2020-21 preschool newsletters:
Dear parents, 8/9/20
There will be a lot of communication between us and lots of important information to share as we begin the new school year. This is a letter of introduction to say hello and get us connected.
I am Mrs. Allen and am thrilled to have the opportunity to be your children’s teacher and to be part of the St. John the Baptist and Vermillion communities. Mrs. Meyer, our 3 year old teacher, and myself, will be working with your children to give them the best start to their education as possible. We have been busy getting the classrooms ready and planning curriculum. Our programs will be supportive of one another and themes will be parallel. We are excited to have new space dedicated to the little ones.
How to reach me:
Email: [email protected]
We will use the SeeSaw app for communicating. I will post weekly newsletters and send pictures. It is an easy way for me to keep you in the loop about how school is going, what your child’s day is like, and any concerns that come up. I prefer for you to use the SeeSaw app when contacting me about school issues. It gives me a way to be transparent and accountable. (more information on SeeSaw will come later.) With that being said I would also like for you to have my personal cell phone number. I strongly feel that we need to be able to be in touch at a moment’s notice. My cell: 651-253-3545.
My qualifications and job experience:
I grew up in Montgomery, MN in a family of 6 kids. I am the oldest girl with 2 older brothers and 3 younger sisters. I went to Holy Redeemer Catholic Grade School and Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. My ancestors were the first settlers in Montgomery and I identify strongly to those roots (Czech/Bohemian), as well as to the lines on my mother's side (Irish/German).
My family:
After obtaining my degree from St. Catherine's University in St. Paul, MN I promptly got married to Tom Allen, who had also grown up in Montgomery. We have three children. Patty, David, and Megan.
I feel blessed to be counted among the staff of St John the Baptist school, where the balance of strong Catholic identity and 21st century learning makes the school a unique treasure in the heart of Vermillion.
There will be a lot of communication between us and lots of important information to share as we begin the new school year. This is a letter of introduction to say hello and get us connected.
I am Mrs. Allen and am thrilled to have the opportunity to be your children’s teacher and to be part of the St. John the Baptist and Vermillion communities. Mrs. Meyer, our 3 year old teacher, and myself, will be working with your children to give them the best start to their education as possible. We have been busy getting the classrooms ready and planning curriculum. Our programs will be supportive of one another and themes will be parallel. We are excited to have new space dedicated to the little ones.
How to reach me:
Email: [email protected]
We will use the SeeSaw app for communicating. I will post weekly newsletters and send pictures. It is an easy way for me to keep you in the loop about how school is going, what your child’s day is like, and any concerns that come up. I prefer for you to use the SeeSaw app when contacting me about school issues. It gives me a way to be transparent and accountable. (more information on SeeSaw will come later.) With that being said I would also like for you to have my personal cell phone number. I strongly feel that we need to be able to be in touch at a moment’s notice. My cell: 651-253-3545.
My qualifications and job experience:
- Bachelor's Degree of Elementary Education, St. Catherine's University, St. Paul, MN
- Minnesota Teaching License Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1- 6
- Coaching Certificate
- Special Education Paraprofessional (6 years) Salem Hills Elementary School, IGH
- Kindercare Learning Center, Prekindergarten teacher (8 years) Burnsville, MN
- General Manager, Shamrock Liquors and Shenanigan's Fine Wine and Spirits (17 years) family business
- possess a passion for helping children learn
- seek out mastery of best practices and able to address all levels of abilities and learning styles
- Organization, time management, prioritizing, communication, and good judgment
- maintain a classroom that has order and a working routine so children know what to expect. Always seeking out new ideas, better techniques, the latest technology, inspiration, and new ways to draw children in.
I grew up in Montgomery, MN in a family of 6 kids. I am the oldest girl with 2 older brothers and 3 younger sisters. I went to Holy Redeemer Catholic Grade School and Montgomery-Lonsdale High School. My ancestors were the first settlers in Montgomery and I identify strongly to those roots (Czech/Bohemian), as well as to the lines on my mother's side (Irish/German).
My family:
After obtaining my degree from St. Catherine's University in St. Paul, MN I promptly got married to Tom Allen, who had also grown up in Montgomery. We have three children. Patty, David, and Megan.
- My daughter, Patty, is married, lives in Philadelphia and has four children, Lily, Tyson, Grace and Luke. (ages 6. 5, 3.and 2 months) Patty works at Villanova University as assistant to the registrar. Sean, her husband, teaches Spanish at Lower Merion High School. Lily, Tyson, and Grace work at being the cutest grandchildren in the world and are very good at that. Luke wins for being the cutest baby ever.
- My son, David, studied theology at St. John's University. He is now contemplating monastic life at St. John's Abbey in Collegeville, MN.
- My youngest, Megan, graduated from the College of St. Benedict this spring with a degree in Communications. She is currently looking for a job and living at home.
- My husband, Tom, is K-12 Partnership Director at Proximity Learning, Inc. He is officed at home and I am thankful for his willingness to cook for the family! He and I love to travel, dine out, spend time with the kids, attend movies and theater productions, and gather with friends and family. Or at least we did before COVID.
- For many years I worked in the family businesses as general manager/buyer for the liquor stores my parents owned in Rosemount and Cottage Grove. When my parents retired and sold the businesses I was eager to get back into education.
- I worked in Inver Grove Heights at Salem Hills Elementary School as a Special Education Paraprofessional. I set a goal to get my teaching license renewed and took courses at St. Mary's University to complete the requirements. As soon as that was done, I was on my way to becoming a member of the staff here at St. John the Baptist.
I feel blessed to be counted among the staff of St John the Baptist school, where the balance of strong Catholic identity and 21st century learning makes the school a unique treasure in the heart of Vermillion.
2019-20 preschool newsletters:
Week of April 27-May 1
“Must Dos”:
- Get outdoors to play and move
- Read books, books, and more books
- Play and explore and create and have fun
“May Dos”:
Letter of the week: Xx
Themes: Flower and Garden Shop, Spring, weather, Life Cycle of a Frog, Farms, Growing plants
Activities that I will post on Monday, but these can be done any time during the week:
- Painting Gladiolas and Tulips
- Scribble art
- American Heart Association Day 2 and 4
- Mother’s Day gift steps 1 and 2
- Construction assemblage
- Music with Mrs. A
- Phy Ed with Mr. Kaminski
4/27 Monday
Reading Groups:
- Tigers 33
- Lions 55, 56, 57
- Pandas 61
- Elephants 28/29
Count and graph #1
4/28 Tuesday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 43-46
- Elephants 30/31
- Pandas 62
- Monkeys and Zebras Outer Space Alphabet
- Monkeys Rainbow letter match activity
A Walk in the Park math
4/22 Wednesday
Workday
Reading groups:
- Tigers 34
- Lions 59/60
4/30 Thursday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 47/48
- Elephants 33/34
- Pandas 63
- Monkeys and Zebras video Sesame Street: ABCs
5/1 Friday
Reading Groups:
- Tigers 35 & 36
- Elephants 35/36
- Pandas 64
- Lions 61/62
Suggestion: Instead of sending photos of the children’s work to me for review, just “like” the video or activity. (click on the heart) I can then see that they did the assignment or watched the video. Unless it is important to your child to share his/her work with me, I am fine just knowing they did it.
Sign up each week for a Chat on the spreadsheet.
OR
If you want to keep ONE particular time for each week, indicate that and I will put your child’s name in that time slot each week. (that way you don’t need to go back in all the time and create a new chat session appointment.)
I have added some time slots in the evenings, in case that works better for you.
I don’t think I need to re-create a new link each week. So I won’t delete the “activity” on your page. You should be able to use the same link each week. (I think…)
If you want to have a chat session with another student, that is an option. So, then you would put your child’s name on the spreadsheet with someone else’s name. For example: I might chat with Hazel and Olivia at 10:30 on Tuesdays or maybe Olivia would sign up to chat on a certain day, and Amelia might add her name on to that slot to join that chat.
For those who are unable to connect to the video chats, you can sign up for a FaceTime chat. Just indicate that on the spreadsheet. I will call you on my phone to connect.
Chat sessions:
Monday Letty 10:00
Tuesday Hazel 10:30
Henrik 2:00
Wednesday Corinne and Vivien 10:30
Thursday Clay 3:00
Friday Alivia and Marshall 2:00
Gather together any of the homework packets you may have at home from before spring break. (math and reading in plastic folders) to be returned to school at the end of the year.
And, lastly, I am looking for a few parents to take the lead on Preschool Graduation for those students moving on to kindergarten in the fall. Any ideas for celebrating this milestone while we maintain our distance? Let me know if you have any suggestions and want to help make it happen.
Love you and miss you all.
Mrs. Allen
Week of April 20-24
“Must Dos”:
- Get outdoors to play and move
- Read books, books, and more books
- Play and explore and create and have fun
“May Dos”:
Letter of the week: Ww
Themes: Flower and Garden Shop, Spring, weather, Life Cycle of a Frog, Farms, Growing plants
Dress Up: Monday Super Heros
Tuesday Jersey
Wednesday Earth Day
Thursday School Spirit
Friday Pajamas
Activities that I will post on Monday, but these can be done any time during the week:
- Life Cycle of a Frog Video
- Frog art project part 1 & 2
- PBS Planting video
- American Heart Association Day 1
- Plant Care video
- Marble painting Art
- Texture crayon rub art
- Music with Mrs. A
- Phy Ed with Mr. Kaminski
4/20 Monday
Reading Groups:
- Tigers 30
- Lions 49/50
- Pandas 56
- Elephants 18/19
4/21 Tuesday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 39/40
- Elephants 21,22,23
- Pandas 57 & 58
- Monkeys Blue/Reading Readiness worksheet
- Monkeys Sesame Street Paint a Duck
4/22 Wednesday
Workday
Reading groups:
- Tigers 31
- Lions 51/52
4/23 Thursday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 41/42
- Elephants 24/25
- Pandas 59
- Monkeys worksheets (swimmer and letter Oo and watering the flowers)
- Monkeys video Sesame Street: Move Your Body to the ABCs
4/24 Friday
Reading Groups:
- Tigers 32
- Elephants 26/27
- Pandas 60
- Lions 53/54
Please start collecting items for constructing a Big Box Sculpture.
This can include: cardboard boxes, all shapes and sizes, such as a shoe box, milk carton, match box, noodle box, etc. Paper towel cardboard tubes, other paper or cardboard items, pizza boxes, egg carton, tissue box, etc.
We will use these next week for art.
Marble Painting
Materials: cookie sheet and smaller pan
Paper, cut to fit into the two different pans
Paint, spoon, marble, crayon
Draw small dots to represent all the people in a small area, like a school or in church. Use the small pan and paper. Drop the marble, coated in paint, onto the paper and roll it about. Study the lines it made. Did the paint hit all the dots/people?
Now, do the same thing with the large paper in the cookie sheet. Spread the dots/people out. Study the lines to show that the paint didn’t get on as many. Draw the connection with social distancing and staying out of the germs path.
Frog Art
Materials: green construction paper (one large sheet)
White paper and pink paper 4”x5” or so (not a lot)
Scissors, glue stick, black crayon
Parents:
- draw 5 circles on the green paper, about the size of your fist, using a black crayon. (the children will cut the circles out after you draw them.)
- Cut out 10 greeen quarter sized circles
- Cut out 10 white dime sized circlesc
- Cut out (or help your child cut) 5 strips of pink paper about ⅛-¼ “x 2” to be a strip for the frog tounges.
- Cut out 5 frog circles for heads
- Glue 2 green bumps to the top of each head
- Glue 2 white eye balls to each bump
- Color a black pupil on each eye ball and draw a mouth
- Cut a pink tounge for each frog and glue it on the mouth
- Decorate your frogs to make them look speckled,
Textured Crayon Rub
Materials: large white paper and tape
Items with texture that will lay flat under the paper. (i.e. paper clip, coin, sandpaper, key, rubber band, needle, string)
Crayons
Spread a variety of textured items on the table. Place a large sheet of paper over the items and tape the corners to prevent slipping. Rub the crayon back and forth all over the paper. Feel the the paper with your hands to try and identify where the items are. Guess what each item is before lifting up the paper to reveal the item.
3 families gave me feedback on the Holy Week activities. Three. 3. Yes. Three. So...I will presume that we, as a group, mostly did NOT participate in the Holy Week activities. Correct me if I am wrong on that.
I know how strange it is for us to be confined at home. Please sign up for a time to chat on-line. We can try doing small groups for these chats. So, sign up with a friend or two. (groups of 4 maximum)
Here is the link to the Chat sessions:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hkyiMmSd1wkHKT4Q78bJamCiftWUlWff6izHyZUlpLY/edit?usp=sharing
Let’s make it a great week!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello families, April 13-17
Here is a look at the upcoming week:
The letter of the week is Vv and the theme in Dramatic Play is Fix It Shop.
4/13 Monday- “no school”
Continue to read and talk about the miracle of Easter!
Physical Education with Mr. Kaminski
Music with Mrs. A
Volcano Video link
4/14 Tuesday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 35/36
- Elephants 10/11 & 12/13
- Pandas 52 & 53
- Monkeys Fruit/Smaller
Letter Dance Party with Sesame Street
4/15 Wednesday
Workday
4/16 Thursday
Reading Groups:
- Zebras 37/38
- Elephants 14/15
- Pandas 54
- Monkeys Where?/Same size
Sesame Street Sandbox
Vegetable paint prints
4/17 Friday
Reading Groups:
- Lions 45/46 & 47/48
- Elephants 14/15
- Pandas 54
- Tigers 28 & 29
More ideas to do at home:
Smell vanilla extract.
Make vanilla pudding.
Sink and float: use a large plastic tub and provide items for the children to experiment with. (pencil, nail, penny, eraser, plastic cup, wood block, metal spoon, wood bead, marble, paper clip, cotton ball, etc.)
LIst the items with short line next to each item. The children should write either S or F on the line for sink or float.
Twist and Shout Art: squeeze three ot four big drops of paint directly on a cookie sheet. Place a piece of paper on the drops of paint. Twist the paper with the heel of your palm about half a turn. Lift and see the design. Sponge off the cookie sheet and make another.
Materials to gather: cookie sheet, paint, paper
Handful Scribble: Tape a piece of paper to the table to prevent slipping. Bundle a handful of crayons (3 or more) with a rubber band. Tap the bundle on the paper to make sure all the crayon points are even. Scribble and color on the paper watching the rainbow effect of many colors making the same marks. Add music to the scribbling and make marks and strokes that show how the music feels. Remove the tape and turn the paper adding more musical scribbles. Use the paper for giftwrapping paper.
Materials to gather: large paper, tape, crayons, music source, rubber band
String Wrap: Hammer nails into a plywood square in any design. Nails can go around the edge, or may be hammered into the center. An adult should supervise this step. When there are sufficient nails, take a string or yarn and begin wrapping, winding, and tying around the various nails to form colorful designs. Add decorations as desired.
Materials to gather:
Plywood or wood (about 8”x8”x1/2”0
Nails with a nice big head (about 12)
Yarn or string of various colors. (a yard long or so)
Any junk to add to it for decorations.
Hello families,
As Mrs. Biren explained in her last letter, we will be adjusting lesson plans so that you have Wednesday free for a workday. I will be available for online chats any day of the week. You may use the link below to schedule a chat: (This is entirely optional and I will post a new spreadsheet weekly for this.)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hkyiMmSd1wkHKT4Q78bJamCiftWUlWff6izHyZUlpLY/edit#gid=752558535
It is important for you to understand that the only expectations I have that fall under the “MUST DO” category are:
- Playing outside and getting fresh air everyday (weather permitting)
- Reading with your child daily
- Allowing play and exploration in a safe environment
Next on my list of priorities (“MAY DO”)
- For students still learning their ABCs, review the alphabet daily.
- Worksheets for reading groups on SeeSaw.
- Counting and math problem solving, which can be worked into everyday conversations.
- Any fine motor activities, such as coloring, play dough, picking small items up and transferring them, cutting, tearing, etc.
- Large muscle activities, such as running, biking, skipping, climbing, tumbling, crawling, dancing.
- Prayer and quiet time.
Last on my priority list (“MAY DO”):
- All the other enrichments provided on SeeSaw journal and activities. This includes listening to stories being read online, watching educational videos, doing ABC worksheets, and completing art projects.
Some things will be posted on Mondays that are meant to be used all week, or at a time best suited to your schedule. These include:
- Virtual field trip link
- Physical Education with Mr. Kaminski
- Music Class with Mrs. “A”
- Educational Video links
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding any of this.
I think things are moving along pretty smoothly, all things considered. Keep up the good work.
Love, Mrs. Allen
April 6 2020
Hello Preschool families,
Here is a look at the week ahead in a nutshell. Revised edition:
Monday, April 6
Reading Groups: Pandas:pg 49, Tigers:pg 25, Lions: pg 41/42, Elephants: pg 4/5
Art project: Chick in Egg
Activity: Number Writing practice
Stories: Listen to Palm Sunday story and video
Mrs. Allen reads: The Easter Bunny’s Amazing Day and Mrs. McNosh
Letter of the week: Uu worksheet
Tuesday, April 7
Reading Groups: Pandas:pg 50, Monkeys Long/what goes together, Zebras 31, Elephants: pg 7
Art project: Bunny Mask
Activity: Decorate an Easter Egg
Stories: Listen to Palm Sunday story and video
Mrs. Allen reads: The Easter Bunny’s Amazing Day and Good Night Gorilla
Letter of the week: Uu worksheet
Wednesday, April 8
Reading Groups: Pandas:pg 51, Tigers:pg 26/27, Lions: pg 43, Elephants: pg 8/9
Art project: Cross resist
Activities: Retell the Easter Story and STEAM Play dough Challenges
Stories: Listen to the Easter Story story and video
Mrs. Allen reads: Put Me in the Zoo
Letter of the week: Uu worksheet
Our theme for Dramatic Play this week and next:
Fix It Shop/Mechanic/Gas Station/Car Wash
Prop ideas: work shirts, car manuals, hubcaps, keys, car parts, price sheet for services, clipboard, flashlight, cones,
Words: broken, fixed, engine, gas, hood, mechanic, oil,
Drive cars through paint on paper.
Gravel and sand in bin with small trucks
Provide cardboard boxes for making cars
Set up a pretend car wash for small cars to drive thru
Demonstrate car maintenance;
We don't have school on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday, but I will post stories on those days, just because I like to connect with the children. It's hard enough not seeing them, but to go another 5 days without connecting with them would bum me out. So, you can watch for those, too.
I also have a Jelly Bean Prayer activity that is just for fun. I will post that on Thursday and, if you choose, you can work on it over the weekend. If you have questions about it, don’t hesitate to call me.
Hope this helps,
Love, Mrs. Allen
March 23, 2020
Hello preschool families,
I hope everyone had a nice spring break. With all the crazy happening in the world right now, my hope is that you are staying healthy and sane. It is hard to believe how upside down our world has turned in such a short time.
Packets will be available for pick up tomorrow, Tuesday, 9:00-3:00. Email me if you have a conflict with that.
So let’s get started on our new distance teaching platform:
- SeeSaw: You will find instructions in your packet for signing up for a new CLASS SeeSaw app. (The one we have used up until now is the PARENT SeeSaw app) The difference is that with the Class app you and the children can create content and send it to me. Whereas, on the Parent app, only I could post content and parents could only comment on what I’d posted. This new Class SeeSaw app will allow you and your child to “turn in” homework and share creations.
- Worksheets: Do NOT let your child get his or her hands on the packet of worksheets. I have the worksheets all in order and I will be asking you to pull them out as we go along.
- Every packet has worksheets for the “letter of the week” from Tt thru Zz and a few other worksheets on Preschool concepts.
- Explode the Code: These are the phonics worksheets that we have been using for all the reading groups except the Monkeys.
- Daily parent letter: Each day you will receive a quick note telling you what the day’s topics are, what worksheets to pull out, what supplies to gather, and so forth. I will post these on SeeSaw.
- Daily Videos that I create: This will be the fun part for me! I will talk to the children, read stories, teach lessons, and demonstrate activities. Your child will be encouraged to watch, listen and participate when asked to. You should be on hand to assist them as we do projects and to help them if they are struggling. The pause button will be handy as you give your child time to work.
- Prayer, pledge and morning meeting This may get old for you fast, but it is so vital to the children to begin each day with the same routine that we have always had.
- Lessons I will introduce many topics as we go along. For example we will learn about the Five Senses. The conversation will be (unfortunately) very one-sided as I video myself, but I am hoping you can extend the lesson at home. Please feel free to pause my videos and let your child tell his/her ideas. I may ask them a question, for example: “What is your favorite thing to taste?” and you can pause the video and let them reply.
- Art projects I included markers, crayons, glue, scissors, and paper in your packet. I will demonstrate how to create the projects. Remember to concentrate on the process, not the product. We need to encourage the fine motor skills they are developing as they color, cut, rip, tear, pick things up, etc.
- White boards I included a few Expo Whiteboard markers and a sentence strip that can be used for practicing letters. In a perfect world, every child would have a white board to write on. If you have one, encourage your child to use it everyday. Whiteboards are a great tool to use at this age.
- Links to online resources: These will be YouTube videos, games, activities or PDF files that you can use to enrich the lessons.
This is the plan for getting us set up for Distance Learning. I am certain there will be adjustments and changes ahead, but let’s give this a whirl and see how it goes. If you share your feedback after the first week, I will have a better idea about how everything is working out. Thanks for your patience with me as I get the hang of being a teacher in this new way.
While I am trying very hard to see the silver lining, I have to express how very, very sad I am that I won’t have my kiddos with me. I already miss them and we are still on the front side of things. Know that you are all in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart.
Let’s try to stay positive and help the children come through with happy memories.
Love, Mrs. Allen
P.S. If you want a bit of inspiration I recommend the movie Life is Beautiful /La Vita e Bella. A 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni. It is in Italian, so subtitles, but the story is extraordinary. (Not a movie for kids under age 13) A wrenching Holocaust fable with bittersweet humor. An open-minded Jewish book store owner and his son become victims of the Holocause, he uses a perfect mixture of will, humor, and imagination to protect his son from the dangers in the concentration camp. 3 time Oscar winner. It sure helped me put everything in perspective.
(And then the COVID-19 hit and we began distance learning)
March 9, 2020
Dear families,
Thanks to all of you who made it to conferences. I loved meeting and talking with you about your children.
If you were not able to meet during conference times we can make other arrangements. I will be here for Friday after school care until 5:30. I am willing to stay later if needed. Otherwise, I would suggest we talk over the phone. Let me know what works best for you.
We are planning a field trip to the Minnesota Zoo. The date has been confirmed for Thursday, May 14th. We will go by bus with all the other grades, leaving school about 9:15 and returning at 2:45. Everyone is invited to come along. Cost of admission is $6 for PK students, $12 for adults.
If we have more chaperones than we have room on the bus for, you may drive yourself to the zoo. Parking is $7. We will be gathering information about how many adults are planning on coming and so forth in the weeks ahead. I will keep you informed as I know more. I am encouraging ALL parents to come with us to the zoo.
We are busy learning about zoos and animals. The veterinary clinic is up and running. Many of our stuffed animals have needed bandaids and check ups. The small animals have been used for making a zoo.
Mrs. Biren read the children the story: How to Catch a Leprechaun and encouraged all the children to create their own Leprechaun traps at home using any materials they can gather. This is a chance for you and your child to play/create/work together on a simple project. It can be as simple as using a shoe box and setting some green, gold, or sparkly items in it to lure a leprechaun into the box. See how clever you can get. The book had many ideas, which you can ask your child to tell you about.
Today was a great day. Everyone is happy to be back at school. Mrs. Wentzler got the children sewing, which was so fun for them. They were patient and smart, learning to follow the thread and not sew around the hoop. I’m sad that I left my phone at home and don’t have any pictures to share of today’s activities.
love,
Mrs. Allen
Hello families,
Today we had a special visitor come to our classroom. Miss Shelia is our special friend who comes in to teach the children about Dental Health. She is fabulous! Ask the children about what they learned from her puppet, Zeta.
Miss Shelia talked to the children about the importance of eating vegetables, drinking water, brushing your teeth, etc. She taught them about how much sugar is in pop, for example, and how it is not good for their teeth. She showed them some of the tools that dentists use, talked about how germs spread, and taught them how and when to brush their teeth. The children will all get a packet from her, even if they were not here today.
Today we wrapped up the Heart Challenge. Thank you to the families of Letty and Olivia who participated in this fundraiser. The school raised about $300 for the American Heart Association.
Next week will start our Animal Unit. We will create our own zoo and a veteraniarian clinic for pets. Please send in SMALL (beanie bear sized) animals that are labeled with your child’s name that can be used for this unit. These should be small! And can be any typical zoo animal or pet. Let’s save forest and sea animals, insects, and birds for another time.
Conferences are next week. Reminder: There is No School for preschool on Thursday and Friday. I will be available to do FaceTime video conferenceing during the conference time slots, if you are unable to come to school.
The igloo is completed! It is pretty cool. Mrs. Meyer has been taking small groups of preschoolers into it to read books, use the 3D goggles, and do other activities. Of course, the children love it!
We are learning the sad story of Christ’s passion. It is intriguing to the students, so expect some questions. While we won’t be going to the Stations of the Cross on Fridays with the rest of the school, we WILL be learning about the Stations. We will act them out, do coloring sheets, go over and see the stations at church, and use the art work that will be displayed by the upper grades to help teach this.
Congratulations to all the new babies in our preschool families. It is such a blessing to share this special time in your lives. Babies are the bomb!
Love,
Mrs. Allen
February 22, 2020Hello parents and preschool fans,
We have started the Space and Construction units and have been busy with that all week. The Rocket has room for 2 astronauts, with a space suit and helmet for one of them. The space station that controls the rocket from earth has some gears, word processing machine, and other gadgets to use for communicating with the astronauts. (old phones, head sets, keyboards, etc.)
The library is overflowing with great books. We have books about the solar system that inspired us to paint planets on paper plates. We have glittery stars up in the classroom, too.
Mrs. Meyer did some great experiments with the children using “moon sand” and other ingredients. The children talked about reactions as they watched their moon rocks fizz.
She also did a project with the children that centered on the meanings or their names. After reading the book, Tikki Tikki Tembo, they found out what their names mean and did an art project using their names.
The igloo is coming along. Send in all the milk jugs you have saved. We hope to complete it very soon. Mrs. Meyer has done an outstanding job. It may not hold up very long, once the children start using it, but we are certain that her creation will inspire all the students in school to want to build, design, and create something of their own. It is very impressive to watch it come together.
Lent begins on Wednesday. As a service project the school will be collecting socks to give to the homeless and needy. Watch for details in the principal’s newsletter. An organization called The Drawer is supporting this cause and they will be coming out to address the school on Wednesday morning at 9:00. What a great way to begin Lent.
School conferences are approaching. Please sign up for a conference time or contact me if you need to make other arrangements. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050b4aa4a92aa1f49-spring
We will participate in the burning of the palms on Tuesday afternoon.
We will attend church on Ash Wednesday and the children will get ashes on their foreheads.
Please let me know what information you need from me about anything happening at school. Sometimes I am too close to things to see the gaps in communication. I appreciate your feedback and questions at all times.
