Newsletter - Oct 12th

Star Class News

Week of October 12th

Picture Day was a success, we were so excited that all of the Star Class were in one photo!  Last week we had a lot of fun exploring and talking about the changes we see in the fall, continue watching and talking about the leaves changing color.  

Pumpkin Patch
This week we will be going to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch at Velvet Acres on Thursday and Friday at 9:30.  Please remember that parents are responsible for transporting and staying with their kids during this field trip, so we will meet you there! The address is:  18905 NE 83rd St., Vancouver, 98682.  To learn more about the pumpkin patch before visit their website at www.vancouverpumpkinpatch.com

We will be collecting money this week.  The cost is $5 per child and will include a pumpkin for your child (they must be able to carry it), petting zoo, hay ride, and hay tunnel.  Adults are free unless they want to take a pumpkin!  If parents choose to get a pumpkin they can pay the $5 fee or pay .25/lb for their pumpkin.

Spanish Friday
This week we will not be having Spanish Friday due to the pumpkin patch.  We are working on getting a handout to those that come on Friday so you can practice at home or at least know they are trying if you hear them singing them!

Scentsy Fundraiser
We will be having a mini fundraiser to help you get a start on your holiday shopping with Scentsy warmers and scents.  This fundraiser will run thru October 15th.  I understand that 100% of the profits are donated to Little Acorn.  Thank you, Karli!!

Other Fundraisers
Since LAPSK is a non profit preschool, fundraising is an important piece of our program.  Other then the Scentsy fundraiser, we also have some other fundraisers that you can look into including: Kiggens Theater, Usborne Book eFair, Scholatic books, and box tops!  Some of these will continue all year, others have end times.  Please take part in as many of the fundraiser as you feel comfortable!  

This week in the Star Class
Since we are heading to the pumpkin patch this week, we are going to be talking about what animals and items we might see at a farm.  We will be creating our own farm animals, and talking about what a scarecrow might see while visiting the pumpkin patch.

Word Wall
This week we will be not be doing a letter of the week since we only have 3 days of class.  Instead we will be bringing in something you might see at the pumpkin patch this could include farm animals, farm food, or anything else thing you thing.

Important dates and events
October 15th Scentsy Fundraiser ends
October 16th & 17th Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Field Trip @ 9:30
October 26th Trunk or Treat
October 30th & 31st Halloween Class party and Kindred parade
November 1st Tuition Due
2 days a week $190.00 a month
3 days a week $245.00 a month
4 days a week $300.00 a month
5 days a week $355.00 a month
Kindergarten $405.00 a month
November 6th No School – Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 7th No School
November 11th No School – Veterans Day

This weeks songs in the Star Class

5 Little Pumpkins

5 Little pumpkins sitting on the gate,
The first one said, “oh my its getting late”
The 2nd one said “there's a chill in the air”
The 3rd one said, “but we don't care
The 4th one said, “I'm ready for some fun”
The 5th one said “Let's run and run and run”
OHHHH went the wind and out went the lights
And the 5 little pumpkins rolled out of sight

Newsletter - Oct. 6th

Star Class News

Week of October 6th

Last week we explores the alphabet with several alphabet games, some letter painting, creating Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Trees, and playing with letter magnets.

Thank You
Thank you for everyone who came to the Carnival last week!  It was fun to see so many of the Star families out having fun.

Picture Day
Our picture day is this Tuesday!   If you do not normally come that day we hope you can come in from 9 – 9:30 so that we can have all of our the Star Class in the class picture.  We will be putting all messy projects away on Tuesday so the kids can come dressed in nicer clothes if they want.

Spanish Friday
Last week we started Spanish Fridays with Teacher Caroline.  Last week Teacher Caroline introduced herself to our class and told us a little about where she is from.  Spanish Fridays will be an introduction to hearing a new language and a little about the Spanish culture.  Please remember some kids will pick up more then others but we are using this as an opportunity to expose the kids to a new language.  There is still available spots on Friday if you would like to sign up!

