Monday January 5 - School reopens after vacation
Tuesday January 6 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Monday January 19 - School Closed (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday)
Tuesday January 20 - Internal registration for the 2007-2008 school year begins
Sunday January 25 - Parent Child Sunday (More Details to follow)
Monday January 26 - School Closed - Teacher Education Day
Friday January 30 - Parent Clean-up, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Sunday February 1 - Parent Clean-up (continued), 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Tuesday February 3 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Thursday February 12 - Prospective Parents Meeting, 7:30 PM
Cooperator registration for the 2009-2010 school year begins
Week of February 16 to 20 - School closed for Midwinter Vacation
Monday February 23 - School reopens after vacation
Tuesday March 3 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Saturday March 7 - Open House & Registration for the community at-large begins for the 2009-2010 school year
Tuesday April 7 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Thursday April 9 to Friday April 17 - School Closed for Spring Recess
Monday April 20 - School opens after Spring Recess
Thursday April 30 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Friday May 1 - Parent/Teacher Conferences (Classes only for Full Day and Part-time full day Friday Students and Little Hands)
Tuesday May 5 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Sunday May 17 - SPRING BAZAAR
Monday May 25 - School Closed (Memorial Day)
Thursday May 28 - General Parent meeting & ELECTIONS, 7:30 PM
Tuesday June 2 - Joint Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Monday June 8 - Last day of Little Hands III classes
Tuesday June 9 - Last day of Little Hands II classes
Wednesday June 10 - Moving Up/Picnic, 10:30 AM (no classes)
Tuesday June 23 - Last day of classes for UPK, Full Day and Part-time Full Day Children
Wednesday June 24 - Teacher's report for classroom pack-up
Friday June 26 - Parent clean-up, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Saturday June 27 - Parent clean-up (contintued), 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - UPK - Our Very Busy Days!
Dear Parents,
Our UPK school year is getting off to a very good start. We began the school year as a group of strangers. The children in the class were new to the program, to school in general, and to one another. As the fall progresses, friendships are being developed and everyone is becoming comfortable in the classroom. Our group of strangers is becoming a community of friends working together and learning about one another. Our room is a very happy place.
Since school is a new experience for us, we are still learning about the fundamentals of being in a classroom together. We are learning about the routine and the flow of the day. We are learning to play cooperatively with one another, and that includes sharing and taking turns. We are also working on the communication skills that are vitally important to develop at this time.
We are a busy group. Our school day may include dance, arts & crafts, sand and water play, story time, cooking, and music, among other activities. We have started the school year off by working on learning and reinforcing our color concepts, which we have been doing through art experiences such as painting, painting, painting! Our projects have included finger painting, easel painting, and sponge painting. It’s fun to mix two different colors together to see what we get. It makes us feel like mad scientists!
Our class just finished studying apples. We cooked with apples, painted with apples, and tasted different kinds of apples to see which ones we like the best. Our apple cooking projects included applesauce and apple cake.
It’s important to involve the children in the cooking process, so they can see how the ingredients change when we mix them together or cook them. Cooking incorporates many different lessons throughout the procedure. Math is needed to read a recipe and measure ingredients. Science comes into play as we see how cooking changes the ingredients. We also have a wonderful opportunity to socialize while we are cooking, and discuss what is going on. Sometimes we make a graph of who liked the finished product and who did not. It is a time for everyone to have a chance to talk and to share information and opinions, even the teachers!
We are always busy in the classroom. It might seem as though we are just playing, but imbedded in that play are lessons that will lay the groundwork for future learning. As the school year progresses, we will begin to involve the children more in the management of the classroom. Each child will have a job that they will have to do every day. It may be helping to set up the snack tables, or making sure things are put back properly after playtime. The jobs may seem small to you, but to a child they are a tremendous responsibility. Simple tasks go a long way towards fostering a child’s independence, which is crucial to their development, especially at this age.
As the weather gets colder, please remember to dress your child appropriately. We go outside as often as we can, so make sure your child comes to school dressed warmly. We go out first thing, and we want to make sure everyone is ready. Also, this is a good time to check you child’s extra clothes to make sure they are appropriate for the season and there is nothing missing.
Thank you for the pleasure of your children’s company. It is a joy to work with them every day.
More fun to come in the winter! Stay tuned!
Andrea & Alma
Our UPK school year is getting off to a very good start. We began the school year as a group of strangers. The children in the class were new to the program, to school in general, and to one another. As the fall progresses, friendships are being developed and everyone is becoming comfortable in the classroom. Our group of strangers is becoming a community of friends working together and learning about one another. Our room is a very happy place.
Since school is a new experience for us, we are still learning about the fundamentals of being in a classroom together. We are learning about the routine and the flow of the day. We are learning to play cooperatively with one another, and that includes sharing and taking turns. We are also working on the communication skills that are vitally important to develop at this time.
We are a busy group. Our school day may include dance, arts & crafts, sand and water play, story time, cooking, and music, among other activities. We have started the school year off by working on learning and reinforcing our color concepts, which we have been doing through art experiences such as painting, painting, painting! Our projects have included finger painting, easel painting, and sponge painting. It’s fun to mix two different colors together to see what we get. It makes us feel like mad scientists!
Our class just finished studying apples. We cooked with apples, painted with apples, and tasted different kinds of apples to see which ones we like the best. Our apple cooking projects included applesauce and apple cake.
It’s important to involve the children in the cooking process, so they can see how the ingredients change when we mix them together or cook them. Cooking incorporates many different lessons throughout the procedure. Math is needed to read a recipe and measure ingredients. Science comes into play as we see how cooking changes the ingredients. We also have a wonderful opportunity to socialize while we are cooking, and discuss what is going on. Sometimes we make a graph of who liked the finished product and who did not. It is a time for everyone to have a chance to talk and to share information and opinions, even the teachers!
