I cannot believe that I am writing the last newsletter for the 2008-2009 school year. This year has flown right by and has been full of wonder and excitement for everyone. The children have done beautifully in all of our programs. The teachers and I are so proud of the social, emotional and intellectual growth of your little ones.
I want to personally thank all of you for making my first year as Director at Bethpage Nursery School such a positive and rewarding experience. I have truly enjoyed each and every moment with all of you. I especially appreciated all of the kindness and support you extended to me. I am certain that the years to come will be equally as wonderful.
I wish you all the best for a safe, happy and healthy summer. For those who are returning to our school next year, be READY for another fun filled year with many new and exciting adventures to share.
My "KINDERGARTEN" friends... I am so proud of all of your achievements this year. You have grown so much and are ready to learn how to read, write, add, subtract, learn about science and social studies and SO MUCH MORE!!! I am positive that you are ready and totally prepared for your new teacher. Your years at Bethpage Nursery School have gotten you where you need to be. This year Ms. Sara and Ms. Mary worked very hard to get you set for your new school experience.
Parents, change is a fantastic part of life, it makes things more interesting and exciting. At times change can be a challenge, but in the end we understand the benefits. Whether you are returning to our school or heading off to a new one next year you will experience change. It does not matter that you have "already been through a grade with an older child"--you are now going to two of us, toddler separation, nursery, pre k or kindergarten with "this child." This new experience will be unique...as unique as this little one.
I do understand the feelings that many of you are having at this time of year. As many of you already know or can tell, I am expecting my third son on or about July 1, 2009. I will also be sending my oldest son off to kindergarten in the fall. My second son will be entering the exciting phase of the "terrible twos" and which will be paired with taking on the role of "big brother" by 20 months. I am pretty sure that Raymond is not going to move over for his new baby brother. Change is eminent at the Story house!
The biggest change for me will be sending Thomas off to kindergarten five days a week on the bus. As a mommy it saddens me to think that my little boy is growing up so quickly. I recently realized that his going off to kindergarten meant no more lunch dates or impromptu trips during the week. I will also have to share the awesome responsibility of educating my son with another person. From the day we took him home from the hospital Andrew and I have been his "main" teachers. Sure we shared the experiences with grandparents, aunts, uncles and preschool teachers, but now he will have "his" kindergarten teacher. He/She will get to know him quite well over the next school year and will spend more time with him during the week than my husband and I will.
During Thomas' nursery and prek school years I felt like I was still in "control." The teachers always kept the moms and dads in the loop. We shared in parties, activities and were welcomed in the classroom with open arms. I know that next year will be different in many ways. I will have to step back and put my trust in his teacher(s). I cannot share my reservations or worries with my son. It is my job as the mommy to build him up and inflate the kindergarten experience.
As a former kindergarten teacher of several years I know that my mommy worries are silly and have no real foundation. I know that the world that lies ahead for Thomas in kindergarten is absolutely fantastic and wonderful. It is my experience that draws me back when I begin panic. Kindergarten teachers have the BEST job in the world. Teachers of 5-6 year olds love their profession and you will find seem to have been molded for the very job. I want you as parents to know that your kids will be fine--just as Thomas will be. Take it from me that they will be learning and loving their new class. I am relaxed because I know what will be happening in the classroom---lots of LEARNING and tons of FUN. I am also certain that the teachers and assistants will care deeply for our kindergarteners.
My knowledge brings me great comfort and allows me to look forward to all the new and amazing things that are bound to happen in 2009-2010. I am thrilled about new friends, reading, writing, experiments and making new connections! So parents and children join me by embracing change with open arms.
Best Wishes and Warmest Regards,
Ms. Joanie
Safety Reminders:
With the warm weather upon us, please remember to put sunscreen on your children before school. Dress the children in weather appropriate clothing and footwear as we will be on the playground daily. DO NOT send your child to school in flip flops, open toed shoes or open backed shoes as the can be dangerous.
K Readiness
The Pilot program for K Readiness was a huge success this year. The children enrolled do quite well and enjoyed the class thoroughly. Our last session for this year is May 26, 2009. The children will end with a book reading of their home made alphabet books and will present them to family members. Next year the class will run from September to June.
Graduation
Our Pre K class will be graduating on June 17, 2009 at 9:30 AM. Tickets are limited to 4 per family (that is 1 more ticket than in years past). We respectfully ask that younger siblings not attend the ceremony. We would like all of your attention to be on your special graduate.
Picnic
The annual picnic will be held at Haypath Park on June 17, 2009 at 12:30 PM. Details will follow.
Registration
If you have not returned your signed membership agreement with a check for the June tuition as of yet I urge you to do so. We will be opening up unpaid slots to families on the waiting list.
If you have not registered yet and would like to, please see me as soon as possible. Classes are filling up.
I have a waiting list for AM sessions of Nursery, Pre K and Toddler Separation. I have openings in PM sessions for Nursery and Prek as well as the M/W PM Toddler Separation.
Summer Fun
We have only 4 slots available in the summer program for upstairs. There is no parent participation in the summer. Children stay for 3 hours and bring their own lunch. Please see Ms. Sara if you are interested in the program.
Calling for Help
We have projects planned for the summer and need your help! Chris Calamia will be the "foreman" on our kitchen remodel project. He is going to need a demo team and some people to help with the labor of installing cabinetry. If you are ready, willing and able please let me know as soon as possible.
Eagle Scouts
James Fischer and his team will be sprucing up the lower level classroom this summer---new paint, cabinets, shelving, safety measures and much more!
Maintenance
Jenny Looney (nursery) will need some help with little projects over the summer. I would appreciate it very much if some of you could volunteer some time over the summer months to give her hand. If you can help let me know and I will forward your info to her.
John Looney will be replacing the boiler this summer and will also be installing a bathroom in the lower level classroom---WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT THE BATHROOM!
Verizon
We have updated our Verizon account to include a fax line and television capability. Our new fax number is 931-0580.
In order to comply with state emergency regulations we are required to have TV access. At this time we do not have money in the budget to purchase a new TV. If anyone has an extra television that they are willing to donate please contact the board. We will be mounting the TV to the wall for safety precautions.
In School Field Trip
The Long Island Children's Museum will be coming in to present "Bubbles" to the nursery class on June 4, 2009 at 10:00AM. Parents are asked to send in $10 by June 2, 2009.
Last Classes
K Readiness 5/26
2 of Us 6/10 and 6/12
Optional 3s 6/15
Pre K 6/17 graduation day
Toddler Sep 6/18
Nursery 6/18
Congratulations to the Schappert Family!
Tracie, Joe, Anthony and Nico welcomed
Frankie Peter Schappert
to their family on April 24, 2009!
Best Wishes to ALL!!!!!!
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