Greetings!

SUMMERTIME

Summer is in full swing, and our classrooms are enjoying all the fun, learning, and adventures that come with the season. This month, we are excited to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary—a special milestone honoring 250 years of our nation's history, growth, and community spirit. From patriotic art projects and music to water play and nature exploration, our children will enjoy a variety of engaging experiences that encourage creativity, curiosity, and fun. Be on the lookout for pictures, projects, and notes from your child’s teachers as they share what will unfold in EFC classrooms this month!

Thank you for being part of our Especially for Children family. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

CENTER HAPPENINGS

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

As a reminder, Especially for Children will be closed on Friday, July 3, for Independence Day. If you plan to keep your child(ren) home for additional days this week, please email Michelle/Susan to let us know. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend! For those planning ahead, we will also be closed on Friday, September 4, for our fall professional development day and Monday, September 7, for Labor Day.

ALLI WEEK     JULY 1-8 2026

This week, and always, we remember Alli – a remarkable woman, leader, friend, and human being whose legacy reminds us to live with purpose, kindness, and hope.

This year, from July 1-8 we will be honoring former EFC owner, Alli Zomer. Alli passed away in July 2024 and is deeply missed by all who knew her in the EFC community. In her memory, we will be hosting a donation drive to support our community and would love your help! Be on the lookout for further information via Daily Connect.

Additionally, please help us fill the center with BLUE on the final day of our drive, Wednesday, July 8. Blue is the current favorite color of both Charlie & June (Alli’s son & daughter), who also attended our school.

FAMILY EVENT

We hope you’ll join us for a fun ice cream social family event! The Pink Cow Ice Cream Truck will be here! Thursday, July 30 from 4:45-5:45pm

Please look for further communication and RSVP for this event so we can get your family’s treat tickets to you in advance. We hope to see you there and have the weather cooperate so we can be outdoors for the event. We’ll have bubbles, chalk and some fun outdoor nature activities as well. All classrooms are welcome to come and mingle with other families and teaching staff!

Spread the Love! Pink Cow visits less fortunate communities on a regular basis to give treats and smiles to kids that may not be able to afford them. 100% of any donations will go to their “Spread the Love” program.

FAMILY RESOURCES

FARMER’S MARKET

Centennial Lakes Park 

3-7 p.m. Thursdays

June 3 – October 1

The weekly Farmer’s Market at Centennial Lakes Park Hughes Pavilion lets people purchase directly from farmers, growers, and producers, ensuring a high level of freshness and quality.

AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This milestone, often called the Semiquincentennial, is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's history, recognize the many people and cultures that have helped shape America, and celebrate the values of freedom, opportunity, and community.

At Especially for Children, we will explore this historic anniversary through age-appropriate activities that introduce children to patriotic symbols, American traditions, and the importance of working together as a community. As we celebrate this special occasion, we encourage families to share stories, traditions, and experiences that help make our country a diverse and vibrant place to call home.

For more ways to teach your children about America’s rich history, here are a few stories you can read at home:

My America By: Karen Katz

My America is a picture book celebration of immigration to the United States told through the experiences of children who have come from around the world. Children come to live in America from many different countries, and for many different reasons . . . In this beautiful celebration of immigration, children from around the world tell their stories, sharing their love of where they're from and where they live now--homes old and new. As they describe the foods they eat, the languages they've learned, the sports they play, and more, the differences and similarities that link us all are revealed.

ABC’s of American By: J. D. Forester

An alphabetical introduction to the United States for the youngest of readers, just in time to celebrate America's 250th anniversary! A is for America, the land of the free. B is for bald eagle, the country's national bird. C is for cowboy boots , worn out on the ranch. In this celebration of the United States, there's a classic American symbol for each letter of the alphabet. Featuring bold, dynamic art that promotes engagement for curious minds, this educational and patriotic book highlights American culture, history, and more for little ones.

America is 250!: A 4^th of July Storybook for Kids Celebrating Independence Day, Freedom, American History and Birthday By: Bibi Squish

Written for early readers ages 4 to 7, this warm and patriotic storybook takes children on a journey through American history - from the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence, to the parades and fireworks of today's Independence Day celebrations. With simple, read-aloud language and vivid storytelling, every page builds a sense of pride, wonder, and love for this great country.

STAR WELLNESS

FRUIT SPARKLERS HOW TO:

1. Cut watermelon vertically into 1-inch-thick slices. 

2. Use a small star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes from the flesh of each watermelon round.

3. Thread 7-10 blueberries into the center of each bamboo skewer, leaving enough space at the end for someone to be able to comfortably hold it, and a space at the top for the watermelon star.

4. Place the watermelon star on top and set the fruit sparklers on a serving tray. Cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Especially for Children - Edina/W 70th St.

5015 W 70th Street 

Edina, MN 55439

(952) 946-9971

edina@cadence-academy.com

Center Directors

Michelle Botz and Susan Wilson