Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Kindergarten Information Night at JCC
Taking the giant step from preschool to kindergarten can be a challenging one- for children and parents alike. Come to the JCC for an evening of sharing about kindergarten choices.
Participating programs:
Pittsburgh Public Schools, Ellis School, St. Edmund's Academy, Sacred Heart, Winchester Thurston, JCC Clubhouse After-School Program, Pittsburgh New Church School, The Campus School of Carlow University, Pittsburgh Urban Christian School, Waldorf School of Pittsburgh, Shady Side Junior Academy, Carriage House Children's Center, Community Day
Participating programs:
Pittsburgh Public Schools, Ellis School, St. Edmund's Academy, Sacred Heart, Winchester Thurston, JCC Clubhouse After-School Program, Pittsburgh New Church School, The Campus School of Carlow University, Pittsburgh Urban Christian School, Waldorf School of Pittsburgh, Shady Side Junior Academy, Carriage House Children's Center, Community Day
This program is FREE and open to the public.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010
Where: Levinson Hall, JCC
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010
Where: Levinson Hall, JCC
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, call Kelly Gable-LaBelle, Director, (412) 521-8011, ext. 209.
SPCNS Parents' Night
The SPCNS would like to invite you to our Annual Parents' Night to be held on Tuesday October 5 at 7:00 p.m. During this important event, you will have a chance to meet with the teachers, the Director, members of the Board of Trustees and other parents. The teachers will give you an overview of our program, our curriculum and learning goals. The Board of Trustees will provide refreshments. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
From your Board President
I know I speak for many families when I say that we think our newly renovated space is astounding. We have light, we have space, we have colors, we have kid-friendly furniture, and we are thrilled with how it all turned out.
We appreciate how hard you all have worked to get our school ready on time. Although we started a little later in the fall than previous years, we did not have to delay the first day of school. You greeted us with smiles and pride, and your work was truly miraculous. Thank you!
We have endured a difficult year and faced many inconveniences through this process. There have been frustrations due to parking, cancellations, loud noises and construction mayhem. But now I think it’s clear that it has been worth it. I’m so grateful that we were willing to face the challenges together. Let’s invite our friends, old and new, to come witness our fabulous school.
Jennifer Loh, President Board of Trustees
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tips for Separation
The first days of school are filled with a mixture of high excitement and some anxiety for young children and their parents. Transitions are important and provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth. Here are some tips for making this transition to nursery school as smooth and comfortable as possible:
Children need to trust that they are safe. It takes time to build a sense of trust in a new situation and with people who are relative strangers at first. Children take their cues from their parents/caregivers. It is important to let them know that you trust and like their teachers and that you think school is a safe place with caring adults.
Upon entering your child’s classroom in the first days of school, you may wish to stay with your child for five or ten minutes. When it is time for you to go, be sure to explain that you are going to leave but that you will be back when school is over. Always say good-bye and reassure them that you will see them when the morning is over. Do not sneak out without their knowledge. They may cry, but it will probably be of short duration and not intense. If your child is highly distressed or distressed for a long period, we will contact you.
After you say good-bye, do not go back into the room unless directed by the teacher or director. Going back in after leaving can be confusing and is usually unsettling to children (unless you told them that you would be right back.)
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and say, “You are upset because I am going. In a little while you will want to play. Until then, your teachers will stay close to you.” By validating children’s feelings you let them know it is okay to be sad, angry or homesick.
The transition to school is not only about separation, but about getting used to something new. Support your child’s ability to cope with these challenges by showing that you value and respect their ability to cope with things that are new and different.
Coming to school on time and picking them up on time also helps to alleviate any anxieties they may have.
Create a bond between your child and a teacher or assistant. Assistant teachers are great at playing with children and promoting friendships with others. They have lots of experience comforting children.
Encourage brave behaviors. Remind children how well they have done in the past when Mommy and Daddy have been away, if there were such times.
Focus on the positive. Don’t let children dwell on the negative things that might happen, but rather on the fun they will have at school.
Make a play-date with child in the class. Try to promote a friendship between your child and another child in the classroom. You may find it helpful to meet outside of class in a fun, non-stressful place with the parents present.
Separation is a process, not an event. Children who seem to have successfully separated from their parents and to be fully involved in school activities are still dealing with separation issues. Children need transitional support for a while.
Separation anxiety can recur weeks after school begins. Sometimes children have gotten past the first excitement of a new school or class and begin to really understand that they are actually coming regularly. In other cases, an important event in their lives, such as the birth of a new sibling or a move or a death in the family, can cause them to return to the feelings of anxiety at being separated from parents while they’re at school.
