TEACHING AND LEARNING
MONTHLY THEME
During the first two days of March, we will continue our discussion on African American history. The children will read about Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali, and discuss the vast accomplishments of our nation’s historical leaders. The children will participate in coloring activities (coloring page and appreciation card) pertaining to African American historical figures.
Students will review local geography by using maps, as well as discuss their favorite hobby and bay area destination. Students will learn their country, state and city of residence, as well as home address, and home phone number. The children will learn about emergency situations during in which they may dial 911 on their home telephone.
The students will brainstorm to develop a magical place they may incorporate into their neighborhood (i.e. Candy land, Princess library, Transformers gas station, Star Wars shopping center, etc.). They will illustrate and write a story about their pretend place and share their creation during the morning circle time.
The students will participate in a nature walk to further explore and experience their school neighborhood. The children will take an active role in cleaning up their neighborhood, as they pick-up trash using latex gloves---clean-up day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31, at 10:00am)
Children will read about the ways in which we can clean up our streets of pollution---which will make an excellent introduction to the next theme, recycling! Students will participate in recycling activities, in which children will sort out items made out of paper, plastic and aluminum, etc. We will watch an educational video about recycling and reusing everyday household items. The emphasis will be on taking care of our planet, by throwing away trash inside garbage cans, placing food scraps into the compost, and recycling appropriately. We will read and discuss strategies to further beautify our neighborhood and mother earth!
In addition, children will participate in weather observations during the Spring Equinox and celebrate the life of Cesar Chavez---Si Se Puede! (yes it can happen, or yes you can do it). We want to instill in our children that they can accomplish anything in life, as long as they work hard and stand up for what is right.
Lastly, the children will participate in our St.Patrick' Day parade, in which they will come to school dressed in green and discuss their favorite green clothing item during show and tell (Friday, March 12, Show and Tell has been moved to the second Friday of each month).
LESSON PLAN
*THE SPANISH WORD OF THE WEEK IS___LA VECINDAD__ (NEIGHBORHOOD).
Week of March 1—AM: M/Rosa Parks reading and coloring page, T/review the letter of the week, Muhammad Ali reading and appreciation card, W/review the number of the week, point out city, state and country of residence (geography game) by using maps, map coloring page of the bay area, TH/review the shape of the week, recite city, state and country of residence, map game and California clay model, F/review the color of the week, recite city, state, country and continue California clay model
PM: continue with art activities, enrichment class takes place (making connections with prior art projects and circle time discussions)
*Ee, #16, Octagon, Blue
Week of March 8—AM: M/review the letter of the week, introduce address system and the use of phones, trace home address and draw your home (reading?), T/review the number of the week, recite home address game (circle time), continue tracing activity and drawing, W/review the shape of the week, recite home phone number and 911 emergency situation (practice game during circle time), emergency vehicles, professionals and locations drawing, TH/recite home address and home number game, personal information necklace, F/review the color of the week, recite 911 emergency (puppet show), finish personal student information (emergency) necklace,
PM: continue all art activities that are not finished, enrichment class take place at 3:20pm—Show and Tell has been moved to the second Friday of each month (St. Patrick’s Day parade)
*Ff, #17, Pentagon, Royal blue
Week of March 15—AM: M/review the letter of the week, discuss places students visit (i.e. grocery store, library, museum, play café, hospital, school, family member’s home, etc., use white board to brainstorm) and reading, choose a location poster, T/review the number of the week, discuss your favorite place to visit?, continue poster, W/review the shape of the week and color, shape and color activity, TH/ create your own magical place (brainstorm with white board), 3D magical place model, F/puppet show and our favorite place to visit in the bay area?, 3D magical place (made out of recycled school scraps) writing exercise,
PM: continue all art activities that are not finished enrichment class takes place (making connections with prior art projects and circle time discussions)
*Gg, #18, Hexagon, Sky blue
Week of March 22—AM: M/review the letter of the week, how to keep our planet clean reading and discussion, globe promise note, T/review the number of the week, recycling game, recycling coloring book, W/review the shape of the week, recycling video, make your own recycling container out of recycled school items, TH/review the color of the week, recycling song, finish recycling can, F/recycling an old toy day (bring a toy to school and donate to a needy child), recycled hat,
PM:
*Hh, #19, Trapezoid, Navy blue
Week of March 29—PPLA WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MARCH 29 IN OBSERVANCE OF CESAR CHAVEZ DAY, AM: T/review letter of the week, recycling food scraps video, recycling food scraps coloring book, W/review number of the week, recycling food scraps game, making a vehicle out of recycled items, TH/ review shape of the week, reading, continue vehicle, F/review color of the week, recycling dance and song, finish all projects,
PM: face painting
*Ii, #20, Parallelogram, Midnight blue
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. The backyard renovations will continue for the next few days, as we still need to install the sandbox and paint the back porch area. The children will continue to enjoy outdoor play during the morning and afternoon as scheduled.
