Footsteps Newsletter
vol 6                                                                                                         Issue  1
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          Welcome to the 2020-2021
        St. Catherine Preschool School Year

We are happy that you have chosen our school!  This Summer Edition of our newsletter will answer many of the questions that you may have about our upcoming school year.  Please read through each item and feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or if you need clarification.  We are so pleased and excited to begin a new year!

I apologize in advance!  Our newsletter is typically not this long but we have a lot of information to share!
We plan on opening our doors for the 2020-2021 school year.  We feel that it is important to have in-person classes.  In order for our school year to be safe for teachers, students and families we will most likely have to adjust our normal procedures. At this point, ODE has not provided specific mandates or guidance although it is expected soon.  When we receive that information we will share it with you.  We are preparing  to utilize rest time rooms as classrooms in the event that we have to reduce the size of our classes.  In this manner, we would not have to ask families to adjust student schedules as the K-12 schools are attempting to do. We realize how difficult it would be for some families to find care for children on days which they don't attend school. Unfortunately until we receive the official mandates for preschool/childcare category we are unable to share with you our official plan.

Some of the changes that may be put into place but are not limited to are:
Daily temperature checks
Limited access to the building for families to volunteer/visit
Changes in our current drop off/pickup routine
Masks for teachers
Smaller class size of 9 students per class
Lunch may be eaten in the classroom by some classes
Increased hand washing
Masks worn by adults entering the building
Specials classes delivered by an alternative method (directly in the classroom rather than in another room
Specials classes postponed until later in the year
Transitioning into School

Transitioning into school can be easy for some children while for others it takes a little work.  Please click on the links below to read our parent letter on transitions.  There also is a link to our family information form.  This form will assist teachers in creating a transition into school plan for your child!

10 Tips for an easy transition:
 
1. Bring your child to parent virtual night see the teacher.
2. Find and read some books to your child about starting school.  The local library has plenty!
3. Show excitement and enthusiasm for school.  Please hide your own apprehensions and anxiety as your child will pick up on those feelings.
4. Have your child get plenty of sleep, especially the first couple of weeks
5. Show confidence in saying goodbye.  The more you linger and look uneasy the more your child will feel as though there is something to be uneasy about. 
6. Discuss your fears or your child's needs with your child's teacher ahead of time!  We are a team and want to help in anyway possible.
7.Ask your child about his/her day.  
8. Expect that there may be tears and know that we will call if there is an extreme case of your child not adjusting.  Give your child's teacher your cell number and we can text you a picture of your little one smiling and playing, which usually happens quite quickly.
9. Let your child pick out clothing and shoes for school.  
10. Include a picture of you or the family in your child's backpack, send a love note in lunchbox or send a special stuffed animal or small item to remind your child of home.

Snack Information

AM and all day students will have snack around approximately an hour to an hour 1/2  after arrival.  Students are offered water, milk or apple juice and a healthy snack (fresh fruit, yogurt, cheese, crackers, pretzels etc.)

If your child is attending extended day in the PM, snack will be provided around 3:30 or 4  PM

*Twice a year, we request that you provide either a $15 ($8 for those enrolled 2 or 3  half days) donation toward the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables or 3 (2 f or those enrolled 2 or 3 half days) shelf stable snacks enough to feed 25 students per snack.

For students attending the all-day program

The hot lunch program will begin on our first full day of school. Septembers menu order form will be sent home on your students' orientation day. Please bring the menu order form and payment back to school the next day that your child attends. Hot Lunch is an optional service. You will have the opportunity to order each month.  We are part of the National School Hot Lunch Program.  This means that your child may qualify for free or reduced prices on meals.  The applications will be sent home the first week of school and also be available on parent night.  If your child receives SNAP or OWF  benefits, he/she may be automatically qualified.  Ms. Huber will notify you if this is the case.  You can also contact the office if you feel your child will automatically qualify.

