A Note from Our Principal
Dear Families,
April was a special month with celebrations for Week of the Young Child and Earth Day, creating lasting memories! We enjoyed embracing the joy of childhood and teaching our students how they can help the environment. Looking ahead to May, we’re excited to honor our wonderful teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Plus, we will continue learning about nature and how to be eco-friendly as we get ready for summer fun!
Sincerely,
Brittany Meeks
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10. This is the perfect time to express our gratitude to our amazing teachers who work tirelessly to educate and care for our students each and every day. They are the heart and soul of our preschool, and we are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team. More information regarding Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations will be sent via Links 2 Home.
Parent Survey Update
Thank you for your participation in our Parent Survey. We value your feedback as we continuously strive to improve our programs and enhance your child’s educational experience. We will be sharing the ways we’ll be using your feedback in the next few weeks.
Family Referral Bonus
Do you know a colleague who has recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member who is seeking a new preschool for their child? When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Header 2)
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In celebration, we will explore the culture and traditions of the AAPI community by reading books, creating crafts, and trying new foods.
Important Dates
May 6-10 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10 – Mother’s Day Celebration
May 27 – CLOSED for Memorial Day
May 31 – End-of-month folders go home
New On Our Preschool Blog
How to Reinforce Literacy Skills During Your Child’s Day
Learn how to give children the best head start in gaining literacy skills with Jodi Schreck, our Executive Vice President of Education. Jodi joined our organization in 1997 and leads our Education team. Jodi has served as teacher, trainer, and leader in the public and private school sectors. Her 35 years of experience spans early childhood, K12, special education, and education leadership.
Hi Jodi! Why is it crucial to start reinforcing literacy concepts in early childhood?
Jodi: During the early years, children soak up knowledge like sponges! It is at this time that the brain is making a myriad of connections. It’s amazing how much they can learn and remember. Early exposure to language and literacy sets the stage for success. Our youngest learners are listening all of the time, building their auditory vocabulary, learning sounds within words, and making meaning of words. Soon, they connect sounds to printed letters. Children immersed in environments abundant with language typically demonstrate heightened speech aptitude and enhanced phonics skills.
How do our teachers create a literacy-rich environment in their classrooms?
Jodi: Our teachers promote communication skills and early literacy skills as they talk with, read to, and sing along with their students. Students learn that reading and writing are important as they see their teachers using these skills in everyday life. As teachers share various forms of literature, they model fluent reading, how to get questions answered, and comprehension strategies. They develop students’ love of writing by providing opportunities for them to convey their ideas within authentic writing tasks.
Our students have opportunities to “read the room”. An environment filled with printed words introduces vocabulary and helps students construct meaning. Our classrooms are filled with books, calendars, weather charts, classroom job charts, and more. Everywhere they look, students can see printed text.
How can families create a literacy-rich environment at home?
Jodi: Place books not only in your child’s bedroom but also in other areas of the home, such as the living room and kitchen. Children often learn through observation, so the more they witness their parents reading, the more likely they are to explore books themselves. Chore charts, weekly menus, or morning/bedtime schedules can also be beneficial. Ensure these visuals contain both pictures and words and involve your child in reading them together. When you read to or with your child, track words with your index finger and allow your child to explore certain words, sounds, or phrases. Make age-appropriate magnetic letters, alphabet puzzles, writing materials, and paper easily available for your child. These are all fun ways to further encourage literacy exploration.
May Newsletter
A Note from Our Principal
Dear Families,
April was a special month with celebrations for Week of the Young Child and Earth Day, creating lasting memories! We enjoyed embracing the joy of childhood and teaching our students how they can help the environment. Looking ahead to May, we’re excited to honor our wonderful teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Plus, we will continue learning about nature and how to be eco-friendly as we get ready for summer fun!
Sincerely,
Brittany Meeks
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10. This is the perfect time to express our gratitude to our amazing teachers who work tirelessly to educate and care for our students each and every day. They are the heart and soul of our preschool, and we are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team. More information regarding Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations will be sent via Links 2 Home.
Parent Survey Update
Thank you for your participation in our Parent Survey. We value your feedback as we continuously strive to improve our programs and enhance your child’s educational experience. We will be sharing the ways we’ll be using your feedback in the next few weeks.
Family Referral Bonus
Do you know a colleague who has recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member who is seeking a new preschool for their child? When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Header 2)
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In celebration, we will explore the culture and traditions of the AAPI community by reading books, creating crafts, and trying new foods.
Important Dates
May 6-10 – Teacher Appreciation Week
May 10 – Mother’s Day Celebration
May 27 – CLOSED for Memorial Day
May 31 – End-of-month folders go home
New On Our Preschool Blog
How to Reinforce Literacy Skills During Your Child’s Day
Learn how to give children the best head start in gaining literacy skills with Jodi Schreck, our Executive Vice President of Education. Jodi joined our organization in 1997 and leads our Education team. Jodi has served as teacher, trainer, and leader in the public and private school sectors. Her 35 years of experience spans early childhood, K12, special education, and education leadership.
Hi Jodi! Why is it crucial to start reinforcing literacy concepts in early childhood?
Jodi: During the early years, children soak up knowledge like sponges! It is at this time that the brain is making a myriad of connections. It’s amazing how much they can learn and remember. Early exposure to language and literacy sets the stage for success. Our youngest learners are listening all of the time, building their auditory vocabulary, learning sounds within words, and making meaning of words. Soon, they connect sounds to printed letters. Children immersed in environments abundant with language typically demonstrate heightened speech aptitude and enhanced phonics skills.
How do our teachers create a literacy-rich environment in their classrooms?
Jodi: Our teachers promote communication skills and early literacy skills as they talk with, read to, and sing along with their students. Students learn that reading and writing are important as they see their teachers using these skills in everyday life. As teachers share various forms of literature, they model fluent reading, how to get questions answered, and comprehension strategies. They develop students’ love of writing by providing opportunities for them to convey their ideas within authentic writing tasks.
Our students have opportunities to “read the room”. An environment filled with printed words introduces vocabulary and helps students construct meaning. Our classrooms are filled with books, calendars, weather charts, classroom job charts, and more. Everywhere they look, students can see printed text.
How can families create a literacy-rich environment at home?
Jodi: Place books not only in your child’s bedroom but also in other areas of the home, such as the living room and kitchen. Children often learn through observation, so the more they witness their parents reading, the more likely they are to explore books themselves. Chore charts, weekly menus, or morning/bedtime schedules can also be beneficial. Ensure these visuals contain both pictures and words and involve your child in reading them together. When you read to or with your child, track words with your index finger and allow your child to explore certain words, sounds, or phrases. Make age-appropriate magnetic letters, alphabet puzzles, writing materials, and paper easily available for your child. These are all fun ways to further encourage literacy exploration.