February/March Edition

Dear Parents,

This year March came in like a lamb...will it go out like a lion?

I have been asking the pre k children on a daily basis about our March weather patterns and have been quite impressed by their answers. I think that News 12 has some competition.

Have you ever thought to ask your child to make predictions about the weather or to recall what has occurred outside during the day? A simple conversation about the weather can help your child develop both pre and post reading skills as well as influence a love of science and nature. Take a few minutes and discuss the weather with your preschooler--ask questions that will make them think. For fun, make a chart of the remaining March days...how will it end? Like a Lion or a Lamb?

Ms. Joanie

Help Your Child Get Ready to Read!!!!!!!!

How?
Tell Stories

Why?
Narrative skills are when children are able to describe things, tell about events in sequential order and retell stories.

What can you do?
Participate in "Shared Reading" with your child by reading predictable books. Discuss the cover and illustrations in the book. Ask questions intermittently to check your child's understanding of the story (5 Ws). Discuss the beginning/middle/ending of the story. Re-read the book to ensure comprehension. After reading the book for the second time ask your child to tell you the story. Be sure that you are listening!

Suggested Books for Narrative Skill Sets:

Good Night, Gorilla (2s and 3s) by Peggy Rathmann
Very Hungery Caterpillar (3s and 4s) by Eric Carle
Bear Snores On (3s and 4s) by Karma Wilson
The Giving Tree (4s) by Shel Silverstein

Scheduled School Closings
Bethpage Nursery School is STILL closed on 2Friday, March 19, 2010 and Monday, April 5, 2010. We have only used 2 snow days on a MWF rotation and 1 on a T/TH rotation. Our school calendar clearly states that we will make up closings in excess of 3 closures on a MWF rotation and in excess of 2 closures on a T/TH rotation. Unlike Bethpage Schools we have built these days into our calendar. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Favorite Fella
Our Nursery and Pre K classes have received invitations to Bethpage Nursery School's annual Favorite Fella breakfast. Each child is allowed to bring one fella (18 or older) as a guest for breakfast, a craft and possibly some playground time. Please RSVP to Jeanie Shelton-Clyne(4AM) ASAP. Each fella must bring 2 folding chairs.

March 20 Nursery Favorite Fella 10:00-11:30AM
March 21 Pre K Favorite Fella 10:00-11:30AM

Dinner Auction
Thank you to all who supported our school at the annual dinner auction. Many thanks to Danielle Tesler, Lisa Chappell, Jeanie Shelton-Clyne, Nancy Burgos, Angelica Downes, Laurie Khan, Marisa Peters, Pembe Sefket and all that donated items to our auction. The evening was a huge success.

Farewell
Our beloved Ms. Tobi has resigned after 7 years at Bethpage Nursery School. She has taken a new position as a monitor at Bethpage High School. We will miss her!

Summer Fun
Please contact Ms. Sara if you are interested in our Summer program. We have openings in both classes.

Registration for 2010-2011
Please see me to register for the '10-'11 school year. We have openings in our Pre K AM, our new MW AM Nursery class and our Toddler Separation class.

Kindergarten in Bethpage Public Schools
At this point in time most Pre K children are registered for Kindergarten at their home schools. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, I met with Mr. DeMatassa from Bethpage Union Free School District to discuss the K curriculum. I will be hosting a parent meeting in May to go over and distribute the information I have received. I will also be meeting with my staff to review the curriculum at our April meeting.

Outdoor Play Friendly Reminder
The children will go outside to play if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. Please dress your child accordingly. As the warm weather approaches please refrain from putting your child in sandals, crocs or flip flops.

Get On Board
We need parents to join our board. Jean Bury will be sending out an invitation to our "Get on Board" General Membership meeting. The meeting will be held in April. Details will follow.

Tuition
Please remember to turn in your tuition at the beginning of every month to avoid $15 late fees.

Welcome
Isabella Romero joined our 3AM class in February. Ms Christine, Ms Laura and I are enjoying getting to know her!

Dates to Remember
Closed March 19
Favorite Fella March 20 (3s) March 21 (4s)
Closed for Spring Recess March 29-April 5
Reopen April 6

****If there are any changes to our calendar I will update this posting...let's hope that the weather does not include snow for the remainder of the school year:)