2. PPLA is yet to receive another county grant and this time to install an edible school garden. We will need the assistance of our families to install the garden on Sunday, April18 at 10:00am. It is a family affair! Please dress comfortably and join us for some refreshments! PPLA will supply the families with water, juice and snacks. If you would like to bring a dish (snack?) to share with the families, you may do so, but not required. Thanks!
3. In an effort to improve the environment of our school and maintain a competitive Teachers Assistant salary, as well as provide professional development opportunities, PPLA will be increasing monthly tuition fees in the near future. Effective September 1, 2010, PPLA will be increasing monthly tuition fees for both P-T and F-T care. The following described the upcoming monthly tuition schedule.
Part-Time: 2 days per week/all day attendance: $505.00/month
3 days per week/all day attendance: $605.00/month
Full-Time: 4 days per week/all day attendance: $805.00/month
5 days per week/all day attendance: $905.00/month
REMINDERS
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—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, Thursday-Music & Movement with Ms. Yanine, Friday-Drama with Ms.Yanine)
6. 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
1. 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.
2. 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 olds). 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Student evaluation s will take place in the month of January and parent conferences will be scheduled in February (dates and times TBA).
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. We are currently enrolling P-T and F-T students for Fall of 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.
12. 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.
MONTHLY THEME
During the first two days of March, we will continue our discussion on African American history. The children will read about Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali, and discuss the vast accomplishments of our nation’s historical leaders. The children will participate in coloring activities (coloring page and appreciation card) pertaining to African American historical figures.
Students will review local geography by using maps, as well as discuss their favorite hobby and bay area destination. Students will learn their country, state and city of residence, as well as home address, and home phone number. The children will learn about emergency situations during in which they may dial 911 on their home telephone.
The students will brainstorm to develop a magical place they may incorporate into their neighborhood (i.e. Candy land, Princess library, Transformers gas station, Star Wars shopping center, etc.). They will illustrate and write a story about their pretend place and share their creation during the morning circle time.
The students will participate in a nature walk to further explore and experience their school neighborhood. The children will take an active role in cleaning up their neighborhood, as they pick-up trash using latex gloves---clean-up day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31, at 10:00am)
Children will read about the ways in which we can clean up our streets of pollution---which will make an excellent introduction to the next theme, recycling! Students will participate in recycling activities, in which children will sort out items made out of paper, plastic and aluminum, etc. We will watch an educational video about recycling and reusing everyday household items. The emphasis will be on taking care of our planet, by throwing away trash inside garbage cans, placing food scraps into the compost, and recycling appropriately. We will read and discuss strategies to further beautify our neighborhood and mother earth!
In addition, children will participate in weather observations during the Spring Equinox and celebrate the life of Cesar Chavez---Si Se Puede! (yes it can happen, or yes you can do it). We want to instill in our children that they can accomplish anything in life, as long as they work hard and stand up for what is right.
Lastly, the children will participate in our St.Patrick' Day parade, in which they will come to school dressed in green and discuss their favorite green clothing item during show and tell (Friday, March 12, Show and Tell has been moved to the second Friday of each month).
LESSON PLAN
*THE SPANISH WORD OF THE WEEK IS___LA VECINDAD__ (NEIGHBORHOOD).