One last request. I would like to do a sewing project with the kiddos. I have the plastic needles, (that were donated a few years ago...this idea has been brewing for awhile). I need thick thread or yarn? Embroidery Hoops. (3 or 4 should do) and loose fabric or burlap type material. Or plastic mesh. Also, flat buttons might be fun. I don’t sew. (can you tell?) Any help with this idea would be appreciated. Also, I would like to get a shoe box full of pretty ribbon in about 3 foot lengths for weaving. So, if you know someone who sews, see if you can get any of these supplies
Thanks for being such a great and fun group of moms, dads, grandparents, volunteers, and supporters! You are my heros!
Love, Mrs. Allen
February 12, 2020
Hello families,
I am pleased to report that we are having a great week in preschool, after a bit of a trying time last week. There is some new energy in the air as we have a new room arrangement, the Post Office is set up, and construction trucks and gravel are set out.
We attended Mass this morning and Father Tix talked about how Valentines Day is about love, and that God’s valentine to us is how he sent Jesus to the world. Ask your preschooler about it. I’d be curious to hear if they were tuned in.
The kids are excited about their Valentine bags that are ready to be filled! There are a few treats in themand it is hard for them to wait until Thursday to peek. I would encourage you to let the kids spend time sorting their valentines after they get it home. I would love to have you send me a photo of them with their valentines. This is the perfect opportunity to have them think about math concepts. (same/different, more than, less than, counting, sorting by color, design, girl, boy, favorites, and even some simple adding and subtracting.)
Our party is tomorrow at 10:30. We have 31 students in the classes. I expect the party to last a full hour.
The next item on the agenda is the American Heart Association fundraiser. More details on that will follow. Right now music is over and I need to get the kiddos outside for recess before the cold snap starts!
Love,
Mrs. Allen
February 4, 2015
Hello families,
We have been reading lots of books about friendship and how to be a good friend. We are working on treating everyone kindly and using kind words. Today we learned the song, Pass It On. The lyrics are:
It only takes a spark, to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love. Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing, its fresh like spring, you want to pass it on.
We acted it out and passed around a heart to represent God’s love. I think it is important that the children all know that God loves them and how important it is to share their love with others.
We have also read some books about loss and grief. I think this has been very meaningful for the whole class. Most of the children have a story of someone in their lives who has died (even if it is a pet) which I think has been somewhat comforting to Emmett in that it is not “just him” going through all the emotions of loss. We read the book: The Memory Box which tells the story of a girl who creates a box of items that help her remember the person she is missing. We talked about how having photographs of someone is a great way to remember them. You are invited to send in an item that represents, or a picture of, someone from your child’s life who has died. (it can certainly be a pet.) We will create a Memory Box for the children to use think about their loved one and remember them. This will be up for the month of February.
Regarding the igloo project: We have a donation of a big box of glue sticks, (shout out to Marshall’s family) and the offer of some glue guns to use. I am looking forward to having the milk jugs delivered, although it scares me to think about 400 of them. We will start accepting these on February 12. Hold off until then to send them so that we can save the rest of the school feeling like we’ve taken over the whole place.
Lastly, the children have created Valentines for Vets which will be delivered to an organization in Burnsville on the 7th. Their words to the vets were very sweet. For example: “thanks for keeping us safe.” and “thanks for watching over our school”.
Adorable, as always.
Have a great week!
Love, Mrs. Allen
January 24, 2020
Hello parents and friends,
It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of January already! Catholic Schools week is next week. Here is a summary of all the events that our class will partake in:
Sunday, January 26 All school Mass at 10:00. I will be there and if any PK students want to join me they are very welcome. We will meet at school and walk over with the big kids and the students may sit with me if they choose. Wear School uniform shirts if you have them. After Mass you can browse the book fair, visit the classrooms, and have pancakes in the community room. Fun!
Monday is Team Day. Kids can wear jerseys or t shirts for their favorite teams. We will participate in the prayer service in the morning. We will attend the talent show in the afternoon as well.
Tuesday is Comfy Day and the preschoolers should wear their p.j.s or favorite comfy clothes. We will attend the movie in the afternoon.
Wednesday the preschoolers should wear YELLOW. This is a SCOOTER day for the preschoolers. (While the older kids go rollerskating, we use the hallways for scooter fun!) We do NOT participate in the roller skating. You do not need to fill out the permission slips for that
Thursday is Mis-match Day. Everyone will wear clothes that don’t match. We will play BINGO in the afternoon (2:30) with the grandparents and senior citizens that attend. Please invite the children’s grandparents to come to school for this event.
Friday is Dress Up Day. We will attend the All-School Mass at 10:00. Afterwards we eat lunch in the church basement (families are invited to this special “picnic lunch”). After lunch there will be an All-School recess (11:40-12:00), followed by classroom open house, when visitors can visit and play games, read, or observe the children in the classroom. There will be a prayer service at 1:15 to end the Catholic School’s Week activities after which the preschoolers will have rest time.
It is not too early to purchase 30 valentines and have your child start writing their names on them. Break it into small units so it isn’t too overwhelming. If your child is struggling it is fine for you to print out their names and have them glue or tape their names onto the cards. I know it is much easier to just do it yourself, but please try to involve them in this. It is great practice for them to write their names and Valentines are a motivator to take advantage of. The only name on the valentines should be your child’s.
I am excited about starting our small “reading” groups! You may have heard your child mention being a Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Monkey, or Panda Bear. Those are the small group names. You will be seeing worksheets and “homework” for in their backpacks. The children will be learning so much; How to follow along, “read” from top to bottom, left to right on a page, how to follow directions, hold a pencil, print their letters, etc. By using the small groups we can zero in on their abilities and design the work to address what they need most. (fine motor skills, letter recognition, identifying letter sounds, reading words). Mrs. Wentzler, Mrs. Meyer, and myself will be working with the groups for short times once a day.
Thanks for being the wonderful parents you are. I feel so supported by your generosity, help in the classroom, prayers, encouraging words, understanding and all the ways you are there for the children and myself.
Love, Mrs. Allen
January 16, 2020
Dear families,
What a week it has been. An emotional roller coaster ride for many of us as we come to terms with Tegan Johnson’s passing. Tegan, for those of you who don’t know, is Emmett’s older brother.
(Emmett attends preschool on Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Leo and Drue are first cousins to Emmett and Tegan and they, too, are in the preschool class.)
I have sought the advice of my friend, Lori Hinz, a licensed social worker with 10 years experience as a School Social Worker at Hastings Middle School, as to how to approach this heavy subject with my students. She had such good ideas and ways to make the conversation be appropriate for where the children are coming from. It may seem simple, but I felt the need for some professional advice. We role-played and she guided me, offering me the best words for getting the children to express their feelings and to be reassuring to them.
For example, she instructed me to use truthful and simple language. “He died” rather than “passed on” or “losing him” which can be confusing to little children. Lori suggested that I not give details about how the accident happened or about his death. She explained how important it is to reassure the children that most people live a long, long life, that they do not need to worry that their family members are going to die soon, and explain the life cycle of leaves as an example of death. She also encouraged me to reassure them that Tegan’s death was just an accident and that accidents sometimes happen. We don’t know why. It is very unusual. And that they shouldn’t worry that it will happen to them.
I will only be talking with the group of children who are in the same class as Emmett. (The children who attend only on Tuesday and Thursday won’t be included in conversations having to do with Tegan, since those kids do not have Emmett in their class.)
I also have some great books about heaven and losing a loved one to read to the children. These books will be available for you to borrow if you feel like your child is needing more reassurance.
The fact that these are four-year-olds will make the conversations quite different than it would be with the older kids. We need to help the children feel safe and secure. I hope you understand how delicate this feels for me. Thanks for your love, support and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Please let me know if you have concerns or questions about any of this. This is new ground for me and I will do my best.
Love, Mrs. Allen
January 10, 2020
Thanks to all the great parents who put on the Christmas party today and for all the supportive parents who the success of the day. The children had a ball!
Monday, January 13, is the Prekindergarten/Kindergarten Open House at 5-7pm. This is a chance for new families to come and see the classroom and find out more about our school. All are welcome. If you know any young families, please encourage them to check out St. John’s.
Please plan to attend the kindergarten session if your child will be here next year for kindergarten so that you can be informed and ready to register. This is a great opportunity for you to see what St. John the Baptist offers and I urge you to attend the kindergarten open house.
Spread the word to families that may be interested in our preschool. The Open House goes from 6:00-7:30 for NEW families who would like to register for next year.. If your know of anyone looking for a great PK experience, send them our way. This will be an informational session about what we offer in PreKindergarten at St. John the Baptist. (if you are already enrolled, you do not need to attend.)
If you read the latest newsletter from Mrs. Biren you are aware that Catholic School’s Week is approaching and with it many fun activities. I will try to explain everything for those of you who are new to Catholic Schools and let you all know what Preschool participates in.
Sunday, January 26 All school Mass at 10:00. I will be there and if any PK students want to join me they are very welcome. We will meet at school and walk over with the big kids and the students may sit with me if they choose. Wear School uniform shirts if you have them. After Mass you can browse the book fair, visit the classrooms, and have pancakes in the community room. Fun!
Monday is Team Day. Kids can wear jerseys or t shirts for their favorite teams. We will participate in the prayer service in the morning. We will attend the talent show in the afternoon as well.
Tuesday is Comfy Day and the preschoolers should wear their p.j.s or favorite comfy clothes. We will attend the movie in the afternoon.
Wednesday the preschoolers should wear YELLOW. This is a SCOOTER day for the preschoolers. (While the older kids go rollerskating, we use the hallways for scooter fun!) We do NOT participate in the roller skating. You do not need to fill out the permission slips for that.
Thursday is Mis-match Day. Everyone will wear clothes that don’t match. We will play BINGO in the afternoon with the grandparents and senior citizens that attend. Please invite the children’s grandparents to come to school for this event.
Friday is Dress Up Day. We will attend the All-School Mass at 10:00. Afterwards we eat lunch in the church basement (families are invited to this special “picnic lunch”). After lunch there will be an All-School recess (11:40-12:00), followed by classroom open house, when visitors can visit and play games, read, or observe the children in the classroom. There will be a prayer service at 1:15 to end the Catholic School’s Week activities after which the preschoolers will have rest time.
Raffle Ticket Fundraiser is on the horizon. This is one of the most important fundraisers for our school. It is sponsored by Catholic Financial and they give some great prizes. The ticket sale proceeds go back to our school 100%. Every family is asked to sell a batch of tickets. More information will follow.
And Lastly, you are very, very welcome to complete a Science Fair project with your child. Typically it requires a lot of parent involvement. It is entirely up to you if you would enjoy making a project. If you do, please see me or Mrs. Biren for more information.
If you have questions about any of these events, please ASK! If you are confused, I guarantee someone else is, too.
That is all for now.
Mrs. Allen
November 2019
Hello Parents and Preschool friends,
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. The time sure flies between Friday after school and Sunday evening.
Our MWF group of children have been learning some new vocabulary words. This is a list of the words we have introduced in the past two weeks. Try to use them in your conversations and help the children remember their meanings.
Muscles shovels quiet impatient sticky
Bursting noises share gathered understand
Wrapped real decide alone shake
Furious disgusting hours smooth believe
Problem demand impossible practice weaker
Wonderful wrinkled suddenly blooming pond
Scent breeze tough noticed sprinkled
Rotten
We will hit the ground running when we come back from Thanksgiving break. With only 3 weeks until Christmas we have a lot to pack in. Singing carols, making Christmas art, learning the Nativity story are just a few of the things we look forward to doing in December.
But, not to get ahead of ourselves….this week we will be doing a cooking project. We will make soup during center time and let it simmer in the crock pot until afternoon snack when everyone will get to taste it. (We will do this project on Monday and again on Tuesday.)
Please encourage your child to put their winter gear on independently. They are all very capable (except for zippers and mittens and gloves, of course) and I need them to do as much on their own as possible. If your child is still feeling dependent on you to get them into their snowpants and boots, they would benefit from some practice. Make time for this at home. Even though we don’t have snow yet your preschooler can be get dressed warmly for a march around the backyard. It will help enormously for when we are getting ready to go out for recess.
Be sure to check out the photos on SeeSaw if you haven’t yet. Your kids are super cute!!
Love,
Mrs. Allen
November 15, 2019
Here is the December snack calendar for your information:
December
2 Beau
3 Brecken
4 Myers
5 Corinne
6 Amelia
9 Drue
10 Selena
11 Alexis
12 Alivia
13 Ben
16 Brody
17 Brannon
18 Clayton
19 Cooper
20 Eli
Things we did this week:
Painted Ice Cream cones, did easel painting, learned about Indian corn and did an art project. We praciticed cutting skills, decorated grocery bags for church, and made cards. Everyone enjoyed the nice weather. We discussed feelings and emotions, learned new vocabulary words, celebrated the Marathon success and ate Dippin’ Dots. The dinosaurs were a favorite and the guitar was played by many.
Did you know we have grandparents that volunteer each week in our classroom? Grandma Sue (Leo, Drue, and Emmett’s grandma) comes in on Fridays and helps us with recess and lunch. Miss Kathy (grandmother of Linden who was in our preschool class last year) helps us out on Thursdays and Fridays at recess and lunch. And, Miss Patty or Grandma Patty (Henrik’s grandma) has been coming in and reading with the children on Tuesday mornings. We love having helpers! It makes a big difference when there are more hands to help, especially with winter gear. We always welcome the help!
Thanks to those of you who are using the math homework packets. This weekend I will re-create some of the Math Packets that have “gone missing” so that I have enough to keep everyone in the rotation. Try to keep the materials intact and let me know if things need to be restocked for the next student. (We are missing the pipe cleaners and beads for the Pattern Math Packet.)
Shout out to Daniel and Diana Poch for buying a case of sidewalk chalk for us, for providing a new supply of aprons for the pizza shop cooks, for sharing books about Pizza, and for printing out pizza logos to use in construction. Thanks for your support!!!
Have a great weekend! Reminder: There is NO SCHOOL on Monday.
Love,
Mrs.Allen
November 8, 2019
Dear parents and Preschool fans,
This has been a wonderful week. It’s fun to watch the children play cooperatively with one another, resolve conflicts with minimal help, and have fun. I’ve been trying to use the SeeSaw app to send photos and videos. So far, so good on MY end. Please let me know if there are any issues on your end. I hope these pictures are giving you a better feel for how your child’s school day goes.
As a reminder, drop off time for preschool starts at 8:30. If your child arrives before 8:30 your child will go in to BASE (Before and After School Enrichment) and you will be charged $7.00 per day on your TADS account. All students should be in the classroom, ready for prayer, by 8:55.
We go outside for recess everyday if the “feels like” temperature is above zero. We have recess at 11:30 and again at 3:00. If you want your child to keep their snow pants and/or boots at school please let me know. Otherwise, we send the kiddos home in ALL their winter gear and send shoes home in their backpacks. They go from recess straight to dismissal.
Thank you for sending warm winter gear for your child. Knit mittens and gloves are not ideal for playing in the snow, so consider purchasing water resistent mittens or gloves. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but much harder to find. We would like to have a box of spare items for those who are missing something. If you can donate to this send in your extras. I will label them “PK SJB”. If your child comes home with any of those, please wash and return.
Please label everything! Especially black snow pants, which all look alike.
We are in need of sidewalk chalk. Also, if you have paper towels that you’ve been holding on to for me, I could use some for the classroom soon.
Next week:
Veteran’s Day Program at 2:30 on November 11, Monday. All are welcome. Preschool attends and participates. We honor all those service men and women in our community and families. It is a beautiful, small tribute to our veterans and military loved ones. Join us if you are able. (Children may be excused immediately afterwards if a parent is here to take them home.)
Christmas program:
More information to come, but the Preschoolers DO participate. Their attire is fancy Christmas type clothing. ( Often whatever they will wear for Christmas Mass.) The evening performance is at 6:00 (which is an hour earlier than previous years.) It takes place in the church. There is an afternoon performance as well. It takes place on a Monday. Tuesday and Thursday kiddos are welcome to participate too. All are welcome. It is usually very well attended by grandparents. There is school the next day so everyone skiddadles home immediately after the program. I will pass on details as they are made available to me.
Thanks for the many ways you support our classroom. I appreciate each of you and your efforts to be great parents. Whether you’re making playdough, bringing snack, giving me a heads up on something I’ve overlooked, or just making me smile with a friendly word of encouragement, I am so grateful for you all. Thanks for being so great!
November 3, 2019
Hello preschool parents and friends,
Somehow it is Sunday evening. I am not sure how the weekend went by so quickly! But, before we jump into November, let me share a bit about our experiences in preschool during the month of October.
Animals came to visit our classroom, including rabbits and Lucky the Duck. Chloe and her mom, Sharee, (both alumni of St. John’s) told the class how they raise their animals and take care of them. The children were great listeners and most were brave enough to pet these sweet animals.
The Fire Station Unit was a favorite. Between all the great fire trucks, the new fire station play-set, and the big fire truck, we put out a ton of fires. The kids loved dressing up in the uniforms and hats and glasses. I suggested that the flashlights could be their hoses and that the doll house needed saving. In addition, the Hastings Fire Department came to school and taught the children about fire safety.
We went to our first Mass and the children had their stuffed animals blessed.
I met with 100% of families for a parent-teacher conference and now have the Math Homework packets up and running. (Note: if you come across anything that needs my attention, when doing the Math Homework, PLEASE bring it to my attention. We have some missing pieces in some.)
We had a fire drill and a lock down drill in October. The children know to STOP and LISTEN to the teacher whenever there is an announcement or bell.
We covered the letters Ee, Ff, and Gg and did some review work on Aa-Gg. There is still lots of work to be done on number recognition and I will try to hit that a little harder in the coming weeks.(0-8)
Our Halloween Party was a huge success. Almost all the students were at school to participate and countless parents, grandparents, and friends were there to help. What a cute bunch of trick or treaters we had.
I am starting to post on Seesaw accounts and everyone should have at least a few pictures. After I am able to get all those pictures that are on my phone sent to your Seesaw accounts, I will try and keep things up-to-date. Be sure to download the parent app if you haven’t already.
Today I was at school setting up the Pizza Shop and doing some rearranging in the classroom. This is always a fun unit. I expect there to be a lot of excitement in school tomorrow morning.
We will also be pounding nails into the large pumpkins (another favorite activity) and we will move on to the letter Hh this week. Veteran’s Day celebration is on Nov. 11 at 2:30. Do you have a special person to honor? Let us know! We will be making cards and art projects for them.
Looks like we are in for some chilly days. Winter jackets, hats, and mittens or gloves are a MUST. Tennis shoes are preferred.
As always, please don’t hesitate to text, email, call or stop by with any questions or concerns. Thanks for being the awesome people you are and for supporting St. John the Baptist school. I am so blessed to work with your children and yourselves and I really appreciate everyone’s positive approach to school and life.
Let’s make it a great week!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Sept. 20, 2019
Dear Parents,
What a wonderful week! We accomplished quite a bit. Our Farmer’s Market is open and the kids enjoyed selling produce all week. On Monday Mrs. Wentzler brought in many different types of vegetables from her garden and let the kids explore their taste, textures, and smells. We picked some flowers and lemongrass from the school garden and we used them as paintbrushes. We used green and yellow paints at the easel, which was set up just outside the classroom where the children could create in a more quiet and peaceful space.
Mrs. Meyer brought in some fun art projects this week that included making clouds with cotton balls, creating leaf reliefs with chalk, and making tree pictures. We also painted using their choice of colors. Today the students finger painted with shaving cream. It went up to their elbows and they all smell rather manly.
The farm equipment is out with all the animals, fences, silos, and barns. Farming is a favorite unit and we will probably extend it into mid October.
I know that Mrs. Biren explained about the Fall Festival pretty thoroughly in her newsletter, but I will just reiterate a few details.
Mass: We will not be sitting together. Keep your preschooler with you in church. Students should wear their red Faith shirts.
Silent Auction: It is not too late to contribute. Shout out to Nicole Schaffer for taking this project on. I hope we make a lot of money for the school!
Dance: the preschoolers have not officially learned a dance, however they have “danced” with the 2nd graders during practices. They probably will be invited to dance after the older grades perform. This will be freestyle and I would love for you to dance with your children. They would love it. All the school children are invited to wear Western wear for the Fall Festival.
By now you may or may not have heard about the fact that one of the students had a case of lice. I did not see any signs of lice at school, but, of course, we took care of getting all blankets, stuffed animals, cushions, pillows, dress-up clothes, doll clothes, puppets, out of the room to be on the safe side.
Scholastic book orders: You place an order online. Then I go into the Scholastic Teacher page and submit all these orders for our class. That is when they get shipped. I will place orders on the first of every month. This means you can put your orders at anytime, but they will ship to the school only after I submit the order for our entire class. Clear as mud? October 1st is the deadline for the next/first shipment.
Shout out to Kate Ries for donating a rug for our cozy corner, as well as some flowers for our farmer’s market. Another great example of how our school is supported in this little town. If you see Kate at the Festival (she will be leading the dances) be sure to thank her for her contribution to our classroom.
Lastly, there is no school on Friday, September 27th. I am looking forward to a long weekend and hoping to see my daughter that weekend since St. Ben’s also has a long weekend.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Love, Mrs. Allen
September, 9, 2019
Dear Parents,
We had a great day today. This is just a little update and a few things to make note of.
Monday is pizza day, however, I am going to strongly suggest that you send lunchboxes to school with some “sides” for your child to eat with their pizza. Maybe a fruit and vegetable. They also need an afternoon snack, so pack that as well. One piece of pizza doesn’t really seem to do it for them.
Today the children made bracelets, worked on coloring and writing their names, had music class, and played hard. We couldn’t go out for our first recess because of the rain, but we did get outside from 3:00 - 3:25 when we marched around playing our musical instruments.
3 children were out sick with stomach aches. I hope the bug stays away from the rest of the group. The class prayed for the sick children to get better.
Mrs. Huneke brought us a few sunflowers and the children loved poking and picking at these. .
We talked about the letters Aa and Bb and sorted some toys into those categories. Bear, ball, alligator, airplane, etc. This is a new concept for many of the children and I don’t know how many put it together...the letter and the letter sound it makes….so keep working on that at home and in the car. Start with A and B only. Have them repeat 2 words that you give them and guess which starts with Bb. For example: “Say boat and truck. Which starts with Bb?”
We practiced making the number two. We used this language to explain the movements of making a two: “Rainbow curve, down the slide, then run back.” Ask your preschooler to show you and prompt them with those words.
Have a great night.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear Parents,
We had a great day today. This is just a little update and a few things to make note of.
Monday is pizza day, however, I am going to strongly suggest that you send lunchboxes to school with some “sides” for your child to eat with their pizza. Maybe a fruit and vegetable. They also need an afternoon snack, so pack that as well. One piece of pizza doesn’t really seem to do it for them.
Today the children made bracelets, worked on coloring and writing their names, had music class, and played hard. We couldn’t go out for our first recess because of the rain, but we did get outside from 3:00 - 3:25 when we marched around playing our musical instruments.
3 children were out sick with stomach aches. I hope the bug stays away from the rest of the group. The class prayed for the sick children to get better.
Mrs. Huneke brought us a few sunflowers and the children loved poking and picking at these. .
We talked about the letters Aa and Bb and sorted some toys into those categories. Bear, ball, alligator, airplane, etc. This is a new concept for many of the children and I don’t know how many put it together...the letter and the letter sound it makes….so keep working on that at home and in the car. Start with A and B only. Have them repeat 2 words that you give them and guess which starts with Bb. For example: “Say boat and truck. Which starts with Bb?”
We practiced making the number two. We used this language to explain the movements of making a two: “Rainbow curve, down the slide, then run back.” Ask your preschooler to show you and prompt them with those words.
Have a great night.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Welcome to the St. John the Baptist Prekindergarten program. Here is some information I think will be helpful for you and your family as we start our year.
Preschoolers will be busy in September. Our themes are Apples, Families, and Getting to Know Each Other.
We will begin letters of the week starting with the letter A and will proceed on from there. Children are always welcome to bring in an item that begins with the letter of the week for a Show and Tell prop. This is completely optional.
During the first few weeks of school, all of the children will get their picture taken and be assessed. They will make an attempt at writing their names, drawing and telling about their families, and scribble, scribble, scribble to get those little hands stronger.
We will be introducing the procedures that happen at school. And there are a lot of them, from how to line up in a straight line, how to form a circle, how to be an attentive listener, and how to share. We will teach these skills and help the children be successful. At the same time we will be having a lot of fun. The children will be kept busy and will have many opportunities to move, imagine, share, and discover.
Our daily schedule:
8:40 - 9:00 arrival. During this time, as the children filter in gradually, we will do table top activities. (i.e. play dough, puzzles, manipulatives, legos, etc. for fine motor development.)
9:00 prayer, pledge, morning meeting
9:00-9:30 centers: dramatic play
doll house puzzles listening center math center
trucks and blocks table games writing desk reading corner
art project train set science center
9:30 -10:15 circle time. During this time we gather at the carpet for: greeting, calendar, weather, counting, patterns, shapes, colors, name recognition. I will milk this time for all it is worth, but when the kids get antsy it is time to transition. As the year progresses their attention spans get longer and we can stay at the circle longer.
10:15 Clean up, bathroom, snack
10:40 reading with a buddy, read alouds, religion, science, art, music, social studies.
11:00 dress for outside and go out to the playground or use the gym
11:30 Dismissal for half-day students. Recess until lunchtime.
12:05 Lunch for full day students. Milk is served at lunch.
The afternoon schedule includes reading books, doing puzzles, playing games, rest time, story, worksheets or group activities, and outdoor play.
3:30 dismissal
All full day students need to bring: Lunch, afternoon snack, blanket, pillow and/or snuggle buddy. Blankets, pillows, and snuggle buddies MUST be able to fit into the canvas boxes in the classroom. (10x10x10) Please send small blankets. Blankets, pillows, stuffies are to be kept inside the classroom. This is to avoid extra trips to and from the lockers. Please, please, please send items that will FIT into the bin. On Fridays take items home for laundering.
Snacks:
We ask parents to donate morning snack (we will send home a monthly calendar.) We request that the snack be “nutritious” in nature, and according to the State Health Department, must be commercially prepared. Refer to the list of appropriate snacks. Parents will include a healthy beverage to be served as well. (i.e. apple juice, milk, orange juice) The group can usually drink about 96oz., the largest bottle of juice typically sold.
What to wear: Play-type clothing is suggested - especially tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes. Our activities are many and sometimes messy. We encourage you to select clothing for your child that they are able to manage themselves. Please send a spare set of clothes in case there is an accident. Include socks. Put these in a ziploc bag with your child’s name on it. We will put these on the top shelf of thier lockers. These will stay at school until needed. If there’s an accident, be sure to restock the spare set.
Label lunchboxes, ice packs, and lunch containers. Also, clothing, especially sweatshirts and jackets. I will keep a basket by the classroom door with our lost and found. If you need a permanent marker there is one on top of the cubbies.
Pick up and drop off. The parents of all PreK-4 kids are asked to remain in the lobby at these times. There will be 1-2 adults in the K-4 locker hallway to assist the preschoolers with their school items each morning and afternoon. This complies with our Safe Environment processes.
