Happy Holidays everyone!
December 2009

I want to thank you for your patience and enthusiastic participation in our evacuation drills two weeks ago. It is important that we practice what to do in the event of an emergency and we simply can't do it as effectively without your participation.

December is upon us and the children's eyes are even brighter than usual as they anticipate the magic of the season! We are busily making gifts, decorating, practicing songs for our Christmas performances next week and learning about the Nativity and Hanukah. Our feet are flying and our hearts are full! We look forward to sharing it all with you next Thursday, December 17th (Tu/Th morning 3's at 10:00am and 2's at 2:00pm) and Friday, December 18th (MWF morning 4's at 10:00am and MWF afternoon 4's, 3's and pre-k at 2:00pm). We are hoping that Santa will be able to come by for a visit as well! School will be closed from Monday, Dec. 21st through Monday, Jan. 4th. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 5th.

As the days get colder the children begin to wear more layers of clothing. Make sure that everything that comes to school has your child's name and room # clearly labeled inside. If your child has not slept well, is overly tired, or has a persistently runny nose, PLEASE do NOT send them to school. The other parents and teachers will appreciate your thoughtfulness! There has also been quite an incident of head lice in the Los Altos School District. If your child contracts lice, do NOT send your child to school until treatment is complete and all "nits" are gone. By law, you must also notify our school office so that other children may be notified of exposure. No names are used and this is kept strictly confidential.

REMINDER: Handicapped parking is for handicapped people only. If you have a sleeping baby in the car, pull into one of the white "loading" spaces and notify the office. We will watch your car while you drop off or pick up.

I want to make sure that you are all aware of our classroom visitation policy. The best way to see how your child is doing, (and to get a better idea of our curriculum), is to volunteer in the classroom. Just let your child's teachers know when you are available. We schedule kindergarten assessment conferences with our 4's and pre-k parents but are always happy to schedule a conference with any of our parents at any time.

Registration for the fall of 2010 will take place in January. On Friday, January 8th we will accept all applications for children who wish to enroll in the pre-k program, or repeat the 4's program and add the Innovative class. The next Wednesday, January 13th, we will have registration for all of our other returning children. There is no need to worry about getting a space:

• We currently have 48 two's moving into 112 spots for three's (80 AM spots and 32 PM spots)
• We currently have 108 three's moving into 114 spots for four's (95 AM spots and 19 PM spots)
• We will be offering TWO pre-k classes next year with 16 children in each class
• If you are interested in the Innovative program, (TuTh AM or PM), and your child will be enrolled in the 4's for the first time next year, you may fill out a separate "Innovative Interest" sheet available in the office. I will confer with the 3's teachers and post the names of the enrolled students by January 19th. No payment is required until your child is enrolled in the class.

I hope that you have all received the Enrollment Information sheet that was sent home last week outlining registration, tuition and program changes for the coming 2010-2011 year. We would really like to hear your feedback. We are hoping that the smaller class size and longer day will help our school be even more wonderful than it already is.

Finally, please know how very honored we feel that you have chosen the Children's Center for your children. You make it possible for all of us to do what we love so much!

What shall we give the children? Christmas is almost here.
Toys, games and playthings, as we do every year?

Yes, for the magic of Toyland is part of the yuletide lore,
To gladden the heart of childhood; But I shall give something more:
I shall give more patience,
A more sympathetic ear,
A little more time for laughter,
Or tenderly dry a tear.
I shall take time to teach them the joy of doing some task
I'll try to find time to answer more of the questions they ask.
Time to read books together
And take long walks in the sun;
Time for a bedtime story after the day is done.
I shall give these to my children, weaving a closer tie.
Knitting our lives together with gifts that money can't buy.
- Author Unknown

With Love,
Non


Newsletter Archives

September 2009 Newsletter

June 2009 Newsletter

April 2009 Newsletter

Jenny Morgan's response to the SOS (Stressed Out Students) Conference

"Prayer for Children"