Science Experiment

Mrs. Brooke and Mr. Zachary's class is currently conducting a science experiment. The classroom made jars with different color water and have placed white flowers in each color. Each student was allowed to make a prediction as to which color would show up in the flower first.

For young learners, science is just an extension of their everyday world. That's why it's so important to focus on working with them to learn how to create amazing experiences that encourage discovery through play, asking questions, explorations and using creativity to solve simple problem.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month.

Children and families thrive when they have access to safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Policies and programs that are supportive of children and families can prevent child abuse and neglect and other early adversity. CDC works to better understand the problem of child abuse and neglect and to prevent it before it begins.

Facts about Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are significant public health problems in the United States.

• In 2016, more than 1,750 children died in the United States from abuse and neglect.
• According to child protective service agencies, about 676,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2016, although this number likely underestimates the true occurrence.
• One in 4 children have experienced abuse or neglect at some point in their lives and 1 in 7 experienced abuse or neglect in the past year.
• The total lifetime cost associated with just 1 year of confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect is $124 billion.

Exposure to child abuse and neglect and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) cause toxic stress that can disrupt early brain development and harm the nervous and immune systems. Exposure to childhood adversity can increase a person’s risk for future violence, unhealthy behaviors, poor health and wellness, and limit life opportunities. This impact can be long-lasting and may continue across future generations.

Child Abuse and Neglect Are Preventable

CDC works to stop child abuse and neglect before they occur. Children’s lives are shaped by their experiences, including what happens in their environment (such as homes, schools, and neighborhoods) and the types of relationships they have with parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Healthy relationships and environments act as a buffer against adverse experiences and are necessary to ensure the long-term physical and emotional well-being of children.

Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Essentials for Parenting

Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers is a free, online resource. This resource, also available in Spanish, provides a unique opportunity for parents to receive evidence-based parenting information from a trustworthy source, CDC.

FrogStreet, FrogStreet, and More FrogStreet

As educators we can't begin to tell you how awesome the curriculum is that we provide your family with. Our administration has seen several different curriculums through the years, but FrogStreet is hands down the best one that we have encountered. As parents we want the ABC, 123 that comes with a curriculum. We also want a well rounded individual. One who is able to verbalize when there is something wrong, and free to make open and honest decisions as they learn and grow. FrogStreet helps them do this. We wanted to take the time this week to talk about how some of the curriculum has been displayed this month. The Toddler theme this month is In The Grass. They have been discussing things that live inside of the grass. Below you will see artwork by Toddler 2 of things that live in the grass. The 3's and PREK curriculum is about Things That Move and Go. On Friday, we had our first Bike Day of the year. Students were allowed to bring in their bikes as they talked about things that go. We hope that you enjoy some of the pictures that were taken during that time.

Spiders in Webs

Flowers in Grass

Fly Swatter Painting 

Bike Day 

Friends helping friends.

All you need is a little push sometimes.

Fly Swatter Painting 

Absolutely Incredible Kids!!!

Today, we were able to help you celebrate how absolutely incredible your children are. Thank you so much to all of the parents that took the time to write a quick note to their children on how incredible they think they are! The kids were so excited to get mail and have their mail read to them! The way that their faces brightened up when they realized they had gotten mail from you all! Founded by Camp Fire in 1997, Absolutely Incredible Kid Day is a national holiday that lifts up the kids in our lives. Every year, on the third Thursday of March, thousands of adults send notes, emails, letters, texts, videos (you choose!) to encourage and inspire young people across the country. 

So handsome and incredible

What is Absolutely Incredible Kid Day?

Wall of Incredibles 

Super Snacks for for some incredible kids!

In The Grass

This week's FrogStreet theme is In The Grass. We've had fun with activities like move like a bug gross motor play, wiggly worm sensory bins, building our own bug, fly swatter paintings, and icy insect eggs. Our vote is that the Toddlers had the most fun with the fly swatter painting than any other group. They were so excited about hitting the table with the fly swatter that they all crowded around to watch friends when their turn was over. It was really awesome to see.

Also, this week Ms. Courtney is our Frogstreet Highlight of the Week! We are extremely proud of the work that she has done in Preschool 1 as well as Toddler 2. If you see her in the halls make sure to congratulate her! Way to go Ms. Courtney!

Read Across America Week

This week has been filled with lots of reading, learning, and more. We were beyond proud of the work that our teachers have put in to make the week a success. We made Dr Seuss hats and read some of our favorites written by him. Some of them we read more than once. As educators, this is one of the times of the year that is most rewarding to us. Listening to a child as for you to read a certain story until you know the words without looking at the pages is the ultimate highlight of our day. There are very few things that can compare or top it. We also had Spoiled Rotten come out and take our Spring Portraits. Will does an awesome job ensuring that the children fill loved and enjoy a time where memories are captured and storied away not just for you to view, but for them to take with them through life. We appreciate the hard work that he and his staff put in to capture moments like these. You should receive proofs for purchase inside of your emails within the next couple of weeks.

Some of our favorite Dr. Seuss books. 

Famous quote by Dr. Seuss 

Will and company from Spoiled Rotten making our Spring Portraits happen.

Happy Friday!!

We are ending this week with a BEAUTIFUL Friday! What a great day to be outdoors enjoying the weather. After being inside on and off over the last couple of months most of our friends were excited about getting outside. There was tons of free play time and lots of imagination gears turning inside of our little ones heads. Sensory is one of the main ways that children learn through play. We are going to continue to take advantage of the time that we can spend outdoors not just getting lots of sun, but also making sure that we are incorporating sensory to increase stimulation and learning.

Cars, Cars, Everywhere!

Smile big for the camera!

Having girl time....

Just riding my dog in the warm, warm, sun. 

Say Cheese...

Health and Wellness

This week is filled with lots of health and wellness. On Monday, we had Brittney Adamiak, D.D.S. from Green Hills Pediatric Dentistry came to visit our school. She gave us lots of information about our teeth and how we should take care of them. It was so much fun being able to learn new things about our teeth!

PreK enjoying talking about teeth. 

One word.....priceless! 

Hip Hip Horray, it's Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day was a HUGE success. We spent the day of loving showing it in a mighty way. We started the morning showering our teachers with treats. The looks on their faces were that of the joy of a child. We were extremely happy that we were able to make their day special. The kids were over the top excited all of the treats that they received throughout the day. PreK did an awesome job with name recognition and handing out their Valentines. There were also parties, parties, parties galore. Remember that parents as also invited to attend. We would love to see your shining faces during our St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

Treats for our educators. 

Ms. Michele was an awesome cupid! The looks on some of the staff's faces were priceless! 

Preschool 1 party!

Preschool 2 party!

PreK giving out Valentines.

Valentines Treats