*Please note that breakfast may be packed and sent for your child to eat at extended day only.  At 7:45 AM all breakfast items must be put away as students will begin moving into classrooms. All students bringing a packed breakfast must refrain from bringing any peanut, tree nut or products made in a facility where exposure to those items may have occurred.   
Safety and Security

Students are never left alone!  We maintain constant visual contact with each child (with the exception of private bathroom breaks where we stay within the room but not in the stall).  Students practice fire, safety and tornado drills.  We keep all doors locked at all times except for the 15 minute arrival period in the morning.  At that time, a faculty member is standing at our one* open entrance greeting and screening all those who enter. *Please note that we may have to adjust how classes enter the building each morning due to Covid19.

All visitors must sign in at the office.  If a visitor is a parent picking up early or volunteering in the classroom, the office will call down to the classroom so that the teacher is aware that someone is arriving.  Any other visitor (meter reader, repair person etc.) will be escorted throughout the building.  All volunteers must be screened through Virtus prior to having any interaction with students.  *Please note that due to COVID19, visitors to the building will be limited and must be screened at the office.

Our faculty and maintenance staff have all complied with the mandatory fingerprinting and background checks.  They have also been trained and screened through Virtus.

If you have a concern about the safety of your child (custody issues) please let us know immediately so that we can make all faculty aware of concerns.  Please be sure to copy any custody agreements or judgement and drop them off at the office.
Auto Payment Form
Tuition Payments are due by the 1st Friday of the month (Aug-May). If you chose invoicing, you will be sent an invoice through the yellow folder that is sent home weekly.   Some families choose to make smaller weekly payments.  How you pay is up to you.  We accept cash, check, money order, credit cards and automatic deductions through Tuition Express (direct pay through your bank account or credit card). Payment for school is a set amount broken up over ten months for convenience. The first payment is due by August 7th.  Your invoice will be mailed to you at the beginning of July with subsequent invoices arriving in the yellow folder.

Absences

If your child is ill, please call the office and let us know not to expect him/her.  (419) 478-9900  If your child is home with a communicable disease or illness which is highly contagious (COVID19, strep throat, hand, foot and mouth, lice, pneumonia etc.), please call the office so that we can notify other parents of the potential of illness.  All notifications are informational only and do not contain names or personal information.
Attendance

Please try to have students to school on time each day.  It is important for all students to arrive on time so that each may experience the routines, procedures and transitions of the day.  Arriving late is difficult for children as they often miss important instructions and routines.  Please note that students arriving  to school after 8:30 AM without cause may not be admitted that day.  We operate as a school rather than a day care and feel that routine and consistency is extremely important for children!  We appreciate your cooperation with this!
Dress Code

Please know that your child is likely to get dirty at school.  Play, learning and exploring can all result in messy clothes.  Please send your child in play clothes.    Please note that we do not allow students to wear sandals or open toed shoes.  
All Day Preschool and PreKindergarten

For students attending the all day program, please send a small blanket and small pillow that may stay at school. They will be sent home periodically for cleaning.  Your child may also bring one small stuffed/soft friend for rest time.  We prefer that it be a friend which can stay at school.  If the item MUST go home each day, please let the teacher know. 
All students must be escorted to the appropriate classroom and signed in by an adult.

AM Extended Day Only drop off-ring doorbell outside of entrance #8 off of main parking lot.  A M Extended Day drop off ENDS AT 7:45 AM.  All students arriving after 7:45 AM must wait for the main doors to open at 7:55 AM.  

AM drop off- Enter through the Siena Center glass doors. The main school door will open at 7:55 AM and remain open with a faculty greeter until 8:10 AM.  If you arrive late, ring the doorbell located outside of this door for admittance. ****Note**** AM drop off procedures may change depending on guidelines which we will receive this summer in regards to COVID19

Pick up procedures-  See diagram below.  If you need to meet with your child's teacher, please wait until the line is gone to have a lengthy discussion.  After the first week, the line typically takes around 5-7 minutes to clear.

Further down in the newsletter, there will be the a link to the supply list for your child's classroom.  Please bring supplies to school during the week before school starts.  You will be notified of your assigned day/time for drop off. This will allow the teachers on focus on the children on the first days of school.
Don't think that you can afford PK or preschool?

