December Edition

Dear Families,

It is hard to believe that we are in the Holiday Season. The staff and I feel as though the first day of school was just a few weeks ago! We wish you all a very HAPPY, HEALTHY and JOYOUS holiday.

Thank you all for your kindness and generosity. The teachers and I are touched by your thoughtfulness.

Have a fantastic New Year and we will see you all in 2009.

Warmest Regards,

Ms. Joanie


Registration for 2009-2010 School Year

The time is upon us to plan for our next school year. All alumni and current membership will be given the opportunity to enroll for '09-'10 school year before our "open enrollment." You will be receiving registration packets in your mailbox after the holiday break. All families MUST come to school to register in person on either January 12, 2009 from 12:15-2:00PM or January 13, 2009 from 6:30-8:30PM. We will be collecting a $95.00 registration fee when you submit your paperwork.
Open enrollment for new families will be held on January 24, 2009 from 1:00-3:00 PM at our "Open House" event. Please encourage friends and neighbors to attend.

Conferences

Last week I placed letters in student mailboxes regarding conferences for the Nursery and Pre Kindergarten classes. Sign up sheets are on the filing cabinet in the main foyer. Please be sure to select a time. The teachers will be sending out confirmation letters after the break.

(Conferences are scheduled for January 14, 2009 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM and on January 22, 2009 from 12:30-3:30PM. If you are unable to attend either date please speak directly to your child's teacher to make alternate arrangements.)

Kindergarten Readiness

The Kindergarten Readiness class will begin on January 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM. We still have room for 3 more children. If you are interested, the cost of the class is $50.00 per month and there is a one time only $10.00 supply fee. Email me at joanie@bethpagenurseryschool.org with any questions or for more information.

Save the Date

March will be here before we know it! I would like you all to put on your calendars the following VERY IMPORTANT dates:

March 5, 2009 Bethpage Nursery School's Dinner Auction at H.R. Singletons (Ladies Only)
(Danielle Tesler will be sending out more information next month.)

March 28, 2009 Favorite Fella Breakfast for the Pre K class and one of their best guys.
March 29, 2009 Favorite Fella Breakfast for the Nursery class and one of their best guys.
(Details will follow from classroom teachers.)

Fun Stuff for the Holidays

Five little bells, hanging in a row. The first one said, ring me slow. The second one said, ring me fast. The third one said, ring me last. The fourth one said, I'm like a chime. The fifth one said, ring us all at one time!

Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the field we go
Laughing all the way...Ha Ha Ha!

Bells on bobtail ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
a sleighing song tonight

Jingle bells, Jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride In a one horse open sleigh

Santa Cookies Ingredients: • Nutter Butter cookies • white chocolate chips • mini chocolate chips • red cinnamon candy or mini red M&M's • mini marshmallows cut in halves or quarters • red sugar Directions: 1. Melt white chocolate chips. 2. Dip Nutter Butter into chocolate a little more than halfway to make the beard. Let dry (it does not take long.) 3. Dip top in about two lines (grid on N.B.) and then roll into red sugar across the top but not all the way. 4. Immediately attach marshmallow to the melted choc on the hat. 5. Using melted white chocolate as glue, dip mini choc chip in and then attach to cookie as eyes. 6. Repeat for nose with cinnamon candy dot or M&M. (I often just place the nose on when I make the beard, at the top to save time.) Hannukah donuts (Sufganyot) Ingredients: • 3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 packages active dry yeast • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 2 tablespoons cooking oil • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 egg • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla • 1/4 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or blueberry) or chocolate-hazelnut spread • Cooking oil for deep-fat frying • Sifted powdered sugar Directions: 1. Stir together 1-1/4 cups of the flour, the yeast, and cinnamon; set aside. In a medium saucepan heat and stir 1 cup water, the granulated sugar, cooking oil, and salt just until warm (120 degree F to 130 degree F). Add oil mixture to flour mixture; add egg and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can. 2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3 to 5 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface of the dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour). 3. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes. Roll dough, 1 portion at a time, to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough with a floured 2-1/2-inch biscuit cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts. Place about 1/2 teaspoon preserves or chocolate-hazelnut spread onto the centers of half of the circles. Lightly moisten edges of circles; top with remaining circles. Press edges together to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Re roll and cut trimmings. 4. Fry filled doughnuts, 2 or 3 at a time, in deep hot oil (365 degree F) about 1 minute on each side or until golden, turning once with a slotted spoon. Remove from oil; drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool on wire racks. Makes 24 servings. Herman the Hanukkah Candle Herman the Hanukkah Candle Had a very Shiny Light And if you ever saw it You would even say it was bright All of the other candles Used to laugh and call him names They never let poor Herman Join in any Hanukkah Games Then one foggy Hannukah eve The Rabbi came to say "Herman with your Light so bright Won't you lead our service tonight" Then all the candles loved him As they shouted out with Glee Herman the Hanukkah candle You'll go down in History! I Have a Little Dreidel I have a little dreidel I made it out of clay And when it's dry and ready Then dreidel I shall play! (Chorus) Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel I made it out of clay And when it's dry and ready Then dreidel I shall play! It has a lovely body With legs so short and thin And when my dreidel's tired It drops and then I win! (Chorus) My dreidel's always playful It loves to dance and spin A happy game of dreidel Come play now, let's begin! (Chorus)

Calendar of Events
December 24, 2008-January 2, 2009 closed for Holiday Recess January 5, 2009 school resumes January 12, 2009 In Person Registration 12:15-2:00PM January 13, 2009 In Person Registration 6:30-8:30 PM January 13, 2009 Board Meeting 8:30PM January 14, 2009 Conferences 6:00-9:00PM January 15, 2009 CoOp Directors' Board Meeting January 19, 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day--School closed January 22, 2009 Conferences 12:30-3:30PM
January 24, 2009 Open House 1:00-3:00PM