Some good news to share!
We have received a $3680 grant from the First Five Commission of Sonoma County to implement
"Healthy Habits = Happy Days."
Our Grant Coordinator and Preschool Teacher, Karen Nau, is working to implement our grant at school. She is already having children clock their "heart healthy" steps by wearing pedometers. The children are enjoying this and beginning to understand the importance of exercise through movement. In addition, Mrs. Nau has implemented a parent/child education program which teaches healthy eating habits and clarifies good nutritional choices for children. We will keep you updated throughout the school year as to further progress.
Parents, if you have interest or talent in exercise programs, nutrition or gardening, please contact Mrs. Nau at school. It's a program that the children and staff are enthusiastically participating in!
Maureen Bush
Interim Director
Ten tips for parents and caregivers
In her article, "Using Early Childhood Brain Research," in the
Beginnings Workshop Book, Curriculum: Brain Research, Math, Science, Nina
Sazer O'Donnell included a chart listing ten tips for parents and caregivers
based on a research review prepared for Rob Reiner's "I Am Your Child
Campaign."
Here is a shortened version of the ten tips…
Be warm, loving, and responsive.
Respond to the child's cues and clues.
Talk, sing, and read to children.
Establish rituals and routines.
Encourage safe exploration and play.
Make television watching selective.
Use discipline as an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each child is unique.
Chose quality child care and stay involved.
Caregivers need to take care of themselves.
New Plans for Early Birds and Building Blocks!
Early Birds remains in the
Discovery room and Mrs. Nau will welcome children each morning from 7:30
a.m. until 8:55 a.m. The cost is $5.00 and she will help children make a
positive transition to their classroom.
Building Blocks begins at noon with
recreation and then lunch in the Adventure Room. After lunch the teachers
help the children to either rest time or enrichment activities per your
request. The cost is $5.00 an hour with coupons and sign in/out is on the
Discovery Deck.
New Monthly and Daily Focus Concepts
Our daily morning programs are
developmentally appropriate and challenging. We also provide music, Spanish,
yoga and health and nutrition. Check the boards in front of the classrooms
for the "Word of the Day."
Composer of the Month
September: Mozart (250th B-Day)
October: Beethoven (Ode to Joy) (Moonlight Sonata)
November: Tchaikovsky (Nutcracker)
December: Handel (The Messiah)
January: Bach (Cannon in D Major) (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring)
February: Sousa (Patriotic music)
March: Chopin (Piano solos)
April: Vivaldi (Four Seasons)
May: Brahams (Lullaby)
June: Copeland (Ballet, theatre, western folk songs)
Fruit of the Spirit
September: Kindness
October: Patience
November: Faithfulness
December: Peace
January: Goodness
February: Love
March: Self-control
April: Joy
May: Gentleness
June: Review
Happy Day Presbyterian School is announcing some changes to our programming!
After several planning meetings our Happy Day Commissioners have supported some changes to our programming at school. Our purpose is to offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum which emphasizes academic excellence as children learn to love one another, build character and become life long learners in the context of a caring Christian community.
In the Fall of 2007 and throughout the academic year 2007/2008, we will be doing what we do best - teaching Preschool. We will have Preschool programs in the Adventure and Discovery Rooms and the Explorer's transistional pre-Kindergarten program in the Christian Education wing. We will not offer Kindergarten or First Grade at Happy Day next year.
Preschool Programs Offered!
1. The Adventure Room will provide a Pre Kindergarten program which is offered for children approximately four years of age. Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until Noon. Three days per week is recommended with a flexible choice of days, as long as one of the days chosen is either a Monday or a Friday. This works best in order to maintain low, consistent numbers in the classroom throughout the week.
2. The Discovery Room will provide a preschool program for children approximately three years of age. Two days per week is required with three recommended. Children will have a flexible choice of days, as long as one of the days chosen is either a Monday or a Friday. Class periods will be from 9:00 am until Noon.
3. "Early Birds" Morning Welcome Program will continue. It will begin at 7:30 and end at 9:00 am, Monday through Friday. It will continue to be in the Discovery Room where the children are greeted, read to and guided in games and play before their morning school sessions begin.
4. "Building Blocks" Enrichment Program is available from Noon until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Currently enrolled children may attend on a regular or drop-in basis, bringing lunch when here at Noon. This afternoon program offers many opportunities to enjoy literature based activities, Spanish, Yoga, Science, Outside Play, Snack and a nap option if you prefer.
Please call to schedule a visit at your convenience to learn more about our educational opportunities for young children!
Communication with parents is
important to us!
Please be sure to use the three part parentgrams for communication with the classroom teachers or to request a call from our Interim Director, Maureen Bush or our Office Manager, Karyl Crook. Also, our website is a great resource for information. In addition, you are welcome to email us at
HappyDay Office@sbcglobal.net.
Happy Day School Guidelines
When Your Child Is Sick
School T-Shirts Are Given
To Each Child Enrolled!
Every child is able to select a free school T- shirt from a rainbow
of colors...Red - Yellow - Pink - Green - Purple - Orange or Blue. Each shirt has our school logo with the words,
"Look at me, I'm
Growing!"
An additional shirt or one for siblings may be purchased for
$10.00 anytime during the school year.
Navy blue adult sized shirts with a pocket sized school logo are also
available for $15.00 each. |