Is your child’s backpack big enough to hold a lunch box, folder?
Blue folders go out on Thursdays with information from the office. Always check backpacks for these and take out the information. Return the blue folder to school. They will go back to the office for the next week’s information. (Don’t put the folder into the cubbies, which are always “Out-Going Mail”).
Kids in good fitting sneakers make for happy play. Be sure your child isn’t running right out of their shoes or not fitting into them any longer.
September snack calendar: (a hard copy will go home on Tuesday) I made a few changes after thinking about the birthdays that happen this month. We allow sweet snacks on birthdays, like cupcakes or cookies, but it’s ok to send whatever you see fit. Sometimes the kids prefer things like dipping apples or yogurts, to cake. It is up to you when it is your turn. We have had a wide variety of things and it is always fun to try new things.
So….September 2019:
2 No school 9 Drue 16 Olivia 23 Gavin 30 Mason
3 Willa 10 Amelia 17 Henrik 24 Brannon
4 Owen 11Leo 18 Hazel 25 Helen
5 Eli 12 Cooper 19 Mason 26 Alivia
6 Huntley 13 Ben 20 Brody 27 James
Healthy snack ideas:
Fruit:
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Cataloupe cubes
Cherries
Clementines
Grapes - quartered
Kiwis
Orange wedges
Pomegranate seeds
Strawberries
Watermelon cubes
Grains:
Whole grain crackers
Tortillas
Corn chips
Homemade popcorn
Cereal bars
Spelt pretzels
Snap-pea crisps
fruit/nut mix bars
Granola bars
Rice cakes
Crisp flat breads
Vegetables:
Baby carrots
Cucumber slices
Grape tomatoes
Bell peppers sliced
Sugar snap peas
Edamame
Guacamole
Hummus
Baba ganoush
White bean dip
Salsa
Dried Fruits/Nuts
Apples
Apricots
Mangos
Almonds
Cashews
Peanut butter
Pecans
Trail mix
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
Power combos:
Yogurt with fruit
Tortilla roll ups
Banana with peanut butter
Cucmber with almond butter
Homemade smoothies
Salsa and corn chips
Carrots and hummus
Peppers and white bean dip
Baba ganoush and cucumber
Srputed grain bread with sliced avocado
ILLNESS...AM I WELL ENOUGH FOR SCHOOL?
If your child has a fever of 1oo degrees or more, he/she should stay home for 24 hours AFTER the temperature returns to normal without medication. Please keep in mind that temperatures are usually normal in the morning but are elevated at night. If your child has a fever at bedtime, please keep them home the next day even if their temperature is normal in the morning. If your child has vomited or has had diarrhea, he/she should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode. Please remember that teachers and other children usually become ill from students who return to school BEFORE they are fully recovered.
That's all for now. I am so excited for the start of school and look forward to working with your kiddos. I hope your transitions go smoothly and with as few tears as possible.
Love,
Mrs. Allen
Preschoolers will be busy in September. Our themes are Apples, Families, and Getting to Know Each Other.
We will begin letters of the week starting with the letter A and will proceed on from there. Children are always welcome to bring in an item that begins with the letter of the week for a Show and Tell prop. This is completely optional.
During the first few weeks of school, all of the children will get their picture taken and be assessed. They will make an attempt at writing their names, drawing and telling about their families, and scribble, scribble, scribble to get those little hands stronger.
We will be introducing the procedures that happen at school. And there are a lot of them, from how to line up in a straight line, how to form a circle, how to be an attentive listener, and how to share. We will teach these skills and help the children be successful. At the same time we will be having a lot of fun. The children will be kept busy and will have many opportunities to move, imagine, share, and discover.
Our daily schedule:
8:40 - 9:00 arrival. During this time, as the children filter in gradually, we will do table top activities. (i.e. play dough, puzzles, manipulatives, legos, etc. for fine motor development.)
9:00 prayer, pledge, morning meeting
9:00-9:30 centers: dramatic play
doll house puzzles listening center math center
trucks and blocks table games writing desk reading corner
art project train set science center
9:30 -10:15 circle time. During this time we gather at the carpet for: greeting, calendar, weather, counting, patterns, shapes, colors, name recognition. I will milk this time for all it is worth, but when the kids get antsy it is time to transition. As the year progresses their attention spans get longer and we can stay at the circle longer.
10:15 Clean up, bathroom, snack
10:40 reading with a buddy, read alouds, religion, science, art, music, social studies.
11:00 dress for outside and go out to the playground or use the gym
11:30 Dismissal for half-day students. Recess until lunchtime.
12:05 Lunch for full day students. Milk is served at lunch.
The afternoon schedule includes reading books, doing puzzles, playing games, rest time, story, worksheets or group activities, and outdoor play.
3:30 dismissal
All full day students need to bring: Lunch, afternoon snack, blanket, pillow and/or snuggle buddy. Blankets, pillows, and snuggle buddies MUST be able to fit into the canvas boxes in the classroom. (10x10x10) Please send small blankets. Blankets, pillows, stuffies are to be kept inside the classroom. This is to avoid extra trips to and from the lockers. Please, please, please send items that will FIT into the bin. On Fridays take items home for laundering.
Snacks:
We ask parents to donate morning snack (we will send home a monthly calendar.) We request that the snack be “nutritious” in nature, and according to the State Health Department, must be commercially prepared. Refer to the list of appropriate snacks. Parents will include a healthy beverage to be served as well. (i.e. apple juice, milk, orange juice) The group can usually drink about 96oz., the largest bottle of juice typically sold.
What to wear: Play-type clothing is suggested - especially tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes. Our activities are many and sometimes messy. We encourage you to select clothing for your child that they are able to manage themselves. Please send a spare set of clothes in case there is an accident. Include socks. Put these in a ziploc bag with your child’s name on it. We will put these on the top shelf of thier lockers. These will stay at school until needed. If there’s an accident, be sure to restock the spare set.
Label lunchboxes, ice packs, and lunch containers. Also, clothing, especially sweatshirts and jackets. I will keep a basket by the classroom door with our lost and found. If you need a permanent marker there is one on top of the cubbies.
Pick up and drop off. The parents of all PreK-4 kids are asked to remain in the lobby at these times. There will be 1-2 adults in the K-4 locker hallway to assist the preschoolers with their school items each morning and afternoon. This complies with our Safe Environment processes.
Is your child’s backpack big enough to hold a lunch box, folder?
Blue folders go out on Thursdays with information from the office. Always check backpacks for these and take out the information. Return the blue folder to school. They will go back to the office for the next week’s information. (Don’t put the folder into the cubbies, which are always “Out-Going Mail”).
Kids in good fitting sneakers make for happy play. Be sure your child isn’t running right out of their shoes or not fitting into them any longer.
September snack calendar: (a hard copy will go home on Tuesday) I made a few changes after thinking about the birthdays that happen this month. We allow sweet snacks on birthdays, like cupcakes or cookies, but it’s ok to send whatever you see fit. Sometimes the kids prefer things like dipping apples or yogurts, to cake. It is up to you when it is your turn. We have had a wide variety of things and it is always fun to try new things.
So….September 2019:
2 No school 9 Drue 16 Olivia 23 Gavin 30 Mason
3 Willa 10 Amelia 17 Henrik 24 Brannon
4 Owen 11Leo 18 Hazel 25 Helen
5 Eli 12 Cooper 19 Mason 26 Alivia
6 Huntley 13 Ben 20 Brody 27 James
Healthy snack ideas:
Fruit:
Apples
Bananas
Blueberries
Cataloupe cubes
Cherries
Clementines
Grapes - quartered
Kiwis
Orange wedges
Pomegranate seeds
Strawberries
Watermelon cubes
Grains:
Whole grain crackers
Tortillas
Corn chips
Homemade popcorn
Cereal bars
Spelt pretzels
Snap-pea crisps
fruit/nut mix bars
Granola bars
Rice cakes
Crisp flat breads
Vegetables:
Baby carrots
Cucumber slices
Grape tomatoes
Bell peppers sliced
Sugar snap peas
Edamame
Guacamole
Hummus
Baba ganoush
White bean dip
Salsa
Dried Fruits/Nuts
Apples
Apricots
Mangos
Almonds
Cashews
Peanut butter
Pecans
Trail mix
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
Power combos:
Yogurt with fruit
Tortilla roll ups
Banana with peanut butter
Cucmber with almond butter
Homemade smoothies
Salsa and corn chips
Carrots and hummus
Peppers and white bean dip
Baba ganoush and cucumber
Srputed grain bread with sliced avocado
ILLNESS...AM I WELL ENOUGH FOR SCHOOL?
If your child has a fever of 1oo degrees or more, he/she should stay home for 24 hours AFTER the temperature returns to normal without medication. Please keep in mind that temperatures are usually normal in the morning but are elevated at night. If your child has a fever at bedtime, please keep them home the next day even if their temperature is normal in the morning. If your child has vomited or has had diarrhea, he/she should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode. Please remember that teachers and other children usually become ill from students who return to school BEFORE they are fully recovered.
That's all for now. I am so excited for the start of school and look forward to working with your kiddos. I hope your transitions go smoothly and with as few tears as possible.
Love,
Mrs. Allen
Preschool 2018-19
Hello parents, May 13, 2019
New principal: Come and meet Mrs. Dawn Biren on Tuesday, May 14th. We will host a welcome party at 3:45 and again at 6:00 pm. There will be refreshments and introductions. All are invited! We are so happy to have a principal hired and feel like celebrating! Please join us!
Preschool musical: Today! Bring your student to the church basement at 6:45 if you are attending this event. After the preschool sing their 2 songs the children will go and sit with parents or choose to stay with me. Their choice, but they stay put for the whole show, until the last songs.
Looking ahead:
Pajama day: Friday, May 31. (This is also mini-course day, but preschoolers do not participate in mini courses.) The children can wear their jammies to school.
Bike days: June 3 and 4. The chldren can bring their bikes, scooters, trikes AND HELMETS! These can be stored in the garage on the night of the 3rd so you don’t need to haul them back and forth if you are a “5-day-a-weeker”.
Graduation: June 5th at 10:00. There will be a little graduation program. (“little” being the key word in that sentence). The students will sing a few songs and show off some of their talents. Then they will recieve their awards and diplomas. Afterwards we will have a quick refreshment. We need to vacate the gym by 10:55 for the kindergarten graduation. Everyone is invited to attend. Bring the neighbors! Ha.
School is officially over after they graduate, however, I am fine with kids staying if you have to go back to work. Usually we have a few stay for the entire day. That is fine, but most kids will leave after the graduation. It is entirely up to you.We have teacher workshops on Thursday and Friday. I will be at school if you need anything, or if there are items that get left behind.
We had an interesting conversation with the children at our snacktime today. Roni shared the wonderful news that there will be a new baby at her house. We then heard from several other children that their moms (and one grandma) are also pregnant. :) Congratulations to one and all!
The fix-it shop has been removed to make way for our Camping Unit. It is complete with tent, sleeping bags, campfire, logs, binoculars, tin cups, and flashlights. There is also a fishing pond with real (reel) fishing poles. They have to catch the numbered fish with the magnet “hook” and then catch a second fish with the matching number of dots. We are using water in the sensory table. Great fun! Our plants are growing like weeds and today we encouraged the students to discover how our basil leaves smell when you rub them between your fingers. (the leaves, not the children):)
Let me know if you have any questions about anything. Love, Mrs. Allen
New principal: Come and meet Mrs. Dawn Biren on Tuesday, May 14th. We will host a welcome party at 3:45 and again at 6:00 pm. There will be refreshments and introductions. All are invited! We are so happy to have a principal hired and feel like celebrating! Please join us!
Preschool musical: Today! Bring your student to the church basement at 6:45 if you are attending this event. After the preschool sing their 2 songs the children will go and sit with parents or choose to stay with me. Their choice, but they stay put for the whole show, until the last songs.
Looking ahead:
Pajama day: Friday, May 31. (This is also mini-course day, but preschoolers do not participate in mini courses.) The children can wear their jammies to school.
Bike days: June 3 and 4. The chldren can bring their bikes, scooters, trikes AND HELMETS! These can be stored in the garage on the night of the 3rd so you don’t need to haul them back and forth if you are a “5-day-a-weeker”.
Graduation: June 5th at 10:00. There will be a little graduation program. (“little” being the key word in that sentence). The students will sing a few songs and show off some of their talents. Then they will recieve their awards and diplomas. Afterwards we will have a quick refreshment. We need to vacate the gym by 10:55 for the kindergarten graduation. Everyone is invited to attend. Bring the neighbors! Ha.
School is officially over after they graduate, however, I am fine with kids staying if you have to go back to work. Usually we have a few stay for the entire day. That is fine, but most kids will leave after the graduation. It is entirely up to you.We have teacher workshops on Thursday and Friday. I will be at school if you need anything, or if there are items that get left behind.
We had an interesting conversation with the children at our snacktime today. Roni shared the wonderful news that there will be a new baby at her house. We then heard from several other children that their moms (and one grandma) are also pregnant. :) Congratulations to one and all!
The fix-it shop has been removed to make way for our Camping Unit. It is complete with tent, sleeping bags, campfire, logs, binoculars, tin cups, and flashlights. There is also a fishing pond with real (reel) fishing poles. They have to catch the numbered fish with the magnet “hook” and then catch a second fish with the matching number of dots. We are using water in the sensory table. Great fun! Our plants are growing like weeds and today we encouraged the students to discover how our basil leaves smell when you rub them between your fingers. (the leaves, not the children):)
Let me know if you have any questions about anything. Love, Mrs. Allen
May 2, 2019
Hello preschool families,
I am shocked sometimes at how fast the time is flying. When I flipped the calendar to May I flipped a little myself realizing how close we are to the end of the school year. April shot by like an arrow.
Our space station/astronaut center was well received. The children seemed to enjoy the lessons on gravity, space, planets, etc. They all took turns being astronauts in the space ship. We had many, many great books on the subject and the cozy corner was a popular place to sit and look at those.
Now we are busy fixing things with all kinds of tools. Our auto mechanics are working on the bus and a four wheeler. It needs all kinds of work. The children put together a list of services that they will perform at reasonable prices. Replacing a headlight is $185 and an oil change is $90. They can also fix tires, windshield wipers, engines, and more. The favored tools for these jobs seem to be the saw and the leaf blower.
The kitchen is the “break room” and the construction area has ramps and more trucks, including a cement mixer, a garbage truck, and a variety of pick up trucks. We are encouraging the children to build skyscrapers, roads, bridges, and anything else they can imagine.
The sensory table has sand, rocks, and small construction trucks. We have a new assortment of books, games, and puzzles this month and continue to work on our letters, phonics, and numbers.
The spring concert is just around the corner. Keep practicing the songs with your child.
At the end of the year there will be a Preschool Graduation ceremony. The kids do a little program and get a diploma. We celebrate with balloons, cake, and juice. It is a way to close the year on a bright note. I will be asking for some help getting things organized and ready. So, if you are interested in leading that or helping out, let me know.
Reminder: If you are not getting homework packets, let me know. I feel like a few students are bringing in their packets, but some are not. I am not sure why that is. If you have a packet at home, return it, and I will send a new one. We only have a few weeks left to do these and then it will be a matter of my getting them all returned. If you don’t have a homework packet at home please let me know.
I hope things are going well at home. I see more and more growth and maturity in the children every week. What a blessing it is to work with such great kids and families.
Love,
Mrs.Allen
Hello preschool families,
I am shocked sometimes at how fast the time is flying. When I flipped the calendar to May I flipped a little myself realizing how close we are to the end of the school year. April shot by like an arrow.
Our space station/astronaut center was well received. The children seemed to enjoy the lessons on gravity, space, planets, etc. They all took turns being astronauts in the space ship. We had many, many great books on the subject and the cozy corner was a popular place to sit and look at those.
Now we are busy fixing things with all kinds of tools. Our auto mechanics are working on the bus and a four wheeler. It needs all kinds of work. The children put together a list of services that they will perform at reasonable prices. Replacing a headlight is $185 and an oil change is $90. They can also fix tires, windshield wipers, engines, and more. The favored tools for these jobs seem to be the saw and the leaf blower.
The kitchen is the “break room” and the construction area has ramps and more trucks, including a cement mixer, a garbage truck, and a variety of pick up trucks. We are encouraging the children to build skyscrapers, roads, bridges, and anything else they can imagine.
The sensory table has sand, rocks, and small construction trucks. We have a new assortment of books, games, and puzzles this month and continue to work on our letters, phonics, and numbers.
The spring concert is just around the corner. Keep practicing the songs with your child.
At the end of the year there will be a Preschool Graduation ceremony. The kids do a little program and get a diploma. We celebrate with balloons, cake, and juice. It is a way to close the year on a bright note. I will be asking for some help getting things organized and ready. So, if you are interested in leading that or helping out, let me know.
Reminder: If you are not getting homework packets, let me know. I feel like a few students are bringing in their packets, but some are not. I am not sure why that is. If you have a packet at home, return it, and I will send a new one. We only have a few weeks left to do these and then it will be a matter of my getting them all returned. If you don’t have a homework packet at home please let me know.
I hope things are going well at home. I see more and more growth and maturity in the children every week. What a blessing it is to work with such great kids and families.
Love,
Mrs.Allen
March 27, 2019
Hello parents,
Guess what? Sunday, April 7th is BiNGO FUN DAY!
Our mission is to create a silent auction basket ASAP. Please send in items that will work for the theme: COFFEE & CHOCOLATES or, if you’d prefer, send in $5 cash and we will use it for the basket contents.
April Snack Calendar is going home today and tomorrow. We will need snacks and beverages. Also, I am low on the Dixie Cups, so if you can send those too, that’d be great.
The Grocery Store is really a hit. Way more so than I’d anticipated. I think it is the REAL/FULL little cans of fruits and vegetables and the REAL/FULL packages of JELLO. I am hoping they will not pry these open. So far, so good.
We will be talking a lot more about the Stations of the Cross. It can be heavy stuff, but the children are very interested in it.
That’s all for now. Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents,
Guess what? Sunday, April 7th is BiNGO FUN DAY!
Our mission is to create a silent auction basket ASAP. Please send in items that will work for the theme: COFFEE & CHOCOLATES or, if you’d prefer, send in $5 cash and we will use it for the basket contents.
April Snack Calendar is going home today and tomorrow. We will need snacks and beverages. Also, I am low on the Dixie Cups, so if you can send those too, that’d be great.
The Grocery Store is really a hit. Way more so than I’d anticipated. I think it is the REAL/FULL little cans of fruits and vegetables and the REAL/FULL packages of JELLO. I am hoping they will not pry these open. So far, so good.
We will be talking a lot more about the Stations of the Cross. It can be heavy stuff, but the children are very interested in it.
That’s all for now. Love, Mrs. Allen
March 20, 2019
Hello preschool families,
The State of Minnesota Licensing came to St. John's today. We were informed that water bottles are NOT ALLOWED in preschool. Who knew?
The children will be able to get water from a pitcher and disposable cups. This is more sanitary.
All water bottles should be sent home and not return to school until kindergarten.
HAPPY SPRING!
What a gorgeous day! The kids did great staying on the blacktop. We had a bowling set out and later had a parade using the musical instruments.
Send light-weight jackets. (layers are best) It is usually cooler at first recess, but by 3:00 there are some complaints about being too hot. I can't allow them to take off their coats until it gets warmer, according to our school policy.
Take care,
Mrs. Allen
March 19, 2019
Hello families,
We are back in the swing of things at school. Everyone is bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm. The sunshine does us all good and we are so glad to think ahead to SPRING.
And, as you are all fully aware, the puddles are everywhere and the grass is a muddy lake. We will be staying OFF the grass, playground equipment, and the snow hills for many weeks. Snowpants will no longer be needed and boots should be waterproof.
We will be doing all we can to keep the kids out of the water, but puddles seem to be designed to intrigue children and it is all but impossible to get the children to ignore them.
Please have a spare set of clothes, including socks, for your preschooler.
Rubber boots are not required, but should be considered.
(Patty’s daycare kids, especially, will need weatherproof footwear for trekking back and forth to school.)
Since the children will be limited to the dry surfaced areas to play on, we will be bringing things out for them to use at recess. i.e. hula hoops, chalk, trucks, parachute, etc.
Children will also be allowed to take toys outdoors that they bring from home. Please be sure to label the items. We will do our very best to teach respect for property and the value of sharing with others. Thanks for doing whatever you can to help with this in-between seasons time.
In other news:
Mrs. Wentzler brought her dog, Trixie, in for a visit today. Trixie was about as mellow as they get. It was great for the kids to get to know a pet first hand. Ask your child if she remembers anything about Trixie. (where she sleeps, what she eats, her age, etc.)
We did some great work in the past two days. Painting, phonics, ABC bingo ,learning the letter Vv, music class on Monday, and lots of singing on Tuesday, as well. The children shared stories about their spring break adventures. Sounds like water parks were a favorite destination.
That’s all the news for now. Thanks for being the wonderful, supportive, and helpful parents that you are. I appreciate each of you!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello preschool families,
The State of Minnesota Licensing came to St. John's today. We were informed that water bottles are NOT ALLOWED in preschool. Who knew?
The children will be able to get water from a pitcher and disposable cups. This is more sanitary.
All water bottles should be sent home and not return to school until kindergarten.
HAPPY SPRING!
What a gorgeous day! The kids did great staying on the blacktop. We had a bowling set out and later had a parade using the musical instruments.
Send light-weight jackets. (layers are best) It is usually cooler at first recess, but by 3:00 there are some complaints about being too hot. I can't allow them to take off their coats until it gets warmer, according to our school policy.
Take care,
Mrs. Allen
March 19, 2019
Hello families,
We are back in the swing of things at school. Everyone is bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm. The sunshine does us all good and we are so glad to think ahead to SPRING.
And, as you are all fully aware, the puddles are everywhere and the grass is a muddy lake. We will be staying OFF the grass, playground equipment, and the snow hills for many weeks. Snowpants will no longer be needed and boots should be waterproof.
We will be doing all we can to keep the kids out of the water, but puddles seem to be designed to intrigue children and it is all but impossible to get the children to ignore them.
Please have a spare set of clothes, including socks, for your preschooler.
Rubber boots are not required, but should be considered.
(Patty’s daycare kids, especially, will need weatherproof footwear for trekking back and forth to school.)
Since the children will be limited to the dry surfaced areas to play on, we will be bringing things out for them to use at recess. i.e. hula hoops, chalk, trucks, parachute, etc.
Children will also be allowed to take toys outdoors that they bring from home. Please be sure to label the items. We will do our very best to teach respect for property and the value of sharing with others. Thanks for doing whatever you can to help with this in-between seasons time.
In other news:
Mrs. Wentzler brought her dog, Trixie, in for a visit today. Trixie was about as mellow as they get. It was great for the kids to get to know a pet first hand. Ask your child if she remembers anything about Trixie. (where she sleeps, what she eats, her age, etc.)
We did some great work in the past two days. Painting, phonics, ABC bingo ,learning the letter Vv, music class on Monday, and lots of singing on Tuesday, as well. The children shared stories about their spring break adventures. Sounds like water parks were a favorite destination.
That’s all the news for now. Thanks for being the wonderful, supportive, and helpful parents that you are. I appreciate each of you!
Love, Mrs. Allen
February 15, 2019
Hello preschool families,
Our Valentine’s Day party was a success. The kids were wired and more energetic than ever! It was fun to have some grandparents here helping, too, (as well as the moms and dads).
Just a few reminders:
We will have school on Monday, President’s Day, February 18.
We go outside twice a day. PLEASE send warm mittens! The knit gloves don’t cut it.
Don’t forget to send snowpants and boots, too.
Homework packets will be showing up in your child’s backpacks occasionally. These are activites for you to do at home. They do NOT need to be rushed back to school. If you keep them for a few days or, at the most, a week, that is ok. Just be mindful that the other students are waiting for their turn to take the packet home. They all love to have homework packets.
Keep the papers that explain what Family Math is about. Send back the checklist.
Today we took down the Cocoa Shop and got Post Office set up. The room has been rearranged and the toys and games have been rotated. We have a little Salon area as well, where the children can put on costume jewelry, pretend to style their hair, work as a nail tech, or accessorize in fun, creative ways. It will be a fun week seeing how the students put things to use.
A big shout out to these people for their recent contributions to our classroom:
Brandy Wentzler and her three fantastic children, Ben, Allison, and Ryan for putting in hours and hours of work in the classroom to create the new centers.
My sisters, Sarah and MaryBeth. Sarah used her creative energy to spice things up around the room, and MaryBeth packed up her Winter Village and also donated some new railway pieces for our wooden train track set.
Stacey Beissel and her crew of volunteers for puttting together the Valentine’s Day Party.
Our fabulous Grandparent Helpers, Kathy Siebenaler and Sue Neibur who make our mid-day routines go so much smoother! (We could use another if you know of anyone available from 11:30-1:00)
All the parents who support us by the little things you do everyday. (sending in snacks, playdough, shoes that fit, ha…..helping get the kiddos into their gear if you happen to be here for that, and being understanding and flexible when there are kinks in the days proceedings. I appreciate everyone’s efforts and feel, very much, that “it takes a village” and this village is just outstanding!
Love, Mrs. Allen
February 4, 2019
Dear families,
Wow! I can’t believe these days without school. I am anxious to see our schedule get back to normal. I’m sure you are feeling the same way.
We will be having a re-do of Catholic Schools week, catching up on lost time, and getting the routines back into play. Be sure to ask for clarification if you have any questions.
The Science Fair is on March 8th and Mrs. Huneke is looking for parents interested in being a science fair judge from 11:30-3:30 on that day. You can be assured that, if you volunteer to judge, you will be on a team, will be able to ask questions of veteran judges, and will be given a little training before the actual judging. Please email Mrs. Huneke directly if you are interested in helping. [email protected]
I will be praying for decent weather in the weeks to come and for everyone to be safe driving and walking on the slippery ice that has formed everywhere. Ugh.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello preschool families,
Our Valentine’s Day party was a success. The kids were wired and more energetic than ever! It was fun to have some grandparents here helping, too, (as well as the moms and dads).
Just a few reminders:
We will have school on Monday, President’s Day, February 18.
We go outside twice a day. PLEASE send warm mittens! The knit gloves don’t cut it.
Don’t forget to send snowpants and boots, too.
Homework packets will be showing up in your child’s backpacks occasionally. These are activites for you to do at home. They do NOT need to be rushed back to school. If you keep them for a few days or, at the most, a week, that is ok. Just be mindful that the other students are waiting for their turn to take the packet home. They all love to have homework packets.
Keep the papers that explain what Family Math is about. Send back the checklist.
Today we took down the Cocoa Shop and got Post Office set up. The room has been rearranged and the toys and games have been rotated. We have a little Salon area as well, where the children can put on costume jewelry, pretend to style their hair, work as a nail tech, or accessorize in fun, creative ways. It will be a fun week seeing how the students put things to use.
A big shout out to these people for their recent contributions to our classroom:
Brandy Wentzler and her three fantastic children, Ben, Allison, and Ryan for putting in hours and hours of work in the classroom to create the new centers.
