"It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!" 

 So far this week we have been getting prepared for a visit from Santa! We have sent letters to Santa and wore Red and Green to feel festive! We were so excited to capture these bright smiles and I must say these kiddos were SUPER EXCITED as well! Check them out below: 

Thankful for all the fun

What a busy week at school. We had our Thanksgiving lunch with all of our families. The classrooms made turkey tracks and dressed like Community Helpers. One day a Veterinarian visit with a special dog. In between all our activities we still found time to play and connect with our friends. Take a look at all the fun we had.

Giving back to our community

The month of November is all about giving back to our community. This year we have decided to parent with Nashville Diaper Connection for a diaper drive at our school.  We couldn't think of a better way to help out other children in need. Our goal for the month is to collect 5,000 diapers and with the help of our school family we know this is something we can accomplish.

Here are a few facts about the needs for diapers and the link to Nashville Diaper Connection if you would like to help in another way.
https://www.nashvillediaperconnection.org

What is diaper need?

·      Diaper need is the lack of a sufficient supply of disposable diapers for a child to remain clean, dry and healthy.

Diaper need in Nashville is overlooked problem.

·      In 2017, Nashville has over 7,550 children ​age three and younger living at or below the poverty level. 

·      Disposable diapers often cost over $85 per month per child and cannot be purchased through any state or federal assistance program. 

·      Food Stamps and the Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program classifies diapers with cigarettes, alcohol and pet food.

·      Without any form of support, mothers often must make the choice of buying food, paying rent, or buying diapers. 

·      Beyond those in poverty, one in three low to moderate wage earners report they struggle to buy diapers.

The consequences of diaper need are disheartening.

·      Babies who remain too long in a soiled diaper are exposed to potential health risks including increased instances of child abuse. 

·      Maternal depression and family stress is significantly increased in homes that struggle to provide this basic necessity. 

·      Most childcare centers, even free and subsidized facilities, require parents to provide a day's supply of disposable diapers to allow the child to participate. 

·      Many parents cannot go to work or school if they can’t leave their babies at child care.

·      Children that participate in early childhood education programs are 3 x more likely to complete high school and go onto higher education. Children that don't participate in early childhood education programs are 3 x more likely to NOT read at grade level at the end of the 3rd grade. These children are far more likely to drop out of high school.

·      Additionally, 3rd grade performance statistics are used by Tennessee to forecast future prison bed needs.

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What Can You Do?

·      Help spread the word about Diaper Need in Nashville

·      Volunteer with Nashville Diaper Connection by wrapping and delivering diapers

·      Promote a diaper drive or diaper wrapping event at your employer, church or school

·      Make a donation to support our mission, at nashvillediaperconnection.org

Halloween Walk

We are so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible community in Maryland Farms. Our neighbors at The Brentwood Police Department and Fire Station and Sutherland Place Nursing Home we nice enough to volunteer their time and donate candy for our Family Halloween Walk. Families were encouraged to dress up with their children and enjoy the morning. We were able to check out the fire hall and see a few of the patients at the nursing home. Take a look at all the fun we had!