Greetings!

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!

EFC FAMILY ROCK CATERPILLAR 

We would like to continue our rock caterpillar and would love your family to add to our Hungry Little Caterpillar. Head out to explore nature and find just the right rock to decorate, then bring it to the center and we will add it to his body. He will be hiding along the sidewalk. What a fun way to leave a reminder of your family.

FAMILY REMINDERS

Especially for Children will be closed in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3. For those of you planning ahead, we will also be closed on Friday, September 4, for our fall staff professional development day, and on Monday, September 7, for Labor day.

Watch your child’s classroom door for upcoming splash days and other events. Bring in a suit, towel and shoes to get wet.

Make sure your child has shoes for the playground that are closed toed and have a back to keep them on their feet. Flip flops and crocs should not be worn at the center.

Wednesdays, June 17-Oct. 7 from 3-6 PM (no market on July 1)

Coon Rapids Ice Center parking lot, 11000 Crooked Lake Boulevard

Shop local and eat fresh! The Farmers Market features locally grown vegetables, berries, honeys, jams, flowers and more. Also browse a new selection of crafters, artists and cottage bakers each week.

Thursday Nights Now - August 6 (no concert July 2) | Concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park - 9750 Egret Boulevard

The Summer Concert Series is held at the performance pavilion of the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, located at 9750 Egret Blvd. The schedule is released in early spring, and features a variety of music genres and styles - everything from jazz and big band to country music and rock n roll!

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of free entertainment. Anoka County Parks is a partner for this event and waives the park entrance fee for the evening. There will be no shuttling available from the visitor center to the concert pavilion this year, but a drop-off/pick-up area is available near the pavilion.

Concessions available for purchase 5:30-7 p.m. from the Coon Rapids North Star Lions. Come early if you want some snacks!

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.

Especially for Children - Coon Rapids

8885 Evergreen Blvd

Coon Rapids, MN 55433

(763) 784-0901

coonrapids@cadence-academy.com

Center Director

Lisa Ward