We are always busy in the classroom. It might seem as though we are just playing, but imbedded in that play are lessons that will lay the groundwork for future learning. As the school year progresses, we will begin to involve the children more in the management of the classroom. Each child will have a job that they will have to do every day. It may be helping to set up the snack tables, or making sure things are put back properly after playtime. The jobs may seem small to you, but to a child they are a tremendous responsibility. Simple tasks go a long way towards fostering a child’s independence, which is crucial to their development, especially at this age.
As the weather gets colder, please remember to dress your child appropriately. We go outside as often as we can, so make sure your child comes to school dressed warmly. We go out first thing, and we want to make sure everyone is ready. Also, this is a good time to check you child’s extra clothes to make sure they are appropriate for the season and there is nothing missing.
Thank you for the pleasure of your children’s company. It is a joy to work with them every day.
More fun to come in the winter! Stay tuned!
Andrea & Alma
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - Markets & Tadpoles
The UPK class is off to a very successful start. Children have become comfortable with each other and eagerly participate in our curriculum.
We started the year with both a seasonal focus on apples and apple picking as well as a supermarket study. We have cooked with apples….made applesauce, apple pie, apple cake and apple muffins and thrown in a pear cake as well. Your children have diced and sliced and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Although most of the children enjoy preparing food, not everyone is as enthusiastic about trying new foods. We encourage them but we don’t force it.
We’ve also collaged apples, sponge printed apple trees, cut paper apples and baked pretend apple pie in housekeeping. We’ve read about apples and apple picking, using a fabulous selection of children’s literature .
Our loft has been turned into a supermarket where the children may shop. Inspired by our trip to the local supermarket, Of course our children must make their own shopping lists in order to go to our supermarket and thereby gain fine motor pencil skills as they start to make important connections about the relationship of writing (or drawing, scribbling) to communication and meaning. The children loved acting out John Burmingham’s Shopping Basket
As you can see, a lot of or art, music, dramatic play, science, social studies and language revolve around our theme, but we are not limited by it.
Scissors and hole punchers are big favorites and those itty-bitty pieces of paper your children may be bringing home require dexterity and fine motor coordination. They are developing organizational skills as they decide where to place their cutouts. At this age, process is more important than product.
In addition to special projects, crayons, craypas or markers, are available almost everyday. Either sand, water, rice, cornmeal or salt or play dough is also available almost every day.
We’ve made a book called “What’s for Lunch?” where each child collaged a page with pictures of food that they like to eat. The children are able to “read” this book. It is still being passed around so that every child in the class will have a chance to share it with their family. We made another book that all the children can read with their favorite cereal boxes. They can open the flap and see who likes which one.
We have also passed around a class book with pictures of everyone who’s UPK . We hope this affords families the opportunity to open discussion about what’s going on in school and whom it’s going on with. So please, read the class books out loud with your children.
We’d like to remind families that everyone wants a turn with class books, and we’d really appreciate it if the books were promptly returned. If your child wants more time, let us know and after everyone’s seen the book, perhaps you can have another opportunity to borrow it.
In a study that will be ongoing for the year, we are raising tadpoles. With luck and some TLC we are hoping that the children will have the opportunity to witness their transformation into frogs before the year is out. We know where frogs live in the wild, because we went on a fabulous trip to the lake in Van Cortlandt, park. We were so lucky to be guided by Sarah, Oscar’s mom who is a professional Park Ranger. We will add a pond study to our themes and have already created a pond in the loft and we’re working on a book about our trip to the lake.
In the coming weeks we will be continuing our pond study, taking a look at some of the autumn happenings including falling leaves, and pumpkins, just a touch of Halloween fun and preparing for Thanksgiving.
As many of you know, we have been lucky to have a student teacher, Yahira, in our classroom this fall. The children enjoy and benefit from her presence, and we love having an extra adult in the room.
We are looking forward to an exciting year.
Minia, Kirsty, Lucy, Jean, Yasmin and Yahira.
We started the year with both a seasonal focus on apples and apple picking as well as a supermarket study. We have cooked with apples….made applesauce, apple pie, apple cake and apple muffins and thrown in a pear cake as well. Your children have diced and sliced and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Although most of the children enjoy preparing food, not everyone is as enthusiastic about trying new foods. We encourage them but we don’t force it.
We’ve also collaged apples, sponge printed apple trees, cut paper apples and baked pretend apple pie in housekeeping. We’ve read about apples and apple picking, using a fabulous selection of children’s literature .
Our loft has been turned into a supermarket where the children may shop. Inspired by our trip to the local supermarket, Of course our children must make their own shopping lists in order to go to our supermarket and thereby gain fine motor pencil skills as they start to make important connections about the relationship of writing (or drawing, scribbling) to communication and meaning. The children loved acting out John Burmingham’s Shopping Basket
As you can see, a lot of or art, music, dramatic play, science, social studies and language revolve around our theme, but we are not limited by it.
Scissors and hole punchers are big favorites and those itty-bitty pieces of paper your children may be bringing home require dexterity and fine motor coordination. They are developing organizational skills as they decide where to place their cutouts. At this age, process is more important than product.
In addition to special projects, crayons, craypas or markers, are available almost everyday. Either sand, water, rice, cornmeal or salt or play dough is also available almost every day.
We’ve made a book called “What’s for Lunch?” where each child collaged a page with pictures of food that they like to eat. The children are able to “read” this book. It is still being passed around so that every child in the class will have a chance to share it with their family. We made another book that all the children can read with their favorite cereal boxes. They can open the flap and see who likes which one.