Pumpkin Patch
Our first field trip this year will be our annual Pumpkin Patch Field Trip.  This year we will be going to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch at Velvet Acres on Thursday 10/16 at 9:30 and Friday 10/17 at 9:30.  The cost is $5 per child and will include a pumpkin for your child (they must be able to carry it), petting zoo, hay ride, and hay tunnel.  Adults are free unless they want to take a pumpkin!  Please let us know which day you can come so we know how many to expect!

Scentsy Fundraiser
We will be having a mini fundraiser to help you get a start on your holiday shopping with Scentsy warmers and scents.  Packets will be available this week, and the fundraiser will run thru October 15th.

This week in the Star Class
We will begin talking about Fall this week.  The weather is still warm but there are some signs of fall, including chilly mornings and changing leaves.  Please bring in any leaves (especially leaves that have changed color in so that we can sort.)  We will go on a scavenger hunt around the school, collect leaves from around the school, and  do some leaf rubbings as well as leaf sorting, patterns,and painting with leaves.

Word Wall
This week we will be starting with the letter Dd for Doll or Dinosaur.  Your child can bring in an item that starts with the letter of the week and we will write the word out and put on our word wall.  They can put their item in our pelican that is by the word wall.



Important dates and events
October 7th Picture Day
October 10th Tuition grace period ends at Noon
2 days a week $190.00 a month
3 days a week $245.00 a month
4 days a week $300.00 a month
5 days a week $355.00 a month
Kindergarten $405.00 a month
October 16th & 17th Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

Newsletter - September 29th

Star Class News

Week of September 29th

We had fun last week exploring Apples!  We taste tested red, green and fuji apples on Thursday, and made applesauce on Friday with our Sunshine class.  We also painted with apples, talked about the parts of the apples and learned that if you cut the apples a certain way there is a star inside!

Carnival
Our Carnival is coming up quickly.  Mark your calenders for October 3rd, for a night full of family fun.  Pre-Sale Game Tickets will be $10, the day of the Carnival the price goes up to $15.  Games will include Minion Bowling, Angry Birds, Bouncy Houses, and more.  Our class will be in charge of the Minion Bowling this year, we will need two volunteers per shift.  PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A SHIFT, OR UPSTAIRS AT KATIE'S DOOR.  Volunteer time goes toward the two hours needed by the end of the year.

Pumpkin Patch
Our first field trip this year will be our annual Pumpkin Patch Field Trip.  This year we will be going to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch at Velvet Acres on Thursday 10/16 at 9:30 and Friday 10/17 at 9:30.  The cost is $5 per child and will include a pumpkin for your child (they must be able to carry it), petting zoo, hay ride, and hay tunnel.  Adults are free unless they want to take a pumpkin!  Please let us know which day you can come so we know how many to expect!

Picture Day
Our class pictures will be on Tuesday 10/7.  If you do not normally come that day we hope you can come in from 9 – 9:30 so that we can have all of our the Star Class in the class picture.

This week in the Star Class
This week we will be exploring the letters of the alphabet as we have fun learning with the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom books.  Some of the ideas we have this week will be creating our own trees, talking about the number of letters in our names, and figuring out what letters are needed to create our name.  We will start filling up our binders with some of the work on the wall so if you haven't brought in a 2” binder this would be a good time to do so!

Word Wall
This week we will be starting with the letter Cc for Cradle or Cat.  Your child can bring in an item that starts with the letter of the week and we will write the word out and put on our word wall.  They can put their item in our pelican that is by the word wall.



Important dates and events
October 1st Tuition Due:  
2 days a week $190.00 a month
3 days a week $245.00 a month
4 days a week $300.00 a month
5 days a week $355.00 a month
Kindergarten $405.00 a month
October 3rd School Carnival
October 7th Picture Day
October 16th & 17th Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Field Trip


This weeks songs in the Star Class

Our songs this week will be the Alphabet Song and Listening to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, as well as some of our favorite songs!

Newsletter - Sept. 22nd

Star Class News

Week of September 22nd

Last week we had fun talking about our friends and families.  Our first trips to Kindred were a success.   The kids remembered to bring their smiles and some of them even sang!