We're excited to announce that St. Catherine Preschool has been awarded a large grant which will assist 4 year old students from low income families in receiving a quality prek education.  Only 9 spots are still available.  Call the school office for details.

If your are an active parishioner from Most Blessed Sacrament, St. Catherine, St. John the Baptist, St. Clement or St. Michael the Archangel, you may qualify for an active parishioner scholarship.  Contact the school office for details.

ckummer@stcatherineearlyed.org    (419) 478-9900
Allergies, Medical Conditions and Medication

If your child has an allergy, medical condition or medication that needs to be administered at school, please contact the school office so we can be sure to prepare the faculty to meet the needs of your child.  All medications must be hand delivered to a faculty member (do not send in backpacks) with the appropriate permissions and forms.  Medications must be in the original bottles.  Some medications require physician instructions and permission for us to administer.
Bathroom Concerns

Please rest assured, we are part of your team now!  We understand that there will be accidents.  Because of this, we schedule MANY trips to the bathroom each day.  As we learn the needs of the class, breaks are adjusted.  Our goal for each child is to learn to:
1.speak up when a bathroom break is needed 
2.Independently manage clothing
3.wipe independently
4.operate soap and towel dispensers
5. wash hands appropriately

 Part of preschool and PK is learning independence.  Children thrive when they can be self-reliant.  We will support your child at their current level and work on these goals.  You can help us by dressing your child in clothing that can be managed easily by the child, practice independent wiping using verbal cues, understanding that accidents happen and by supporting your child's development in this area.  As a final note, students may not attend school in pull-ups.


         Enrolling Now!

  If you know someone who has not signed their child up for preschool or prek yet but is interested, we are still accepting enrollments in some classes.  We are happy to say that we have five PK classes this year!  

You may set up a tour by calling the office (419) 478-9900 or by emailing Mrs. Kummer ckummer@stcatherineearlyed.org  

Registration paperwork can be found on our website or can be obtained by stopping by the school office.

You can find us on facebook, through our website, and on 


Enrollment Paperwork

All students must have a complete file within 30 days from the first day of school.  Items in BOLD below must be completed on the first day of school.

1. current physical (valid for 12 months) 
2. immunization records
3. registration paper (please fill out ALL portions of the dentist, physician and    
    emergency contact information including  addresses  and phone numbers )
4. baptismal or birth certificate
5. any custody paperwork that we need to  be made aware of
6. Dentist form -Does not need to be signed by a dentist
7. Publicity Form
8. An emergency care plan for any children diagnosed with severe asthma, food or insect  
    allergies requiring an EPI-pen, medical concerns requiring medications to be administered     at  school or other health related concerns that would require our faculty to have a plan in         place  in the event of an emergency.  Please ask your doctor for a form or call the school         office. Please attach a picture of your child to the form.

Please plan on attending our Parent Night. You will be able to meet the faculty, hear about policies/procedures and drop off school supplies.

Typically this is an in-person event however we will be adjusting how we meet for Parent Night.  Our meeting will be delivered via Zoom on Monday, August 24th from 7 PM-8 PM.  A link will be sent out later this summer. It will be recorded in case your family can't attend.  During the meeting you will meet our faculty, hear specific plans for the year and be able to ask questions.  This is typically supply drop off night too however this will be adjusted as we do not want a large crowd in the building.  We will instead have a plan for drop off over the week prior to school.  These details will be shared when we have them. 
 PS1 Ms. Ashley & Ms. Danielle's
Preschool Class

Mrs. Ashley Leach  has been an Early Childhood professional for 12 years.  She brings  a wealth of experience to our center.  Ms. Ashley holds her Child Development Associates certification!  She is creative, fun, organized, caring and experienced! She enjoys watching the students learn and grow!  Ms. Ashley can be contacted adoty@stcatherineearlyed.org 


Ms. Danielle Harder holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology.  Danielle has worked with children in the court system and in foster care.  We are pleased to have Ms. Danielle on our faculty as she brings with her a wealth of experience and compassion!  This will be her 4th year here at St. Catherine School!