We have also passed around a class book with pictures of everyone who’s UPK . We hope this affords families the opportunity to open discussion about what’s going on in school and whom it’s going on with. So please, read the class books out loud with your children.
We’d like to remind families that everyone wants a turn with class books, and we’d really appreciate it if the books were promptly returned. If your child wants more time, let us know and after everyone’s seen the book, perhaps you can have another opportunity to borrow it.
In a study that will be ongoing for the year, we are raising tadpoles. With luck and some TLC we are hoping that the children will have the opportunity to witness their transformation into frogs before the year is out. We know where frogs live in the wild, because we went on a fabulous trip to the lake in Van Cortlandt, park. We were so lucky to be guided by Sarah, Oscar’s mom who is a professional Park Ranger. We will add a pond study to our themes and have already created a pond in the loft and we’re working on a book about our trip to the lake.
In the coming weeks we will be continuing our pond study, taking a look at some of the autumn happenings including falling leaves, and pumpkins, just a touch of Halloween fun and preparing for Thanksgiving.
As many of you know, we have been lucky to have a student teacher, Yahira, in our classroom this fall. The children enjoy and benefit from her presence, and we love having an extra adult in the room.
We are looking forward to an exciting year.
Minia, Kirsty, Lucy, Jean, Yasmin and Yahira.
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - The Joy of Discovering
Room 2 - A.M. Newsletter
Dear Families,
Our class has had a great start! The children have learned the routines and are becoming more comfortable in school. Friendships are forming and all the children are actively participating in all aspects of the program.
We started the year reading books that helped the children see how different we are from one another and yet at the same time how much we are alike. We made our first class book titled Funny Face, Happy Face which is circulating right now. We use the books We Are All Alike… We Are All Different! and Funny Face as inspirations for this class book. We also read books about feelings.
Since September and October are apple picking season we are also learning about apples. We talked about what the children knew about apples and then we read The Apple Tree, Apple Farmer Annie, and Ten Apples up on Top. We ate apples for snack; we made apple sauce, and cut an apple during circle to see what’s inside. We are learning apple songs and finger plays and at the art table we are making an apple tree and will collage an apple and make apple printing.
Next we will learn about fall, exploring pumpkins and farms. Also, we will be learning about our senses, family and friendship. The children will guide this curriculum by the interest they show in these topics.
On Wednesdays we cook our own snack. The class is enjoying cooking with Jean, so far they made apple sauce, apple cake, pear crisp, and pumpkin bread. We thought you would enjoy the recipe for pear crisp. Pears could be substituted with apples or peaches.
Ingredients:
10 pears peeled and sliced
We are having lots of fun learning about farms. We made our own Big Red Barn, stuffed a scare crow and created a pumpkin patch. In the house keeping corner we acted out the book Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type! The children enjoyed using the typewriters.
We have been learning about colors at the easel and at the art table during finger painting. The children had mixed red and yellow, blue and red, and blue and yellow to make new colors. They love to discover the formation of a new color.
Playing with dry and wet sand, cornmeal, water, and red sand is a big hit! These materials provide opportunity for activities such as emptying, pouring, and funneling which engage the children’s minds and offer fundamental math and science concepts as well as prepared them for everyday tasks. Many children find it a soothing place to play. In the future we will play with salt and color rice.
Another loved activity is singing. This class has learned many new songs in this short while, some favorites are: Let’s Make a Circle, If You’re Happy and You Know It, Open Shut Them, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, The Farmer In The Dell, Way Up High In The Apple Three, Five Little Pumpkins, and The Sock Song.
Part of the day, is spent outdoors. The children must be dressed for the weather. We do go outside in the winter. The children especially enjoy playing in the snow. Snow pants, boots, and mittens are an absolute must to stay dry and enjoy the outdoors. Mittens not gloves need to be attached to jackets with clips or by string so when taken off, as they invariably are, will not be lost. Please help by updating your child’s extra clothes for the cold weather. Please label all clothing! We cannot always remember whose sweater or hat belongs to whom. Also please send spoons, forks, and napkins as needed for lunches-we do not supply these on a regular basis. If you are looking for ideas for lunch look for the “lunch ideas” section of this news letter. It is a good idea to always provide your child with a fruit and/or a vegetable.
I would like to thank all the parents who signed up to bring fruits or vegetable for our healthy snack. Lastly, remember a child’s work is play. Your children are learning a lot as they are working and playing each day.
We look forward to sharing their growth with you!
Maria, Alma, and Jean
Threes AM Class
Lunch Ideas:
Mac and Cheese
Bagel and Cream Cheese
Pasta (wheels, bows, elbows) with vegetables
Soup, Tofu, Yogurt and fruits, boiled egg
Sun flour butter and jelly sandwich
Turkey and cheese sandwich
Cheese sandwich
White rice and scramble eggs
Rice and beans
Popular Vegetables: baby carrots, peas, edamame beans, broccoli
Popular Fruits: Berries, apple sauce, a few pieces of apples, grapes, orange
Dear Families,
Our class has had a great start! The children have learned the routines and are becoming more comfortable in school. Friendships are forming and all the children are actively participating in all aspects of the program.
We started the year reading books that helped the children see how different we are from one another and yet at the same time how much we are alike. We made our first class book titled Funny Face, Happy Face which is circulating right now. We use the books We Are All Alike… We Are All Different! and Funny Face as inspirations for this class book. We also read books about feelings.
Since September and October are apple picking season we are also learning about apples. We talked about what the children knew about apples and then we read The Apple Tree, Apple Farmer Annie, and Ten Apples up on Top. We ate apples for snack; we made apple sauce, and cut an apple during circle to see what’s inside. We are learning apple songs and finger plays and at the art table we are making an apple tree and will collage an apple and make apple printing.
