MAHWAH NEWSLETTER
JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2009 Direct From the Director
≈Kathy Lieblich≈ HAPPY 2009 to all the Prime Time Mahwah families as we begin what we know will be an exciting year with your children. It was so wonderful that we were able to finish up 2008 with a Holiday Party attended by so many of our families. This was the first year that we held this kind of celebration at Prime Time. Judging by the actual evening as well as the feedback, I feel it is safe to say that we will be repeating the event next year. Not only did the children enjoy themselves in a familiar environment but it was great to see parents laughing and talking as well. December’s “Positive Parenting” Workshop presented by Diane Lang was attended by parents, friends, and teachers. The response from those in attendance was very positive and we are planning more topics in the near future. Your input on areas of interest for future workshop topics is always welcome.
By now Prime Time families have been given the option of participating in the 5% tuition credit for the months of January through June 2009. To review the guidelines of this opportunity: • 5% discount on all tuition paid in the first five days of the month by check, money order, or Tuition Express linked to your Checking/Savings Account
• 15% Sibling Discount Don’t forget the opportunity of our Referral Policy which would results in 1 week tuition deducted after the new family has been enrolled for 3 months. Additional details on any of the above options are available in the office. Tax season is here! Tax ID #22-3615142 Just a word about School Closings due to inclement weather-- whenever possible the school will remain open. If there is a question, please phone the main school number at (201) 828-9555 and if a decision that effects the normal school operating hours has been made this would be the place to get this information. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO YOUR DIRECTOR SO SHE CAN MAINTAIN A CURRENT LIST FOR QUICK GROUP COMMUNICATION.
THANKS Here’s to a Great 2009! MARK YOUR CALENDER Upcoming 2009 School Closing Dates
1/1/2009—NEW YEARS DAY
2/16/09—PRESIDENT’S DAY
Spotlight on Staff This months spotlight is shining on Miss Margaret and Miss Emily, who are responsible for our Pre-K Program. Each and every school day they arrive at Prime Time ready to begin another exciting day of teaching and exploration. When you see all the activities that go on in the Pre-K classrooms it’s very exciting and these 2 young women are the ones behind it all. The children in their classroom are learning so much and having fun doing it. And speaking of learning, Miss Margaret and Miss Emily are finalizing plans for their own education as well! Miss Margaret will be pursuing a Master’s Degree in Education at Montclair State. Miss Emily’s plans are not quite as far along but she is looking at several options. All the pre-school years are important ones but at Prime Time Pre-K is especially so as the children build on and acquire skills that they need for a smooth transition into Kindergarten. Miss Margaret and Miss Emily demonstrate on a daily basis all the special talent necessary for working with the Pre-K children. We are so fortunate that these two teamed up , putting their combined experience at the school of 3 years for Miss Margaret and almost 4 years for Miss Emily together to form a great Pre-K Team. Please join us in shining the spotlight brightly on Miss Margaret and Miss Emily. Nancy’s Educational Corner – Circle Time – What’s It All About? This topic was prompted by a recent parent question. Due to some scheduling issues with special classes, an interested parent asked, “What do they do in circle?” and also, “Isn’t that (circle time) the time they learn the most?”. Such insightful questions for us to discuss. Circle time is a wonderful, valuable routine in a child’s day at school. Their group of peers meet each day face to face with their teachers and touch base in a variety of ways. Here are some of the main reasons we plan “circle” into our day: ♦A time to be together in a group, fostering a feeling of community and expanding a little one’s egotistical perspective. ♦A signal or visual cue for students to start the day and introduce the plans for the day and choices to be made – a planning segment ♦A teaching tool to present curriculum ideas and themes ♦A language activity to learn how to take turns in conversations and share ideas in a group setting If we believe that young children learn most when exploring their environment with concrete, hands on experiences, then circle time in a preschool setting is NOT when most of their learning takes place. This is often a mistaken perception educators and parents make about this part of the day. That is not to underestimate it’s importance or value. Often children who have difficulty transitioning and separating from a parent, find this part of the schedule challenging. Play and engagement in small group learning centers offers students an optimum setting for learning and discovering their world. Routines, transitions, and large group meetings also have their place in a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate experience. Nancy’s Sneak a Peek into the Classroom A bittersweet moment for our T-Rex group this month. Since the summer, a very special teacher, Miss Cassie Perez, has shared her love of children and passion for education with all she has touched. Her bubbling, sweet, loving personality has made the T-Rex room a happy, positive, learning-filled place! She will be leaving us to complete her student teaching requirements in a 2nd Grade in Paterson – lucky them! To fill those big shoes is another wonderful, new member of our staff – Miss Mary Jo Milano. She too shares a passion for the education field, holding a CDA in the early childhood field. We know her bright, energetic personality will continue the fabulous work being done. Children’s laughter and discovery are evident throughout the day! Question of the Month - What is Love? Some of the Iguadadons replied:
Charlie – Mommy loves me because she gives me hugs and kisses.
Logan – I love Hopper
Tyson- Mom & Dad And from the Brontos …
Mia – Santa Claus
Max – Miss Nancy
Ella – Mama
Mareena – My Mom
Jeremy – Daddy
Chelsea – Love makes me happy
Samantha- My Mommy is love
Morgan – Mommy Happy Anniversary Students! Nicholas Condurso 5 years
Shawn Taylor 4 years
Brandon Wu 3 years
Ryan Boyd 3 years
Jeremy Bender 3 years
Haley Benfatti 2 years
Charles Goebbert 2 years
Natalia Santana 2 years
Kyrianna Feliciano 1 year
Queen Emile 1 year
Annick Arose 1 year
Ava Gottlieb 1 year Happy Anniversary Staff Caroline Willis 1 year
Danielle Goodman 8 years
Happy Birthday Students! Nate Zeppetella 1 year
Mareena Ziegelbauer 3 years
Jarett Gaslow 3 years
Joseph Sia 4 years
Jonathon Martinez 5 years
William Walsh 6 years Happy Birthday Staff Margaret Augustynowicz
Jennifer Kueck
Kerry Freeman
Look forward to receiving your child’s progress report on or about January 22nd. We would like to have in person conferences on Wednesday, January 28th from 6pm-9pm. Please sign up with your child’s teacher. If you prefer to have a phone conference you may also set an appointment
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