My sisters, Sarah and MaryBeth. Sarah used her creative energy to spice things up around the room, and MaryBeth packed up her Winter Village and also donated some new railway pieces for our wooden train track set.
Stacey Beissel and her crew of volunteers for puttting together the Valentine’s Day Party.
Our fabulous Grandparent Helpers, Kathy Siebenaler and Sue Neibur who make our mid-day routines go so much smoother! (We could use another if you know of anyone available from 11:30-1:00)
All the parents who support us by the little things you do everyday. (sending in snacks, playdough, shoes that fit, ha…..helping get the kiddos into their gear if you happen to be here for that, and being understanding and flexible when there are kinks in the days proceedings. I appreciate everyone’s efforts and feel, very much, that “it takes a village” and this village is just outstanding!
Love, Mrs. Allen
February 4, 2019
Dear families,
Wow! I can’t believe these days without school. I am anxious to see our schedule get back to normal. I’m sure you are feeling the same way.
We will be having a re-do of Catholic Schools week, catching up on lost time, and getting the routines back into play. Be sure to ask for clarification if you have any questions.
The Science Fair is on March 8th and Mrs. Huneke is looking for parents interested in being a science fair judge from 11:30-3:30 on that day. You can be assured that, if you volunteer to judge, you will be on a team, will be able to ask questions of veteran judges, and will be given a little training before the actual judging. Please email Mrs. Huneke directly if you are interested in helping. [email protected]
I will be praying for decent weather in the weeks to come and for everyone to be safe driving and walking on the slippery ice that has formed everywhere. Ugh.
Love, Mrs. Allen
January 21, 2019
Hello parents and preschool supporters,
It is kind of a quiet day here at school but the blood drive is going on so there are a few people around.
I am working on making Math Homework packets. These will go home with the children and you will do the activities together. Then you can mark it off the list, send it back, and I will send you another. Family Math encourages math language and thinking.
Registration is OPEN. The Open House on Thursday was a success. We have quite a lot of families ready to register. Not to make you panic, but the class will fill up fast, so don’t put off registering your preschooler for next year. We want everyone back, either in preschool or kindergarten!
Looking ahead to Catholic Schools Week:
Jan 28 Celebrating Our Community
Team Day wear a favorite jersey
Prayer Service - 9:00 a.m. Community Room
Grandfriends Bingo -2:30 p.m.
Jan 29 Tues Celebrating Our Nation
wear Red, White, Blue tops
Cards for Hastings Veterans Home.
Jan 30 Wed Celebrating Our Students
Roller Skating (k-4) & Book Fair
Preschool will use scooters in the gym
Jan 31 Thurs Celebrating Vocations
Dress up for a career
9 a.m. - Science Fair Kick Off Assembly
10 a.m. Assembly - Sr. Linda Wanner, SSND
Speakers in classrooms -10:45-11:30
Science Night - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Feb 1 Fri Celebrating Staff & Volunteers
Open House
Gathering 9:00-9:45
Classrooms 9:45-10:45
Mass 11:00
Picnic 12 noon
Culminating Prayer 3 p.m. community room
Book Fair today
Please contact Deb regarding RSVPs to both Grandfriends BINGO on Monday and the Family Picnic on Friday. If you have questions, she is a great resource, or you can always call me.
Love, Mrs. Alle
Hello parents and preschool supporters,
It is kind of a quiet day here at school but the blood drive is going on so there are a few people around.
I am working on making Math Homework packets. These will go home with the children and you will do the activities together. Then you can mark it off the list, send it back, and I will send you another. Family Math encourages math language and thinking.
Registration is OPEN. The Open House on Thursday was a success. We have quite a lot of families ready to register. Not to make you panic, but the class will fill up fast, so don’t put off registering your preschooler for next year. We want everyone back, either in preschool or kindergarten!
Looking ahead to Catholic Schools Week:
Jan 28 Celebrating Our Community
Team Day wear a favorite jersey
Prayer Service - 9:00 a.m. Community Room
Grandfriends Bingo -2:30 p.m.
Jan 29 Tues Celebrating Our Nation
wear Red, White, Blue tops
Cards for Hastings Veterans Home.
Jan 30 Wed Celebrating Our Students
Roller Skating (k-4) & Book Fair
Preschool will use scooters in the gym
Jan 31 Thurs Celebrating Vocations
Dress up for a career
9 a.m. - Science Fair Kick Off Assembly
10 a.m. Assembly - Sr. Linda Wanner, SSND
Speakers in classrooms -10:45-11:30
Science Night - 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Feb 1 Fri Celebrating Staff & Volunteers
Open House
Gathering 9:00-9:45
Classrooms 9:45-10:45
Mass 11:00
Picnic 12 noon
Culminating Prayer 3 p.m. community room
Book Fair today
Please contact Deb regarding RSVPs to both Grandfriends BINGO on Monday and the Family Picnic on Friday. If you have questions, she is a great resource, or you can always call me.
Love, Mrs. Alle
January 3, 2019
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! It is good to be back at school and to see all the children after so many days off. I truly missed them!
This is just a quick reminder of things coming up.
Tomorrow, Friday, we will celebrate Christmas with a party at 10:00AM. ( the calendar says 10:30 but we are starting it earlier to have a full hour.) Remember to pay your party fee if you haven’t already. All children can attend and should bring a gift for the exchange.
Next Friday, the 11th, is Family Game Night. This is sponsored by Home and School. It is a fun time and all are welcome.
Thursday, January 17, is Open House for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Please plan to attend the kindergarten session if your child will be here next year for kindergarten so that you can be informed and ready to register.
Spread the word to families that may be interested in our preschool. The Open House goes from 6:00-8:00 for NEW families who would like to register for next year.
Snow pants A few mix ups have happened. Please LABEL your child’s snow pants! Also, double check that you have the correct pair and not someone else’s.
Thanks for all the great gifts and ways that you help our classroom. I appreciate the support so very much! You are terrific parents!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! It is good to be back at school and to see all the children after so many days off. I truly missed them!
This is just a quick reminder of things coming up.
Tomorrow, Friday, we will celebrate Christmas with a party at 10:00AM. ( the calendar says 10:30 but we are starting it earlier to have a full hour.) Remember to pay your party fee if you haven’t already. All children can attend and should bring a gift for the exchange.
Next Friday, the 11th, is Family Game Night. This is sponsored by Home and School. It is a fun time and all are welcome.
Thursday, January 17, is Open House for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Please plan to attend the kindergarten session if your child will be here next year for kindergarten so that you can be informed and ready to register.
Spread the word to families that may be interested in our preschool. The Open House goes from 6:00-8:00 for NEW families who would like to register for next year.
Snow pants A few mix ups have happened. Please LABEL your child’s snow pants! Also, double check that you have the correct pair and not someone else’s.
Thanks for all the great gifts and ways that you help our classroom. I appreciate the support so very much! You are terrific parents!
Love, Mrs. Allen
December 11, 2018
Dear families,
The Christmas program will be on Monday, December 21 with two performances: 2:30 and 7:00pm. The preschool children are invited to participate, however, it is optional. No one should feel obligated or pressured to attend if it isn’t workable for your family.
The preschoolers will sing one song as a class, in the first half of the program. They will also be singing with the whole school for the opening and closing songs, as well. (If this is too much for your child, you can opt out of any part).
The Christmas program takes place in the church. The children assemble in the basement of the church and process in together with all the other classes. You should plan on dropping them off in the church basement at 6:45 for the evening performance.
After they sing Away in the Manger the children should go to sit with you. They should remain in your pew until the last songs, which all the kids sing.
When that time comes, send them up to me at the front of the church.
The children typically wear their Christmas outfits. I have not heard about any special costumes or anything like that.
The songs the children will sing are: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, 3 verses of each of those songs. We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and Do You Hear What I Hear.
After the concert, everyone skiddaddles home, ASAP, to get to bed, since we have school in the morning.
Let me know what questions I have left unanswered. There is always something I miss, so I depend on your feedback. Thanks.
Mrs. Allen
Dear families,
The Christmas program will be on Monday, December 21 with two performances: 2:30 and 7:00pm. The preschool children are invited to participate, however, it is optional. No one should feel obligated or pressured to attend if it isn’t workable for your family.
The preschoolers will sing one song as a class, in the first half of the program. They will also be singing with the whole school for the opening and closing songs, as well. (If this is too much for your child, you can opt out of any part).
The Christmas program takes place in the church. The children assemble in the basement of the church and process in together with all the other classes. You should plan on dropping them off in the church basement at 6:45 for the evening performance.
After they sing Away in the Manger the children should go to sit with you. They should remain in your pew until the last songs, which all the kids sing.
When that time comes, send them up to me at the front of the church.
The children typically wear their Christmas outfits. I have not heard about any special costumes or anything like that.
The songs the children will sing are: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, 3 verses of each of those songs. We Wish you a Merry Christmas, and Do You Hear What I Hear.
After the concert, everyone skiddaddles home, ASAP, to get to bed, since we have school in the morning.
Let me know what questions I have left unanswered. There is always something I miss, so I depend on your feedback. Thanks.
Mrs. Allen
November 25, 2018
Hello PreK families,
I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving break. It has flown by so fast. This time of year tends to become a blur of activity and events. I will do my best to keep up and pass on the information to you for everything. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as we move into the holidays.
Here is just a little re-cap of some of the things we have been doing in PreK over the past few weeks:
Pizza Shop has been a favorite center. We made houses with Icicles for the letter Ii and made a fall tree with handprint leaves, depicting what we are thankful for. (These art projects are hanging in the hall.)
The third graders put on a Saints Presentation. The children were very interested in seeing their siblings and older friends present themselves as saints.
We are well underway with our “Maker Projects” for the MWF classes. The following is an excerpt from a blog that gives a good explanation of what Makerspace is about: Credit Marissa Calderón
MAKERSPACE: a place where we gather tools and materials to create, invent, tinker, design, fabricate or otherwise enable individuals, a community or group to make something.
It is NOT defined by one certain shape, size or even having a specific tool like a 3D printer or laser cutter. This is a common misconception…no fancy power tools are needed! Essentially, it reminds me of what well studied early childhood educators have always laid out for their pre-k children in their Early Learning programs. In some classrooms or Family Child Care Homes/Centers, it may have been called the, “Tinkering Area”, the “Sewing Center ” or a “Pop-up Play Area”, filled with cardboard boxes and tape.
Children are natural makers, and Early Childhood teachers and caregivers have been providing opportunities to create, engineer and fabricate since before it was officially labeled as a “makerspace” (This label is also due to it’s recent popularity in the upper grades and youth programs).
Early Childhood Educators incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) components into curriculum that not only are age-appropriate for young learners, but also meaningful and still meet Early Learning Standards.* Marissa Calderón
I have offered the kids a plethora of open ended materials from which they can create. Everything from TP rolls, chopsticks, small boxes and yogurt containers, to ribbon and doilies, buttons and anything in between. Please collect this kind of stuff and send it in for our Maker Project bin. The children have made some cool creations. I have encouraged them to leave their projects at school so they can add to them. Next I will offer them a chance to paint these creations. I am fired up to have Makerspace up and running in our classroom.
The kids added color to white play dough by working two different primary-color paints into it. By kneading and rolling the dough, they blended two colors into a new color.
We had a simple baking project that related to our Pizza Shop and Thanksgiving themes. The children were given a small piece of Rhodes bread dough which they worked into a small “pizza” and sprinkled with colored sugar. (A HUGE thank you to our volunteers who took care of the baking part! The project would not have been possible without their willingness to take the dessert “pizzas” to the church basement and bake them in the oven.) After the little “dessert pizzas” were baked the children enjoyed eating them for their afternoon snack.
Speaking of volunteers, I am so grateful for those who help out over the recess/lunch period. The extra hands in getting the kids bundled up to go outdoors, and then getting them all unbundled, finding shoes, getting their gear back into their lockers, helping in the lunchroom with passing out milk, opening up packages, encouraging the kids to eat their sandwiches before their desserts, and then cleaning up the table and floor, well….it is a tremendous help. I am very, very appreciative of those who take time to join our class at this time. It takes many hands to assist the children and they all seem to need attention at the same time. I can’t tell you how much easier it is when we have a volunteer (or kind staff person) to lend a hand. We can always use the help so if anyone wants to come in, ANY day of the week from 11:30-12:30, know that you are welcome.
We have the letter Jj and one more week of Pizza Shop before we begin the Christmas fun. Such a special time of year! I look forward to teaching the story of the Nativity and just seeing the wonder in the children’s eyes. How lucky am I to spend my time with kids at this precious age during this blessed season?
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello PreK families,
I hope everyone has had a great Thanksgiving break. It has flown by so fast. This time of year tends to become a blur of activity and events. I will do my best to keep up and pass on the information to you for everything. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as we move into the holidays.
Here is just a little re-cap of some of the things we have been doing in PreK over the past few weeks:
Pizza Shop has been a favorite center. We made houses with Icicles for the letter Ii and made a fall tree with handprint leaves, depicting what we are thankful for. (These art projects are hanging in the hall.)
The third graders put on a Saints Presentation. The children were very interested in seeing their siblings and older friends present themselves as saints.
We are well underway with our “Maker Projects” for the MWF classes. The following is an excerpt from a blog that gives a good explanation of what Makerspace is about: Credit Marissa Calderón
MAKERSPACE: a place where we gather tools and materials to create, invent, tinker, design, fabricate or otherwise enable individuals, a community or group to make something.
It is NOT defined by one certain shape, size or even having a specific tool like a 3D printer or laser cutter. This is a common misconception…no fancy power tools are needed! Essentially, it reminds me of what well studied early childhood educators have always laid out for their pre-k children in their Early Learning programs. In some classrooms or Family Child Care Homes/Centers, it may have been called the, “Tinkering Area”, the “Sewing Center ” or a “Pop-up Play Area”, filled with cardboard boxes and tape.
Children are natural makers, and Early Childhood teachers and caregivers have been providing opportunities to create, engineer and fabricate since before it was officially labeled as a “makerspace” (This label is also due to it’s recent popularity in the upper grades and youth programs).
Early Childhood Educators incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) components into curriculum that not only are age-appropriate for young learners, but also meaningful and still meet Early Learning Standards.* Marissa Calderón
I have offered the kids a plethora of open ended materials from which they can create. Everything from TP rolls, chopsticks, small boxes and yogurt containers, to ribbon and doilies, buttons and anything in between. Please collect this kind of stuff and send it in for our Maker Project bin. The children have made some cool creations. I have encouraged them to leave their projects at school so they can add to them. Next I will offer them a chance to paint these creations. I am fired up to have Makerspace up and running in our classroom.
The kids added color to white play dough by working two different primary-color paints into it. By kneading and rolling the dough, they blended two colors into a new color.
We had a simple baking project that related to our Pizza Shop and Thanksgiving themes. The children were given a small piece of Rhodes bread dough which they worked into a small “pizza” and sprinkled with colored sugar. (A HUGE thank you to our volunteers who took care of the baking part! The project would not have been possible without their willingness to take the dessert “pizzas” to the church basement and bake them in the oven.) After the little “dessert pizzas” were baked the children enjoyed eating them for their afternoon snack.
Speaking of volunteers, I am so grateful for those who help out over the recess/lunch period. The extra hands in getting the kids bundled up to go outdoors, and then getting them all unbundled, finding shoes, getting their gear back into their lockers, helping in the lunchroom with passing out milk, opening up packages, encouraging the kids to eat their sandwiches before their desserts, and then cleaning up the table and floor, well….it is a tremendous help. I am very, very appreciative of those who take time to join our class at this time. It takes many hands to assist the children and they all seem to need attention at the same time. I can’t tell you how much easier it is when we have a volunteer (or kind staff person) to lend a hand. We can always use the help so if anyone wants to come in, ANY day of the week from 11:30-12:30, know that you are welcome.
We have the letter Jj and one more week of Pizza Shop before we begin the Christmas fun. Such a special time of year! I look forward to teaching the story of the Nativity and just seeing the wonder in the children’s eyes. How lucky am I to spend my time with kids at this precious age during this blessed season?
Love, Mrs. Allen
November 19, 2018
Dear families,
I can’t believe how fast the weekend flew by. Here are a few items of information for you:
Winter gear: Label everything! Practice with your child so they have the chance to do for themselves. It is our expectation that they try to get their gear on independently. We, of course, will help with zippers and things, but they all are capable of doing most of it themselves. The children need hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, and jackets. We use the wooden cubbies in the front vestibule for keeping shoes in while wearing boots.
Donations: Our classroom is looking for some items that you may be able to provide: A electric frying pan, a toaster oven, extra underwear 4T boys and girls, 31 lanyards, and loose parts.
What are Loose parts? In early childhood education settings, loose parts mean alluring, beautiful found objects that children can move, manipulate, control, and change while they play. Children can carry, combine, redesign, line up, take apart, and put loose parts back together in almost endless ways. Children can turn them into whatever they desire. These objects invite conversations and interactions and encourage collaboration and cooperation.
Some examples of loose parts: rocks, corks, beads, clips, small boxes, jars and lids, feathers, buttons, nuts and bolts, paper towel tubes, wood, branches, pinecones, pvc pipe parts, ribbon, cloth, anything colorful from milk carton lids to scarves, shells, spools, If you are putting things in a recycling bin think about starting a bin for our classroom.
Marathon lunch on November 29th will include PreK, but I don’t have the details yet.
Thanks for your love and support.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear families,
I can’t believe how fast the weekend flew by. Here are a few items of information for you:
Winter gear: Label everything! Practice with your child so they have the chance to do for themselves. It is our expectation that they try to get their gear on independently. We, of course, will help with zippers and things, but they all are capable of doing most of it themselves. The children need hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, and jackets. We use the wooden cubbies in the front vestibule for keeping shoes in while wearing boots.
Donations: Our classroom is looking for some items that you may be able to provide: A electric frying pan, a toaster oven, extra underwear 4T boys and girls, 31 lanyards, and loose parts.
What are Loose parts? In early childhood education settings, loose parts mean alluring, beautiful found objects that children can move, manipulate, control, and change while they play. Children can carry, combine, redesign, line up, take apart, and put loose parts back together in almost endless ways. Children can turn them into whatever they desire. These objects invite conversations and interactions and encourage collaboration and cooperation.
Some examples of loose parts: rocks, corks, beads, clips, small boxes, jars and lids, feathers, buttons, nuts and bolts, paper towel tubes, wood, branches, pinecones, pvc pipe parts, ribbon, cloth, anything colorful from milk carton lids to scarves, shells, spools, If you are putting things in a recycling bin think about starting a bin for our classroom.
Marathon lunch on November 29th will include PreK, but I don’t have the details yet.
Thanks for your love and support.
Love, Mrs. Allen
November 7, 2018
Dear Families,
My heavens! Last week was a whirl wind of activity and now, suddenly, it is mid-week again. Time flies when you’re having fun, and it is always fun and games in preschool!
The kids are doing a great job and have really started to develop strong friendships and preferences in what, and who, they play with. They all know that if there is a conflict they will be required to talk it over. After that they apologize, explain, or forgive, shake hands or give a hug, and go off to play again. I have begun to see them do this without needing me to intercede. Baby steps.
All the events of last week seemed to be successful. All the kids enjoyed the parties, grandparents attention, and festivities. I hope the feedback you heard was positive.
We will celebrate Veteran’s Day on Friday. This is a chance for our little ones to become aware of how we honor those who have served our country. It is wonderful to be a part of this celebration as we sing, pray, and pay tribute to the servicemen and women who come to our school, representing all branches of the service.
This week we are learning the letter Hh. House is the theme in dramatic play with many babies being taken care of. The letter Hh is a great one to have the kids write because it is pretty easy to form. (straight line down, straight line down, easy across)
Those children who have a strong understanding of the alphabet have begun taking “homework” packets home. These are small books that the children should read with you. Keep the books home at least a few days and have the children read them many times. This repetition helps them build skills, confidence, and fluency. I will send “homework” packets home to those kids who have their ABCs down pat.
The kids REALLY want to have the packets, so they should be motivated to work on their ABCs. Take advantage of that. Review with them the letters we have studied so far this year. They should all know Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd Ee, Ff, Gg, and Hh. Have them practice just those letters at home with you. You can make flash cards, have them look in magazines for the letters, or on their breakfast cereal boxes, look at license plates of cars, on your junk mail, etc.
This was the first day for our Maker Center. The little swimming pool was filled with various found items. (boxes, jars, buttons, sticks, TP rolls, covers, etc.) We helped them glue with our hot glue gun and the kids created. It was very exciting to see their creations. I will post a few pictures.
A word about snack and juice. ( Just a few guidelines, because who can guess how much 20 preschoolers can eat and drink?)
96 oz of juice is the perfect amount.
2 boxes of cheezits, crackers, popcorn, etc. is plenty.
A note from Mrs. Humbert:
ALL District 200 students should be screened before Kindergarten.
Parents should call and schedule it. They happen most Fridays throughout the year. Currently they are scheduled into January.
The person to call is Linda Gunter 651-480-7318 - she does all EC Screening scheduling at the old Tilden building.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear Families,
My heavens! Last week was a whirl wind of activity and now, suddenly, it is mid-week again. Time flies when you’re having fun, and it is always fun and games in preschool!
The kids are doing a great job and have really started to develop strong friendships and preferences in what, and who, they play with. They all know that if there is a conflict they will be required to talk it over. After that they apologize, explain, or forgive, shake hands or give a hug, and go off to play again. I have begun to see them do this without needing me to intercede. Baby steps.
All the events of last week seemed to be successful. All the kids enjoyed the parties, grandparents attention, and festivities. I hope the feedback you heard was positive.
We will celebrate Veteran’s Day on Friday. This is a chance for our little ones to become aware of how we honor those who have served our country. It is wonderful to be a part of this celebration as we sing, pray, and pay tribute to the servicemen and women who come to our school, representing all branches of the service.
This week we are learning the letter Hh. House is the theme in dramatic play with many babies being taken care of. The letter Hh is a great one to have the kids write because it is pretty easy to form. (straight line down, straight line down, easy across)
Those children who have a strong understanding of the alphabet have begun taking “homework” packets home. These are small books that the children should read with you. Keep the books home at least a few days and have the children read them many times. This repetition helps them build skills, confidence, and fluency. I will send “homework” packets home to those kids who have their ABCs down pat.
The kids REALLY want to have the packets, so they should be motivated to work on their ABCs. Take advantage of that. Review with them the letters we have studied so far this year. They should all know Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd Ee, Ff, Gg, and Hh. Have them practice just those letters at home with you. You can make flash cards, have them look in magazines for the letters, or on their breakfast cereal boxes, look at license plates of cars, on your junk mail, etc.
This was the first day for our Maker Center. The little swimming pool was filled with various found items. (boxes, jars, buttons, sticks, TP rolls, covers, etc.) We helped them glue with our hot glue gun and the kids created. It was very exciting to see their creations. I will post a few pictures.
A word about snack and juice. ( Just a few guidelines, because who can guess how much 20 preschoolers can eat and drink?)
96 oz of juice is the perfect amount.
2 boxes of cheezits, crackers, popcorn, etc. is plenty.
A note from Mrs. Humbert:
ALL District 200 students should be screened before Kindergarten.
Parents should call and schedule it. They happen most Fridays throughout the year. Currently they are scheduled into January.
The person to call is Linda Gunter 651-480-7318 - she does all EC Screening scheduling at the old Tilden building.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Love, Mrs. Allen
October 13, 2018
Hello parents and friends,
We have been learning about the letter Ee and also reviewing of Aa, Bb, Cc, and Dd. It is fun to see the light bulbs going off over their heads as they remember the letters, numbers, and shapes they are learning.
It takes some time for the children to get comfortable with the routine we have at circle time. Once they have the order of events down, they concentrate on the material being taught. It is so interesting to see how their comfort level….knowing what to expect…..and feeling secure in that, makes such a big difference in what happens academically. (i.e. their attention span lengthens and they are not quite as distracted, they begin to see patterns in colors and pictures, putting the songs we sing about the days and months into context with the calendar, and generally showing more interest in the work we do at circle time.)
The kids did Egg Shell pictures of Fall trees and we did quite a few worksheets this week. The centers had Farm and Farm Market open as well as a new sensory table filled with rice. The kids do a wonderful job pouring and scooping the rice and cleaning up the mess afterwards, too.
We were able to sneak outside, for the last 30 minutes of the day on Monday, when the rain stopped. We took the bin of musical instruments outside and had a parade. We marched through the cemetery, then over to the convent, onto the front sidewalk, and back to the playground. Trying, all the while, to avoid the puddles! We stopped every 40 feet, or so, to pass our instruments to the person behind us, and get a new one from the person ahead of us. They were experts by the time we made the 20th switch….calling out: “Switcherooo!” when we came to a halt.
The rain prevented us from getting outdoors on Tuesday, but we had fun playing some new games. Hot Potato and Duck, Duck, Gray Duck are their favorites. Although Farmer in the Dell and London Bridges are also fun!
On Wednesday I attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the USBank Stadium with some of the other teachers. What a great experience that was. This was the first experience for the children to have a substitute teacher. Mrs. Z was my sub, and Mrs. Bauer was on hand to guide things along. In my absence the children worked on a Bus project and did some worksheets. Mrs. Z kept the kids on task! No monkey business with Mrs. Z. I know they did a great job!
Our new aide, Miss Kayla Stertz, began working in the classroom on Thursday and Friday of this week. Her warm, sweet disposition and helping hands are such a welcome addition to our school! We are blessed to have her and look forward to the days ahead when we will get to know her better. The children love her already and have shown their happiness by being especially squirrelly! (;
The upcoming week and the following week will feature the letters Ee and Ff. There is a Fire Station in the classroom now and we will learn about Fire Safety all month. The Farmer’s Market is gone, but the pumpkins and gourds will be used in our math area, where the children will be encouraged to measure, weigh, compare, count, and contrast all the different vegetables.
With conferences on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and MEA break, it will be a very different week! I am heading out to visit my grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law on Wednesday and will be back on Saturday. I just can’t wait to spend time with my grandkids!
Thanks for all the wonderful support you give to our school. Helping in the classroom, financially supporting the school, getting supplies, helping with projects, and keeping us in your prayers are all appreciated! You are such wonderful parents and Catholic school supporters! I am looking forward to seeing you at our conferences!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents and friends,
We have been learning about the letter Ee and also reviewing of Aa, Bb, Cc, and Dd. It is fun to see the light bulbs going off over their heads as they remember the letters, numbers, and shapes they are learning.
It takes some time for the children to get comfortable with the routine we have at circle time. Once they have the order of events down, they concentrate on the material being taught. It is so interesting to see how their comfort level….knowing what to expect…..and feeling secure in that, makes such a big difference in what happens academically. (i.e. their attention span lengthens and they are not quite as distracted, they begin to see patterns in colors and pictures, putting the songs we sing about the days and months into context with the calendar, and generally showing more interest in the work we do at circle time.)
The kids did Egg Shell pictures of Fall trees and we did quite a few worksheets this week. The centers had Farm and Farm Market open as well as a new sensory table filled with rice. The kids do a wonderful job pouring and scooping the rice and cleaning up the mess afterwards, too.
