Dear Parents,

          Our first full week of school was incredibly successful!  We are learning about our new classroom filled with friends.  The children have been engaged during playtime- exploring new toys, books and games.  Be sure to ask your child about his/her favorite areas of our classroom.

          Last Monday we went to the gym for gross motor activities.  We walked on a tactile balance beam, bounced balls, and soared down a slide.  We also listened to a song about animals and pretended to move and sound like a variety of animals-snakes, lions, monkeys, oh my!  We played Red Light, Green Light, a new game for some and an old favorite for others.  This week in the gym we’ll be playing with a parachute and learning a tag game.

          We will be busy “camping” at school this week.  Our housekeeping area will be transformed into a campsite.  We will pitch a tent, build a “campfire”, and maybe even go “fishing”.  Camping is often a favorite summer activity for many families and the topic lends itself well to classroom discussions.   

          On Thursday, September 27^th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. families are invited to a school-wide Open House.  This is an opportunity for your child to show you his/her classroom and school.  Your child will also be able to introduce you to other teachers in our school- Madame Nikki, Mrs. Allison and Mr. Close.  An official invitation from your child will arrive home next week, but I wanted to be sure that you save the date.

          In addition to borrowing books from the school library on Tuesdays, your child will also have the option of borrowing book bags from our classroom.  The book bags consist of a book and either a small toy connected to the story or an activity to complete.  Your child may keep the book bags for about a week and then return it to school to borrow another one.  The book bags often include supplies that are needed to complete a craft activity.  You are welcome to use these materials and Lisa and I will replace them when the book bag is returned to school.  Please be sure to return any stuffed animals or toys that come home in the book bags. 

Important Upcoming Dates:      

Sept. 26^th:  Early Release Day for students-11:00 dismissal for morning preschool, however no afternoon preschool on early release days.

September 27^th:  Open House, 6:30-7:30

October 1^st: PTN Meeting, 6:30-7:30

October 8^th:  School Photos (more info. about these later)

My family is headed to the Tunbridge Fair this evening-a Fall tradition for us.

See you on Monday,

Pam