Next we will learn about fall, exploring pumpkins and farms. Also, we will be learning about our senses, family and friendship. The children will guide this curriculum by the interest they show in these topics.
On Wednesdays we cook our own snack. The class is enjoying cooking with Jean, so far they made apple sauce, apple cake, pear crisp, and pumpkin bread. We thought you would enjoy the recipe for pear crisp. Pears could be substituted with apples or peaches.
Ingredients:
10 pears peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups quick oats
2 cups quick oats
1 ½ cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
1 cup flour
1 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1. Place sliced fruits in a greased baking pan. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
2. Mix oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Sprinkle oat mixture on top of fruits.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 – 40 minutes. Enjoy!
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1. Place sliced fruits in a greased baking pan. Sprinkle with lemon juice.
2. Mix oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Sprinkle oat mixture on top of fruits.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 – 40 minutes. Enjoy!
We are having lots of fun learning about farms. We made our own Big Red Barn, stuffed a scare crow and created a pumpkin patch. In the house keeping corner we acted out the book Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type! The children enjoyed using the typewriters.
We have been learning about colors at the easel and at the art table during finger painting. The children had mixed red and yellow, blue and red, and blue and yellow to make new colors. They love to discover the formation of a new color.
Playing with dry and wet sand, cornmeal, water, and red sand is a big hit! These materials provide opportunity for activities such as emptying, pouring, and funneling which engage the children’s minds and offer fundamental math and science concepts as well as prepared them for everyday tasks. Many children find it a soothing place to play. In the future we will play with salt and color rice.
Another loved activity is singing. This class has learned many new songs in this short while, some favorites are: Let’s Make a Circle, If You’re Happy and You Know It, Open Shut Them, Old MacDonald Had a Farm, The Farmer In The Dell, Way Up High In The Apple Three, Five Little Pumpkins, and The Sock Song.
Part of the day, is spent outdoors. The children must be dressed for the weather. We do go outside in the winter. The children especially enjoy playing in the snow. Snow pants, boots, and mittens are an absolute must to stay dry and enjoy the outdoors. Mittens not gloves need to be attached to jackets with clips or by string so when taken off, as they invariably are, will not be lost. Please help by updating your child’s extra clothes for the cold weather. Please label all clothing! We cannot always remember whose sweater or hat belongs to whom. Also please send spoons, forks, and napkins as needed for lunches-we do not supply these on a regular basis. If you are looking for ideas for lunch look for the “lunch ideas” section of this news letter. It is a good idea to always provide your child with a fruit and/or a vegetable.
I would like to thank all the parents who signed up to bring fruits or vegetable for our healthy snack. Lastly, remember a child’s work is play. Your children are learning a lot as they are working and playing each day.
We look forward to sharing their growth with you!
Maria, Alma, and Jean
Threes AM Class
Lunch Ideas:
Mac and Cheese
Bagel and Cream Cheese
Pasta (wheels, bows, elbows) with vegetables
Soup, Tofu, Yogurt and fruits, boiled egg
Sun flour butter and jelly sandwich
Turkey and cheese sandwich
Cheese sandwich
White rice and scramble eggs
Rice and beans
Popular Vegetables: baby carrots, peas, edamame beans, broccoli
Popular Fruits: Berries, apple sauce, a few pieces of apples, grapes, orange
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - Little Hands
Fun at work! Little Hands 3 News:
Once the older children of the school have settled into the routine of their days, school begins for our Little Hands classes. This year we welcomed eleven young children into the program.
The Little Hands children begin their day at 9:15 with “work time”, where children may choose activities such as easel painting, block building, working with play dough, reading books, using the texture table or working with table toys. Following about an hour of work time, the children help with an organized clean-up, sponge off the tables and wash their hands in preparation for snack. At about 10:25 we gather together at the tables for snack. Snack time is followed by a song, finger play and story circle. The children end their morning with some all important gross motor play that has until now taken place in the big room, but we will soon be venturing out to the tire park.
We are looking ahead building friendships and feeling comfortable in school!
Happy Fall!!
Lisa, Nicole and Lynn
Play dough is a big hit in both Little Hands classes! We are sharing our secret recipe with you to enjoy at home!
2 cups flour
2/3 cup salt
3 Tablespoons cream of tartar (available in the spice dept. of the supermarket)
2 cups water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Food coloring (color of your choice) – not necessary if you want a white dough.
Mix all ingredients into a pot and place on stove over a medium flame or heat. Stir constantly. The dough will thicken. When the mix is just about the consistency of play dough, turn off the stove and continue to mix until done. Turn onto wax paper or a heatproof surface and allow to cool a bit before handling.
Enjoy!!
Once the older children of the school have settled into the routine of their days, school begins for our Little Hands classes. This year we welcomed eleven young children into the program.
The Little Hands children begin their day at 9:15 with “work time”, where children may choose activities such as easel painting, block building, working with play dough, reading books, using the texture table or working with table toys. Following about an hour of work time, the children help with an organized clean-up, sponge off the tables and wash their hands in preparation for snack. At about 10:25 we gather together at the tables for snack. Snack time is followed by a song, finger play and story circle. The children end their morning with some all important gross motor play that has until now taken place in the big room, but we will soon be venturing out to the tire park.
We are looking ahead building friendships and feeling comfortable in school!
Happy Fall!!
Lisa, Nicole and Lynn
Play dough is a big hit in both Little Hands classes! We are sharing our secret recipe with you to enjoy at home!
2 cups flour
2/3 cup salt
3 Tablespoons cream of tartar (available in the spice dept. of the supermarket)
2 cups water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
Food coloring (color of your choice) – not necessary if you want a white dough.