These tips were taken from both websites and experience. You may also check out the websites below:
http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38786.html
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/news/archives01/separation.cfm
http://www.psych.westminster.edu/preschool/separat.htm
http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38786.html
Children need to trust that they are safe. It takes time to build a sense of trust in a new situation and with people who are relative strangers at first. Children take their cues from their parents/caregivers. It is important to let them know that you trust and like their teachers and that you think school is a safe place with caring adults.
Upon entering your child’s classroom in the first days of school, you may wish to stay with your child for five or ten minutes. When it is time for you to go, be sure to explain that you are going to leave but that you will be back when school is over. Always say good-bye and reassure them that you will see them when the morning is over. Do not sneak out without their knowledge. They may cry, but it will probably be of short duration and not intense. If your child is highly distressed or distressed for a long period, we will contact you.
After you say good-bye, do not go back into the room unless directed by the teacher or director. Going back in after leaving can be confusing and is usually unsettling to children (unless you told them that you would be right back.)
Acknowledge your child’s feelings and say, “You are upset because I am going. In a little while you will want to play. Until then, your teachers will stay close to you.” By validating children’s feelings you let them know it is okay to be sad, angry or homesick.
The transition to school is not only about separation, but about getting used to something new. Support your child’s ability to cope with these challenges by showing that you value and respect their ability to cope with things that are new and different.
Coming to school on time and picking them up on time also helps to alleviate any anxieties they may have.
Create a bond between your child and a teacher or assistant. Assistant teachers are great at playing with children and promoting friendships with others. They have lots of experience comforting children.
Encourage brave behaviors. Remind children how well they have done in the past when Mommy and Daddy have been away, if there were such times.
Focus on the positive. Don’t let children dwell on the negative things that might happen, but rather on the fun they will have at school.
Make a play-date with child in the class. Try to promote a friendship between your child and another child in the classroom. You may find it helpful to meet outside of class in a fun, non-stressful place with the parents present.
Separation is a process, not an event. Children who seem to have successfully separated from their parents and to be fully involved in school activities are still dealing with separation issues. Children need transitional support for a while.
Separation anxiety can recur weeks after school begins. Sometimes children have gotten past the first excitement of a new school or class and begin to really understand that they are actually coming regularly. In other cases, an important event in their lives, such as the birth of a new sibling or a move or a death in the family, can cause them to return to the feelings of anxiety at being separated from parents while they’re at school.
These tips were taken from both websites and experience. You may also check out the websites below:
http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38786.html
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/news/archives01/separation.cfm
http://www.psych.westminster.edu/preschool/separat.htm
http://school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38786.html
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Links to Follow
Following is a list of links to information regarding parenting, health and child-rearing. We hope you find these websites helpful. Please continue to check our blog for updates.
The following website, Healthy Childcare Pennsylvania, is pubilised by the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here you will find important information regarding health issues.
http://www.ecels-healthychildcarepa.org/section.cfm?subID=66
The following is a list of publications by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/backpack, or http://www.naeyc.org/back-to-school/parents
Enjoy the reading!
The following website, Healthy Childcare Pennsylvania, is pubilised by the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Here you will find important information regarding health issues.
http://www.ecels-healthychildcarepa.org/section.cfm?subID=66
The following is a list of publications by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/backpack, or http://www.naeyc.org/back-to-school/parents
Enjoy the reading!
Monday, August 30, 2010
It's no Picnic
Due to the ongoing construction project at our church, the SPCNS will not hold the yearly "Back to School Picnic." The Board of Trustees is currently working on planning an event for after we return to school. Stay tunned for any news.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Looking Forward
As the month of August gets on its way, we prepare for welcoming all of you back into our hallways. Our school is currently undergoing a major "face-lift": new flooring, light fixtures, bathrooms, paint and even furniture. It is hardly recognizable! We are excited to welcome you back into a beautiful, light and friendly school. The construction crews tell us that the project is well on schedule.
Following, you will see some pictures of the changes to our schoool...
Over the next few weeks you will be receiving some information from us regarding the beginning of the year procedures. We will try to post some of that information on this blog as well. In the meantime, please visit our website to review our Parent Handbook, where you will also find some very useful information regarding our policies and procedures. You will also find a copy of our 2010-2011 School Year Calendar.
Please keep checking this blog for more upcoming information.
Following, you will see some pictures of the changes to our schoool...
