*FEBRUARY 2010 PARENT NEWSLETTER*

TEACHING AND LEARNING

MONTHLY THEME

This month we will introduce and celebrate Chinese traditions, as we bring in the new Lunar year—the year of the Tiger! The students will listen to Chinese music and read stories about Chinese culture. They will create a tiger mask and home decoration that is thought to bring good luck and fortune to the family. In celebrating Chinese New Year, the children will read about tribute to and connection between family, mother earth, moon and all living things.

The children will review the shape of the week, the heart, as well as learn about the human heart and its function (anatomy). The children will create heart necklaces for their friends and family in celebration of Valentine’s Day. In addition, as the Winter Olympic Games premier, the children will discuss the importance of exercise and team building during circle time. The children will create gold medals, as they participate in indoor physical activities (PM Movement class).

This is also the perfect time to introduce the solar system, focusing on the moon, sun and planet earth. Students will read stories about astronauts, space shuttles, and dust storms, as well as Saturn’s many moons and rings, among others. Students will read and watch video clips about the moon, earth and solar system as a whole. The children will participate in several science projects and introduce new vocabulary (craters, gravity, rings, orbit, satellite, supernova, etc.).

Lastly, we will celebrate the accomplishments of various African Americans leaders who have contributed to the progression of our society. Students will read about Rosa Parks, Fredrick Douglas, Barack Obama, MLK, etc.

LESSSON PLAN

Week of Feb. 2—Student will work on Chinese New Year tiger masks (Tiger pose-Kid’s Yoga, tiger facts), Chinese New Year Decorations (Writing Exercise)--http://www.educ.uvic.ca/faculty/mroth/438/CHINA/chinese_new_year.html, Asian storytelling (Circle Time) and song (Music Appreciation), Heart Beat exercise (Science Lab) and heart necklace-- http://www.fi.edu/qa97/me2/, Olympic Medals (http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2142.shtml)
*Aa, Red, Heart, #12.

Week of Feb. 9—Students will read books on the moon (phases), sun and earth, watch video clip about the moon, earth, and sun, Asteroids potatoes,
*Bb, Lava, Crescent Moon, #13

Week of Feb. 16—Learning about constellations,
*Cc, Crimson, Star, #14

Week of Feb. 23—Students will read about African American leaders, create picture frames and coloring books of individual leaders, PARENT CONFERENCES/T-TH, 8:30AM, 9:00AM AND 9:30AM SLOTS NOW OPEN (30 MINUTE SESSIONS)
*Dd, Magenta, Arch (half circle), #15


ACADEMIC STUDENT STANDARDS

The following standards have been incorporated in the development of student activities and in daily interaction with school children, parents and staff.

*for a detailed description of each standard, please refer to the booklet on California Preschool Learning Foundations, Volume 1, 2008. You may download the booklet at no charge by visiting http://www.cde.ca.gov/. The booklet was also sent to your email account as an attachment in the fall of 2008.

Language and Literacy Development

Listening and Speaking
-Language Use and Conventions, 1.0
-Vocabulary, 2.0
-Grammar, 3.0

Reading
-Concepts about Print, 1.0
-Alphabetic and Word/Print Recognition, 3.0
-Comprehension and Analysis of Age-Appropriate Text, 4.0
-Literacy Interest and Response, 5.0

Writing
-Writing Strategies, 1.1-1.3

English Language Development
-Listening, 1.0-3.0
-Speaking, 1.0-3.0
-Reading, 1.0-6.0

Social- Emotional Development
-Self, 1.0-5.1
-Social Interaction, 1.0-4.1
-Relationships, 1.0-3.0

Mathematics
-Number Sense, 1.0-2.4
-Algebra and Functions, 1.0-2.2
-Measurement, 1.0-1.3
-Geometry, 1.0-2.1
-Mathematical Reasoning, 1.0-1.1

Science
(See California Child Development standards)


ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Due to limited storage space and in an effort to organize school items, we would like for student outdoor shoes and jackets to be stored inside the kitchen area. Each child has a jacket hook with his/her name and shoe rack space for shoe storage. During drop off parents are encouraged to bring their child into the kitchen to store their belongings. And during pick-up parents may pick-up their child’s belongings from the kitchen storage area. Thank you for your help.