We were able to sneak outside, for the last 30 minutes of the day on Monday, when the rain stopped. We took the bin of musical instruments outside and had a parade. We marched through the cemetery, then over to the convent, onto the front sidewalk, and back to the playground. Trying, all the while, to avoid the puddles! We stopped every 40 feet, or so, to pass our instruments to the person behind us, and get a new one from the person ahead of us. They were experts by the time we made the 20th switch….calling out: “Switcherooo!” when we came to a halt.
The rain prevented us from getting outdoors on Tuesday, but we had fun playing some new games. Hot Potato and Duck, Duck, Gray Duck are their favorites. Although Farmer in the Dell and London Bridges are also fun!
On Wednesday I attended the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the USBank Stadium with some of the other teachers. What a great experience that was. This was the first experience for the children to have a substitute teacher. Mrs. Z was my sub, and Mrs. Bauer was on hand to guide things along. In my absence the children worked on a Bus project and did some worksheets. Mrs. Z kept the kids on task! No monkey business with Mrs. Z. I know they did a great job!
Our new aide, Miss Kayla Stertz, began working in the classroom on Thursday and Friday of this week. Her warm, sweet disposition and helping hands are such a welcome addition to our school! We are blessed to have her and look forward to the days ahead when we will get to know her better. The children love her already and have shown their happiness by being especially squirrelly! (;
The upcoming week and the following week will feature the letters Ee and Ff. There is a Fire Station in the classroom now and we will learn about Fire Safety all month. The Farmer’s Market is gone, but the pumpkins and gourds will be used in our math area, where the children will be encouraged to measure, weigh, compare, count, and contrast all the different vegetables.
With conferences on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and MEA break, it will be a very different week! I am heading out to visit my grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law on Wednesday and will be back on Saturday. I just can’t wait to spend time with my grandkids!
Thanks for all the wonderful support you give to our school. Helping in the classroom, financially supporting the school, getting supplies, helping with projects, and keeping us in your prayers are all appreciated! You are such wonderful parents and Catholic school supporters! I am looking forward to seeing you at our conferences!
Love, Mrs. Allen
October 7, 2018
Hello parents and preschool supporters,
We had another terrific week at St. John’s with the highlights being a Tractor Visit on Tuesday and the Marathon on Friday. We are so blessed to have your involvement in our school!
On Tuesday, Emmett’s dad drove a brand new John Deere tractor up from the dealership in Cannon Falls. Everyone enjoyed listening to a story about Johnny Tractor, (read by Mr. Johnson) before getting an up close and personal look at the giant tractor. The wheels made a BIG impression, but the smiles were the widest when the kids each got a turn to sit in the cab. This was a wonderful experience and surely will translate into hours of “farm” play as they continue to use the tractors, barns, and animals in the classroom.
We did some fun art projects using paint and shaving cream, (D shaped "doughnuts" that the kids "frosted") as well as trying some cutting projects. The children are getting better at sitting and attending to coloring, tracing, printing, etc. As we encourage and cheer their efforts on, with much exclamations about how hard they are working, and keeping the focus on their EFFORTS (rather than the finished product) we see them start to relax and enjoy the process. This is so essential for all the “seat work” ahead of them.
I have spent time with each child individually to get them assessed before conferences and I look forward to sharing the results with you during our conference.
Thank you for sending healthy and delicious snacks for our morning snack time. For the children’s afternoon snack they eat something left over from their lunch, so feel free to pack them a little something extra for that. Students who don’t have anything in their lunch box are given something from our back-up cupboard. (If you miss your snack-day responsibilities please send in a snack for the back-up cupboard.)
We look forward to learning the letter Ee, the number 6, and the Parallelogram shape. We will read Green Eggs and Ham and do a few activities with EGGS.
Thank you to your help getting supplies! You are wonderful and I really appreciate the support. I was blown away by the immediate response to my request! You really are the best! Thanks!
Have a great Sunday. Megan is home from college so we are going shopping for Rugby gear. She decided to give this sport a go. Never a dull moment!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents and preschool supporters,
We had another terrific week at St. John’s with the highlights being a Tractor Visit on Tuesday and the Marathon on Friday. We are so blessed to have your involvement in our school!
On Tuesday, Emmett’s dad drove a brand new John Deere tractor up from the dealership in Cannon Falls. Everyone enjoyed listening to a story about Johnny Tractor, (read by Mr. Johnson) before getting an up close and personal look at the giant tractor. The wheels made a BIG impression, but the smiles were the widest when the kids each got a turn to sit in the cab. This was a wonderful experience and surely will translate into hours of “farm” play as they continue to use the tractors, barns, and animals in the classroom.
We did some fun art projects using paint and shaving cream, (D shaped "doughnuts" that the kids "frosted") as well as trying some cutting projects. The children are getting better at sitting and attending to coloring, tracing, printing, etc. As we encourage and cheer their efforts on, with much exclamations about how hard they are working, and keeping the focus on their EFFORTS (rather than the finished product) we see them start to relax and enjoy the process. This is so essential for all the “seat work” ahead of them.
I have spent time with each child individually to get them assessed before conferences and I look forward to sharing the results with you during our conference.
Thank you for sending healthy and delicious snacks for our morning snack time. For the children’s afternoon snack they eat something left over from their lunch, so feel free to pack them a little something extra for that. Students who don’t have anything in their lunch box are given something from our back-up cupboard. (If you miss your snack-day responsibilities please send in a snack for the back-up cupboard.)
We look forward to learning the letter Ee, the number 6, and the Parallelogram shape. We will read Green Eggs and Ham and do a few activities with EGGS.
Thank you to your help getting supplies! You are wonderful and I really appreciate the support. I was blown away by the immediate response to my request! You really are the best! Thanks!
Have a great Sunday. Megan is home from college so we are going shopping for Rugby gear. She decided to give this sport a go. Never a dull moment!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello families, Sept. 30, 2018
This past week we had bus safety and the kids loved playing on our mini school bus.
The letter Cc, counting, recognizing names and learning to take turns were challenges that the kids faced. Everyone is getting better at helping at clean up time, and using the new electric broom is a sought after chore. The kids poured and sifted corn in the sensory table, easel painted with different colors, made cookies with cutters in playdough and did some Cc worksheets. We played “Who Stole the Cookie From the Cooke Jar?” which the kids loved.
We are talking about Farms and will continue that for a few weeks. So, there are lots of tractors in construction. The Farmer’s Market has been a hit and Mrs. Huneke has given us lots of gourds to “buy” and “sell”. The kids are pretty hard on the little grocery bags, so if you have any of the SMALL paper sacks with a cord handle, you can bring those in.
In math we are using little erasers to; pick up using a tweezers, count, and put into a muffin tin. Great for fine motor skills!
Thanks for making the silent auction basket a success! I bid on so many items in the tent I am a little afraid….Ha. Well, it is all for a good cause!
MARATHON ON OCTOBER 5, FRIDAY
Preschool does NOT participate in the All School Marathon at 1:15.
We will have a Mini-Marathon of our own during the last hour of school. The children will be napping at 1:15 and will then have afternoon snack. Once they have their backpacks packed up, we will go outside. We will run or walk around the perimeter of the cemetary in the inside of the fence. Parents, or other adults interested in joining us, can meet the class on the playground at 2:30-2:45. The children will get a treat after they complete the mini-marathon. Thanks to the sponsors for providing the treats.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask!
Mrs. Allen
This past week we had bus safety and the kids loved playing on our mini school bus.
The letter Cc, counting, recognizing names and learning to take turns were challenges that the kids faced. Everyone is getting better at helping at clean up time, and using the new electric broom is a sought after chore. The kids poured and sifted corn in the sensory table, easel painted with different colors, made cookies with cutters in playdough and did some Cc worksheets. We played “Who Stole the Cookie From the Cooke Jar?” which the kids loved.
We are talking about Farms and will continue that for a few weeks. So, there are lots of tractors in construction. The Farmer’s Market has been a hit and Mrs. Huneke has given us lots of gourds to “buy” and “sell”. The kids are pretty hard on the little grocery bags, so if you have any of the SMALL paper sacks with a cord handle, you can bring those in.
In math we are using little erasers to; pick up using a tweezers, count, and put into a muffin tin. Great for fine motor skills!
Thanks for making the silent auction basket a success! I bid on so many items in the tent I am a little afraid….Ha. Well, it is all for a good cause!
MARATHON ON OCTOBER 5, FRIDAY
Preschool does NOT participate in the All School Marathon at 1:15.
We will have a Mini-Marathon of our own during the last hour of school. The children will be napping at 1:15 and will then have afternoon snack. Once they have their backpacks packed up, we will go outside. We will run or walk around the perimeter of the cemetary in the inside of the fence. Parents, or other adults interested in joining us, can meet the class on the playground at 2:30-2:45. The children will get a treat after they complete the mini-marathon. Thanks to the sponsors for providing the treats.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask!
Mrs. Allen
September 23, 2018
Hello preschool families,
The weather is so fabulous! I hope everyone gets outside and enjoys it!
I was up at St. John’s University/ College of St. Benedict yesterday for their Homecoming/Family weekend. Being with all three of my grown children, plus one of my grandbabies, enjoying the beauty around me, well…..I was in heaven. It was hard to say good-bye to Patty and Sean, and little Grace, when they headed out this morning to go back to Philadelphia, but I will see them next month over MEA weekend when I go to visit. …..what? you want to hear about your preschooler?......it’s not all about ME?...sigh
Ok.. the preschoolers are wonderful. I am always so happy to see them start interacting and making new friends. We had some opportunities to talk about using our words, instead of crying when we need to communicate. Such a novel concept! We also are working on going to the BACK of the line when we line up. I know, crazy. I am planning on assigning a line leader for the day, hoping to eliminate the anxiety and arguments that we have whenever we line up….which is often.
Looking ahead: Please send:
At our rest time we lay down and rest our brains, bodies, and eyes. It is nice to have a soft blankey, pillow, and/or a stuffed animal. Please limit it to one blankey, one pillow, and/or one stuffed animal. (No one should have more than one of each item.) Space is limited. If you can keep the size of the items to cot size blankets, pillows, stuffed animals that would help tremendously. We are storing all of these items in canvas boxes (about 12” square) in the classroom. Keep that in mind when you are selecting items for rest time at school.
Any farmer who might want to bring a tractor and any farm stuff to our school parking lot and let the kids see it up close, well that would be so totally cool they’d probably wet their pants. Let me know if you’re willing to do this and we’ll set it up. The Farm theme will go on for the next 2-3 weeks.
I am looking for 31 rocks the size of a softball or so. I don’t need these until February or later, but I need them collected now (obviously before it snows.) I noticed a pile of good rocks by a cornfield, between here and Hwy 52, that looks promising or maybe you know where to find some. Later in the year the children will paint them (and they may or may not become a hand-made gift for you.) The smoother the rocks the better, but it is best if they don’t roll a lot.
Also, if you wanted to store them for me I would not be opposed to that. Ha.
We need to get our Fall Festival Basket completed. Please donate to this worthy effort.
We will be working on the letter Cc, the number 4, squares and will review (ABC, 123, circle, oval, triangle). Please help your child learn by working on these at home, too. Bath time is a perfect opportunity to talk about letters, numbers, etc.
Have a great week!
Love, Mrs. Alle
Hello preschool families,
The weather is so fabulous! I hope everyone gets outside and enjoys it!
I was up at St. John’s University/ College of St. Benedict yesterday for their Homecoming/Family weekend. Being with all three of my grown children, plus one of my grandbabies, enjoying the beauty around me, well…..I was in heaven. It was hard to say good-bye to Patty and Sean, and little Grace, when they headed out this morning to go back to Philadelphia, but I will see them next month over MEA weekend when I go to visit. …..what? you want to hear about your preschooler?......it’s not all about ME?...sigh
Ok.. the preschoolers are wonderful. I am always so happy to see them start interacting and making new friends. We had some opportunities to talk about using our words, instead of crying when we need to communicate. Such a novel concept! We also are working on going to the BACK of the line when we line up. I know, crazy. I am planning on assigning a line leader for the day, hoping to eliminate the anxiety and arguments that we have whenever we line up….which is often.
Looking ahead: Please send:
- warm jackets
- mittens
- hats
At our rest time we lay down and rest our brains, bodies, and eyes. It is nice to have a soft blankey, pillow, and/or a stuffed animal. Please limit it to one blankey, one pillow, and/or one stuffed animal. (No one should have more than one of each item.) Space is limited. If you can keep the size of the items to cot size blankets, pillows, stuffed animals that would help tremendously. We are storing all of these items in canvas boxes (about 12” square) in the classroom. Keep that in mind when you are selecting items for rest time at school.
Any farmer who might want to bring a tractor and any farm stuff to our school parking lot and let the kids see it up close, well that would be so totally cool they’d probably wet their pants. Let me know if you’re willing to do this and we’ll set it up. The Farm theme will go on for the next 2-3 weeks.
I am looking for 31 rocks the size of a softball or so. I don’t need these until February or later, but I need them collected now (obviously before it snows.) I noticed a pile of good rocks by a cornfield, between here and Hwy 52, that looks promising or maybe you know where to find some. Later in the year the children will paint them (and they may or may not become a hand-made gift for you.) The smoother the rocks the better, but it is best if they don’t roll a lot.
Also, if you wanted to store them for me I would not be opposed to that. Ha.
We need to get our Fall Festival Basket completed. Please donate to this worthy effort.
We will be working on the letter Cc, the number 4, squares and will review (ABC, 123, circle, oval, triangle). Please help your child learn by working on these at home, too. Bath time is a perfect opportunity to talk about letters, numbers, etc.
Have a great week!
Love, Mrs. Alle
Sept. 19, 2018
hi preschool families,
We are still working out the kinks on pick up and drop off procedures and this is where things stand:
When you pick up your preschooler please come to the preschool door. I will keep the kids in the classroom until you arrive. Please line up in front of the library windows. This way the kids won't be tempted to go out in the hallway to peer around the door to see if you have arrived.
Drop off has been going fine. The kids know their responsibilities and are doing an excellent job!
ie. lunchboxes, water bottles, check in, sleeping stuff, backpacks. It is a lot for them, but they all do a wonderful job at getting it all put into their proper places.
Marathon information:
On the day of the marathon we will have a mini-marathon. The children and any adults who want to participate will walk or run around the perimeter of the cemetery grounds. We will walk/run for a certain amount of time, so that even the slowest child will be able to do a great job. If my slowest child takes 15 minutes to walk the perimeter, then my fastest child might make it 5 times around in that same 15 minutes. We will praise their efforts and resilience.
hi preschool families,
We are still working out the kinks on pick up and drop off procedures and this is where things stand:
When you pick up your preschooler please come to the preschool door. I will keep the kids in the classroom until you arrive. Please line up in front of the library windows. This way the kids won't be tempted to go out in the hallway to peer around the door to see if you have arrived.
Drop off has been going fine. The kids know their responsibilities and are doing an excellent job!
ie. lunchboxes, water bottles, check in, sleeping stuff, backpacks. It is a lot for them, but they all do a wonderful job at getting it all put into their proper places.
Marathon information:
On the day of the marathon we will have a mini-marathon. The children and any adults who want to participate will walk or run around the perimeter of the cemetery grounds. We will walk/run for a certain amount of time, so that even the slowest child will be able to do a great job. If my slowest child takes 15 minutes to walk the perimeter, then my fastest child might make it 5 times around in that same 15 minutes. We will praise their efforts and resilience.
Hello Preschool families, September 10, 2018
And we’re off!
Quickly here are a few items for you to note:
We begin our ABCs this week, with the letter A. Art projects will center around apples, ants, etc. The children will “feed” an alligator using a pinching tong. There will be apple graphing, exploration, and tasting. We get a lot of mileage out of the Apple Theme.
Last week we learned the very, very basics. Making a circle for games like Ring a Round the Rosie, Duck, Duck, Gray Duck, and the Farmer in the Dell was a bigger challenge than you might guess. Line basics and walking in a line are also skills we worked on. For our older, more experienced students it is a time for them to shine and be great role models for the newbies.
The Fall Festival is just around the corner. Please contribute to our Mexican Fiesta themed basket.
One last note:
I know that your child may only come two or three days, and that not everything in my newsletters will apply to you. However, I will include everyone in all the information. Better to err on the side of getting more information than you need, rather than not getting enough. I apologize for the nuisance this may cause, but I don’t see an easy solution.
Please ask questions and give feedback. I appreciate hearing from you!
And we’re off!
Quickly here are a few items for you to note:
- Label things like lunch boxes, ice packs, and lunch containers. Also, clothing, especially sweatshirts and jackets. And water bottles, too. I will keep a basket by the classroom door with our lost and found. If you need a permanent marker there is one on top of the cubbies.
- Blankets, pillows, stuffys are now to be kept inside the classroom. This is to avoid extra trips to and from the lockers. There are small (10x10x10) bins for this. Please, please, please send items that will FIT into the bin. On Fridays take items home for laundering.
- Pick up and drop off. The parents of the K-4 kids are asked to remain in the lobby at these times. Preschoolers can be escorted to and from their lockers and to the classroom by parents or an older child.
- Is your child’s backpack big enough to hold a lunch box, folder, water bottle?
- Blue folders go out on Thursdays with information from the office. Always check backpacks for these and take out the information. Return the blue folder to school. They will go back to the office for the next week’s information. (Don’t put the folder into the cubbies, which are always “Out-Going Mail”.
- Kids in good fitting sneakers makes for happy play. Be sure your child isn’t running right out of their shoes or not fitting into them any longer.
We begin our ABCs this week, with the letter A. Art projects will center around apples, ants, etc. The children will “feed” an alligator using a pinching tong. There will be apple graphing, exploration, and tasting. We get a lot of mileage out of the Apple Theme.
Last week we learned the very, very basics. Making a circle for games like Ring a Round the Rosie, Duck, Duck, Gray Duck, and the Farmer in the Dell was a bigger challenge than you might guess. Line basics and walking in a line are also skills we worked on. For our older, more experienced students it is a time for them to shine and be great role models for the newbies.
The Fall Festival is just around the corner. Please contribute to our Mexican Fiesta themed basket.
One last note:
I know that your child may only come two or three days, and that not everything in my newsletters will apply to you. However, I will include everyone in all the information. Better to err on the side of getting more information than you need, rather than not getting enough. I apologize for the nuisance this may cause, but I don’t see an easy solution.
Please ask questions and give feedback. I appreciate hearing from you!
sHello and welcome to the new school year! It is going to a wonderful year. Pre-kindergarten at St. John the Baptist school is a very happy, postive place and there will be countless opportunities for your child to feel smart, confident, and successful. I encourage all parents to feel at home in the classroom, so do not hesitate to spend some time in the room with your child at pick up or drop off. You are always welcome!
Open house is next week and there will be a lot of information thrown at you. The good thing is you can always come here, to the website, and get the information. If you don't find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. I appreciate the feedback! It helps me understand where I need to explain things better. I can not stress to you enough how glad I am to have good communication with you. Please add me to your phone contacts at 651-253-3545. Send a text with your name and child's name so I can add you to mine, too. I love to send photos during the school day if I get a chance.
September Snack Duty:
Please send a healthy snack and beverage for 20 children. If we are celebrating a birthday you may choose a special sweet treat, but typically we like to keep the snack healthy!
10th Lily
11th Madison
12th Jack Juenke
13th Maxwell
14th Caleb
17th BrennanSnac
18th Alexis
19 Henry
20th April
21st Rowan
24th Joshua
25th Alli
26th Roni
27th Willa
28th Jace
Snack favorites:Fruit, meat and cheese, yogurt, applesauce, popcorn, pretzels, crackers, gold fish, and
Open house is next week and there will be a lot of information thrown at you. The good thing is you can always come here, to the website, and get the information. If you don't find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask for clarification. I appreciate the feedback! It helps me understand where I need to explain things better. I can not stress to you enough how glad I am to have good communication with you. Please add me to your phone contacts at 651-253-3545. Send a text with your name and child's name so I can add you to mine, too. I love to send photos during the school day if I get a chance.
September Snack Duty:
Please send a healthy snack and beverage for 20 children. If we are celebrating a birthday you may choose a special sweet treat, but typically we like to keep the snack healthy!
10th Lily
11th Madison
12th Jack Juenke
13th Maxwell
14th Caleb
17th BrennanSnac
18th Alexis
19 Henry
20th April
21st Rowan
24th Joshua
25th Alli
26th Roni
27th Willa
28th Jace
Snack favorites:Fruit, meat and cheese, yogurt, applesauce, popcorn, pretzels, crackers, gold fish, and
Preschool 2017-18
Hello Parents, June 2, 2018
We are coming to the year’s end. Oh my gosh, how mixed are my feelings? I am certainly looking forward to getting some rest and relaxation this summer, but I am truly going to miss my little preschool troop. They are all so dear to me. Please keep me in the loop. I just love to get pictures and text messages and will be thrilled to hear from you and the kids so don’t be shy.
Tuesday is the last day for Tues/Thurs 3 and 4 year olds. It is also Field Day. Dress for the weather. Put sunscreen on the kids before school.
Wednesday is our graduation program. (10:00 – 10:30) I hope that ALL the kids who will be going on to kindergarten next year will be in attendance for the program. (including Colin, Hazel, Tom, and Claire)
After the program is over you are welcome to take the kids with you if you like. If not, we will have school as usual until 3:30. It is entirely your call. (Most kids leave after graduation, but not all.)
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thanks for being the fantastic parents that you are and for all your support throughout the school year. I appreciate all the help and understanding! You each helped make it a very special year for me and the kids.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Mini-Courses are held for grades K-6 on Friday June 1st from 12:30 - 3:30. Preschool doesn’t participate in those mini courses, but we could possibly do our own Mini-Mini- Courses if parents volunteer. Preschool Mini-Courses would be offered from 12:30 -1:30 on June 1st. A course could be 30 minutes - 1 hour in length. Depending on the response we get, we would divide the children into small groups for the course time.
What are mini courses? Parents or community members volunteer to teach or demonstrate something to the students. The courses can take place in school, on the playground, or in the church for Preschool. (K-6 mini courses can be off campus) Instructors can charge fees for supplies for the course and is in charge of getting all supplies, equipment, etc. Courses can be created around many different topics.
Ideas:
Teach about your job or a skill.
Do a craft or project. Make something.
Teach a yard game or how to play marbles or any playground game..
Teach a sport skill.
Teach cooking or cake decorating.
Teach a card game or a board game.
Teach about the outdoors
What are mini courses? Parents or community members volunteer to teach or demonstrate something to the students. The courses can take place in school, on the playground, or in the church for Preschool. (K-6 mini courses can be off campus) Instructors can charge fees for supplies for the course and is in charge of getting all supplies, equipment, etc. Courses can be created around many different topics.
Ideas:
Teach about your job or a skill.
Do a craft or project. Make something.
Teach a yard game or how to play marbles or any playground game..
Teach a sport skill.
Teach cooking or cake decorating.
Teach a card game or a board game.
Teach about the outdoors
Dear Parents, May 4, 2018
We wrapped up the Auto mechanic-Fix it Unit and I think it was a success. I hope the kids enjoyed using the tools and pretending in the dramatic play area. It seemed that there was always a lot of activity so I am sure our vehicles must be all tuned up.
Having the chance to ride bikes and scooters at school seemed to make many children extra happy! I am glad they had a chance to practice their riding skills in the safe environment of the playground. Although there were a few spills everyone did very well! Thanks for your efforts in making this a success.
The next few weeks will be all about Nature. We have a Campsite in the classroom. The kids can pack up flashlights, lanterns, compass and head for the forest, where they can make a campfire, grill hotdogs, and enjoy the great outdoors.
We will look at bugs and worms and other creepy crawly things and pretend to go fishing (using the blue rug for our lake). There will be books and art projects having to do with Bugs, butterflies, ants, lady bugs, and all things Spring!
I am looking for items for the science table. Pinecones, dead bugs, feathers, leaves or anything from nature that the kids can look at under a magnifying glass would be perfect. Please provide these types of items if you are able! Also, thanks for the many contributions to our supplies of cups, etc. You are wonderful!
Events on Friday, May 11:
All school Easter party: 2:30 Easter story, egg hunt and activity, treats, songs. All are welcome to attend.
Family Maker night: 6:00pm This event is probably more suited to 5 year olds and up, but all are welcome. There will be materials available for families to create with. The older kids went on a field trip to Leonardo’s Basement and now they are coming here with Maker materials. We have never had this event before, so we will see how it goes.
Upcoming events:
Spring Musical on May 14. 2:30 and 7:00 This is a Music production put on by the music teacher. If your student attends school on Monday and Wednesday they will be part of the show. If your student attends on Tuesday, Thursday they can attend the show and sit with the class in the front. The songs will be Twinkle Twinkle, Baa Baa Black Sheep and another one that they all know. If the Tues/Thur kids are comfortable joining in, they will be welcome, but not pressured AT ALL, since they haven’t had the benefit of practices. Kids dress in their Sunday best for the musical. The early show is much less crowded.
Let me know if you have questions. I try to think of everything, but rarely cover things 100%, so let me know what I missed!
Love, Mrs. Allen
We wrapped up the Auto mechanic-Fix it Unit and I think it was a success. I hope the kids enjoyed using the tools and pretending in the dramatic play area. It seemed that there was always a lot of activity so I am sure our vehicles must be all tuned up.
Having the chance to ride bikes and scooters at school seemed to make many children extra happy! I am glad they had a chance to practice their riding skills in the safe environment of the playground. Although there were a few spills everyone did very well! Thanks for your efforts in making this a success.
The next few weeks will be all about Nature. We have a Campsite in the classroom. The kids can pack up flashlights, lanterns, compass and head for the forest, where they can make a campfire, grill hotdogs, and enjoy the great outdoors.
We will look at bugs and worms and other creepy crawly things and pretend to go fishing (using the blue rug for our lake). There will be books and art projects having to do with Bugs, butterflies, ants, lady bugs, and all things Spring!
I am looking for items for the science table. Pinecones, dead bugs, feathers, leaves or anything from nature that the kids can look at under a magnifying glass would be perfect. Please provide these types of items if you are able! Also, thanks for the many contributions to our supplies of cups, etc. You are wonderful!
Events on Friday, May 11:
All school Easter party: 2:30 Easter story, egg hunt and activity, treats, songs. All are welcome to attend.
Family Maker night: 6:00pm This event is probably more suited to 5 year olds and up, but all are welcome. There will be materials available for families to create with. The older kids went on a field trip to Leonardo’s Basement and now they are coming here with Maker materials. We have never had this event before, so we will see how it goes.
Upcoming events:
Spring Musical on May 14. 2:30 and 7:00 This is a Music production put on by the music teacher. If your student attends school on Monday and Wednesday they will be part of the show. If your student attends on Tuesday, Thursday they can attend the show and sit with the class in the front. The songs will be Twinkle Twinkle, Baa Baa Black Sheep and another one that they all know. If the Tues/Thur kids are comfortable joining in, they will be welcome, but not pressured AT ALL, since they haven’t had the benefit of practices. Kids dress in their Sunday best for the musical. The early show is much less crowded.
Let me know if you have questions. I try to think of everything, but rarely cover things 100%, so let me know what I missed!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents, April 29, 2018
Another weekend has zipped past us. What a lovely day today was and it looks like this coming week will be warm and dry. You are again invited to bring bikes, scooters, trikes and BIKE HELMETS for the coming week. After Friday our bike unit will end and you won’t have to keep hauling bikes to school and back.
