Preschool News
September 2018
A Note From Mrs. Harper

We have had a wonderful first month of preschool. The children are doing very well with classroom routines, and rules. They have enjoyed the gym, music class, and the library. We have learned about apples, the Creation Story, many prayers, and the Sign of the Cross. In the coming months, we will learn, laugh, pray, and PLAY! The power of play in preschool is one of the reasons I enjoy being part of an early childhood staff. There has been an abundance of research around play and its positive effects on early childhood learning and development. In general, research shows strong links between creative play and language, physical, cognitive, and social development. Play is a healthy, essential part of childhood. So, be on the lookout for signs of preschool playtime at home. These may include messy shirts, dirty socks, and lots of big smiles.

"Play is the highest form of research." ~ Albert Einstein

Warmly,
Hillary Harper
Preschool Photo Newsletter

Be on the lookout in the Wolfhound Wednesday for a fun feature that started this week.  The Wolfhound Wednesday is the school newsletter that is emailed to all school families each week. Starting on September 26, you will find the first Preschool Photo Newsletter for this school year!  You'll see photos from all of the preschool classes. These will be posted on a rotating basis with preschool being featured every fifth week. 

Click here to view the Preschool Photo Newsletter album. 
Gentle Reminders for the Year

Clothing
Check to see that all of your child's belongings are clearly labeled.  Especially remember to label sweatshirts and sweaters--they are all the same!  Even if you just write your child's initials on the tag, it will help us. With cool mornings we are seeing new jackets. Please label jackets, too. The children do not always remember what their 'new' jacket looks like.

Snacks
We encourage you to ask for your child's help in planning or preparing their snack.  We want their snack to be something they like and really want to eat. Please pay close attention to allergy statements on packaging. We ask that you NOT send snacks that may contain traces of nuts .  We want all of the surfaces in the classroom to be safe for all children. We always have graham crackers as an option for children that forget to bring a snack.  

Dismissal
With regards to dismissal, please keep in mind:
  • Please place your child's name tag on the passenger side visor of your car. This helps us to keep the line moving.
  • Please pull forward to buckle your child. This also helps us keep the line moving.
  • If you are ever in an emergency situation, where you realize that you are going to be late to pick up your child, please call the preschool office at (614) 718-5825 ext. 244  if it is 15 minutes or more before dismissal time.  Closer to dismissal time, ask one of the school secretaries to get the message to preschool and they will relay it to us.
Parent Teacher Conferences

We are required by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to offer two parent teacher conferences each year. Mrs. Sachs and Mrs. McKenna will be meeting with parents on October 2, 2018.  There is no class for the Hearts and Halos classes on this day. Mrs. Funk and Mrs. O'Reilly will be meeting with parents in November where they will share progress and goals. The second set of conferences for all classes will be in March. Please note that you do not have to wait until the scheduled conferences to meet with any of the preschool teachers if you have concerns. If you have a concern, please email the teachers directly and they will respond.

Preschool Pumpkin Patch

The pumpkin patch is coming to Saint Brigid of Kildare Preschool! During the week of October 22-25, each preschool class will get to visit the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin to paint in class and take home. We would love each student to bring in a medium sized pumpkin the week before to help us fill our patch! Pumpkins can be dropped off to Mrs. Harper's office when you drop off your child to class. Thank you for your help!
Fire Truck Visits

October is Fire Safety month. Washington Township Fire Department will visit the preschool and kindergarten classes to talk about fire safety, prevention, and touch a truck! These visits will take place during preschool on October 12.

Halloween Parties

Hard to believe but it is right around the corner -before we know it, the Halloween Party will be here! If you are already thinking ahead to our first party of the year, here are a few details that may help you with your planning. Yes, the children should wear Halloween costumes!  As you are thinking about costumes, please consider:
  1. Some children may be reluctant to come to school in a costume. If they are uneasy, do not force the issue.
  2. Costumes should be of a friendly nature.  Scary or violent costumes or props are not appropriate for school.  (i.e. guns, swords, etc.)
  3. The children will be doing activities and playing games at the party.  Masks or big bulky costumes may impede their ability to participate.
  4. Costumes should not be so intricate or complicated that the children are fearful of ruining their costume.  

Halloween Party times:
Hearts and Halos -Tuesday, Oct. 30 th   
Saints, Disciples, Holy Heroes - -Wednesday, Oct. 31 st   

Morning Parties-9:00 - 10:15 a.m.             Afternoon Parties-1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

Children and parents should arrive at either 9:00 or 1:00 (no class; it's just a party day)

Preschool parties are meant to be a special time for the children.   We encourage you to join us for the parties to share this time with your child.  Please try to arrange your schedule so that each child can have at least one adult (mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or sitter) present.  This is one of the reasons that we have the rule of no siblings at parties.  

Volunteer Information

Saint Brigid of Kildare will be hosting a Protecting God's Children session on October 3, 2018 for any adult interested in volunteering with children in our parish and school activities. This session will be in the Carr Nursery in Hendrick's Hall.  Registration is required at www.virtus.org. This session is for St. Brigid of Kildare volunteers only. Information about the diocesan safe environment requirements can be found on our parish website at www.stbrigidofkildare.org/safe-environment or contact Stacey Nerone, Safe Environment Manager, at [email protected]

Playground Help Needed

Saint Brigid School needs some assistance tearing down and building a new playground for our youngest wolfhounds!  Tear down and building will take place Saturday October 6 th .  There are 2 shifts, 8:00 - Noon and Noon - finish (between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.)  Please see the sign-up genius for more details!!
 
Any questions and be directed to Lori Henry at 614-561-0244 or [email protected]


Class Newsletters
Click below to read the September newsletter for each class.