Greetings!

As we welcome July, we are excited to continue our All American Summer adventure! We are now one month into our summer theme, and the children have been having an amazing time exploring and learning about our country.

Throughout June, we discovered American symbols and history, learned about different modes of transportation, created patriotic flags. The children embraced each activity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity.

This month, our journey continues with celebrations of our nation's birthday, exciting water play activities, explorations of our oceans, and hands-on learning about U.S. We look forward to another month filled with discovery, learning,, and summer fun!

Thank you for being part of our center community. We are excited for all the adventures that July will bring!

CENTER HAPPENINGS

🎨 JULY THEME DAYS

July 3 – Center Closed (Independence Day)

July 7 – Toddler Water Day

July 8 – Preschool Water Day

July 13 – Ice Cream Treat Day

We will celebrate National Ice Cream Month with a special frozen treat for the children!

July 14 – Toddler Water Day

July 15 – Preschool Water Day

July 23 – Picnic Snack Day

In honor of National Picnic Month, we'll enjoy a fun picnic-style snack with friends.

July 28 – Toddler Water Day

July 29 – Preschool Water Day

July 31 – Bike Day

Children are invited to bring their bicycles, tricycles, or ride-on toys for a fun day of outdoor riding activities. More details will be shared with families as the date approaches.

FAMILY REMINDERS

🌴 VACATION & VACATION CREDITS

If you're planning time away this month, please let us know by writing your child’s name on the vacation calendar located on the parent table in the hallway.

Families who have been enrolled for six months or more are eligible for a half-week tuition credit when taking five consecutive weekdays off. To receive the credit, please complete the Account Adjustment Form, also available at the parent table.

🎆 HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Please note: Especially for Children will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We wish your family a safe and joyful holiday weekend! For those of you planning ahead, we will also be closed on Friday, September 4, for our staff fall professional development day, and on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day.

FAMILY RESOURCES

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.