2. We have two new Teachers Assistants by the name of Ms. Marisol and Ms. Yanine (substitute Teachers Assistant, along with Ms. Elana)—welcome to the PPLA family!

3. The lost & found, and communal box has been moved to the hallway temporarily.

4. Your child’s milk and lunch box needs to be labeled with his/her name and left inside the kitchen (counter top). Thank you.

5. The afternoon enrichment classes will be moved around according to teacher’s work schedule and skills (Monday- Kid's Yoga with Ms. Mari, Tuesday-Science Lab with Ms. Mari, Wednesday- Cooking with Prima Alma/Ms. Tracy, Thursday-Music & Movement with Ms. Mari, Friday-Drama with Ms. Mari)

6. Parent conferences will take place the week of February 22ND with the choice of three days and time slots allocated--Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 8:30am, 9:00am and 9:30am. Please sign up for one day and time slot by placing your child's name on the parent's message board, located in the school hallway. If you would like an hour meeting, you may sign up for two time slots. Thank you.

7. PPLA will be closed for President's Day on Monday, February 15, 2010.


REMINDERS

1. In an effort to improve the quality of our second language acquisition program (Spanish Immersion) PPLA will implement a different model of bilingual education. Effective immediately we will no longer follow a 90% Spanish Immersion teaching model, but rather integrate a Dual Immersion program (or Two-Way language immersion) in both the Toddler (1/2 years old) and Preschool (3/4 year old) classrooms.

The Dual Immersion bilingual education model would allow for one Teachers Assistant to only communicate in the English language, meanwhile the second instructor will only communicate in the Spanish language throughout the entire day. The morning circle time and art activity will be lead in English, meanwhile the afternoon enrichment classes (a variation of AM circle time with a specific theme; Science Ed./Cooking, Yoga, World Dance and Music Appreciation ) will be taught in Spanish only.

Not only will our native English speakers be on their way towards bilingualism, but so will our native Spanish speakers. The educational goal is to create a stimulating learning environment, in which the language development needs of both native English speakers and English language learners (ELL) are met equally and effectively.

To learn more about the various models in bilingual education by clicking on the link below.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/el/ip/faq.asp

2. Effectively immediately, PPLA will no longer conduct formal student evaluations for children under the age of 3 years old. Children ages 1 and 2 (Toddlers) have a significant catching up to do in their development, in which case there is no true value in conducting a formal children evaluation.

PPLA’s Toddler classroom (1/2 years old) and will be closely monitored for any learning deficiencies due to a possible learning disability, physical disability, etc. If the director of PPLA believes there is a concern in the development a child, a parent meeting will be conducted immediately to discuss a plan of action for the child.

On the other hand, preschoolers (3/4 year olds) need extensive preparation for Kindergarten and may need to be challenged even more (advanced students) or given modified instruction to catch up in their development. Research demonstrates that child development is most rapid and important during the age of 0-5. This is a small window of time to stimulate the production of new brain neurons in preparation for bench marked reading, writing and social-emotional development.

3. After reviewing parent field trip surveys, PPLA has decided to implement the following field trip policy, to begin immediately. Parent participation field trips are not only a fun bonding experience among friends and families, but it provides an engaging and developmental opportunity for your child, as well as networking and community building efforts among PPLA families.

There will be four total field trips scheduled throughout the academic school year (TBA-see blog, December entry), during in which parents are required to participate in all scheduled field trips. If parents may not participate, but want their child to attend the field trip, a family member may participate in lieu (must be 18 year old). Parents will be asked to assist with supervision of children, transporting food and beverages and transporting students from PPLA and to the venue.

We ask that you RSVP for all future parent participation field trips at least 72 hours in advance. This time frame will allow PPLA ample time to finalize transportation arrangements and venue booking. Children are welcome to return to school after the field trip however parents must notify PPLA at least 72 hours before the day of the field trip.

