.  We do not typically start class right at 8:05am.  We have a flexible station exploration time until 8:20.  Then we clean up and take a restroom break. 

REMINDERS....

Please remember to send something to eat and drink with your child for snack.

Please dress your children in very comfortable and breathable clothing. 

Please send your child in closed-toed shoes.

Please help your child wash their hand before entering our classroom.

AFTERNOON POLAR BEAR Parents:

     The elementary principal has asked me to remind the afternoon preschool parents NOT to park against the guard rail OR in the circle drive by the preschool building.  This causes much congestion as the elementary cars use this to help with the turn around at pick up time Please stay in your car and park against the curb on Pearl St. Also, remember to try to come closer to 2:55pm.  If you have an elementary child waiting, they are more welcome to come down to the preschool hallway to wait for their preschool sibling. We will escort them all to their car.  Thank you so much in advance with this.

Concluding Thoughts:

  I just wanted to thank you mommys and daddys for allowing Mrs. Martin and me to be part of your amazing child's life! We feel so very blessed to be able to teach them and especially to bring God's Word to them! Thanks so much! Your children are soooooooo GREAT!

                                                                                       Mrs. Burd and Mrs. Martin

Are you all ready???

HERE WE GO!!!!

     Tomorrow is our first day of school for SEALS and POLAR BEARS!  I am so excited and I hope your precious little ones are excited too!
      Here are some reminders:    
                Doors open for SEALS at 8:05am and pick up on Pearl St. is at 11:00am
                Doors open for POLAR BEARS at 11:55 and pick up on Pearl St. at 2:55pm. 
Polar Bears Parents: please be in line at 2:50pm.  You will NOT be able to sit and wait so I encourage you to come as close to 2:55 as you can. 

Our First Couple of Weeks:

       As we start our first weeks, I will be easing all of the classes in slowly!  In the first week of school we work on just the basics, where are the bathrooms, how do we wash our hands, lining up for recess, the classroom rules, stuff like this.  We like to the hit the ground running but we will do it verrrry gently!

Paperwork sent home with your child:

      As I went through all my student files, I noticed a handful of children who have outdated immunization/phyiscal forms.  If you notice one of these forms in your child's folders, please get your little one in to your family doctor asap for a physical as well as a copy of your child's updated immunizations.  

 

AFTERNOON Polar Bear Pick-up:

      As of now, we will have the afternoon Polar Bear parents pick up on Pearl St. at the curb of the Preschool building however, in the next few weeks this will change.  When the principal and I meet to discuss the details, I will then relay these to you.  As of now, please follow the traffic on Pearl St.