Despite the chilly days, the joy on your little ones’ faces as they explored, learned, and grew in preschool this week was truly heartwarming. We’ve been focusing on developing important self-management and social-emotional skills, and this week, we also learned about the Chinese New Year. The children’s enthusiasm in drawing a snake to mark the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac was a sight to behold! This not only deepened their understanding of the world but also fostered a sense of cultural appreciation for the rich diversity of our country.

In our combined unit of Buildings/Wheels, we explored who builds buildings and enriched preschoolers’ vocabulary with many new words, such as electrician, plumber, construction, cement mixer, etc. Next week, we’ll continue learning about what makes buildings strong and resistant. As we explore different materials such as plywood, bricks, etc., children can observe and manipulate them. When children are given these hands-on experiences, they can connect when they see people using building materials in photos or books. We also encourage you to invite your preschooler to explore and study a special part of your home – a brick wall (or a fireplace) and different materials found in your home: marble, tile, hardwood, linoleum, etc. We will focus on essential words such as collapsed, sturdy, bricks, plywood, and drywall. 

Our Family Partnership CD Art Project is coming up on February 13th, and we’ve met our compact disc goal. We no longer need CDs, but we would still love to have volunteers who could come in on the 13th and help support the project. Please let us know if you are interested—we’d love to have you! 

It’s February soon, and it’s also time for our Family Conferences! A Sign-Up Genius has already invited all families to sign up for one slot per student. You can also view that here. At the conferences, we will discuss your child’s gross/fine motor development, social, emotional, and academic growth, as well as goals and expectations for the remainder of the school year. We are excited to meet with you!

Please remember that there will be no school on February 14th due to a Teacher Work Day. However, students celebrate Valentine’s Day by participating in the Family Partnership CD Art Project and handing out Valentines on the 13th. Please make sure your little one brings 16 unlabeled Valentines to school that day—you are also welcome to help your child decorate a box to bring their Valentines home!

Finally, this is just a reminder that we would also like to invite you to a special event: our Starry Night Dance at Coronado Elementary on January 31st from 6-8 p.m.! Tickets are now on sale and are $5 per person. Each person attending the dance must purchase a ticket. Use this link to buy tickets. 

We eagerly look forward to seeing you at the dance and the family art project! These events are not just about fun and creativity but also about strengthening our school community. We’re excited to share these experiences with you and your children.

Thank you so much for your support.

With much appreciation,

Annie