The days seem just a bit shorter and the nights are getting darker earlier. Acorns are already falling from the trees, all to remind us that September is here bringing with it a brand new school year. As every teacher knows, it truly marks a new beginning because each child who comes into your class is starting a journey that they haven’t been on before, a journey that the two of you will take together; a journey marked by growth, learning and lots of fun.
Scholastic Book Club
Connect your child to books they’ll want to read. All of your purchases directly benefit your child’s school. Monthly reading club flyers keep reading fresh and fun. Low priced books.
Extended Day
Extended Day begins Wednesday, September 11th! This program is offered to 3 and 4 year olds from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Children bring lunch (nut free) and then explore different topics throughout the year. These topics include: dinosaurs, traveling around the world, science, cooking, books and art. Please call Kathy if you are interested in signing up.
Stay and Play
We want to remind parents that Stay and Play (11:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.) or (1:00 - 2:45 p.m. following extended day) begins on September 11th. These programs of artwork, games, stories and playtime are available on Monday-Friday afternoons. Signup is available one week prior to the scheduled session. Signup sheets are located on the bulletin board by the back door. Pick-up time for Stay and Play is 2:45 p.m. Schedule a play date with friends!
Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Arrival time for all morning classes is 9:00 a.m., doors open at 8:55 a.m. Teachers are preparing their classrooms prior to these times. If you arrive early, you are welcome to come at 8:30 a.m. for Early Drop Off for $5 per day. This program is offered every morning and you don’t need to call or sign up early. We would also like to remind you to use care in the parking lot when picking up or dropping off children. The parking lot is a busy place at these times, and we have had some “near misses”. It is imperative for the safety of all the children that drivers slow down, proceed with caution and obey the entrance and exit driveway signs.
First Field Trip for our 4 year old classes
Our fours will be taking their first field trip to Melick Farms in Oldwick on Wednesday, October 2nd. The children will take a tour of the farm, pick apples and watch how apple cider is made. A separate notice with additional details will be sent home.
Picture Days
Individual student pictures will be taken on Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th. Positive Image Photography has taken our pictures for many years and one picture is cuter than the next! If for any reason you are not happy with how your child’s picture turns out, Positive Image will re-shoot. We will not be painting on picture day, so put those special outfits on!
Calendar Dates
Wednesday, September 11th – Extended Day and Stay and Play Begin
Monday, September 23rd - Back to School Night for Parents Only
Monday, September 30th - School Closed
PLAY is not a four-letter word! It comes from “toil” which means “to work”.
Art Show
Thanks go to all of our moms who provided our “goodies” for the art show.
Families were enjoying delicious punch and cookies, brownies and “goodies” of every description. Most of all, the families seemed to be enjoying the opportunity to meet and talk with each other as their children were awed by the idea of being at school at night time. The very happy noise level was enough to let our staff know that the evening was a great success and certainly a worthwhile experience for all involved.
Field Day
What a great Field Day! Thanks to Mrs. Gonzalez and all the volunteers that helped! Quoting some of the children, “this was the best day ever!”
Mother’s Day Brunch
Well, spring has really come to school at last! We have really been taking advantage of the weather to explore the changes that nature has brought about – blossoming trees, budding daffodils and those ever popular dandelions that the children think are so pretty. May is here, and that brings another traditional event – Mother’s Day Brunch! We have been practicing our songs, so get ready and we will see you on either May 7th or 10th. The children are very excited about the “party” they are having for their Moms. We hope you enjoy it as much as the children and staff do. The Mother’s Day brunches are scheduled as follows:
Tuesday, May 7th, 9:15-9:45 AM
Mrs. Losada’s class
Mrs .Machin’s T/Th class
Mrs. Bocian’s T/Th class
Friday, May 10th, 9:15-9:45 AM
Mrs. Bocian’s M/W/F class
Mrs. Ripps’ M/W/F class
Spring Camp
Registration information was distributed for Spring Enrichment Camp 2019. Please return forms and payment by May 5th.
Community Helper Field Trips for 4’s
Our “community helper” field trips will be held in May. Thank you in advance to all of the parents who will drive. Without volunteer drivers, we would not be able to schedule these field trips.
Footwear
Now that spring is here, we are outside on the playground everyday (unless it is raining). The children are also working on gross motor skills with Mrs. Gonzalez in Movement by participating in various obstacle courses. In order for the children to fully join in these activities, they need to wear sneakers and socks. We know that the children want to wear those new sandals they have gotten, but it really is a safety issue and they spend their playtime emptying the wood chips from their sandals. Please tell your child they can wear their sandals at home, but at school they need to wear their sneakers. Thanks for your help with this!
Extended Day/Stay and Play
Bills for March and April Lunch Bunch are being distributed shortly. The last Extended Day/Stay and Play will be held on June 3.
Calendar Dates
Tuesday, 5/7 - Mother's Day Brunch - AM
Friday, 5/10 – Mother’s Day Brunch – AM
Friday, 5/24, Monday, 5/27 and Tuesday, 5/28 – School Closed – Memorial Day
“Helping young children develop the social skills necessary to succeed is a crucial task for teachers and parents. Such skills are not only necessary for enhancing social and emotional connections, which promote a feeling of belonging versus isolation and loneliness, but they are also clearly essential in the development of academic success.”
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Spring Camp
Flyers and registration forms for Spring Camp will be distributed in April. Spring Camp will run from June 5th -14th.
Learning About our Community
During the month of May, WNS classes will continue to talk about their community. Our four-year-olds will be visiting the Berkeley Heights Post Office and the Berkeley Heights Fire Department. Please check the classroom doors for the dates your child’s class will be taking their trips and to sign the permission slip.
Art Show
The Westminster Art Show and Reception will be held on Tuesday evening, April 30th from 6:30-7:30 PM. “Doing art” is a very important part of our curriculum at Westminster. As with music, art gives children another way to express their ideas. The painting, gluing, cutting and collaging that we do is much more than a “product” to take home at the end of the day. Each project helps children learn to make decisions, strengthens their ability to focus, and helps them explore their own creative spirit. Using a wealth of materials, each child is encouraged to develop that wonderful sense of pride in what they can accomplish, all the while having a wonderful time.
Mother’s Day Brunches
Our annual Mother’s Day brunches will be held Tuesday, May 7th at 9:15 AM for the Tuesday/Thursday and 4 day classes and Friday, May 10th at 9:15 AM for the Monday/Wednesday/Friday classes. Catering, entertainment, and gifts will be provided by your children. If Mom cannot attend, you are more than welcome to make arrangements for another special person to attend. We expect the “brunch” to last for 30-40 minutes.
Field Day
Our annual Field Day will take place on Wednesday, April 24th. Our movement teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez, coordinates this event. In order for all of the activities to run smoothly, we need a number of parent volunteers. Check your calendars to see if you are available. Class mothers will be contacting parents in their classes to obtain volunteers.
Sneakers Please!
With spring approaching, we know children want to wear their new sandals, clogs, jellies, etc. However, they do pose a safety issue on the stairs, during movement, and on the playground. Please be sure your child is wearing securely tied (or velcro) sneakers.
Calendar Dates
April 15th - 22nd - School closed for Spring Break
April 23rd - School re-opens from Spring Break
April 24th - Field Day
April 30th - Art Show and Reception 6:30-7:30 PM