Carnival
Our Carnival is coming up quickly.  Mark your calenders for October 3rd, for a night full of family fun.  Pre-Sale Game Tickets will be $10, the day of the Carnival the price goes up to $15.  Games will include Minion Bowling, Angry Birds, Bouncy Houses, and more.  Our class will be in charge of the Minion Bowling this year, we will need two volunteers per shift.  We will have a sign up out soon.

Pumpkin Patch
Our first field trip this year will be our annual Pumpkin Patch Field Trip.  This year we will be going to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch at Velvet Acres on Thursday 10/16 at 9:30 and Friday 10/17 at 9:30.  The cost is $5 per child and will include a pumpkin for your child (they must be able to carry it), petting zoo, hay ride, and hay tunnel.  Our sign up will be out this week.  Please let us know which day you can come so we know how many to expect!

Picture Day
Our class pictures will be on Tuesday 10/7.  If you do not normally come that day we hope you can come in from 9 – 9:30 so that we can have all of our the Star Class in the class picture.

All-About Me Books and Class Needs
We had fun sharing our all about me books last week, if you haven't had a chance to send them in it's not to late!  We still need a few friends to bring in their Cubby pictures, family pictures and 2” binders.

Sick Kids
Please call and let us know if your child will not be attending school.  You can text me at 360-771-1833 or call the school office at (360) 693-5614.

This week in the Star Class
This week in the Star Class we will be exploring Apples, painting with apples, making patterns, and creating our own apples.  We will also be doing some apple testing to learn which apples are our class favorites.

Word Wall
This week we will be starting with the letter Bb for Balloon or Baby.  Your child can bring in an item that starts with the letter of the week and we will write the word out and put on our word wall.  They can put their item in our pelican that is by the word wall.

Important dates and events
October 1st Tuition Due:  
2 days a week $190.00 a month
3 days a week $245.00 a month
  4 days a week $300.00 a month
5 days a week $355.00 a month
Kindergarten $405.00 a month
October 3rd School Carnival
October 7th Picture Day
October 16th & 17th Vancouver Pumpkin Patch Field Trip


This weeks songs in the Star Class

Apples are Falling (sung to Are you sleeping)
Apples are falling, apples are falling
From the tree, from the tree
Pick up all the apples, pick up all the apples
One, two, three, one, two, three

Ten Red Apples
Here I have five apples.  (hold up five fingers)
And here are five again.  (hold up the other hand)
How many apples altogether? (shrug)
Why, five and five make ten! (Clap)

Newsletter - September 15th

Star Class News

Week of September 15th

Our new schedule is working out wonderfully!  Thank you all for being understanding as we re-adjust during this first few weeks.  We are trying to arrange schedules to benefit all of the kids in the school.

Bikes
Thank you for those of you bringing in helmets!  Please remember to put them in our polka dot bag on the days your child comes.  We will be taking the bag outside with us, if their helmets are not in the bag, we can not let them ride the bikes/scooters.  We hope to have the bikes out as often as possible, so any day that is it not rainy or windy if possible.

Monday and Friday kids
Our Monday and Friday class will be meeting in the Sunshine class until we can get more friends to join us on those days.  We will be picking up and dropping off at the Sunshine class (the purple door down the hallway with the other classes) until further notice.  I will have a reminder note on our check in.

Space Available
We still have space available on Mondays, Wednesdays (limited), and Fridays.  We will be starting Spanish Fridays soon!  Please remember to spread the word to any family or friends that are looking for a wonderful preschool.

Kindred Visit
Our first visit to Kindred  is Wednesday and Thursday where we walk across the street and sing to the “Grandma's and Grandpa's”.  If you would like to join us you are welcome.  We understand some children love to visit with them while others are on the reserved side, we encourage all children to smile and say good morning, but they stay with us the entire time.  You might want to talk with your child about this upcoming event.

All-About Me Books
Last week you should have received an All-about me book in your child's cubby.  Please help your child complete then bring them back to school to share with their friends. We will hang it in our class so they can look through it all year long.