                dharder@stcatherineearlyed.org 
 


Ms. Mary & Ms. Amy's 
Preschool Class

Ms. Mary has been a preschool teacher for many years.  She holds an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood and enjoys helping all students, especially those with special needs.  We are pleased that Ms. Mary will be returning for her 4th year to our family!

mwilk@stcatherineearlyed.org


Ms. Amy has been teaching for over 20 years. She enjoys learning new things and always tries to improve on her skills in the classroom.  Mrs. Amy will be team teaching with Ms. Mary.  The pair have taught together at several area daycare programs and have a great partnership in the classroom!  
acaudill@stcatheineearlyed.org

Ms. Amy Caudill's Email                


Supply List
  
   
PK 1 Miss Brooke Jacob-   Pre-Kindergarten Class

Miss Brooke Jacob  is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a certificate in Deaf Studies. She is happy to be back teaching in Toledo, the city she was born and raised. Brooke has a passion for watching children learn and grow. She is creative, outgoing, and dedicated. Brooke looks forward to her first year at St. Catherine's. 


Ms. Miranda Middlebrooks is a graduate from Whitmer High School  where she focused on the Teaching Professions in the Career Tech Program.   She then attended the University of Toledo where she studied Special Education.  Miranda has experience as a lead teacher for three year old children and is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate Certificate. 

                                   mmiddlebrooks@stcatherineearlyed.org
              Supply List
PK 2 Mrs. L & Mrs. A's   
Pre-Kindergarten Class

Mrs. Jill  Ledergerber was born in Ohio and now lives in Tecumseh, Michigan with her husband. They have two adult children and two four-legged kids as well!  She earned a Bachelor's degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education from the Ohio State University.  She has had the opportunity to work with many different ages of children, and her favorite has been in Early Education.  Currently Jill is pursuing an additional certificate geared toward early learners.   Mrs. L is an ODE certified mentor and guides new teachers during their first years in the classroom.

Mrs. L can be contacted through her email jledergerber@stcatherineearlyed.org


Mrs. Melinda Amborski has been an assistant teacher at the preschool level for several years.  She is married and has two daughters.  Mrs. A is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish.  She is a kind and patient teacher with a positive attitude!  Melinda brings years of training in Early Childhood Education.  Melinda will be finishing her Child Development Associates Certificate this year!

Mrs. A can be contacted through her email                           mamborski@stcatherineearlyed.org
           Supply List
PK 3 Mrs. Lexie Ferkel & Ms. Caitlyn Amborski's   
Pre-Kindergarten Class

Mrs. Lexie  has returned to our faculty this year!  She is a graduate of Lourdes University with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education.  Lexie is recently engaged!  We are so pleased to have Ms. Lexie on our team as she is innovative, enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated.

Mrs.Lexie  can be contacted through her email lferkel@stcatherineearlyed.org

Ms. Caitlyn Amborski joined our faculty midway through our last school year.   She is a graduate of Cardinal Stritch High School and is a member of St. John the Baptist Parish.   Caitlyn will be finishing her Child Development Associates Certificate this year. She brings patience, kindness and fun to the room!

camborski@stcatherineearlyed.org
      PK 4  Mrs. O's & Ms. Kayla's
      Pre-Kindergarten Class

   Mrs. O- Bio in the next newsletter






 Ms. Kayla Sykes will be joining our faculty this fall.  We are excited to have her with us because she brings a wealth of experience with her.  Kayla has a background in special education and has a true joy for teaching.  She lives with her family in Toledo and her two daughters attend St. Pius X. Ms. Kayla loves to read and has two goldendoodles! You can contact Ms. Kayla through her email 
ksykes@stcatherineearlyed.org
PK 5 Mrs. Lori Pierce & Ms. Kristyn Ewing
Pre-Kindergarten Class

Mrs. Lori has been teaching for many years both in this area and the Cincinnati area.  Lori enjoys educating young children and has focused her career primarily in the Preschool through Kindergarten age range.  Lori holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Graduate degree in School Psychology.  She also holds a Master's degree in Education with an endorsement in Computer Technology and is licensed to teach preschool- 3rd grade.  Mrs. Lori is thrilled to be returning to us this year!
                           Mrs. Lori can be contacted through her email                                 lpierce@stcatherineearlyed.org

