November Edition

Notes from the Director

Thanksgiving is the day for family reunions and being grateful for all the wonderful people and things in our lives. At Bethpage Nursery School we are especially thankful for the gifts of your children. They fill our days with love, joy and tons of laughter. On behalf of the faculty and myself we wish you warm thoughts and hope that this Thanksgiving will be especially plentiful.

Warm Regards,

Ms. Joanie

My Hours

Monday 9:00AM-12:00PM, Tuesday work from home 10:00AM-1:00PM, Wednesday 9:00AM-12:00PM, Thursday 9:00AM-12:00PM, Friday OFF.

I would like to inform all of you of my schedule as of this month. I am contracted to work 7 sessions biweekly. This means that over the course of a two week period I will work 21 hours. Built into those sessions are hours outside of the normal school day for Board meetings, Executive Board meetings, Co-op Director's meetings and paper/computer work from home.
Some weeks there are more meetings or holidays that effect my hours. I will adjust my schedule accordingly. For example, this week I will be in Monday-Wednesday.Also, the week of 12/1 I have an executive board meeting and a Co-Op Director's meeting which means I will be out of the building during school hours that week.
I hope this clarifies my schedule for all of you. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call 516-931-0811 or email me at joanie@bethpagenurseryschool.org .


Fundraising
Bake Sale

The Fundraising Committee will be hosting a Thanksgiving bake sale on Tuesday 11/25 and Wednesday 11/26 at school from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM. There will be something for everyone! Take a break from all the baking this year and still enjoy a "homemade" treat with your family. (Weather permitting the sale will be outside--if it is too cold or rainy the sale will be in the lower level classroom).

Drop and Shop

On December 7, 2008, you will have the unique opportunity to drop your children off at BNS for a 3 hour fun filled Sunday afternoon to play, make a craft, enjoy a snack and hangout while you shop and prepare for the hustle and bustle of the approaching holiday season. The children will be supervised by camp counselors, members of the board and me. Danielle Tesler will be sending out detailed information and reservation slips.

Food and Toy Drive

We have been asked by Legislator Mangano's office to participate in a food and toy drive for the needy. I am asking all of you to consider taking part in this very important activity. I believe that the act of giving is an important lesson for all of us. By giving to those less fortunate than our families we are instilling an important value in our children.
We will be accepting non-perishable food items and toys starting on Monday, December 1 and ending on Tuesday, December 16th. Please do not wrap the toys.
Legislator Mangano's office will collect the items on December 18th and will make sure that the donations are distributed appropriately.
I thank you in advance for your support.

Pre K Holiday Luncheon

Ms. Sara, Ms. Mary and the Pre K class will be holding their traditional Holiday Lunch for the children and one adult of their choice on Monday, December 22, 2008. The class and their guests will enjoy lunch, dessert and holiday songs. (Details will follow from Ms. Sara).

Nursery Holiday Cookies

Ms. Christine, Ms. Tobi and the Nursery class will enjoy cookies and holiday songs with the children and one adult of their choice on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. (Details will follow from Ms. Christine).

Registration for 2009-2010 School Year

The board will be getting materials ready for current membership to register in advance for the upcoming school year. In January we will be holding an open house event and after that we will be accepting new members. Please be sure to register as soon as possible to reserve your child's spot. Information will follow soon.

Kindergarten Readiness Class

Thank you to all who have expressed an interest in the Kindergarten Readiness Class. As of right now we have 3 open slots. The class will begin on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. I am very excited about teaching this class. I have already prepared lessons and many materials for the children to use during this FUN learning experience.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Conferences will be held in January. You will receive a letter asking you to sign up for a 20 minute slot at the end of December.
Conference dates will follow.

The Lower Level Classroom

I am happy to share with you that we have an air purifier in the lower level classroom. Also, we have ordered new pole wraps to ensure child safety.
Over the December break the Eagle Scouts will be coming in to spruce up the lower level classroom. We are excited to have them fulfill their community service at BNS. They will be cleaning, painting and constructing shelving units.


Thanksgiving Fun

A Little Bit of Thanksgiving Humor...
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey be plump
May your potatoes and gravy
have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious
and your pies take the prize,
and may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!
--Author Unknown--

The photo below is for my Pre K friends! This is "Dinner" my older sister's family pet. YES...He does exist. So the next time you sing "Albuquerque Turkey" think of Dinner!

Albuquerque Turkey
(to the tune of "Clementine")
Albuquerque is a turkey
And he's feathered and he's fine
And he wobbles and he gobbles
And he's absolutely mine.
He's the best pet that you can get...
Better than a dog or cat.
He's my Albuquerque turkey
And I'm awfully proud of that.
He once told me, very frankly
He preferred to be my pet,
Not the main course at my dinner,
And I told him not to fret.
And my Albuquerque turkey
Is so happy in his bed,
'Cause for our Thanksgiving dinner...
We had scrambled eggs instead.

Five Little Turkeys

5 little turkeys standing by the door,
One waddled off, and then there were 4.
4 little turkeys under a tree,
One waddled off, and then there were 3.
3 little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were 2.
2 little turkeys in the noon day sun,
One waddled off, and then there was 1.
One little turkey better run away,
For soon will come Thanksgiving Day.

Why didn't the Turkey finish his dessert?

(because he was stuffed)

Mr. Turkey, Here I Come

The player is to leave the group while the others hide a turkey toy or picture in the room. Then player comes back and tries to hunt the turkey. If player is near the turkey, everyone gobbles loudly, if he/she gets farther away from the turkey, the volume is decreased accordingly. The player who hunts the turkey in the least time, wins.


Dates to Remember

November 25-26th Bake Sale
November 26th Pre K "Stone Soup"
November 27-28th Thanksgiving Recess
December 1 School Reopens
December 2 Executive Board Meeting
December 4 Co-Op Director's Meeting at St. Mark's
December 7 Drop and Shop
December 11 Faculty ESL Workshop
December 16 deadline for toy and food drive
December 19 Two of Us Holiday Fun
December 22 Pre K Holiday Luncheon
December 23 Nursery Cookies and Songs
December 23 Toddler's Holiday Fun (class only)
December 24-January 2 School Closed
January 5 School Reopens
January 6 Kindergarten Readiness Begins