Class Needs
We still need a couple pictures from several of the kids for our class. Please send copies of the pictures just in case something happens to them. We need one picture for their Cubby (please no larger then 3X5) and one of your family.  We could also use a 2” binder to collect your child's work in.   At the end of the year we would like to send special projects home together so that their work can all be in one spot.

This week in the Star Class
This week in the Star class we are going to be talking about our families and friends.  We will be comparing and creating projects about our families, then moving on to projects that encourage us to work together, make new friends, and learn more about what makes us the same and different as our new friends at school.

Word Wall
To not confuse our Monday/Friday friends, we will be doing the same letters of the as we the Sunshine class.  I believe they are going to be going in alphabetical order so we will also.  This week we will be starting with the letter Aa.   Your child can bring in an item that starts with the letter of the week and we will write the word out and put on our word wall.  They can put their item in our pelican that is by the word wall.


Important dates and events
September 17th & 18th First trips to Kindred
September 22-24 Class pictures, we will have more information as soon as we can
October 3rd School Carnival

This weeks songs in the Star Class

The More we get together
The more we get together, together, together
the more we get together, the happier we'll be
Cause your friends are my friends
And my friends are your friendship
The more we get together, the happier we'll be

Make New Friends 
Make new friends, but keep the old
One is silver and the others gold
A circle is round, it has no end
That's how long I want to be your friend

Newsletter - Sept 8th

Star Class News

Week of September 8th

Thank you for everyone for helping make the first year such a success!  We had a wonderful start to the year and already the children are adjusting well.  Thank you all for your help in making drop off for your children so successful!

Schedule Change
We will be switching our outside time with the Dragonfly class this year so that the Monday and Friday group can see the Sunshine friends they hang out with every day of the week.  I will post our new schedule this week outside of the classroom.

Bikes
On days that it's not raining we will have the bikes out.  If you chid wants to ride the bikes or scooters they will need to bring a helmet from home to wear.  Please put your child's name on their helmet and put it in the polka dot bag outside our classroom.  We will be taking the bag outside with us, if their helmets are not in the bag, we can not let them ride the bikes/scooters.

Space Available
Our class still has spots available on Monday, Wednesday (limited), and Friday.  Please let us know if you would like to add a day to your current schedule.  We also have space available in classes for all age from age 2 ½ to Kindergarten.  Please spread the word about our wonderful program!  Our Monday and Friday group will be combining with the Sunshine class until we add more friends to our class.   If you come on Monday and Friday, you will still drop off and pick up at the Star Class door, but we will be heading to Sunshine class 15 minutes after class starts, or once everyone makes it to class.

Spanish Friday
This year we are going to offer an introduction to Spanish for our Children that come on Friday.  If you are interested or want more information, please ask Teacher Jo or check in the Teacher Katie in the office.

All-About Me Books
We will be sending home All-about me books this week. Once they are complete, your child can bring them back to school to share with their friends, and we will hang it so they can look through it all year long.

Class Needs
We still need a couple pictures from several of the kids for our class. Please send copies of the pictures just in case something happens to them. We need one picture for their Cubby (please no larger then 3X5) and one of your family.  We could also use a 2” binder to collect your child's work in.   At the end of the year we would like to send special projects home together so that their work can all be in one spot.

Allergies/Medical Forms
If you are sending medication to school, please hand it to Teacher Jo and Teacher Sarah.  All medication needs to be prescribed to the children.  We have a secure box that it needs to be placed in, along with the medical release forms needed for us to administer the medicine.   If you need to take any prescriptions back and forth from school, we ask that you still give them to the teachers each day instead of leaving them in their backpack.  That way we can get to it quickly if we need it.    

This week in the Star Class
This week we will be getting to know each other a little more while we talk about what makes us special, what we like, and what we look like.  We will also be exploring different emotions this week and talking about how the emotions make us feel and what we can do when we have these feelings.  We will also be trying to make our own emotions chart.

Word Wall
We will be starting our word next week.  We will not be going in alphabetical order, but I will let you know each week what the upcoming letter will be.  We may stick with the letters for more than a week to make sure everyone gets a chance to bring items in that begin with that letter.  This week I am inviting the children to bring in an item that can help us learn more about who they are.  They can bring in something to share during our final circle that is special to them.  Encourage them to put it in the pelican outside of our door so that it can be safe while we’re in class.