Over the next few weeks you will be receiving some information from us regarding the beginning of the year procedures. We will try to post some of that information on this blog as well. In the meantime, please visit our website to review our Parent Handbook, where you will also find some very useful information regarding our policies and procedures. You will also find a copy of our 2010-2011 School Year Calendar.
Please keep checking this blog for more upcoming information.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Last Day Celebrations
One of our favorite traditions at SPCNS is the Last Day Celebration. For many, many years the 3-, 4-, and 5-year old classes have delighted their families with songs and dances in the Grassy Park (or the Gym); and the children who are bound for kindergarten walk through a flowered arch and receive a certificate to mark the end of their nursery school days.
This year, the church’s major construction project and the resultant indoor space and parking issues have necessitated that we make some changes to our usual celebration. The staff has been busy planning a special event for each age group which will signify both the closing of our school year together as well as the beginning of the children's next phase--be it moving on to a new school or simply heading into a summer vacation. Here is a brief description of your child's Last Day Celebration. Please note that school wide, these celebrations will be taking place across three different days (June 1-3), but each class will only have one special event according to their age group and their usual school day of the week.
Mrs. Hall’s and Mrs. Gianakas’s Tuesday/Thursday Three-year-olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Tuesday, June 1. Children will arrive and play as usual from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. At 11:00 we invite parents and siblings to join them for a picnic and a special story time, which will take place in the Grassy Park (weather permitting).
Mrs. Kozy’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Three-year-olds: The children will have their Last Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 2. Children will arrive and play as usual from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. At 11:00 we invite parents and siblings to join them for a picnic and a special story time, which will take place in the Grassy Park (weather permitting).
Mrs. Jones’s and Mrs. Callaway’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Four-year-olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 2. Children will arrive at 9:00 AM and will be dropped off in either the Blue Room or the Babcock Room (specific room assignments will be posted that morning). Parents, siblings, and significant others may go to Classrooms C & D and take a seat. The children will present a short program and then walk through the flowered arch and receive their certificate. Refreshments will follow.
Mrs. Crossett’s and Mrs. Vallejo’s Monday-Friday Four/Five-year olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Thursday, June 3. Children will arrive at 9:00 AM and will be dropped off in either the Blue Room or the Babcock Room (specific room assignments will be posted that morning). Parents, siblings, and significant others may go to the Big Room Classroom A and take a seat. The children will present a short program and then walk through the flowered arch and receive their certificate. Refreshments will follow.
This year, the church’s major construction project and the resultant indoor space and parking issues have necessitated that we make some changes to our usual celebration. The staff has been busy planning a special event for each age group which will signify both the closing of our school year together as well as the beginning of the children's next phase--be it moving on to a new school or simply heading into a summer vacation. Here is a brief description of your child's Last Day Celebration. Please note that school wide, these celebrations will be taking place across three different days (June 1-3), but each class will only have one special event according to their age group and their usual school day of the week.
Mrs. Hall’s and Mrs. Gianakas’s Tuesday/Thursday Three-year-olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Tuesday, June 1. Children will arrive and play as usual from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. At 11:00 we invite parents and siblings to join them for a picnic and a special story time, which will take place in the Grassy Park (weather permitting).
Mrs. Kozy’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Three-year-olds: The children will have their Last Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 2. Children will arrive and play as usual from 9:00 until 11:00 AM. At 11:00 we invite parents and siblings to join them for a picnic and a special story time, which will take place in the Grassy Park (weather permitting).
Mrs. Jones’s and Mrs. Callaway’s Monday/Wednesday/Friday Four-year-olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Wednesday, June 2. Children will arrive at 9:00 AM and will be dropped off in either the Blue Room or the Babcock Room (specific room assignments will be posted that morning). Parents, siblings, and significant others may go to Classrooms C & D and take a seat. The children will present a short program and then walk through the flowered arch and receive their certificate. Refreshments will follow.
Mrs. Crossett’s and Mrs. Vallejo’s Monday-Friday Four/Five-year olds: The children in these two classes will have their Last Day Celebration on Thursday, June 3. Children will arrive at 9:00 AM and will be dropped off in either the Blue Room or the Babcock Room (specific room assignments will be posted that morning). Parents, siblings, and significant others may go to the Big Room Classroom A and take a seat. The children will present a short program and then walk through the flowered arch and receive their certificate. Refreshments will follow.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Big Happennings in the Big Room
The children and teachers in the Big Room would like to invite you to their Second Annual "Muffins and Masterpieces." This is a fun event where the children share their art work and guide you through interactive stations for you to create masterpieces of your own. The event will be held on Friday, April 30th from 9-10 a.m. We hope to see you there.
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