December News
November Recap
Many thanks to all the moms that came in to speak about Diwali. The children enjoyed making the clay lamps and learning about the celebration. A special thank you to Nandini Vikram for preparing a delicious lunch for all the teachers to celebrate Diwali. We truly appreciated and enjoyed such wonderful food!
Our scholastic book fair was a success with the school earning over $900. We wish to thank all of you who volunteered and/or supported the fair. All proceeds will be reinvested back into the school.
Our Thanksgiving celebration was enjoyed by all the children. They were excited in the preparation in baking corn muffins and pumpkin bread, pumpkin pudding, stuffing and homemade applesauce. The children re-enacted the Pilgrims first journey to the New World, their encounter with the Native Americans and the feast. We will display the pictures at school in the hallway next week.
Ms. Bobbi Pearson from the American Red Cross visited the children and spoke about germs and how to wash hands properly to avoid germs. She used her teddy bear named “Scruffy” to demonstrate these main concepts. The children were very engaged with our visitor.
Free Speech Screenings from Metropolitan Speech and Language Center began on Nov. 28 for interested families. They will be completed by next week. There is still time to return your screening consent for next week’s screening.
Many thanks to Despoina Lachanasris and Bethany Keiley for organizing the Halloween Candy collection and Food Pantry Collection for children and families devastated from Hurricane Sandy. We are grateful to all families that donated to this cause.
Reminders
DROP-OFF TIMES
Early Drop-off is from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM (incremental fee applies)
Regular Morning drop-off time is from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.
Regular Afternoon drop-off time is from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM.
DISMISSAL TIMES
AM children......11:15 AM to 11:30 AM promptly
PM/ALL DAY children.......2:45 PM to 3:00 PM promptly
Afterschool program 3pm-5pm (incremental fee applies)
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL APPLICATIONS/CONFERENCES
Parents who are interested in applying to a private school for their child for September 2013 or have questions regarding public or private school options in the area should contact Sarah Colucci to schedule a conference as early as possible. Please notify Sarah of interview dates and play dates scheduled for your child at prospective schools. All private school recommendations must be submitted to Sarah by Monday, December 17th. All recommendations will be sent out on January.
FLU VACCINATIONS
All school aged children must receive at least one dose of the influenza vaccine between Sept.1 and Dec 31 of each year. Parents must show written proof of immunizations (ex. Copy of shot record).Children who have not received the flu vaccine by Dec. 31 must be excluded from school for the duration of the flu season (through March 31). Once the child receives at least one dose, they may return to school.
TUITION PAYMENTS:
For those families who have selected the two payment plan the second payment is due in January.
December Events
Dance Caravan Winter Recital- December 10, Millburn Public Library
There will be a 5:00PM show and a 6:30PM show. If your child is enrolled in Dance class please arrive 30 minutes before show time for costumes. Please check your child’s show time or contact Sarah for time confirmation.
Show Attire:
BOYS: Black pants and white turtleneck
GIRLS: White leotard and ballet shoes
Community Service Committee
The “Giving Tree”- Despoina Lachanaris is collecting gifts for needy children through The Salvation Army. We appreciate all the tags that have already been taken and for the gifts collected. There are still a few tags left for families that are still interested in donating. Please place all gifts in a gift bag (unwrapped) with the tag attached. The last day for gift collections will be Friday December 7.
Coat Drive
The coat drive will run from December 3 – December 14. Please bring in any gently used coats for all ages and place them in the collection box in the hallway. Thank you.
Celebration of Families and Holidays
We are extending an invitation to all parents who would like to visit their child’s classroom and speak about a special family tradition /celebration that they enjoy together during the holiday season. Activities include coming in for a holiday craft, baking, cookie decorating, reading a book or any activity that you and your child enjoy. Please contact Sarah to coordinate a time.
Holiday Classroom Parties
Thursday December 20: 2’s and 3’s Sing Along and Party (Mrs. Morelli, Mrs. Palumbo, Mrs. Abaza and Mrs. Lunn)
10:00 AM: Details to follow shortly
Friday, December 21: 4’s and kindergarten- Holiday Songs and Party (Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Picinisco, and Mrs. Stroman)
10:00AM: Details to follow shortly
Holiday Vacation
We will be closed December 24 – January 1. School reopens on January 2, 2013
Note:
Beginning last month we published on the website bi-monthly classroom specific updates which are located in the Teacher Notes section.
Happy Holidays to all our Alpine Montessori families!
Warm regards,
The Alpine Montessori Staff