Happy New Year Everyone!

We were all very happy to rejoin as a class last week.  The children greeted one another with smiles and hugs.  Perhaps the highlight of our return to school is welcoming our new friend, Ayush, to Preschool.  Ayush and his parents, Venka and Rekha, have recently moved to the area from India.  With the help of his classmates, Ayush is quickly learning all about Preschool.  Welcome! 

Although it has hardly seemed as though it is Winter, we have started talking about this new season and learning some new songs and poems about it.  Last week, we took a Winter walk to Barrett Pond to see if it had iced over.  We talked about how ice forms on ponds and lakes when the temperature is below freezing for a number of days.  The children observed that there was some ice that had formed on our pond.  We strongly pointed out that the ice on our pond was not safe to walk on.  We knew this, because Mr. Bingham tests the ice and then flies a flag in front of the pond to indicate if the ice is safe or not safe.  If the ice is DANGEROUS and people should NOT walk or skate on it, the flag will be RED.  If the ice is SAFE to walk on or skate on, the flag will be GREEN.  We also talked about the fact that it is never okay for children to walk on ice unless they are with an adult.  The flag is currently red. 

In addition, last week, the children traced small, medium and large circles to create snow people.  They glued on cottonballs and added details with markers.  In the Science Corner, the children have been exploring magnets.  We have sets of magnets to build sculptures and a bin that holds a collection of items made from a variety of materials with which to experiment.  We also have a magnetic letter fish game and a number of board games.  Upon popular demand, we have returned the dress-ups  to the Pretend Area.  There are pirate, princess, fairy, fire fighter, cowpoke and a number of assorted costumes.  They often like to mix and match! 

 

The children have also made their January Self-Portraits.  They are posted in the Berkshire Room.  Recently, while playing games in preparation for completing Student Profiles, we shared the self-portraits the children have done since September with them.  Many were surprised to see how much their drawings have changed.   

Last week, we met Noisy Nick, from Letterland.  Nick loves to make noise and hammer nails.  His neighbors think he is nice, but a little too noisy.  He is celebrating his ninth birthday.  His parents gave him a set of drums for his birthday.  Now he will make even more noise! 

The saying we learned to write “n” is:

‘Now bang my nail,’ Noisy Nick said.  ‘Go up and over around my head.’

This week, we met Oscar Orange.  He lives at the docks near the ocean.  Ostriches and otters also like to spend time with Oscar as they help unload crates of oranges and olives from the ships.  Old Mr. O sometimes visits, as well.  He lives far across the ocean.  In honor of Oscar Orange’s sound, we painted with orange glitter paint and we used glue and tissue paper to create collages on orange paper. 

  

The saying we learned to help us write “o” is:

On Oscar Orange start at the top.  Go all the way round him, and…then stop!

Next week, we will meet Peter Puppy. 

Thursday, January 26th, we will have Pajama Day!  The children (and teachers) are invited to wear their pajamas to school for the day.  Kindergarten will join Preschool for some cozy night time activities and we will provide a special snack.  Children may also bring a special blanket, a cuddle toy and a flashlight.  Feel free to send in a set of regular clothes for your child to change into later in the day, should they choose to do so.

On Thursday, February 2nd, we will join Kindergarten on a field trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum to see the Curious George exhibit.  Mr. Bingham will drive us in the BCD bus. 

During the coming weeks, we will begin exploring our Solar System.  We hope to learn the names and qualities of the planets, as well as some other facts about outer space.  Children are invited to bring in books, music or other activities about space to share with the class. 

 

Important Reminders:

  • Please be sure to send in a refillable drink container for us to fill with water.  In our efforts to be green, we try to refrain from using plastic cups.
  • Please be sure to send neccessary flatware with your child’s lunch. 
  • A variety of snack items is encouraged for young growing children.
  • Please be sure to return Library books on Wednesdays. 
  • If your child needs to have an item warmed up, please be sure it is in a microwave safe container.
  • Please be sure to replenish extra clothes and please leave an extra warm layer in case your child is chilly.
  • Leaving an extra pair of sneakers or other shoes in school is a good idea. 

 Dates to remember:

  • Friday, January 13th, Pizza Lunch, Ski-Friday, dismissal at 12:45pm, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Monday, January 16th, No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Wednesday, January 18th, Preschool Parent Chat with Head of School, 8:15am, BCD Library
  • Thursday, January 19th, Lunch Bunch, courtesy of Robin Williams and Priscilla France
  • Friday, January 20th, Ski-Friday, dismissal at 12:45pm, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Monday, January 23rd, Chinese New Year, wear red for good luck!
  • Thursday, January 26th, Pajama Day
  • Friday, January 27th, Ski-Friday, dismissal at 12:45pm, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Thursday, February 2nd, Field Trip to the Norman Rockwell Museum with Kindergarten
  • Friday, February 3rd, Ski-Friday, dismissal at 12:45pm, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Wednesday, February 8th, Alaska Day, dress for outdoor play all morning!
  • Friday, February 10th, Ski-Friday, 12:45pm dismissal, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Tuesday, February 14th, Preschool Valentine’s Day Party
  • Friday, February 17th, Pizza Lunch and Ski-Friday, 12:45pm dismissal, regular buses at 1:30pm
  • Monday, February 20th, No School, President’s Day
  • Tuesday, February 21st, No School, Mid-Winter Break
  • Friday, February 24th, Lunch Bunch, courtesy of the Sash/Hautzig and McDonnell families; NO SKI-FRIDAY, regular dismissal
  • Thursday, March 1st, Parent/Teacher Conferences, beginning at 3:30pm
  • Friday, March 2nd, NO SCHOOL, Parent/Teacher Conferences, 8:00am-noon, Ski Friday, 1:00pm
  • Friday, March 9th, Make-Up Ski-Friday, if necessary.  Spring Break begins at the end of the day
  • Monday, March 26th, Teacher Professional Development Day, No School
  • Tuesday, March 27th, Classes resume

 Enjoy the weekend!

Ellie and Joni