Week of March 1—AM: M/Rosa Parks reading and coloring page, T/review the letter of the week, Muhammad Ali reading and appreciation card, W/review the number of the week, point out city, state and country of residence (geography game) by using maps, map coloring page of the bay area, TH/review the shape of the week, recite city, state and country of residence, map game and California clay model, F/review the color of the week, recite city, state, country and continue California clay model
PM: continue with art activities, enrichment class takes place (making connections with prior art projects and circle time discussions)
*Ee, #16, Octagon, Blue
Week of March 8—AM: M/review the letter of the week, introduce address system and the use of phones, trace home address and draw your home (reading?), T/review the number of the week, recite home address game (circle time), continue tracing activity and drawing, W/review the shape of the week, recite home phone number and 911 emergency situation (practice game during circle time), emergency vehicles, professionals and locations drawing, TH/recite home address and home number game, personal information necklace, F/review the color of the week, recite 911 emergency (puppet show), finish personal student information (emergency) necklace,
PM: continue all art activities that are not finished, enrichment class take place at 3:20pm—Show and Tell has been moved to the second Friday of each month (St. Patrick’s Day parade)
*Ff, #17, Pentagon, Royal blue
Week of March 15—AM: M/review the letter of the week, discuss places students visit (i.e. grocery store, library, museum, play café, hospital, school, family member’s home, etc., use white board to brainstorm) and reading, choose a location poster, T/review the number of the week, discuss your favorite place to visit?, continue poster, W/review the shape of the week and color, shape and color activity, TH/ create your own magical place (brainstorm with white board), 3D magical place model, F/puppet show and our favorite place to visit in the bay area?, 3D magical place (made out of recycled school scraps) writing exercise,
PM: continue all art activities that are not finished enrichment class takes place (making connections with prior art projects and circle time discussions)
*Gg, #18, Hexagon, Sky blue
Week of March 22—AM: M/review the letter of the week, how to keep our planet clean reading and discussion, globe promise note, T/review the number of the week, recycling game, recycling coloring book, W/review the shape of the week, recycling video, make your own recycling container out of recycled school items, TH/review the color of the week, recycling song, finish recycling can, F/recycling an old toy day (bring a toy to school and donate to a needy child), recycled hat,
PM:
*Hh, #19, Trapezoid, Navy blue
Week of March 29—PPLA WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, MARCH 29 IN OBSERVANCE OF CESAR CHAVEZ DAY, AM: T/review letter of the week, recycling food scraps video, recycling food scraps coloring book, W/review number of the week, recycling food scraps game, making a vehicle out of recycled items, TH/ review shape of the week, reading, continue vehicle, F/review color of the week, recycling dance and song, finish all projects,
PM: face painting
*Ii, #20, Parallelogram, Midnight blue
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. The backyard renovations will continue for the next few days, as we still need to install the sandbox and paint the back porch area. The children will continue to enjoy outdoor play during the morning and afternoon as scheduled.
2. PPLA is yet to receive another county grant and this time to install an edible school garden. We will need the assistance of our families to install the garden on Sunday, April18 at 10:00am. It is a family affair! Please dress comfortably and join us for some refreshments! PPLA will supply the families with water, juice and snacks. If you would like to bring a dish (snack?) to share with the families, you may do so, but not required. Thanks!
3. In an effort to improve the environment of our school and maintain a competitive Teachers Assistant salary, as well as provide professional development opportunities, PPLA will be increasing monthly tuition fees in the near future. Effective September 1, 2010, PPLA will be increasing monthly tuition fees for both P-T and F-T care. The following described the upcoming monthly tuition schedule.
Part-Time: 2 days per week/all day attendance: $505.00/month
3 days per week/all day attendance: $605.00/month
Full-Time: 4 days per week/all day attendance: $805.00/month
5 days per week/all day attendance: $905.00/month
REMINDERS
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—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, Thursday-Music & Movement with Ms. Yanine, Friday-Drama with Ms.Yanine)
6. 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
1. 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.
2. 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 olds). 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Student evaluation s will take place in the month of January and parent conferences will be scheduled in February (dates and times TBA).
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. We are currently enrolling P-T and F-T students for Fall of 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.
12. 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.
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