I hope this has been an opportunity for the children to get some practice and gain confidence in biking. I welcome your feedback and opinions on this. Should we do this again in the coming years?
We will continue to have our Fix-It Shop open for another week. Thank you to the Rothstien family for making the Gas Pump. It is fun to see the kids get busy with the tools, too. The kids have built ramps, roads, and bridges for all the little cars. Mrs. Wentzler spent some time teaching sorting and counting cars with the kids. We have about 100 little cars which makes for some fun sorting games.
The worksheets that go home with the kids who will be attending kindergarten next year are for you to use! MOST of the children can not finish these at school. (simply because not everyone is here 5 days /week.) PLEASE use these worksheets to help get your child ready for school in the fall. The worksheets are not difficult, yet will be so beneficial for them to do. I welcome your feedback. Is it too much, or too confusing? Are you finding time to do “homework” with your little ones? Should I send home LESS? How is this going?
Thanks for all the birthday wishes. We have the best families at St. John the Baptist school. I feel blessed to be part of your lives.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Another weekend has zipped past us. What a lovely day today was and it looks like this coming week will be warm and dry. You are again invited to bring bikes, scooters, trikes and BIKE HELMETS for the coming week. After Friday our bike unit will end and you won’t have to keep hauling bikes to school and back.
I hope this has been an opportunity for the children to get some practice and gain confidence in biking. I welcome your feedback and opinions on this. Should we do this again in the coming years?
We will continue to have our Fix-It Shop open for another week. Thank you to the Rothstien family for making the Gas Pump. It is fun to see the kids get busy with the tools, too. The kids have built ramps, roads, and bridges for all the little cars. Mrs. Wentzler spent some time teaching sorting and counting cars with the kids. We have about 100 little cars which makes for some fun sorting games.
The worksheets that go home with the kids who will be attending kindergarten next year are for you to use! MOST of the children can not finish these at school. (simply because not everyone is here 5 days /week.) PLEASE use these worksheets to help get your child ready for school in the fall. The worksheets are not difficult, yet will be so beneficial for them to do. I welcome your feedback. Is it too much, or too confusing? Are you finding time to do “homework” with your little ones? Should I send home LESS? How is this going?
Thanks for all the birthday wishes. We have the best families at St. John the Baptist school. I feel blessed to be part of your lives.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Mrs. Huneke and Mrs. Wentzler are maple syrup makers and they showed our students how it is done. Mrs. Huneke explained the three parts of the tree and had the children be parts of the tree in groups of three. It was pretty cute since each part wraps itself around the other part, layering. You will see what a great job the kids did with this! It helped that it was chilly. see photos below:
Hello parents, April 6, 2018
The most exciting things that happened this week were the newborn lamb that visited us on Thursday and the special lunch on Friday. Both events put smiles on the kids’ faces.
Thanks to Stella Otto’s family for bringing in the lamb. She was as sweet and gentle as could be and every child got to pet her. We even watched while Stella fed the lamb a bottle of milk.
Mr. Strommen grilled up hot dogs today and we were able to eat in the big lunchroom. Some of the children had parents and grandparents or older siblings to sit by.
We have been learning about the letter Zz this week and have talked a lot about zoos. We even watched a fun video about a zookeeper. We learned about different animals and the differences between birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. There are some zoo pictures in the hallway that are worth a look.
Of course we have had a lot of fun in the classroom including art projects and so forth. The kids are tickled pink that we have completed the entire alphabet! We will review the letters, work on number recognition and printing, and introduce some sight words. (One of the kids asked me what the last number is? She was sort of perplexed when I said there isn’t a last number, and that they go on forever, to infinity. Tough concept for a little kid.)
I didn’t finish this letter and now it is Sunday already. How do the weekends go so quickly?
This week the flower shop will take over the dramatic play area and the school bus will be converted to a flower delivery truck. FTD at St. John’s school!
If anyone has plastic vases we could use more for the flower shop. I am also thinking ahead to our Mechanic shop. We could use anything to enrich that area. The theme will include mechanic, construction, and fix-it shop. (Tools and stuff.) This will go up April 23rd.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. With my brother visiting from Arkansas it was a whirlwind. On Saturday we toured Paisley Park and then had dinner at Brit’s Pub with my sisters. It was fun for all of us to be together. Doesn’t happen too often.
I will post pictures soon.
Love, Mrs. Allen
The most exciting things that happened this week were the newborn lamb that visited us on Thursday and the special lunch on Friday. Both events put smiles on the kids’ faces.
Thanks to Stella Otto’s family for bringing in the lamb. She was as sweet and gentle as could be and every child got to pet her. We even watched while Stella fed the lamb a bottle of milk.
Mr. Strommen grilled up hot dogs today and we were able to eat in the big lunchroom. Some of the children had parents and grandparents or older siblings to sit by.
We have been learning about the letter Zz this week and have talked a lot about zoos. We even watched a fun video about a zookeeper. We learned about different animals and the differences between birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. There are some zoo pictures in the hallway that are worth a look.
Of course we have had a lot of fun in the classroom including art projects and so forth. The kids are tickled pink that we have completed the entire alphabet! We will review the letters, work on number recognition and printing, and introduce some sight words. (One of the kids asked me what the last number is? She was sort of perplexed when I said there isn’t a last number, and that they go on forever, to infinity. Tough concept for a little kid.)
I didn’t finish this letter and now it is Sunday already. How do the weekends go so quickly?
This week the flower shop will take over the dramatic play area and the school bus will be converted to a flower delivery truck. FTD at St. John’s school!
If anyone has plastic vases we could use more for the flower shop. I am also thinking ahead to our Mechanic shop. We could use anything to enrich that area. The theme will include mechanic, construction, and fix-it shop. (Tools and stuff.) This will go up April 23rd.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. With my brother visiting from Arkansas it was a whirlwind. On Saturday we toured Paisley Park and then had dinner at Brit’s Pub with my sisters. It was fun for all of us to be together. Doesn’t happen too often.
I will post pictures soon.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear parents, March 23, 2018
We have had a busy week in preschool.
We have been learning about Lent, the Stations of the Cross, and Easter. We have read lots of books, been to the church to see the stations, heard the prayers, worked on a Stations of the Cross Book that each child will complete, and acted out the Stations. Mrs. Wentzler’s dad built us a beautiful cross and a stand. The cross is child-size and can be used to dramatically play out the scenes depicted in the Stations. It is incredible how meaningful it has been for the children to have this prop. They are treating it with the respect and reverence appropriate for Jesus’ cross and it is clear that the students feel empathy for how Jesus suffered. Clearly the Holy Spirit is at work in the classroom.
The letter Xx was featured this week with x-ray and xylophone projects going home. The 4 year olds have worksheet packets that went home. Any pages that are incomplete can be done at home as “homework”. I encourage you to use these worksheets and complete the packets. They are just perfect for getting the kids ready for kindergarten and they know I am expecting them to complete these at home. If your student balks at the thought of doing their homework, let me know and we can have a chat.
Outdoor fun has been a little crazy with the huge puddles on the playground. I appreciate your understanding when we had to send home wet gear. What a pain for you to deal with, but I DO believe some lessons were learned.
Mrs. Huneke included us in her lesson on Maple Tree Tapping. She talked about 3 parts of the tree and how the water gets pulled up from the ground, etc. This was on Tuesday. (I know that I talk about the class as if they were all here 5 days a week, but, frankly, it would make me crazy to have to keep adjusting my language to differentiate between all the students’ schedules.)
Grand-friends Game Day went well. The children seemed to have a great time and there was plenty of adults to help the students navigate the games.
Next week I will send home a cute coloring sheet that was provided to us by the organization having the coloring contest. You can find more information about it in the church bulletin and on the website. Drop them off at the Trophy House or Dan’s bar in New Trier to participate in the contest.
Have a great weekend!
Love, Mrs. Allen
We have had a busy week in preschool.
We have been learning about Lent, the Stations of the Cross, and Easter. We have read lots of books, been to the church to see the stations, heard the prayers, worked on a Stations of the Cross Book that each child will complete, and acted out the Stations. Mrs. Wentzler’s dad built us a beautiful cross and a stand. The cross is child-size and can be used to dramatically play out the scenes depicted in the Stations. It is incredible how meaningful it has been for the children to have this prop. They are treating it with the respect and reverence appropriate for Jesus’ cross and it is clear that the students feel empathy for how Jesus suffered. Clearly the Holy Spirit is at work in the classroom.
The letter Xx was featured this week with x-ray and xylophone projects going home. The 4 year olds have worksheet packets that went home. Any pages that are incomplete can be done at home as “homework”. I encourage you to use these worksheets and complete the packets. They are just perfect for getting the kids ready for kindergarten and they know I am expecting them to complete these at home. If your student balks at the thought of doing their homework, let me know and we can have a chat.
Outdoor fun has been a little crazy with the huge puddles on the playground. I appreciate your understanding when we had to send home wet gear. What a pain for you to deal with, but I DO believe some lessons were learned.
Mrs. Huneke included us in her lesson on Maple Tree Tapping. She talked about 3 parts of the tree and how the water gets pulled up from the ground, etc. This was on Tuesday. (I know that I talk about the class as if they were all here 5 days a week, but, frankly, it would make me crazy to have to keep adjusting my language to differentiate between all the students’ schedules.)
Grand-friends Game Day went well. The children seemed to have a great time and there was plenty of adults to help the students navigate the games.
Next week I will send home a cute coloring sheet that was provided to us by the organization having the coloring contest. You can find more information about it in the church bulletin and on the website. Drop them off at the Trophy House or Dan’s bar in New Trier to participate in the contest.
Have a great weekend!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents,
Change in plans for Grand-Friends Day:
All the students will be participating in this event. The children will play 20 minutes of Chutes and Ladders and 20 minutes of Candy Land. If there are grandparents around, they will be invited to sit with their grandchildren and help them play.
(This is a change from the information I sent out in the last newsletter.)
Any child who is not usually at school on Friday afternoons is welcome to come to the event and invite their grandparents. All are welcome!!
If the student is being sent home with the grandparent, please be sure to inform the office prior to dismissal.
Reminder:
Silent Auction Basket for Bingo Fun Day:
Please send in money ($5?) or Camping items before April 5th. The theme is CAMPING.
Change in plans for Grand-Friends Day:
All the students will be participating in this event. The children will play 20 minutes of Chutes and Ladders and 20 minutes of Candy Land. If there are grandparents around, they will be invited to sit with their grandchildren and help them play.
(This is a change from the information I sent out in the last newsletter.)
Any child who is not usually at school on Friday afternoons is welcome to come to the event and invite their grandparents. All are welcome!!
If the student is being sent home with the grandparent, please be sure to inform the office prior to dismissal.
Reminder:
Silent Auction Basket for Bingo Fun Day:
Please send in money ($5?) or Camping items before April 5th. The theme is CAMPING.
Before I realized there was a big ol' puddle on the playground, directly below the playground equipment, the children discovered it. Needless to say, they each took their turn wading thru this knee high swamp and soon discovered what happens when water goes up past the tops of their boots. Let's call it a science experiment, shall we?
Most of the kids have wet socks, mittens, etc. in a plastic bag in their backpacks. We will send the kids home in shoes. (no socks, but at least they will dry. Please attend to their feet immediately and make sure you get their boots and snow gear dried ASAP.
Sorry for the mess, but they really were cute and I believe they learned quite a bit today.
Most of the kids have wet socks, mittens, etc. in a plastic bag in their backpacks. We will send the kids home in shoes. (no socks, but at least they will dry. Please attend to their feet immediately and make sure you get their boots and snow gear dried ASAP.
Sorry for the mess, but they really were cute and I believe they learned quite a bit today.
Dear Parents, Friday March 9, 2018
Science Fair was the highlight of the week. We did an experiment mixing colors. Each child picked two primary colors, guessed what color it would make when mixed, then mixed the colors (paint squirted into a Ziploc bag) and recorded their results. Very scientific. (I pray that all the paint bags made it home without being opened.) The children will all get a participation ribbon for taking part in the science fair event.
We also had two children do experiments at home and they were judged along with the upper grades. The grades 3 and up are eligible to go on to the regional Science Fair in Mankato this April. Our students received blue ribbons for their efforts. Way to go Hannah and Jayden!
We also did a fun colored water experiment and I will post a picture of that. It is called a walking water project. (Pinterest)
Ww was the letter of the week and the kids made Ws on the lite brite toy. We had the Vet Clinic open and many pets were rescued in the Pet Rescue Mobile (aka school bus). There is a new tractor/combine machine in the construction area. Now I just need a grain bin and an auger. (according to my farm experts).
The snow hill is still great fun and the children entertain themselves wonderfully outdoors. Lots of animal sounds and chasing can be observed while they prance around out in the snow. Delightful!
We had a nice turn out at conferences. Thanks for coming in and if you didn’t get a chance to see me, I will be available the week after break if you want to meet or call for a chat.
Thanks for the response to my “wish list”. The Serres family provided us with copier paper, glue, and some farm equipment magazines. Also, the steering wheel on the bus was fixed by Ryan’s dad. Thank you Serres family! If you want to contribute any of these items we are happy to accept: spoons, a new broom, spray bottle.
Speaking of asking for help, we have a Bingo Fun day ahead of us and each class is asked to make a Silent Auction basket. Please send in money or items that can be used in making the basket. Our theme will be CAMPING. Depending on what we can collect will determine whether we make one or two baskets with the items. Both classes will work together on the same theme.
Grandfriends/Grandparents event coming up on March 23rd. There is information on the website and in the newsletter. All are welcome to participate, but definitely not required. Let me know if there is a special grandperson coming for your child, so I make sure they get included. (Grandparent will sign in and I will send the student to the community room for the event. Grandparent will supervise the student during the event and play board games with them. Student can be sent back to class after the event. Send a note if the grandparent is taking the student home.) Students without grandparents will be in the classroom playing.
I am heading to Arizona to visit my mom for the week. I hope everyone has a great spring break. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Science Fair was the highlight of the week. We did an experiment mixing colors. Each child picked two primary colors, guessed what color it would make when mixed, then mixed the colors (paint squirted into a Ziploc bag) and recorded their results. Very scientific. (I pray that all the paint bags made it home without being opened.) The children will all get a participation ribbon for taking part in the science fair event.
We also had two children do experiments at home and they were judged along with the upper grades. The grades 3 and up are eligible to go on to the regional Science Fair in Mankato this April. Our students received blue ribbons for their efforts. Way to go Hannah and Jayden!
We also did a fun colored water experiment and I will post a picture of that. It is called a walking water project. (Pinterest)
Ww was the letter of the week and the kids made Ws on the lite brite toy. We had the Vet Clinic open and many pets were rescued in the Pet Rescue Mobile (aka school bus). There is a new tractor/combine machine in the construction area. Now I just need a grain bin and an auger. (according to my farm experts).
The snow hill is still great fun and the children entertain themselves wonderfully outdoors. Lots of animal sounds and chasing can be observed while they prance around out in the snow. Delightful!
We had a nice turn out at conferences. Thanks for coming in and if you didn’t get a chance to see me, I will be available the week after break if you want to meet or call for a chat.
Thanks for the response to my “wish list”. The Serres family provided us with copier paper, glue, and some farm equipment magazines. Also, the steering wheel on the bus was fixed by Ryan’s dad. Thank you Serres family! If you want to contribute any of these items we are happy to accept: spoons, a new broom, spray bottle.
Speaking of asking for help, we have a Bingo Fun day ahead of us and each class is asked to make a Silent Auction basket. Please send in money or items that can be used in making the basket. Our theme will be CAMPING. Depending on what we can collect will determine whether we make one or two baskets with the items. Both classes will work together on the same theme.
Grandfriends/Grandparents event coming up on March 23rd. There is information on the website and in the newsletter. All are welcome to participate, but definitely not required. Let me know if there is a special grandperson coming for your child, so I make sure they get included. (Grandparent will sign in and I will send the student to the community room for the event. Grandparent will supervise the student during the event and play board games with them. Student can be sent back to class after the event. Send a note if the grandparent is taking the student home.) Students without grandparents will be in the classroom playing.
I am heading to Arizona to visit my mom for the week. I hope everyone has a great spring break. If you ever have questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello PK parents, February 25, 2018
It was a short, yet very exciting week! As I alluded to in my last letter, we made some changes in our daily schedule. So far it has worked out well and we are pleased.
After prayer, pledge, and attendance I take half the class to the conference room to have circle time there. We have moved our calendar, letter of the week, and 1-100 chart, etc. and have a very pleasant set up for 10 children. The tables in the conference room are useful as well. I was able to give each child a chair and held their attention at one end of the table using a white board.
We are able to do some seat work that would not be possible in the prekindergarten classroom. For example, I gave each child a whiteboard and marker and we practiced printing. It is possible for me to go around and check each child for understanding and success. In a small group of 10 I can adjust my teaching to fine tune it to the needs of the children with greater accuracy.
Meanwhile, in the classroom, the children are engaged in center time, doing art projects, and socializing with one another. With fewer children in the room there are less struggles and conflicts. The noise level is reduced dramatically as well.
After 40 minutes we switch groups. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the younger kids will have a circle time similar to before, but the older kids will have more challenging materials introduced. Keeping everyone engaged at the level they are at is important for maintaining a peaceful classroom.
Also, the snow hills were a lot of fun!
Love, Mrs. Allen
It was a short, yet very exciting week! As I alluded to in my last letter, we made some changes in our daily schedule. So far it has worked out well and we are pleased.
After prayer, pledge, and attendance I take half the class to the conference room to have circle time there. We have moved our calendar, letter of the week, and 1-100 chart, etc. and have a very pleasant set up for 10 children. The tables in the conference room are useful as well. I was able to give each child a chair and held their attention at one end of the table using a white board.
We are able to do some seat work that would not be possible in the prekindergarten classroom. For example, I gave each child a whiteboard and marker and we practiced printing. It is possible for me to go around and check each child for understanding and success. In a small group of 10 I can adjust my teaching to fine tune it to the needs of the children with greater accuracy.
Meanwhile, in the classroom, the children are engaged in center time, doing art projects, and socializing with one another. With fewer children in the room there are less struggles and conflicts. The noise level is reduced dramatically as well.
After 40 minutes we switch groups. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the younger kids will have a circle time similar to before, but the older kids will have more challenging materials introduced. Keeping everyone engaged at the level they are at is important for maintaining a peaceful classroom.
Also, the snow hills were a lot of fun!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear Parents, February 20. 2018
We had a super fun-packed week last week and then the long weekend. There were so many things going on.
Our Valentine parties were on Monday and Tuesday and were a lot of fun! The kids enjoyed the excitement as well as the sweet treats and exchange of valentines. There was a little mix up on who got what, but I know everyone went home happy enough with what they got.
On Tuesday the children watched and listened as Fr. Cole prayed over and burned the palms (which would become the ashes used on Ash Wednesday.) The mass on Wednesday was our first, and the children behaved very well. First pew. No pressure, right? Almost all of the children chose to receive the ashes on their foreheads.
We had a special guest come into school to teach the kids about dental hygiene. Miss Shelia had puppets and lots of interesting props. Ask the children about Zeda the alligator and how he got them a little bit wet. Some of the kids got to wear the white lab coat and pretend to be the dentist. The children were taught to brush twice everyday.
On Wednesday we also had an afternoon visitor. Kylie’s dag, Timber, came and stole the show. He stayed for about an hour and went outdoors too. All of the children got to throw his ball for him a few times. They even tried to coax Timber to the top of the snowhill. He was in heaven playing with all of them in the snow. It was such a glorious, sunshiny day, too. What a fun day!
On Thursday things got a little crazy with a lot of very active, rambunctious students. We had a meeting after school to discuss some new strategies to keep things from getting too out of hand. A lot of terrific input and feedback from all of the PreK team was shared and we did some productive brainstorming. One idea that we will be implementing immediately is to split into two groups, taking half the children to the music room for circle time, while the other half has center-time in the classroom. Then switching and coming together afterward for snack, stories, and outside fun. This will be repeated in the afternoon.
In this way we have less bodies in the classroom, less kids vying for the toys, and less voices raised in play and excitement. I think it will help keep the classroom calm and controlled and we should see fewer behaviors that run contrary to the rules.
Mrs. Wentzler redesigned our classroom over the weekend and created a space station. It is amazing and all the kids are excited. We will learn about the planets and the moon and stars There will be some fun art projects and worksheets that will center around this theme as well as the letter Uu.
If you have any questions or concerns please make sure you bring these up during conferences or give me a call anytime. 561-253-3545.
Love, Mrs. Allen
p.s.
I had a great weekend visiting my grandchildren in Philadelphia. They are ages 3, 2, and 6 months. So much fun!
We had a super fun-packed week last week and then the long weekend. There were so many things going on.
Our Valentine parties were on Monday and Tuesday and were a lot of fun! The kids enjoyed the excitement as well as the sweet treats and exchange of valentines. There was a little mix up on who got what, but I know everyone went home happy enough with what they got.
On Tuesday the children watched and listened as Fr. Cole prayed over and burned the palms (which would become the ashes used on Ash Wednesday.) The mass on Wednesday was our first, and the children behaved very well. First pew. No pressure, right? Almost all of the children chose to receive the ashes on their foreheads.
We had a special guest come into school to teach the kids about dental hygiene. Miss Shelia had puppets and lots of interesting props. Ask the children about Zeda the alligator and how he got them a little bit wet. Some of the kids got to wear the white lab coat and pretend to be the dentist. The children were taught to brush twice everyday.
On Wednesday we also had an afternoon visitor. Kylie’s dag, Timber, came and stole the show. He stayed for about an hour and went outdoors too. All of the children got to throw his ball for him a few times. They even tried to coax Timber to the top of the snowhill. He was in heaven playing with all of them in the snow. It was such a glorious, sunshiny day, too. What a fun day!
On Thursday things got a little crazy with a lot of very active, rambunctious students. We had a meeting after school to discuss some new strategies to keep things from getting too out of hand. A lot of terrific input and feedback from all of the PreK team was shared and we did some productive brainstorming. One idea that we will be implementing immediately is to split into two groups, taking half the children to the music room for circle time, while the other half has center-time in the classroom. Then switching and coming together afterward for snack, stories, and outside fun. This will be repeated in the afternoon.
In this way we have less bodies in the classroom, less kids vying for the toys, and less voices raised in play and excitement. I think it will help keep the classroom calm and controlled and we should see fewer behaviors that run contrary to the rules.
Mrs. Wentzler redesigned our classroom over the weekend and created a space station. It is amazing and all the kids are excited. We will learn about the planets and the moon and stars There will be some fun art projects and worksheets that will center around this theme as well as the letter Uu.
If you have any questions or concerns please make sure you bring these up during conferences or give me a call anytime. 561-253-3545.
Love, Mrs. Allen
p.s.
I had a great weekend visiting my grandchildren in Philadelphia. They are ages 3, 2, and 6 months. So much fun!
Hello families of preschoolers. February 9, 2018
We have had another fun week in school. The new snow hills are fantastic. We have Greg Reis to thank for keeping the kids climbing and sliding and enjoying the snow. So fabulous.
The Post Office has been a lot of fun. Mrs. Wentzler made some very fine mail bags and that makes delivering the mail even more real-life-like. The kids have made quite a few deliveries and even used the “mail truck” a time or two. (aka: school bus.)
Please talk with your child about being less destructive with our toys at school. We have had so many items break and get ruined. This week 3 statues on our prayer shelf got busted, the mail box stickers got pulled off, many of the little Ss items have gone missing, and other items have been destroyed. The class needs to take better care of the toys and materials. Seriously. Talk to them. Please.
We painted using red and pink. Most of the kids worked at filling every inch of their paper with paint. We did quite a few worksheets for the letter Ss, ABCs, Squares, etc. The kids really enjoy the challenges and it is good writing practice. Ask the children about the books we read: I Will Wait, Mr. Panda, and the Valentine books.
I was out on Thursday, attending the funeral of Father Eugene McGlothlin at St. John’s Abbey. Also got to see my daughter, Megan at St. Ben’s, and take her out for dinner. Bonus! Thanks to Mrs. Kniderkorn for filling my shoes. I know the kids enjoyed her.
The letter Tt will be featured this coming week and we will review triangles and learn the number 20.
Idea: Keep a few books in the car for your child to read while they ride, or practice counting barns or sing songs.
Hope you have a great weekend! Love, Mrs. Allen
We have had another fun week in school. The new snow hills are fantastic. We have Greg Reis to thank for keeping the kids climbing and sliding and enjoying the snow. So fabulous.
The Post Office has been a lot of fun. Mrs. Wentzler made some very fine mail bags and that makes delivering the mail even more real-life-like. The kids have made quite a few deliveries and even used the “mail truck” a time or two. (aka: school bus.)
Please talk with your child about being less destructive with our toys at school. We have had so many items break and get ruined. This week 3 statues on our prayer shelf got busted, the mail box stickers got pulled off, many of the little Ss items have gone missing, and other items have been destroyed. The class needs to take better care of the toys and materials. Seriously. Talk to them. Please.
We painted using red and pink. Most of the kids worked at filling every inch of their paper with paint. We did quite a few worksheets for the letter Ss, ABCs, Squares, etc. The kids really enjoy the challenges and it is good writing practice. Ask the children about the books we read: I Will Wait, Mr. Panda, and the Valentine books.
I was out on Thursday, attending the funeral of Father Eugene McGlothlin at St. John’s Abbey. Also got to see my daughter, Megan at St. Ben’s, and take her out for dinner. Bonus! Thanks to Mrs. Kniderkorn for filling my shoes. I know the kids enjoyed her.
The letter Tt will be featured this coming week and we will review triangles and learn the number 20.
Idea: Keep a few books in the car for your child to read while they ride, or practice counting barns or sing songs.
Hope you have a great weekend! Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello, February 1, 2018
Catholic Schools Week has been keeping us busy! Preschool has tried to keep up with all the activities and some of the kids are pretty worn out from all the excitement. At their age, changes in routine can be challenging. I think they handled it well.
Monday was the prayer service. I love these opportunities when the older kids are out in front and the younger kids see them in action, leading prayers and so forth. This is the type of role modeling that your child gets by being here at St. John’s school….and it has nothing to do with preschool curriculum. Just an added bonus! It means a lot to have such great kids surrounding us in our days. During one of these the kindergarteners sitting behind our class were making sure they preschoolers faced forward and didn’t talk. It was really sweet and certainly makes my job easier. Ha.
The “new” snow hill was fun to explore and play on. The kids got outside every chance we had, as we knew the cold was heading this way and by the end of the week we would be stuck indoors.
Monday afternoon found us at BINGO. We got into the community room last, since we had just gotten up from resting, and the room was chook full of people and many, many adults. The kids spread out and sat with grandparents, older siblings, teachers, and anyone who looked like they could use a young friend. You MUST look at the pictures to get a better idea of how BINGO went. I think they had fun, but it was a lot of stimulation coming from all directions.
We listened to the guest speaker on Tuesday and enjoyed her power point pictures. She was an excellent presenter and spoke very authentically about her life in a way that the children could appreciate and understand. The class sat for the entire 30 minutes without disruption. Great listeners!
