Welcome Letter

August 30, 2010


Greetings from the Preschool!

I hope you've enjoyed the summer as much as I have, including plenty of occasions for family fun and adventure, and perhaps some exciting trips and events. I’ve enjoyed seeing some of you around town and at our summer preschool play dates.

It's hard to believe that the school year is about to begin. Looking forward to the first days of school, Leelee and I would like to share with you some thoughts and small details that will help us all get ready.

Some children have already picked out their cubbies, and have begun to personalize these spaces as their very own. Other simple strategies for creating “personalization” during these transition days include bringing in a special (non-breakable) cup or mug that will stay here to be his/her drinking cup at snack and meal times. (There is a real opportunity not to be lost here, too! Parents each year inform me how proud their child was in picking out his/her own cup, and even lunch box, from the store. Bringing in a new cup or lunchbox to school adds to the excitement of this big, new transition.) Preschoolers bring in their own snacks and lunches, but we have silverware, small plates, cups, and bowls so you needn't include these when creating lunches at home. We provide milk daily for those who want it, and we have additional healthy snack foods to compensate for the occasional lost or forgotten lunch. We have a small refrigerator and a microwave right here in the classroom, as well.

Children should also bring a complete change of clothing to be kept in their cubby in the event of some future need. (We do have a limited supply of spare clothes, too.) Children also need a pair of indoor slippers (or slip-on sneakers, etc.) to be worn after coming in from outdoors. And during the early days of school, children might enjoy bringing in something from home—a special memento (not toys, please) from home for example, or something collected during a trip or other summer adventure. It's fun to re-live those summer moments, and to share them with others in the class. And it's often easier to make the transition with the help of "props" from home.

The beginning-of-school conferences are this Tuesday the 31st, 8:30 – 4:30 for returning families, and Wednesday August 1st from 10:00 – 12:00 for new families (following the new-family orientation at 9:00). If you haven’t called Tammy to schedule a conference, please take a moment to do so. Some of you have informed me already that you’ll be away on that day. Rest assured that we can reschedule your conference at another, mutually convenient time.

Thanks to all of you who were able to come to Saturday’s Work Day, and the combined preschool-kindergarten potluck afterwards. I certainly appreciated the help organizing in the new classroom, as well as the weeding on the playground. There have been some major changes both here in the preschool and throughout the school in general this summer, and things look great.

Finally, we'd like to extend another heartfelt Welcome to all our preschool families! We’re eagerly anticipating the beginning of school, and are looking forward to seeing you all regularly.


Sincerely,
Ken Brautigam and Leelee Bookwalter