Important dates and events
September 10th Tuition Due
September 17th & 18th First trips to Kindred
September 22-24 Class pictures, we will have more information as soon as we can
October 3rd School Carnival

This weeks songs in the Star Class

I am Special

I am Special
I am Special
I’m a star, there’s no one like me
Near or far

Newsletter - September 4

Star Class News

Week of September 4th

Welcome to the Star Class!  We are so excited about the year ahead and look forward to getting to know your family.  This will be the only newsletter we print out for your cubby and we are starting with a lot of information!  If you did not get an e-mailed copy or need a hard copy each week, please let Teacher Jo know.

Space Available
Our class still has spots available on Monday, Wednesday (very limited), and Friday.  Please let us know if you would like to add a day to your current schedule.  We also have space available in classes for all age from age 2 ½ to Kindergarten.  Please spread the word about our wonderful program!

Spanish Friday
This year we are going to offer an introduction to Spanish for our Children that come on Friday.  If you are interested or want more information, please ask Teacher Jo or check in the Teacher Katie in the office.

Classroom Needs
We need a couple pictures of your child for our class. Please send copies of the pictures just in case something happens to them. We need one picture for their cubby (please no larger then 3X5) and one of your family.   Also remember to send an extra pair of clothes for your child, even if they already use the potty.   Sometimes the first few weeks in with new experiences can cause accidents that would not normally happen.  

Allergies/Medical Forms
Due to allergies, this year we are asking that no treats come in to our class that have not been approved before hand.  If you would like to celebrate your child's birthday, we will have a list of fun ideas for your children to share with their friends that are not food related.

If your child has any allergies, please provide us with a list of what they are allergic to and what kind of reactions you have seen in the past.   We also need to have a medical release on file for any medication that needs to be left in the building.  You can get a copy  in the preschool office from Teacher Katie.

Wash Hands
Please have your child wash their hands before coming to class.  This will not only help spread germs, but it can help our children with allergies.  

Good-Byes
The first few days of school can be hard (on the parents, I mean). So I encourage you to have positive energy when you bring your child to school and say a short good bye at the door. You need to convey to your child that this is a safe fun place and you know that they are going to be fine.  They need to know that you have confidence in them and their ability to go school and make new friends.  We won't let you child remain miserable, if they are unable to calm down, we will call you.

Communication
We look forward to building a positive partnership with you, so if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to talk with me after school or you can always reach me at
(360)771-1833 or e-mail me at Joanna@threepaw.com.

For school information and news, we will try to keep you posted in our newsletters, but you can also check out our Facebook page or school website.

This week in the Star Class
This week we will be getting to know each other and the classroom.  Starting something
new can be intimidating so we will be easing into our year with some simple projects and games that will help us make new friends and get to know the classroom.  Since we are the Star class, we are going to be creating different types of Stars to decorate our classroom.

Important dates and events
September 4rd First day of School
September 10th Tuition Due
September 17th & 18th First trips to Kindred
September 22-24 Class pictures, we will have more information as soon as we can

This weeks songs in the Star Class

I’m a Star

I’m a Star, I’m a Star
Big and Bright, Big and Bright
Ready to Shine, Ready to Shine
Day or Night, Day or Night

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
How I wonder what you are
Up Above the world so high
Like a Diamond in the sky
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
How I wonder what you are

Volunteer opportunities 
(please let us know if you are interested in any of the following and haven't had a chance to sight up)

Each family is responsible for 2 hours of volunteer time per child per year.  Here are just a few ways you can work towards your volunteer time in our class.  We will also have school events throughout the year such as our book fair, playground clean up, auction, and school carnival where your help would be greatly appreciated.

- Organize classroom auction basket (2 hours)
- Clean toys (especially during cold season) (30 Minutes)
- Make Playdoh (30 minutes)
- Recycling (15 minutes)
- We will have a list of supplies we need that can go toward volunteer time