Mix all ingredients into a pot and place on stove over a medium flame or heat. Stir constantly. The dough will thicken. When the mix is just about the consistency of play dough, turn off the stove and continue to mix until done. Turn onto wax paper or a heatproof surface and allow to cool a bit before handling.
Enjoy!!
Lisa, Nicole and Lynn
Beginnings -
Little Hands 2 News:
Little Hands 2 is a small class this year, but full of enthusiasm and creativity. Our daily schedule consists of play time from 9:15-10:15, clean up time from 10:15-10:25, snack time from 10:25-10:35, circle time from 10:35-10:45, and outdoor fun from 10:45-11:15.
I would like to welcome Zoe Fernandez, Nathalia Lugo, Vanessa Taylor, Carter Tomlinson, Matthew Singh and Michael Farnsworth to an exciting year ahead.
Luz, Linda and Nicole
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - Halloween Party
Boo Yeah! Halloween Party is frighteningly Fun
By Jarrett Murphy
On July 23rd, 2006, in Orlando, Florida, with television cameras rolling, Stephen Clarke put on an apron, grabbed a very large knife and did something no one on earth had ever done. He carved a 24 lb. pumpkin (slashing holes for eyes, ears, nose and mouth) in 24.03 seconds. That's the current world record. Really. Someone keeps track of these things.
For obvious reasons, the Amalgamated Nursery School's annual Halloween Party did not incorporate "speed carving" into the lineup of events inside Vladeck Hall on Sunday, October 26th. But the Party did offer more than 150 children and their parents a chance to decorate a pumpkin, dress up a cupcake, design a trick-or-treat bag, make a mask, get a tattoo and mix a batch of Sparkly Spider Potion.
It also featured a "creepy crawling maze" that, if screams of horror and delight are any measure, might have been the most popular event of the day. Chris Harwood's design of the maze and the use of gooey miniature skeletons to decorate it deserve much credit for the activity's popularity, but so does the unidentified youngster whose ghost mask and massive blade had kids fleeing from the maze in terrified joy.
While princesses seemed the most popular costume overall, as they were in 2007, witches made a strong showing. Spiderman's popularity last year clearly lost some ground to Batman in 2008; there were several Caped Crusaders, one of whom came with a much taller Robin in tow. Superman also made an appearance, as did the Green Lantern. There were several Transformers, a few pirates, at least two Buzz Lightyears, two Tinkerbells, one Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz," a Mickey Mouse, a doctor, a robot, a flower, insects, a dragon, a dog, a martial artist and several mice, among others.
The party was a financial success thanks in large part to the efforts of fundraising chairpersons Cecilia Astacio and Candace LAST NAME? and treasurer Wendy LAST NAME?, whose management was a clear improvement over the incompetent and corrupt leadership of Jarrett Murphy in 2007. More importantly, the event served its perennial purpose of bringing the school's families together in cooperative action. For the second year in a row, Sandra Nachtman led a hard-working kitchen crew that supplemented hot dogs and cupcakes with steamed vegetables and other healthy treats. It isn't often that people rave about tuna fish sandwiches, but they did in Vladeck Hall. The other parent volunteers who washed pumpkins, moved tables or manned the tables made the event what it was. They included: (LIST?)
Sadly, their names won’t make the Guinness Book of World Records. Space there is reserved for the likes of Stephen Clarke … or Joe Jutras, the Rhode Island man who on September 29, 2007 set a world record for largest pumpkin at the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts. His entry weighed 1,689 pounds.
By Jarrett Murphy
On July 23rd, 2006, in Orlando, Florida, with television cameras rolling, Stephen Clarke put on an apron, grabbed a very large knife and did something no one on earth had ever done. He carved a 24 lb. pumpkin (slashing holes for eyes, ears, nose and mouth) in 24.03 seconds. That's the current world record. Really. Someone keeps track of these things.
For obvious reasons, the Amalgamated Nursery School's annual Halloween Party did not incorporate "speed carving" into the lineup of events inside Vladeck Hall on Sunday, October 26th. But the Party did offer more than 150 children and their parents a chance to decorate a pumpkin, dress up a cupcake, design a trick-or-treat bag, make a mask, get a tattoo and mix a batch of Sparkly Spider Potion.
It also featured a "creepy crawling maze" that, if screams of horror and delight are any measure, might have been the most popular event of the day. Chris Harwood's design of the maze and the use of gooey miniature skeletons to decorate it deserve much credit for the activity's popularity, but so does the unidentified youngster whose ghost mask and massive blade had kids fleeing from the maze in terrified joy.
While princesses seemed the most popular costume overall, as they were in 2007, witches made a strong showing. Spiderman's popularity last year clearly lost some ground to Batman in 2008; there were several Caped Crusaders, one of whom came with a much taller Robin in tow. Superman also made an appearance, as did the Green Lantern. There were several Transformers, a few pirates, at least two Buzz Lightyears, two Tinkerbells, one Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz," a Mickey Mouse, a doctor, a robot, a flower, insects, a dragon, a dog, a martial artist and several mice, among others.
The party was a financial success thanks in large part to the efforts of fundraising chairpersons Cecilia Astacio and Candace LAST NAME? and treasurer Wendy LAST NAME?, whose management was a clear improvement over the incompetent and corrupt leadership of Jarrett Murphy in 2007. More importantly, the event served its perennial purpose of bringing the school's families together in cooperative action. For the second year in a row, Sandra Nachtman led a hard-working kitchen crew that supplemented hot dogs and cupcakes with steamed vegetables and other healthy treats. It isn't often that people rave about tuna fish sandwiches, but they did in Vladeck Hall. The other parent volunteers who washed pumpkins, moved tables or manned the tables made the event what it was. They included: (LIST?)