Since the rest of the school was roller skating on Wednesday, we ate lunch in the community room instead of the classroom. What fun! Great adventures for PK! Many of the kids dressed in their red, white, and blue! Way to go! (some of us forgot).
A few families ventured out for Family Science Night and I think they enjoyed it. Activities in each of the classrooms and an event in the community room at the end of the evening. That was Thursday.
Today, we had a few visitors in and out of the classroom for open house and the family picnic. We are always happy to have people visit! We had lots of commotion for them to “enjoy”. Groundhog puppets, name rockets, worksheets, and the usual center time fun. The kids showed off at circle time, counting to 100, reciting the ABCs, months, days of the week, etc. They do love an audience.
Next Tuesday is the Prekindergarten Open House at 6:30 p.m. This is a chance for new families to come and see the classroom and find out more about our school. All are welcome. If you know any young families, please encourage them to check out St. John’s.
Thank you for those of you who have donated books from the book fair, cleaning supplies, and materials that enrich our classroom. (We used the valentine hearts and stickers (donated by the Wagner family) to create Get Well Cards for a woman who is in the hospital. The children were so sweet when I asked them what message I could write in their cards….”I love you”, “I miss you”, “God loves you” and “Feel Better” were my favorites. Then they drew pictures. I know these will be received with great appreciation and will be sure to make Susan smile. Thanks for your generosity and kindness!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Catholic Schools Week has been keeping us busy! Preschool has tried to keep up with all the activities and some of the kids are pretty worn out from all the excitement. At their age, changes in routine can be challenging. I think they handled it well.
Monday was the prayer service. I love these opportunities when the older kids are out in front and the younger kids see them in action, leading prayers and so forth. This is the type of role modeling that your child gets by being here at St. John’s school….and it has nothing to do with preschool curriculum. Just an added bonus! It means a lot to have such great kids surrounding us in our days. During one of these the kindergarteners sitting behind our class were making sure they preschoolers faced forward and didn’t talk. It was really sweet and certainly makes my job easier. Ha.
The “new” snow hill was fun to explore and play on. The kids got outside every chance we had, as we knew the cold was heading this way and by the end of the week we would be stuck indoors.
Monday afternoon found us at BINGO. We got into the community room last, since we had just gotten up from resting, and the room was chook full of people and many, many adults. The kids spread out and sat with grandparents, older siblings, teachers, and anyone who looked like they could use a young friend. You MUST look at the pictures to get a better idea of how BINGO went. I think they had fun, but it was a lot of stimulation coming from all directions.
We listened to the guest speaker on Tuesday and enjoyed her power point pictures. She was an excellent presenter and spoke very authentically about her life in a way that the children could appreciate and understand. The class sat for the entire 30 minutes without disruption. Great listeners!
Since the rest of the school was roller skating on Wednesday, we ate lunch in the community room instead of the classroom. What fun! Great adventures for PK! Many of the kids dressed in their red, white, and blue! Way to go! (some of us forgot).
A few families ventured out for Family Science Night and I think they enjoyed it. Activities in each of the classrooms and an event in the community room at the end of the evening. That was Thursday.
Today, we had a few visitors in and out of the classroom for open house and the family picnic. We are always happy to have people visit! We had lots of commotion for them to “enjoy”. Groundhog puppets, name rockets, worksheets, and the usual center time fun. The kids showed off at circle time, counting to 100, reciting the ABCs, months, days of the week, etc. They do love an audience.
Next Tuesday is the Prekindergarten Open House at 6:30 p.m. This is a chance for new families to come and see the classroom and find out more about our school. All are welcome. If you know any young families, please encourage them to check out St. John’s.
Thank you for those of you who have donated books from the book fair, cleaning supplies, and materials that enrich our classroom. (We used the valentine hearts and stickers (donated by the Wagner family) to create Get Well Cards for a woman who is in the hospital. The children were so sweet when I asked them what message I could write in their cards….”I love you”, “I miss you”, “God loves you” and “Feel Better” were my favorites. Then they drew pictures. I know these will be received with great appreciation and will be sure to make Susan smile. Thanks for your generosity and kindness!
Love, Mrs. Allen
that's my daughter Patty, and my little granddaughter, Grace. I know. How cute is she? just had to share.
Hello parents,
happy snow day!
To clarify some things:
Ice Skating: PK does NOT participate in the Phy Ed classes, including ice skating. You do not need to fill out permission slips that were sent home. They will be included in the ice skating classes as kindergarteners.
Raffle tickets: Sell, sell, sell. PK students are in the drawing for lunch with Mr. Strommen. We have already had one winner. Congratulations Thomas!
Catholic Schools Week: (details on the website)
- Book Fair: You can buy books and look in the teachers' wish boxes for books or items we'd like for the classroom.) open various times during the week. Set up in the music room this year.
- Mass on Sunday: I will be there and if any PK students want to join me they are very welcome. We will meet at school and walk over with the big kids and the students may sit with me. Wear School uniform shirts if you have them. After mass you can browse the book fair, visit the classrooms, and have pancakes in the community room. Fun!
- Monday is team day. Kids can wear jerseys or t shirts for their favorite teams. We will participate in the prayer service in the morning and in the Bingo at 2:30. Send grandparents and grand friends to play!!
- Tuesday is Vocations/Careers day. The kids can wear items that represents their career goals. PLEASE keep it simple. We do not need FULL OUT costumes. A hat or accessory will be perfect.
- Wednesday. We do NOT participate in the roller skating. You do not need to fill out the permission slips for that, either. Kids can wear red, white, and blue, (USA items) to celebrate our nation.
- Thursday is our day to wear colorful clothing. (like every day in PK!) Solid Rainbow colors preferred. Mr. Strommen will give the children the opportunity to taste some unusual and colorful foods. We participate in the Family Science Night. We will have a sink and float experiment for people to try.
- Friday: There is an OPEN HOUSE. You can attend or invite anyone you know who would like to learn more about the school. The PK kids who have someone attend the open house are welcome to go to the all school mass at 11:00. We will NOT be attending mass as a class. Only those students with an adult to take them may go to church.
- The FAMILY PICNIC: This is held in the church basement. All families are welcome to attend. The PK students who have family attending may eat with them in the church basement. (obviously) Those who do not have family here, will have lunch as usual, in the classroom. (frankly, I feel the Family Picnic is not an extremely meaningful experience for the PK . If your PK student is your only, you may want to wait until Kindergarten to participate in the Family Picnic. My personal opinion, and I support you whatever you decide to do.)
Regarding the PK and Kindergarten open house nights coming up in February:
If your child is attending kindergarten next year this is a great opportunity for you to see what St. John the Baptist offers and I urge you to attend the open house. Feb. 7 6:30pm.
The open house on Feb. 6 is for interested Preschool families. If your know of anyone looking for a great PK experience, send them our way. This will be an informational session about what we offer in PreKindergarten at St. John the Baptist. (if you are already enrolled, you do not need to attend.)
And Lastly, you are very, very welcome to complete a Science Fair project with your child. Typically it requires a lot of parent involvement. It is entirely up to you if you would enjoy making a project. If you do, please see me or Mr. Strommen for more information.
If you have questions about any of these events, please ASK! If you are confused, I guarantee someone else is, too.
Thanks for all you do to make my job so rewarding and fun. I love your kids and appreciate all the families and their support.
Mrs. Allen
Dear parents, January 19,2018
Your kids are terrific! We have been busy learning and playing. This week we studied the letter Pp and made peacocks, built a polar bear den, covered pigs with mud, and did some Pp worksheets.
The kids are still enjoying the Cocoa Shop and the new smoothie blender has been a nice addition. (We were blessed to get a generous donation from a good friend of mine and I used it to buy a Melissa and Doug blender and 2 floor puzzles.)
In construction the kids are still farming. There have been some great buildings and garages built with the blocks and the tractors traverse the room constantly.
We popped popcorn with Mrs. Wentzler’s air popper, which was beyond exciting for some of the kids. Mr. Strommen gave them a little science lesson on how this magical miracle happens. Of course, all the children had some popcorn to taste as well and we discussed the benefits of choosing healthy snacks like popcorn.
Thanks for sending all the winter gear so the kids can enjoy the snow and the snow hill. They were playing polar bears with much growling and sliding down the hill on their bellies. Encourage this kind of pretend play over the weekend and get them outdoors as the weather looks like it will be awesome.
Send in disinfectant wipes and/or paper towels if you can. We are doing a lot of cleaning to try and prevent the spread of germs.
Buses are arriving so that is all for now.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Your kids are terrific! We have been busy learning and playing. This week we studied the letter Pp and made peacocks, built a polar bear den, covered pigs with mud, and did some Pp worksheets.
The kids are still enjoying the Cocoa Shop and the new smoothie blender has been a nice addition. (We were blessed to get a generous donation from a good friend of mine and I used it to buy a Melissa and Doug blender and 2 floor puzzles.)
In construction the kids are still farming. There have been some great buildings and garages built with the blocks and the tractors traverse the room constantly.
We popped popcorn with Mrs. Wentzler’s air popper, which was beyond exciting for some of the kids. Mr. Strommen gave them a little science lesson on how this magical miracle happens. Of course, all the children had some popcorn to taste as well and we discussed the benefits of choosing healthy snacks like popcorn.
Thanks for sending all the winter gear so the kids can enjoy the snow and the snow hill. They were playing polar bears with much growling and sliding down the hill on their bellies. Encourage this kind of pretend play over the weekend and get them outdoors as the weather looks like it will be awesome.
Send in disinfectant wipes and/or paper towels if you can. We are doing a lot of cleaning to try and prevent the spread of germs.
Buses are arriving so that is all for now.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Dear Families, January 12, 2018
It is mid January and time to check in with you. We have been having fun in PK since returning from Christmas break. The children are busy, happy, confident, and LOUD. I think they are feeling comfortable and safe and it is coming out in their play. Also, since it has been so cold, there is a bit of cabin fever in all of us.
We were able to get outside on the warm days and that was a relief. They played in the snow and had a great time. Friendships are forming and solidifying among all the kids.
Raffle Ticket Fundraiser is in progress. This is one of the most important fundraisers for our school. It is sponsored by Catholic Financial and they give some great prizes. The ticket sale proceeds go back to our school 100%. Here is what you need to know:
In addition to selling to family and friends, we are asking families to sell raffle tickets at local churches and events. (the SignUpGenius link is http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4badae2ba1fc1-catholic ).
Also, back by popular demand is “Lunch with Mr. Strommen”. For every 10 raffle tickets a student sells, they will get an entry in a drawing for a weekly lunch with Mr. Strommen. Four students will be drawn each week, and they will be able to choose from the Stein Haus menu. All entries will stay in the drawing throughout the raffle period (January 12 - February 25), so sell early and sell often!
So, you got some tickets from Miss Deb in the office. If you sell them all, you can get more. If you do not sell them you will just send them back to school. It would be great if you could sell them.
The Christmas parties were a big hit. The children had fun. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the parties happen.
The Cocoa Shop is open and the big excitement is the new Smoothie blender we got as a donation from a friend of mine. He also donated 2 new floor puzzles. We are blessed to have the generosity of people like Joe Nytes, Werner Implement, Jace’s grandparents, and Madison’s grandparents, Owen’s family, Colin’s family, and others, all of whom have given us funds with which we can enrich the classroom.
The tractor and skid loader that Warner Implement donated has made farming an even more popular occupation in our classroom. I have rotated things like the doll house, some new car port-garage-roadways into the room, and rearranged things somewhat. It is amazing how a few changes like that can energize the kids.
Every day is an adventure and your children are too sweet for words. I have more pictures to download, which is time consuming, so I will wrap this up.
Thanks for all the support. Play dough makers, snack senders, project helpers, toy fixers, and for all of you that hold our class in your prayers, thank you!!!
Love,
Mrs. Allen
It is mid January and time to check in with you. We have been having fun in PK since returning from Christmas break. The children are busy, happy, confident, and LOUD. I think they are feeling comfortable and safe and it is coming out in their play. Also, since it has been so cold, there is a bit of cabin fever in all of us.
We were able to get outside on the warm days and that was a relief. They played in the snow and had a great time. Friendships are forming and solidifying among all the kids.
Raffle Ticket Fundraiser is in progress. This is one of the most important fundraisers for our school. It is sponsored by Catholic Financial and they give some great prizes. The ticket sale proceeds go back to our school 100%. Here is what you need to know:
In addition to selling to family and friends, we are asking families to sell raffle tickets at local churches and events. (the SignUpGenius link is http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e4badae2ba1fc1-catholic ).
Also, back by popular demand is “Lunch with Mr. Strommen”. For every 10 raffle tickets a student sells, they will get an entry in a drawing for a weekly lunch with Mr. Strommen. Four students will be drawn each week, and they will be able to choose from the Stein Haus menu. All entries will stay in the drawing throughout the raffle period (January 12 - February 25), so sell early and sell often!
So, you got some tickets from Miss Deb in the office. If you sell them all, you can get more. If you do not sell them you will just send them back to school. It would be great if you could sell them.
The Christmas parties were a big hit. The children had fun. Thanks to all the volunteers who made the parties happen.
The Cocoa Shop is open and the big excitement is the new Smoothie blender we got as a donation from a friend of mine. He also donated 2 new floor puzzles. We are blessed to have the generosity of people like Joe Nytes, Werner Implement, Jace’s grandparents, and Madison’s grandparents, Owen’s family, Colin’s family, and others, all of whom have given us funds with which we can enrich the classroom.
The tractor and skid loader that Warner Implement donated has made farming an even more popular occupation in our classroom. I have rotated things like the doll house, some new car port-garage-roadways into the room, and rearranged things somewhat. It is amazing how a few changes like that can energize the kids.
Every day is an adventure and your children are too sweet for words. I have more pictures to download, which is time consuming, so I will wrap this up.
Thanks for all the support. Play dough makers, snack senders, project helpers, toy fixers, and for all of you that hold our class in your prayers, thank you!!!
Love,
Mrs. Allen
Dear Parents, Dec. 19, 2017
Christmas program went well! Thanks for attending and being a great audience. (If you were unable to make it, do NOT worry. There will be many more Christmas programs in your future. Believe me!)
Christmas caroling is on Friday at 2:00. We will carol around town and end at the church for hot chocolate and cookies. Please try to attend this event, or send someone from your family (grandparent, neighbor, friend). I need an adult to take the hand of every preschooler. If no one from your family can attend, I will recruit other adults to watch over our little ones so that each child will be safe.
Any student who doesn’t have a parent attending will need a PERMISSION SLIP. These need to be handed in to the office prior to Friday. Get these in so that we can verify that all the kids can go.
If a child doesn’t have a PERMISSION SLIP they will be left behind and you will be in the doghouse, so PLEASE take care of this.
Reminder, over the holiday week please wash all bedding stuff and winter gear. Repack a change of clothes if needed. A ziploc bag works great. See photo on website.
I will have foot surgery on Dec. 26th to remove a cyst. I may be still recovering when we return from the holiday break and be limping around. Just want you and the kids to be aware of it, so they don’t get too worked up if I am in a boot or bandage.
This is a busy, busy, busy time of year. I hope you are able to spend time in peace with your family! Sometimes that is a very big order. Just do your best and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Thanks for being the wonderful people you are and for sharing your precious children with me by sending them to St. John the Baptist school.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Christmas program went well! Thanks for attending and being a great audience. (If you were unable to make it, do NOT worry. There will be many more Christmas programs in your future. Believe me!)
Christmas caroling is on Friday at 2:00. We will carol around town and end at the church for hot chocolate and cookies. Please try to attend this event, or send someone from your family (grandparent, neighbor, friend). I need an adult to take the hand of every preschooler. If no one from your family can attend, I will recruit other adults to watch over our little ones so that each child will be safe.
Any student who doesn’t have a parent attending will need a PERMISSION SLIP. These need to be handed in to the office prior to Friday. Get these in so that we can verify that all the kids can go.
If a child doesn’t have a PERMISSION SLIP they will be left behind and you will be in the doghouse, so PLEASE take care of this.
Reminder, over the holiday week please wash all bedding stuff and winter gear. Repack a change of clothes if needed. A ziploc bag works great. See photo on website.
I will have foot surgery on Dec. 26th to remove a cyst. I may be still recovering when we return from the holiday break and be limping around. Just want you and the kids to be aware of it, so they don’t get too worked up if I am in a boot or bandage.
This is a busy, busy, busy time of year. I hope you are able to spend time in peace with your family! Sometimes that is a very big order. Just do your best and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Thanks for being the wonderful people you are and for sharing your precious children with me by sending them to St. John the Baptist school.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Hello parents, December 8, 2017
We are busy as ever in Preschool. The bakery shop was a lot of fun and we did some great activities with this theme including, making gingerbread men, painting cookies, making some awesome cakes which we made (assembled), frosted (painted), and decorated. Super fun. All the kids enjoyed hearing the story of the Gingerbread Man and reciting the chorus, “Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me! I’m the gingerbread man!”
The combine tractor toy that I bought for the class (Highest bidder at the Knights of Columbus auction) has been a source of much imagination and the farmer in the kids is shining through. I wish I had more of this type of toy. I gift certificate to buy tractors and trucks from the Werner Implement would make a great Christmas gift! We could have a lot of fun with more authentic machines like the combine.
The Christmas program is on the event calendar and I will explain how it will work for PreK. The children are invited to participate, however, it is optional. No one should feel obligated or pressured to attend if it isn’t workable for your family.
PreK will assemble in the basement of the church and process in with the other school children. We will be included in the first few numbers. After they sing your child can either come and sit with you in your pew, or stay up front with me and the class. I strongly encourage the little ones to sit with you because it can be a long sit for them while the concert continues.
Once they have made that choice they need to stay put. I can’t have them going back and forth.
The preschoolers will be included in the last number of the program. You will need to get them up to the front of the church. ( Either send them or bring them to me.)
The children typically wear their Christmas outfits. I have not heard about any special costumes or anything like that, yet.
We are in need of more Lysol/Chlorax wipes for disinfecting the cots. Also, paper towels are going fast. If you feel so inclined, please help us out with a donation of these supplies. Much appreciated!
Teaching the story of the Nativity is an all time favorite for me. Please encourage the children to tell you their version of the story.
Ask the children what gifts they think would be good for family members. Their responses are usually pretty fun. My grandson of 2 years thinks MEATBALLS will make the perfect gift for everyone. Lily, who is 3, suggested doughnuts and songs for one uncle, a rosy bike for another, and for me, toys that she can play with at my house.
Enjoy the season from the wonder and perspective of these little kids. They are the best.
Love, Mrs. Allen
We are busy as ever in Preschool. The bakery shop was a lot of fun and we did some great activities with this theme including, making gingerbread men, painting cookies, making some awesome cakes which we made (assembled), frosted (painted), and decorated. Super fun. All the kids enjoyed hearing the story of the Gingerbread Man and reciting the chorus, “Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me! I’m the gingerbread man!”
The combine tractor toy that I bought for the class (Highest bidder at the Knights of Columbus auction) has been a source of much imagination and the farmer in the kids is shining through. I wish I had more of this type of toy. I gift certificate to buy tractors and trucks from the Werner Implement would make a great Christmas gift! We could have a lot of fun with more authentic machines like the combine.
The Christmas program is on the event calendar and I will explain how it will work for PreK. The children are invited to participate, however, it is optional. No one should feel obligated or pressured to attend if it isn’t workable for your family.
PreK will assemble in the basement of the church and process in with the other school children. We will be included in the first few numbers. After they sing your child can either come and sit with you in your pew, or stay up front with me and the class. I strongly encourage the little ones to sit with you because it can be a long sit for them while the concert continues.
Once they have made that choice they need to stay put. I can’t have them going back and forth.
The preschoolers will be included in the last number of the program. You will need to get them up to the front of the church. ( Either send them or bring them to me.)
The children typically wear their Christmas outfits. I have not heard about any special costumes or anything like that, yet.
We are in need of more Lysol/Chlorax wipes for disinfecting the cots. Also, paper towels are going fast. If you feel so inclined, please help us out with a donation of these supplies. Much appreciated!
Teaching the story of the Nativity is an all time favorite for me. Please encourage the children to tell you their version of the story.
Ask the children what gifts they think would be good for family members. Their responses are usually pretty fun. My grandson of 2 years thinks MEATBALLS will make the perfect gift for everyone. Lily, who is 3, suggested doughnuts and songs for one uncle, a rosy bike for another, and for me, toys that she can play with at my house.
Enjoy the season from the wonder and perspective of these little kids. They are the best.
Love, Mrs. Allen
pre-kindergarten 2017-18 November
Hello families! November 19
In regard to the photo below:
The crowns were made as we were studying about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The children learned that she came from a wealthy family and had jewels and fancy things, but she put her crown at the foot of Christ in her church and devoted her life to helping the poor. We made the crowns and then took them down the hall to the statue of Jesus and laid them at His feet. This was quite the sacrifice for many of the children. They really did NOT want to give up their crowns. But they did it. What good kids!
(and their crowns were returned to them after a few days)
We are collecting coins for the poor, as well. The kids can bring in a coin and put it in the vase on Mary’s table by the door of our classroom. At the end of the month we will give the collection to the local food shelves. Send in coins anytime, for the kids to participate in caring for the poor.
The pizza shop has been so much fun. I love the pictures of the kids fully engaged in running the restaurant.
Check out the turkeys we made this month, too. So cute. And Mrs. Bauer got all the kids handprints! Not an easy task. I hope you all enjoy these wonderful works of art.
I tried putting dried colored pasta into the sensory table. It was a good 10 minute run before I couldn’t deal with the volume of it and had to close the table. Dry pasta is crazy loud when its being stirred in that thing. So, instead, we took the table outside and enjoyed smashing the pasta. (it makes a satisfying crunch when you step on it.)
I can not express enough how hard your children work at school. Thank you for praising their accomplishments and efforts! You are doing a wonderful job. It is evident by their enthusiasm in coming to school and their eagerness to learn.
Many of the kids have mastered the ABCs and are starting some early reading homework. I would love all those who will be attending kindergarten next year to have a mastery of the alphabet before the beginning of their kindergarten year. We have lots of time, so enjoy the fun of teaching the ABCs to your kids.
Looking ahead:
We will learn the letter Jj next. This coming week and the following week.
We will learn Hexagon shapes and the number 10.
The kids love to count to 100. Practice it at home!
Celebrating my son’s 31st birthday today. He came into this world a tiny little premie. (only weighing 1lb 7oz) What a miracle! We are blessed!
Love, Mrs. Allen
In regard to the photo below:
The crowns were made as we were studying about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. The children learned that she came from a wealthy family and had jewels and fancy things, but she put her crown at the foot of Christ in her church and devoted her life to helping the poor. We made the crowns and then took them down the hall to the statue of Jesus and laid them at His feet. This was quite the sacrifice for many of the children. They really did NOT want to give up their crowns. But they did it. What good kids!
(and their crowns were returned to them after a few days)
We are collecting coins for the poor, as well. The kids can bring in a coin and put it in the vase on Mary’s table by the door of our classroom. At the end of the month we will give the collection to the local food shelves. Send in coins anytime, for the kids to participate in caring for the poor.
The pizza shop has been so much fun. I love the pictures of the kids fully engaged in running the restaurant.
Check out the turkeys we made this month, too. So cute. And Mrs. Bauer got all the kids handprints! Not an easy task. I hope you all enjoy these wonderful works of art.
I tried putting dried colored pasta into the sensory table. It was a good 10 minute run before I couldn’t deal with the volume of it and had to close the table. Dry pasta is crazy loud when its being stirred in that thing. So, instead, we took the table outside and enjoyed smashing the pasta. (it makes a satisfying crunch when you step on it.)
I can not express enough how hard your children work at school. Thank you for praising their accomplishments and efforts! You are doing a wonderful job. It is evident by their enthusiasm in coming to school and their eagerness to learn.
Many of the kids have mastered the ABCs and are starting some early reading homework. I would love all those who will be attending kindergarten next year to have a mastery of the alphabet before the beginning of their kindergarten year. We have lots of time, so enjoy the fun of teaching the ABCs to your kids.
Looking ahead:
We will learn the letter Jj next. This coming week and the following week.
We will learn Hexagon shapes and the number 10.
The kids love to count to 100. Practice it at home!
Celebrating my son’s 31st birthday today. He came into this world a tiny little premie. (only weighing 1lb 7oz) What a miracle! We are blessed!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Disclaimer:
Just so you know, I am not as bad a photographer as this website might suggest. Seriously, the cut off heads....I could do without. The pictures aren't headless on my phone. Since I am not a computer expert, this is what you get. UGH! Kinda makes me crazy. Your kids are too cute for them to get sliced off like this.
Just so you know, I am not as bad a photographer as this website might suggest. Seriously, the cut off heads....I could do without. The pictures aren't headless on my phone. Since I am not a computer expert, this is what you get. UGH! Kinda makes me crazy. Your kids are too cute for them to get sliced off like this.
Hi parents, November 10, 2017
Pre kindergarten is going strong! We have been so busy, using every available opportunity to learn and explore the world around us. This week saw us making turkeys, learning about the letter Hh, and working on the letters in our names. Mrs. Wentzler got the kids using their scissors in a few activities. The feathers on our turkey were created under her direction and it is about the cutest turkey ever. You can see it on the website photos.
We talked about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. We discussed how Elizabeth wanted to help the poor and that she gave up her jewels and beautiful crown, which was laid at the feet of Jesus at her church. Elizabeth showed her love for Jesus by giving her money to the poor.
We made crowns and had a very, very meaningful experience of giving the crowns up for Jesus. We laid these at the feet of Jesus (the statue outside the third grade room). This was a true sacrifice for many of the kids. They were not too keen on giving up their beautiful crowns, but they all did it. (They get their crown back in the end. Another teacher may have kept them to drive home the point, but I am too much of a softie.)
This is part of the Virtues curriculum about which Mr. Strommen has mentioned in his letters. You got a sheet of information on it from me as well. This was provided to help you have conversations about these topics, if you desire, and to let you know what we discussed at school.
We will collect one coin from each child during the month of November. (I suggest one quarter). We will collect from all the children and then give the money to our local food shelf. The point being that they can help the poor people just as St. Elizabeth of Hungary did.
The children work so hard in school and I know the week gets long for many of them. I really encourage them to rest their brains and bodies during nap/rest. It is so good for them to have that down time and they work so hard during the hours they are up. Encourage them to rest their eyes, minds, and muscles when it is rest time. I am so proud of them when they at least try.
The Preschool Pizza Shop is open for business and the children are ready to take your orders. We have a phone and a map on the wall and offer delivery across the twin cities and the entire state of Minnesota. (The magic of childhood!) We will be learning more about pizza making and all the details of running a restaurant. (Especially how the state health department will come and shut you down if there are pieces of pizza all over the floor.)
This month we are welcoming students who have extended their days at school. We love having them stay longer and, in so doing, benefit even more from all the things prekindergarten class offers.
Thanks for sending the nice warm jackets, hats and mittens for the children. With the cold wind they were put to good use!