We do not guarantee participation of children without parent (or adult) participation (due to lack of transportation and PPLA staff) however PPLA will try to arrange for all students to attend. If not possible, the children will stay behind and attend daycare/preschool as scheduled.

4. In trying to maintain open communication with parents and safety, the student observation log must be reviewed by parent(s) during pick-up--parent initials are required. Parents are encouraged to write inside the notebook daily (possible illness, mood, any special requests). Parents may write down comments about their child’s sleeping pattern and diet the night before and the morning of care. Parents will also have the opportunity to check the white board, located in the school hallway for monthly parent announcements and reminders.


5. As you already know, the outdoor space is in dire need of renovations, from repairing cracks on the cement (which cause students to trip and fall), to covering the soil with a cushion (wood chips) for play-structures play. In addition, we expect to include a new sandbox, patio and deck for outdoor classrooms, as well as planters. We also hope to purchase tricycles and outdoor toys in the near future. Although, we expected to begin renovations this past summer, unexpected delays came our way and we hope to carry out the scope of work in the month of February of 2010. Thank you for your patience.

6. Student evaluation s will take place in the month of January and parent conferences will be scheduled in February (dates and times TBA).

7. In an effort to maintain a healthy environment and fair policy for all families, we ask that children with special diets (lactose intolerant, vegetarian, allergies, etc,) bring snacks, meals and milk from home. PPLA will no longer supply students with Rice, Soy or Almond milk. This policy will take effect starting January 4, 2010. We ask that you bring in food and beverages inside a lunch pail/box –please label with child’s name on the exterior. Thank you for your support.

8. PPLA will be implementing a new Medical Administration Authorization school policy starting on January 4, 2009. If your child is under any prescribed medication in which PPLA staff will administer, we ask that you fill out a Medical Administration Authorization form and turn in to Tuition Pocket. This form will be emailed to each parent and may be printed as needed from your home. The form must be on file before starting medicine administration. Refrigerated medicines will be placed inside designated (labeled) area inside school refrigerator. If you medicine does not require refrigeration, medicines will be stored inside the labeled medicine cabinet inside kitchen. All prescribed medicines must be labeled with their child’s name, as well as directions.

9. We encourage parents to read a short book to their child during drop-off each morning (if not doing so already). Not only will this important activity support a smoother morning transition for your child, but you will also experience additional bonding time, while all in the same, promoting literacy development. Thank you.

10. We encourage parents to assist their 3/4 year old student to trace her/his name during drop-off, each morning with the help of a parent. Student sign-in sheets will be set up on center table. This is a great way to further bond with your child before going to work, as well as fine tune motor and writing/literacy skills in preparation for Kindergarten.

11. Please use our child’s school backpack to store clothing daily. In addition, take the time to organize your child’s belongings and clear out dirty clothing daily. Mold may grow on clothing and sleeping materials left in school overnight and may be a health hazard to the children. Thank you.

12. We are currently enrolling P-T and F-T students for winter 2010 and need your help. Please assist us in spreading the word about our school success by sharing your school experience with friends, co-workers and neighbors. PPLA is offering an ‘Appreciation Stipend’ worth $100.00 per family for every referred child who enrolls in our school. This stipend will be redeemed and placed towards your most current monthly school tuition payment. Thank you for your time and support.

13. We are asking for your assistance in maintaining a stimulating school experience for our children. Due to our limited funds, we are asking parents to donate what they can from the list of items below. We appreciate your commitment to the program and value your support and understanding in these harsh economic times. Thank you!


1. Outdoor large sea animals
2. *Outdoor storage shed
3. Indoor costumes and rack
4. Indoor mirrors
5. Bulletin board
6. Multicultural dolls
7. *Imaginative play furniture—, washer and dryer, kitchen with sink, cooking accessories, etc.
8. 3 Classroom storage outdoor baskets/containers (for outdoor classrooms)
9. Building blocks (large wooden, bristle, etc.)
10. *Outdoor play house/play structure
11. 2 Tricycles
12. 2 tires and chains for student swings (to be mounted on trees)
13. Outdoor floor mats
14. *Parent labor for school repairs

*An asterisk has been placed next to the item (s) in most need.