Sadly, their names won’t make the Guinness Book of World Records. Space there is reserved for the likes of Stephen Clarke … or Joe Jutras, the Rhode Island man who on September 29, 2007 set a world record for largest pumpkin at the Topsfield Fair in Topsfield, Massachusetts. His entry weighed 1,689 pounds.
Nursery Rhymes Newsletter - Director's Corner
Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at the Nursery! This year our school is filled with the exception of our UPK afternoon class and Little Hands 2 class. All our classes are in full session as well as our After School Music and Movement Class and Lunch Program. We welcome back most of last year’s staff and several new staff members. Elaine Toro is our Three’s PM teacher, Luz Frade, our Little Hands 2 teacher, Lucy Kallenberg , Assistant Teacher in Room 3 and Lynn Jones, Assistant Teacher in Little Hands 3. Welcome to our new staff!! We are also very fortunate to have Yahira Caceres, a student teacher from Lehman College working with Minia in Room 3.
Our staff this year is:
Little Hands 2: Luz Frade, Linda Krell and Nicole Roth
Little Hands 3: Lisa Wenz, Nicole Roth and Lynn Jones
Room 2 (AM Three’s): Maria Gentilella, Alma Jean-Louis and Jean Rogers
Room 1 (PM Three’s): Elaine Toro, Nicole Roth and Yasmin Mohammed
Room 2 (PM UPK): Andrea Weisinger-Ilardi and Alma Jean-Louis
Room 3 (AM UPK): Minia Sas, Kirsty Lorenzo, Lucy Kallenberg and Yahira Caceres
Room 3 (Full Day Four’s) Minia Sas, Yasmin Mohammed, Jean Rogers and Yahira Caceres
Ann McCormack is our School Secretary two days a week.
Mary Copeland is our Music and Movement Teacher on Thursdays.
Vicki Solomon, our former Director and Teacher, volunteers her time and wisdom several days a week. MANY THANKS!
Early in the school year two topics often come up for discussion when speaking with families. First are separation issues and second is toilet training.
Separation is a lifelong learning skill! – as adults we experience anxiety when beginning a new job or moving to a new home, so is it any surprise that children who have less control of their own lives feel anxious also! Keep in mind that your little one's unwillingness to leave you is a good sign that healthy attachments have developed between the two of you. your child needs to be able to remember that you always return after you leave, and that will be enough comfort while you're gone. Working through these feelings gives children a chance to develop coping skills and a little independence.
Some tips:
*Make sure your child has a comfortable unhurried routine in the morning before school. Keep things predictable and calm.
*Try your best to let your child know you are confident about leaving him or her at school and you are sure they will have a good time. If you are anxious, your child will often feel your anxiety and become anxious themselves.
*Follow the teachers lead on staying with your child or leaving.
* When you do leave, always say goodbye – never break your child’s trust by sneaking out of the room.
*Make your farewell short and sweet – often the most difficult thing for a parent to do!
*If you need to leave and your child is distressed, we will always call you if your child does not settle down after a short interval. We often try to call when we can to let you know all is well.
*Pick your child up on time – the anxiety returns for children when their grown-up is late in returning. For a child just feeling good about separating, this could cause a turn around in their progress.
Early in the school year it is very typical for children to experience change in sleep patterns, eating patterns and the child who is fully toilet trained may experiences a period of regression that usually works itself out over the period of a few weeks.
As for toilet training, we do not require a child to be toilet trained to begin our school program. We believe there are physiological as well as emotional components involved in the process and that hurrying a child along for a school deadline date is not necessary. Experts agree that about 2.5 years is the average time for children to approach the milestone of beginning the process, however the time is often between ages two and 3 plus years old depending on the child. The key here is not to push or get into a power struggle with your child over toilet training.
For families seeking to begin toilet training the experts all seem to agree that it is time to begin when:
* Child’s bowel movements come at fairly predictable times (though some children never become regular)
* Children have the physiological readiness – they should be able to stay dry for an hour or two stretch at a time
* Children feel uncomfortable when they are wet.
* They show interest in wearing underwear rather than diapers.
*The child needs to associate the feeling of needing to pee or poop with the outcome and is able to communicate that need.
*The child needs to have control to hold on when they feel the urge so that they can get to the toilet.
*Shows curiosity of bathroom habits of others.
Always remember that “accidents” are an inevitable part of learning to use the toilet. Making a fuss or issue out of “accidents” will only promote resistance or diminish confidence. React casually – reassure the child that they will soon be able to get to the toilet on time. Separation anxiety, stress, focusing on new exciting events, fatigue - all common to the start of school is common reasons for a relapse in toilet training.
Remember, our school has one major draw back to home; our bathrooms are not at the child’s immediate access. Although we have scheduled bathroom times, children need to ask at other times during the morning if they need to go – and asking can be unusual for many children. They may not want to leave the activity they are involved with or may not feel comfortable yet in asking. Be assured however that we will help your child work through this period successfully.
Just as a reminder, as the weather turns cooler to dress your child appropriately for outdoors. Outdoor play is crucial to a child’s development and it is important that your child be comfortable. When it becomes cool enough, please supply MITTENS, not gloves for your child. It is very difficult to assist a class of young children into all those finger slots!!! It is also helpful to have mitten clips or another method of attaching mittens to your child’s jacket. We do go out in the snow, so please begin to get boots, snow pants ready! Pack them up in a tote bag to have on hand for that first morning of snow! Lastly, please check your child’s extra change of clothing – be sure that it is weather appropriate and complete!
Thank you all for your support to the cooperative nature of our Nursery School! It looks like a great year ahead!!