 Ms. Kristyn Ewing has 5 years experience as a lead teacher in a preschool classroom.  Her educational background is in Early Childhood and she has a passion for watching children grow and learn!  Ms. Kristyn has an abundance of joy that she brings to the classroom.  She and Ms. Lori are an amazing team.
kewing@stcatherineearlyed.org

Mrs. Becky Boros 
PK6 & Computer

Mrs. Becky Boros  will be teaching the PK half-day program in the morning and computer in the afternoon. She has over 22 years of teaching experience and recently added specific certification for Early Childhood.  Becky has two children; Marissa  and Tanner.   Becky enjoys camping and time at the beach with her family and supporting her son in his college baseball career. Becky says, "I love children and enjoy working with them.  I believe there is good in everyone and will never give up hope on a child." 
Mrs. Boros is an ODE certified mentor and guides new teachers during their first years in the classroom.  bboros@stcatherineearlyed.org


                  PK 6 Mrs. Becky Supply List   



Mrs. Rupp  will be teaching PK Art and will also guide students in the Atrium during the Cathechesis of the Good Shepherd Program.  Mrs. Rupp has both an Associate's Degree as well as over 22 years of experience as an educational professional.  Terri enjoys helping children understand God's love for them.  Terri has a wonderful connection with children and is able to reach the introverted child through her patience and kindness.Terri is married and has 3 sons.  She is a member of St. Catherine Parish.
                                     trupp@ stcatherineearlyed.org

Ms. Jannelle Garcia is currently our Music teacher, will be teaching Preschool Art and will be preparing all meals and snacks.  Ms. Jannelle is currently working on her Early Childhood Education Degree.  Ms. J is enthusiastic, kind, inventive and a wonderful teacher.  She has a way of connecting to students who may be struggling.  This will be her fifth year as part of our faculty!  

Ms. J can be contacted through her email jgarcia@stcatherineearlyed.org

Ms. Michaela Shordt
Ms. Michaela is returning for her second year on  our faculty.  Ms. Michaela holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Toledo and enjoys working with children. She brings a positive attitude, kindness and a team approach to our faculty! Ms. Michaela attended St. Catherine of Siena as a child and is happy to return to her school!  She will be teaching PE and working as a float.

mshordt@stcatherineearlyed.org

Mrs. Cristen Balk Office/Building Substitute


Mrs. Cristen is a member of Regina Coeli Parish. She has a wealth of experience and expertise inthe area of office and account management. She and her husband live in Michigan with their 2 children.

cbalk@stcatherineearlyed.org

Ms. Beth Huber is a member of St. Catherine Parish.  She not only runs the Preschool office but also directs the hot lunch program.
   She keeps everything running smoothly.  If you call the office, Beth will probably be the one to greet you!

You can contact Ms. Beth Huber through her   email ehuber@ stcatherineearlyed.org
or through the school office (419) 478-9900

Mrs. Chris Kummer is the director of  St. Catherine Preschool. She holds a Master's Degree in Teaching and Curriculum and a BA in Early Childhood Education from Lourdes University.  She and her family have lived in the St. Catherine area for over 20 years.  Chris is committed to Catholic Education, focusing her Master's thesis on teaching curriculum through essential Catholic values.
You can contact Mrs. Kummer through her   email   ckummer@stcatherineearlyed.org or through the school office                                 (419)478-9900

Ms. Brenna Kummer is an AM Extended Day teacher and building substitute.  She is a graduate from UT with a  BS in Exercise Science. Brenna is also a personal trainer and  an Irish Dance teacher. She has 10 years experience working directly with children.  



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Click below to download a 2020-21 School Calendar


We are blessed to be a part of the development of your child!  Please contact us if you have any concerns, questions or comments.

Blessings,

Chris Kummer
Director
St. Catherine of Siena Early Childhood Education Center

"Prepare your child for the path not the path for your child."  ~ Unknown


 St. Catherine of Siena 
Early Childhood Education Center 
 1155 Corbin Rd
Toledo, Ohio 43612
419-478-9900
ckummer@stcatherineearlyed.org