Lisa
Our staff this year is:
Little Hands 2: Luz Frade, Linda Krell and Nicole Roth
Little Hands 3: Lisa Wenz, Nicole Roth and Lynn Jones
Room 2 (AM Three’s): Maria Gentilella, Alma Jean-Louis and Jean Rogers
Room 1 (PM Three’s): Elaine Toro, Nicole Roth and Yasmin Mohammed
Room 2 (PM UPK): Andrea Weisinger-Ilardi and Alma Jean-Louis
Room 3 (AM UPK): Minia Sas, Kirsty Lorenzo, Lucy Kallenberg and Yahira Caceres
Room 3 (Full Day Four’s) Minia Sas, Yasmin Mohammed, Jean Rogers and Yahira Caceres
Ann McCormack is our School Secretary two days a week.
Mary Copeland is our Music and Movement Teacher on Thursdays.
Vicki Solomon, our former Director and Teacher, volunteers her time and wisdom several days a week. MANY THANKS!
Early in the school year two topics often come up for discussion when speaking with families. First are separation issues and second is toilet training.
Separation is a lifelong learning skill! – as adults we experience anxiety when beginning a new job or moving to a new home, so is it any surprise that children who have less control of their own lives feel anxious also! Keep in mind that your little one's unwillingness to leave you is a good sign that healthy attachments have developed between the two of you. your child needs to be able to remember that you always return after you leave, and that will be enough comfort while you're gone. Working through these feelings gives children a chance to develop coping skills and a little independence.
Some tips:
*Make sure your child has a comfortable unhurried routine in the morning before school. Keep things predictable and calm.
*Try your best to let your child know you are confident about leaving him or her at school and you are sure they will have a good time. If you are anxious, your child will often feel your anxiety and become anxious themselves.
*Follow the teachers lead on staying with your child or leaving.
* When you do leave, always say goodbye – never break your child’s trust by sneaking out of the room.
*Make your farewell short and sweet – often the most difficult thing for a parent to do!
*If you need to leave and your child is distressed, we will always call you if your child does not settle down after a short interval. We often try to call when we can to let you know all is well.
*Pick your child up on time – the anxiety returns for children when their grown-up is late in returning. For a child just feeling good about separating, this could cause a turn around in their progress.
Early in the school year it is very typical for children to experience change in sleep patterns, eating patterns and the child who is fully toilet trained may experiences a period of regression that usually works itself out over the period of a few weeks.
As for toilet training, we do not require a child to be toilet trained to begin our school program. We believe there are physiological as well as emotional components involved in the process and that hurrying a child along for a school deadline date is not necessary. Experts agree that about 2.5 years is the average time for children to approach the milestone of beginning the process, however the time is often between ages two and 3 plus years old depending on the child. The key here is not to push or get into a power struggle with your child over toilet training.
For families seeking to begin toilet training the experts all seem to agree that it is time to begin when:
* Child’s bowel movements come at fairly predictable times (though some children never become regular)
* Children have the physiological readiness – they should be able to stay dry for an hour or two stretch at a time
* Children feel uncomfortable when they are wet.
* They show interest in wearing underwear rather than diapers.
*The child needs to associate the feeling of needing to pee or poop with the outcome and is able to communicate that need.
*The child needs to have control to hold on when they feel the urge so that they can get to the toilet.
*Shows curiosity of bathroom habits of others.
Always remember that “accidents” are an inevitable part of learning to use the toilet. Making a fuss or issue out of “accidents” will only promote resistance or diminish confidence. React casually – reassure the child that they will soon be able to get to the toilet on time. Separation anxiety, stress, focusing on new exciting events, fatigue - all common to the start of school is common reasons for a relapse in toilet training.
Remember, our school has one major draw back to home; our bathrooms are not at the child’s immediate access. Although we have scheduled bathroom times, children need to ask at other times during the morning if they need to go – and asking can be unusual for many children. They may not want to leave the activity they are involved with or may not feel comfortable yet in asking. Be assured however that we will help your child work through this period successfully.
Just as a reminder, as the weather turns cooler to dress your child appropriately for outdoors. Outdoor play is crucial to a child’s development and it is important that your child be comfortable. When it becomes cool enough, please supply MITTENS, not gloves for your child. It is very difficult to assist a class of young children into all those finger slots!!! It is also helpful to have mitten clips or another method of attaching mittens to your child’s jacket. We do go out in the snow, so please begin to get boots, snow pants ready! Pack them up in a tote bag to have on hand for that first morning of snow! Lastly, please check your child’s extra change of clothing – be sure that it is weather appropriate and complete!
Thank you all for your support to the cooperative nature of our Nursery School! It looks like a great year ahead!!
Lisa
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Barnes & Noble Bookfair November 21-23
The Bookfair supporting Amalgamated Nursery School will be the weekend of November 21-23 at the Barnes & Noble at 2614 Central Park Ave in Yonkers. A portion of the proceeds from sales will go to support the nursery school. The best part is anyone can participate as long as they have a voucher, which you can download here in PDF. You can print and share as many of these vouchers as you like, and even give them to other shoppers at the store that weekend. Make sure you present the voucher at checkout prior to making your purchase.
Don't miss Storytime at 2:00PM and Arts and Crafts at 3:00PM.
This is a great opportunity for you to do some holiday shopping while supporting the school!
Don't miss Storytime at 2:00PM and Arts and Crafts at 3:00PM.
This is a great opportunity for you to do some holiday shopping while supporting the school!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Food Drive
Please remember to have your child bring in an item of non-perishable food for a community soup kitchen and shelter this week, starting Wednesday and up until Friday. On Friday, November 14, the teachers will walk the children and their food to Vladeck Hall where they can personally contribute their can. Thanks!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Kindergarten Options Night November 13
Come and learn about area schools and educational programs. Representatives from the following schools will provide information and answer questions:
AmPark Neighborhood School
The Bronx New School (PS 51)
Manhattan Country School
The Bronx Community Charter School
(and maybe more...)
See you Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 PM at the school.
AmPark Neighborhood School
The Bronx New School (PS 51)
Manhattan Country School
The Bronx Community Charter School
(and maybe more...)
See you Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 PM at the school.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Halloween Party on Sunday, October 26
Don't miss the fun at the
Amalgamated Nursery School
Halloween Party
Sunday, October 26, 2008
11AM to 3PM
Vladeck Hall
74 Van Cortlandt Park South (at Hillman Ave)
All are welcome! There is a $7 children's activity fee. Adults accompanying children are free.
Some of the many fun-for-the-whole-family activities will be:
- Pumpkin Decorating
- Mask Making
- Creepy Crawly Maze
- Sparkly Spider Potion
- Bone Dig
- Trick or Treat Bags
- Tattoo Parlor
- Cupcake Decorating
- Homemade Goodies
- Hot Dogs & Beverages
Sponsored by JCAC
Parents: There are many ways you can volunteer and we need your help! It could helping to set up the day before, working one of the shifts on the 26th (10AM to 1:30PM or 1:00PM to 4:30PM), cooking or running an activity. Also, 16 oz water bottles (with labels removed) are needed for one of the activities -- you can drop them off in the nursery school kitchen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The 2008-2009 School Year is underway!
The 2008-2009 school year is underway!! Over the past two weeks, the children, teachers and families have been getting to know each other. For some children and families this was their first time in school. For our returning students, it was their first time back after summer vacation, in a new classroom with new teachers. These are all new experiences for everyone. In these few short weeks, friendships have been developing, routines are being established and children are beginning to feel more secure and comfortable in a school community.
Today, Sunday, September 21 we held our annual Pancake Welcome Brunch. The event is planned by the parent board as an opportunity for families to get to know each other over a delicious breakfast. It was great to see families connecting with one another validating and extending the sense of community we try to build in our school program. To all who brought food or who helped with the cooking, it is much appreciated! We hope this is the first of several “get-togethers” throughout the year.
Next week we welcome our youngest students in our program. The Little Hands classes will begin their adjustment schedule on Thursday, September 25.
I am looking forward to continuing to getting to know and work with each family in our school.
Lisa
Today, Sunday, September 21 we held our annual Pancake Welcome Brunch. The event is planned by the parent board as an opportunity for families to get to know each other over a delicious breakfast. It was great to see families connecting with one another validating and extending the sense of community we try to build in our school program. To all who brought food or who helped with the cooking, it is much appreciated! We hope this is the first of several “get-togethers” throughout the year.
Next week we welcome our youngest students in our program. The Little Hands classes will begin their adjustment schedule on Thursday, September 25.
I am looking forward to continuing to getting to know and work with each family in our school.
Lisa
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
School Calendar, September - December 2008
Tuesday September 9 - Executive board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Monday September 15 - All classes on regular schedule (except Little Hands)
Thursday September 18 - Littla Hands Class Meeting, 7:30 PM
Sunday September 21 - Welcome Brunch
Thursday September 25 - Little Hands II begins
Friday September 26 - Class Meetings for AM and PM classes (during class hours)
Friday September 26 - Little Hands III begins
Tuesday September 30 - School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
Wednesday October 1 - School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
Monday October 6 - Lunch Program begins
Tuesday October 7 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Thursday October 9 - School Closed (Yom Kippur)
Monday October 13 - School Closed (Columbus Day)
Thursday October 16 - After School Music and Movement begins
Sunday October 26 - Halloween Party
Tuesday November 4 - School Closed (Election Day)
Tuesday November 11 - School Closed (Veteran's Day)
Wednesday November 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 6:30 PM
Thursday November 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences / School open only for Full Day and Part-Time Thursday children and Little Hands class
Thursday November 27 - School Closed (Thanksgiving Recess)
Friday November 28 - School Closed (Thanksgiving Recess)
Tuesday December 2 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday December 9 - General Parent Meeting (Options for Kindergarten), 7:30 PM
Wednesday December 24 - School closed (Winter Vacation through January 4)
Monday September 15 - All classes on regular schedule (except Little Hands)
Thursday September 18 - Littla Hands Class Meeting, 7:30 PM
Sunday September 21 - Welcome Brunch
Thursday September 25 - Little Hands II begins
Friday September 26 - Class Meetings for AM and PM classes (during class hours)
Friday September 26 - Little Hands III begins
Tuesday September 30 - School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
Wednesday October 1 - School Closed (Rosh Hashanah)
Monday October 6 - Lunch Program begins
Tuesday October 7 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Thursday October 9 - School Closed (Yom Kippur)
Monday October 13 - School Closed (Columbus Day)
Thursday October 16 - After School Music and Movement begins
Sunday October 26 - Halloween Party
Tuesday November 4 - School Closed (Election Day)
Tuesday November 11 - School Closed (Veteran's Day)
Wednesday November 19 - Parent Teacher Conferences, 6:30 PM
Thursday November 20 - Parent Teacher Conferences / School open only for Full Day and Part-Time Thursday children and Little Hands class
Thursday November 27 - School Closed (Thanksgiving Recess)
Friday November 28 - School Closed (Thanksgiving Recess)
Tuesday December 2 - Executive Board Meeting, 7:00 PM
Tuesday December 9 - General Parent Meeting (Options for Kindergarten), 7:30 PM
Wednesday December 24 - School closed (Winter Vacation through January 4)
Friday, September 5, 2008
The 2008-2009 School Year is about to begin!
School starts on a staggered schedule on Monday, September 8th.
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