The next month will probably fly by. Please DO NOT ever hesitate to call, text, email or stop in with questions, comments, concerns. I love to hear your feedback and, more than anything, I want your child to have a positive experience at school.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Pre kindergarten is going strong! We have been so busy, using every available opportunity to learn and explore the world around us. This week saw us making turkeys, learning about the letter Hh, and working on the letters in our names. Mrs. Wentzler got the kids using their scissors in a few activities. The feathers on our turkey were created under her direction and it is about the cutest turkey ever. You can see it on the website photos.
We talked about Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. We discussed how Elizabeth wanted to help the poor and that she gave up her jewels and beautiful crown, which was laid at the feet of Jesus at her church. Elizabeth showed her love for Jesus by giving her money to the poor.
We made crowns and had a very, very meaningful experience of giving the crowns up for Jesus. We laid these at the feet of Jesus (the statue outside the third grade room). This was a true sacrifice for many of the kids. They were not too keen on giving up their beautiful crowns, but they all did it. (They get their crown back in the end. Another teacher may have kept them to drive home the point, but I am too much of a softie.)
This is part of the Virtues curriculum about which Mr. Strommen has mentioned in his letters. You got a sheet of information on it from me as well. This was provided to help you have conversations about these topics, if you desire, and to let you know what we discussed at school.
We will collect one coin from each child during the month of November. (I suggest one quarter). We will collect from all the children and then give the money to our local food shelf. The point being that they can help the poor people just as St. Elizabeth of Hungary did.
The children work so hard in school and I know the week gets long for many of them. I really encourage them to rest their brains and bodies during nap/rest. It is so good for them to have that down time and they work so hard during the hours they are up. Encourage them to rest their eyes, minds, and muscles when it is rest time. I am so proud of them when they at least try.
The Preschool Pizza Shop is open for business and the children are ready to take your orders. We have a phone and a map on the wall and offer delivery across the twin cities and the entire state of Minnesota. (The magic of childhood!) We will be learning more about pizza making and all the details of running a restaurant. (Especially how the state health department will come and shut you down if there are pieces of pizza all over the floor.)
This month we are welcoming students who have extended their days at school. We love having them stay longer and, in so doing, benefit even more from all the things prekindergarten class offers.
Thanks for sending the nice warm jackets, hats and mittens for the children. With the cold wind they were put to good use!
The next month will probably fly by. Please DO NOT ever hesitate to call, text, email or stop in with questions, comments, concerns. I love to hear your feedback and, more than anything, I want your child to have a positive experience at school.
Love, Mrs. Allen
Lost and Found is a box in front of the 3rd grade room.
Send hat, mittens. Label your child's clothing and outerwear.
I could use some extra hats and mittens for backup, if you have any to spare.
Send hat, mittens. Label your child's clothing and outerwear.
I could use some extra hats and mittens for backup, if you have any to spare.
Prekindergarten 2017-18 october
Dear Parents, October 30
I can’t believe we are at the end of October already! It has been a very busy month. Some of the hightlights:
Fire Station center, fire drills, and a visit from for the firemen. We talked about Stop, Drop, and Roll and got to shake their hands, too. We made Fire trucks for the letter F week.
We made some beautiful leaves using paints and pretzel sticks which are decorating the windows. (Sometimes I have to INSIST on the kids letting me keep their projects for awhile, even though they always really want to take them home for you to see.)
We also have some cool bats hanging around the room! We love pounding nails into the pumpkins and have had fun with the Science/Math center where we have had the opportunity to weigh, count, compare, measure and sort all kinds of gourds and pumpkins.
Grandparents day was a huge success. At least if you consider the number in attendance. The leaf press projects are also hanging in the windows of our room. We are all about Fall in preschool.
We will have a grocery store opening this week, and will continue Fire Station through this week.
Halloween Parties this week! The kids are crazy happy and I love their excitement.
Until next time,
Mrs. Allen
I can’t believe we are at the end of October already! It has been a very busy month. Some of the hightlights:
Fire Station center, fire drills, and a visit from for the firemen. We talked about Stop, Drop, and Roll and got to shake their hands, too. We made Fire trucks for the letter F week.
We made some beautiful leaves using paints and pretzel sticks which are decorating the windows. (Sometimes I have to INSIST on the kids letting me keep their projects for awhile, even though they always really want to take them home for you to see.)
We also have some cool bats hanging around the room! We love pounding nails into the pumpkins and have had fun with the Science/Math center where we have had the opportunity to weigh, count, compare, measure and sort all kinds of gourds and pumpkins.
Grandparents day was a huge success. At least if you consider the number in attendance. The leaf press projects are also hanging in the windows of our room. We are all about Fall in preschool.
We will have a grocery store opening this week, and will continue Fire Station through this week.
Halloween Parties this week! The kids are crazy happy and I love their excitement.
Until next time,
Mrs. Allen
This was hysterical! There was a lot of "animated discussion" over the ownership of the leaf piles out on the playground. And more conversation about the problem of taking leaves from one pile to another pile. By the time the arguments finished, kids were grabbing leaves from all over the place and putting them onto piles, then taking leaves from one and going to another, then jumping into leaves, tossing them in the air, and in general, just having a ball. A few kids, who like control and order, did not necessarily appreciate the unsystematic way kids were playing. The whole scene was pretty funny to watch. I tried to capture it on the pictures for you. What a gorgeous day!
The farm fun continues. Caleb's dad brought his tractor and trailer with hay bales! So Much Fun! The kids are being cows in that last picture. It was hysterical! Trust me!
Dear parents, October 11, 2017
We are having a terrific week at St. John the Baptist. Our kiddos are really starting to bond and they are showing their true colors and discovering real friendships. It is so great to see.
Each day brings new discoveries. Today was really special. Brooke Schaffer’s parents offered to bring in some farm animals. We were over the moon when we got to pet a newborn calf, chickens, and kittens. Check out all the pictures posted on the website. It was a lot of fun.
There were some children who preferred playing on the playground equipment while some of the kids could not get enough of being near the animals. The nervous children were very, very brave. It was very casual and fun and Brooke’s dad, Jeff, couldn’t have been more easy with the children.
The calf was born less than 24 hours before he visited the school. The little guy was still on very wobbly legs. He was no taller than the kids. It was very sweet to see them experience the animals up close and personal. The children passed the kittens around and everyone was very patient waiting for their turn. At one point a kitten jumped down and fled to under the trailer, which caused the children quite a bit of excitement.
When one of the chickens got loose it was hysterical. The poor bird had 10 children in hot pursuit. They chased him around awhile before Jeff scooped him up. The animals were just delightful!’
Thanks a million to the Schaffer family for sharing their young farm animals with our preschool class. We had a blast and will likely always remember this special day.
We are having a terrific week at St. John the Baptist. Our kiddos are really starting to bond and they are showing their true colors and discovering real friendships. It is so great to see.
Each day brings new discoveries. Today was really special. Brooke Schaffer’s parents offered to bring in some farm animals. We were over the moon when we got to pet a newborn calf, chickens, and kittens. Check out all the pictures posted on the website. It was a lot of fun.
There were some children who preferred playing on the playground equipment while some of the kids could not get enough of being near the animals. The nervous children were very, very brave. It was very casual and fun and Brooke’s dad, Jeff, couldn’t have been more easy with the children.
The calf was born less than 24 hours before he visited the school. The little guy was still on very wobbly legs. He was no taller than the kids. It was very sweet to see them experience the animals up close and personal. The children passed the kittens around and everyone was very patient waiting for their turn. At one point a kitten jumped down and fled to under the trailer, which caused the children quite a bit of excitement.
When one of the chickens got loose it was hysterical. The poor bird had 10 children in hot pursuit. They chased him around awhile before Jeff scooped him up. The animals were just delightful!’
Thanks a million to the Schaffer family for sharing their young farm animals with our preschool class. We had a blast and will likely always remember this special day.
Pre-kindergarten 2017-18 october
Looking ahead:
send:
send:
- warm jackets
- mittens
- hats
Pre-kindergarten 2017-18 september
September 29, 2017
We have had a busy and productive month in preschool. Your kids have been learning so many new things and are doing amazing work! Forming a circle and a line, finding out what it means to stay in a line and walk quietly, holding hands and moving in a circular motion, waiting quietly in line and trying to stand still, and following all kinds of directions are some of the important skills we are practicing at school. And that’s just the boring stuff.
We have had fun playing games, making obstacle courses, pretending to row boats, be fire engines, ride the bus, catch a bumble bee, and more. We have sung songs and learned actions to many of them. We are learning to count and stamp and clap while we do it. There is so much to do everyday and we work hard. If we are tired at night it because we have been busy and learning and making friends and finding out about the world.
At our rest time we lay down and rest our brains, bodies, and eyes. It is nice to have a soft blankey, pillow, and/or a stuffed animal. Please limit it to one blankey, one pillow, and/or one stuffed animal. (No one should have more than one of each item.) Space is limited. If you can keep the size of the items to cot size blankets, pillows, stuffed animals that would help tremendously. Many children share their lockers and cots. We are storing all of these items in the lockers and NOT on the cots. The top shelf of the locker is for their rest time items. Keep that in mind when you are selecting items to use for rest time at school.
Water bottles are welcome! Please take these home at night and wash them. Label water bottles with your child’s name. We will help get them into backpacks after school. Please, ONLY WATER! No juice.
Afternoon schedule change:
12:30-1:00 puzzles, books, games on the rugs. No centers at this time.
1:00 2nd circle time
1:30 ish bathroom break, get blankets from locker
1:45-2:15 rest time.
2:15 bathroom break, prayer in hall (other grades are outside having recess)
2:30 afternoon snack
(Activity or rug time: story, rug games, worksheet, or a lesson while kids are packing up)
2:45 pack up
3:00 outdoors or gym
3:15 stories, songs, sign language, flannel board, worksheet or circle time
So far it is working out nicely to have rest time later in the afternoon.
Many people have volunteered to do art project prepping, make play dough, and help with class parties and assessments. I appreciate it so very much. We will delegate out work throughout the year. I really love having parents come into school. You are ALWAYS welcome!
Looking forward:
Week of October 2nd. Themes: Dd, pink, square, the word “do”, 4, Farmers Market, Farming, and Dinosaurs.
Any farmer who might want to bring a tractor and any farm stuff to our school parking lot and let the kids see it up close, well that would be so totally cool they’d probably wet their pants. Let me know if you’re willing to do this and we’ll set it up. The Farm theme will go on for the next 2-3 weeks.
Conferences will be coming up on Oct 16 and 17, 4:00-8:00. I will meet with you for 15 minutes to discuss your child’s progress and answer any questions you have. (Write questions down so you don’t forget them when the day comes.) I am asking a student teacher and close friend, Paige Schaffer, to observe and be a record keeper for the conferences. If you have any objection to her being with us during our conversation, please email me and I will arrange for a more private meeting.
I have plans to travel to Philadelphia on October 18-22 to see my grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law. I am pretty excited, to say the least.
As always, give me your feedback, ask questions, or make comments. I love to hear from you!
Mrs. Allen
We have had a busy and productive month in preschool. Your kids have been learning so many new things and are doing amazing work! Forming a circle and a line, finding out what it means to stay in a line and walk quietly, holding hands and moving in a circular motion, waiting quietly in line and trying to stand still, and following all kinds of directions are some of the important skills we are practicing at school. And that’s just the boring stuff.
We have had fun playing games, making obstacle courses, pretending to row boats, be fire engines, ride the bus, catch a bumble bee, and more. We have sung songs and learned actions to many of them. We are learning to count and stamp and clap while we do it. There is so much to do everyday and we work hard. If we are tired at night it because we have been busy and learning and making friends and finding out about the world.
At our rest time we lay down and rest our brains, bodies, and eyes. It is nice to have a soft blankey, pillow, and/or a stuffed animal. Please limit it to one blankey, one pillow, and/or one stuffed animal. (No one should have more than one of each item.) Space is limited. If you can keep the size of the items to cot size blankets, pillows, stuffed animals that would help tremendously. Many children share their lockers and cots. We are storing all of these items in the lockers and NOT on the cots. The top shelf of the locker is for their rest time items. Keep that in mind when you are selecting items to use for rest time at school.
Water bottles are welcome! Please take these home at night and wash them. Label water bottles with your child’s name. We will help get them into backpacks after school. Please, ONLY WATER! No juice.
Afternoon schedule change:
12:30-1:00 puzzles, books, games on the rugs. No centers at this time.
1:00 2nd circle time
1:30 ish bathroom break, get blankets from locker
1:45-2:15 rest time.
2:15 bathroom break, prayer in hall (other grades are outside having recess)
2:30 afternoon snack
(Activity or rug time: story, rug games, worksheet, or a lesson while kids are packing up)
2:45 pack up
3:00 outdoors or gym
3:15 stories, songs, sign language, flannel board, worksheet or circle time
So far it is working out nicely to have rest time later in the afternoon.
Many people have volunteered to do art project prepping, make play dough, and help with class parties and assessments. I appreciate it so very much. We will delegate out work throughout the year. I really love having parents come into school. You are ALWAYS welcome!
Looking forward:
Week of October 2nd. Themes: Dd, pink, square, the word “do”, 4, Farmers Market, Farming, and Dinosaurs.
Any farmer who might want to bring a tractor and any farm stuff to our school parking lot and let the kids see it up close, well that would be so totally cool they’d probably wet their pants. Let me know if you’re willing to do this and we’ll set it up. The Farm theme will go on for the next 2-3 weeks.
Conferences will be coming up on Oct 16 and 17, 4:00-8:00. I will meet with you for 15 minutes to discuss your child’s progress and answer any questions you have. (Write questions down so you don’t forget them when the day comes.) I am asking a student teacher and close friend, Paige Schaffer, to observe and be a record keeper for the conferences. If you have any objection to her being with us during our conversation, please email me and I will arrange for a more private meeting.
I have plans to travel to Philadelphia on October 18-22 to see my grandchildren, daughter, and son-in-law. I am pretty excited, to say the least.
As always, give me your feedback, ask questions, or make comments. I love to hear from you!
Mrs. Allen
that last one is my grandchildren.
Sept 27, 2017 Prekindergarten information continued:
Marathon: This event falls on a Friday. We will have a run around the cemetery perimeter prior to the start of the official marathon. Mr. Strommen and some of the kids in the upper grades will run with the preschoolers.The “real” marathon will follow our “mini-marathon”.
For those kids who do not attend school on Friday we will have a run for them on Thursday. Obviously, the kids who attend both Thursday and Friday will get two events to participate in. Marathon money will be due in to the school office by October 9.
Halloween Parties: Traditionally we have had Halloween parties in the classroom on the day of and the day before Halloween. (10:30-11:30) Parents plan and run the party. The party features a few EASY games, a craft, costumes, a short “parade” through the school, and a treat.
Since we are having a big All Saints party this year, I considered doing away with the morning parties. However, we have parent volunteers who have stepped up to make these happen. If you are working on the party planning, please communicate what you need from other parents, myself, and the school.
Milk: Milk is an option for lunch and afternoon snack. We do not serve milk at morning snack.
The children seem happy to have the milk at lunch, especially.
Hot lunch: We will have hot lunch available on certain Fridays. If you want your child to receive hot lunch please get in touch with Miss Deb in the office. She can answer any questions about the cost, menus, dates, etc. If your child gets hot lunch they will eat it in our classroom with the rest of the kids who are having cold lunch. Optional, of course.
Conferences: These will be held on October 16 and 17. This will give us a chance to sit down together and talk about how things are going with your child. I look forward to it. We have been incredibly busy, and I can hardly keep up sometimes, but it is all good. Your children are wonderful. Absolutely wonderful!
We didn’t quite get all our Bb activities in last week, so a few spilled into this week. Blue easel painting, bathing the babies, bumble bee song, were among the activities we did. This week for Cc, we received a big bag of extra clean corn for the sensory table, compliments of Greg Reis at the Elevator. The kids really like scooping, pouring, spilling, and stirring the corn. We also have fun sweeping and dust-panning the spills. The children are fabulous at cleaning up after play time. You would be amazed! Mr. Strommen has come in and praised their hard work. The smiles are wide and they feel so proud. Kids can bring items in for the letter of the week anytime for show and tell.
Questions? Don’t be shy!
Love, Mrs. Allen
September 16, 2017
Marathon: This event falls on a Friday. We will have a run around the cemetery perimeter prior to the start of the official marathon. Mr. Strommen and some of the kids in the upper grades will run with the preschoolers.The “real” marathon will follow our “mini-marathon”.
For those kids who do not attend school on Friday we will have a run for them on Thursday. Obviously, the kids who attend both Thursday and Friday will get two events to participate in. Marathon money will be due in to the school office by October 9.
Halloween Parties: Traditionally we have had Halloween parties in the classroom on the day of and the day before Halloween. (10:30-11:30) Parents plan and run the party. The party features a few EASY games, a craft, costumes, a short “parade” through the school, and a treat.
Since we are having a big All Saints party this year, I considered doing away with the morning parties. However, we have parent volunteers who have stepped up to make these happen. If you are working on the party planning, please communicate what you need from other parents, myself, and the school.
Milk: Milk is an option for lunch and afternoon snack. We do not serve milk at morning snack.
The children seem happy to have the milk at lunch, especially.
Hot lunch: We will have hot lunch available on certain Fridays. If you want your child to receive hot lunch please get in touch with Miss Deb in the office. She can answer any questions about the cost, menus, dates, etc. If your child gets hot lunch they will eat it in our classroom with the rest of the kids who are having cold lunch. Optional, of course.
Conferences: These will be held on October 16 and 17. This will give us a chance to sit down together and talk about how things are going with your child. I look forward to it. We have been incredibly busy, and I can hardly keep up sometimes, but it is all good. Your children are wonderful. Absolutely wonderful!
We didn’t quite get all our Bb activities in last week, so a few spilled into this week. Blue easel painting, bathing the babies, bumble bee song, were among the activities we did. This week for Cc, we received a big bag of extra clean corn for the sensory table, compliments of Greg Reis at the Elevator. The kids really like scooping, pouring, spilling, and stirring the corn. We also have fun sweeping and dust-panning the spills. The children are fabulous at cleaning up after play time. You would be amazed! Mr. Strommen has come in and praised their hard work. The smiles are wide and they feel so proud. Kids can bring items in for the letter of the week anytime for show and tell.
Questions? Don’t be shy!
Love, Mrs. Allen
September 16, 2017
- Thanks to all who are helping with art projects. If anyone is interested in working with the kids here at school, I could use help with assessments. Let me know when you are available. This would involve asking the kids their colors, numbers, letters, and having them write their name.
- Fall Festival basket. I have made an executive decision. We will be making ONE Prekindergarten Basket. ONE. We have 6 days to pull this off. Yikes. So, the theme is: (drumroll please………) BABIES. Ideas: baby shampoo, soap, diapers, onesies, blankeys, rattles, burp towels, bib, etc. The letter of the week is Bb. (so that will tie in nicely)
- Milk: When I come into the room with the milk, EVERYONE wants one. Sign your child up for milk, or explain to them why Mrs. Allen is leaving them out. I feel like Scrooge when I say they can’t have any.
- Support for Hurricane Victims. I have not taught any lessons about natural disaster relief, however, the children are invited to bring in some money ($1 or $2) for this service project. The entire school will be raising money. There is a jar in the vestibule.
- Marathon: The preschoolers DO NOT participate in the marathon. We can have a mini marathon on the school property that day, depending on the weather. I suggest we do a lap around the perimeter of the cemetery. Continue to send in your pledge sheets and try to raise some money. Thanks.
- All Saints Party on Tues. 10/31 at 2:30 in the community room (gym) All preschoolers and parents are invited to attend.
For those preschoolers who are not in school on Tuesday afternoons, you are still welcome to come to the party. Parents or grandparents can attend too, of course. Send in $5.
Costumes: Halloween costumes are ok. Nothing violent, please. Dress as a Saint and get a Large Candy Bar .Volunteers still needed. Contact Danielle Rother or Katie Smith to help.
We are off to a great start in preschool. I am grateful to the support from all parents, and the help I am getting from both Mrs. Wentzler and Mrs. Bauer. We are working hard to make our classroom the best it can be and we are determined to help all of your kiddos become the very best versions of themselves, too. Keep us in your prayers! Love, Mrs. Allen
September 10, 2017
Reminders:
Kids who stay for the afternoon should bring a blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, quiet toy for rest time.
All children should bring sneakers for outdoor and gym play.
Children can bring items in that begin with the letter of the week to show and tell about at circle time.
Girls wearing skirts or dresses should wear shorts underneath for modesty. (hanging upside down on climber, sitting on the floor, and such)
Volunteer opportunities:
Help with assessments. Be in the Resource room, across the hall, during preschool hours. Assess the children, one at a time, on their knowledge of ABCs, counting, etc. It is EASY PEASY.
Our classes each need to put together a basket for the Fall Festival.
MWF 3 day class theme:
T TH 2 day class theme:
I would like a volunteer to coordinate the items after they have been collected (assemble the basket, make it cute)
Speaking of volunteers, I am just thrilled that two of our parents have stepped up to be Room Parents. They will coordinate the class parties and be a big support to our MWF class. I need one or two Room Parents to plan the parties for our Tuesday/Thursday class. Let me know if you are able to help.
Lunch:
If your child comes ALL DAY you may purchase milk for them to drink with their lunch. The cost is $8.00 (for the entire year) and you can sign up for chocolate, skim, or 1%. This is completely optional.
Hot Lunch will be available once a month. The preschoolers DO NOT eat over at the church basement, but the hot lunch is brought to our classroom for anybody who ordered it. There should have been a menu list and payment form that went home in the blue folders. All students are welcome to stay for hot lunch, even if they normally go home at 11:30. If you choose to have your child stay, and they don't normally stay for lunch at school, let us know ahead of time. There is a cost for hot lunch and you need to fill out the form for the office.
Pizza is an option for Mondays. I think this is pretty straight forward. Sign up for pizza and pay for it. Lunches are always eaten in the classroom. Parents are always welcome to join us.
lost and found: somebody left a super cute 31basket in the classroom after open house. It is black and white. yours?
Looking ahead to the coming week: (Sept 11)
Letter: A
Shape: circle
Color: red
Number: 1
Nursery Rhymes
Babies and Family
RED art projects
Apples
ABCs
Apple taste test
introduce Angel of God
If you Give a Mouse a Cookie
Ten Apples Up On Top
The Giving Tree
The Kissing Hand
The first couple of days went very well. We will be getting to know each other for the next few weeks, so I expect the usual ups and downs that goes with that. The children are incredibly sweet and have captured my heart. I am really looking forward to the fun we will have once they feel comfortable and relaxed at school. There are plans for all kinds of things, but we will take it slow to give them time to adjust. It's a lot for the kids. They are so little and the world is so big. Being away from home, even for just a few hours, is a big adventure. I will establish a trusting relationship with each child so they will feel safe and secure in our classroom.
This week we worked on basic things. The biggest challenge was making a line and walking in a line. We do a lot of lines in school, so I told the kids they will get tons of practice. Making a circle is also a basic skill that we will teach them. Using the bathroom at school is a big deal, and washing hands is important. Calendar and songs at circle time were delightful. The kids participated and seemed to enjoy it. We "row row rowed our boats up the mountain stream" and got some smiles when that ended with "if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream!" ahhhhh! We sang the usual favorites: Wheels on the Bus, . Baby Bumble Bee, and 5 Little Ducks.
The children were very proud to show me how well they know their colors and I had them "kiss their brains" for being so smart. (kiss your finger and put the kiss on top of your head)
When we toured the building we stopped to visit a bit with Mr. Strommen and Miss Deb and learned that they are there to help keep everyone safe and will always help if we need anything. When we toured the gym the children enjoyed RUNNING!! When the playground is too wet, we will always try to get some gym time.
Other favorite things were the sand table, the trucks and blocks, and the play dough. Lots of parallel play, but not too much interaction yet.
On Friday we talked about Apples, which will be our theme for the next week. We painted apple prints to show the inside and outside of an apple. (opposites were introduced)
Next week we will focus on the letter Aa. The children can bring in items that begin with the letter of the week to share during circle time. We will also focus on the color red, the circle shape, and the number 1.
There is always WAY more planned than we can possibly get to, and sometimes flexibility is paramount. My lesson plans are subject to change with the needs and moods of the children. It is often difficult to predict how much the kids will sit for before they get the wiggles. Movement in learning is a KEY ingredient, so I like to get them active while I teach. It is a delicate dance and I need to "read" the children as I go.
With that said, there are plans to read about apples, and astronauts, do apple tasting, and do some art projects. I won't spoil the surprises. You will just have to see what great masterpieces come home in their backpacks.
Gosh, I love my job! It is so much FUN! And your children are what makes it all worthwhile! Thanks for bringing them to St. John the Baptist. I am very, very excited to be their teacher.
Mrs. Allen
Gosh your kids are awesome! September 9, 2017
It has been just wonderful being with your children as they make this big step into school! It is amazing and fun and crazy and great!
Highlights of the past few days:
It has been just wonderful being with your children as they make this big step into school! It is amazing and fun and crazy and great!
Highlights of the past few days:
- Learning London Bridges
- Singing the songs! Baby Bumble bee and Johnny works with one Hammer were probably the favorites.
- Playing on the playground! (pirate ship, monkey bars, and slides especially)
- Visits from Mr. Strommen.
- Getting your popsicle stick picked and going up to the front to use the pointer.
- Working HARD at worksheets and resting time.
- Making lots of new friends.
- Learning to feel safe at school and on the bus.
Snacks:
Parents are asked to provide light snacks for the children several times a year. The snack calendar will go home with your child every month, and each family will be given a day to send the snack. State guidelines require commercially (store bought) packaged snacks. Here are some ideas:
Safe snacks are those that do NOT contain NUTS. *
Please provide enough snacks and beverages for the total number of kids in the classroom.
(20)
Beverage ideas:
Cups and napkins are brought in at the beginning of the school year, as part of the classroom supplies, so there is no need to send these with the snacks.
Birthdays: Children’s birthdays will be celebrated on/or near their actual birth date. If your child would like to share something with their friends, I suggest something small - a store bought treat, stickers, pencils, etc. Birthday treat ideas: Oreos, Rice krispie treats, Hostess twinkies or cupcakes, ice cream sandwich bars or popsicles.
There is a fridge in the teacher’s lunch room across the hall from our classroom for things that need refrigeration.
Parents are asked to provide light snacks for the children several times a year. The snack calendar will go home with your child every month, and each family will be given a day to send the snack. State guidelines require commercially (store bought) packaged snacks. Here are some ideas:
Safe snacks are those that do NOT contain NUTS. *
- Cereal
- *Fresh fruit ...cut up grapes, etc. for safety
- Veggies with ranch dressing for dipping
- Granola bars
- *Cheese/meat and crackers
- *Puff popcorn
- Pretzels
- *Applesauce or other fruit cups
- Bread or rolls with jelly
- bagels and cream cheese
- *String cheese
- *Summer sausage
- *Saltines
- *Graham crackers
- *Teddy grahams
- Flavored crackers or goldfish crackers
Please provide enough snacks and beverages for the total number of kids in the classroom.
(20)
Beverage ideas:
- Any fruit juice: apple, grape, orange, etc.
- milk : chocolate or white
Cups and napkins are brought in at the beginning of the school year, as part of the classroom supplies, so there is no need to send these with the snacks.
Birthdays: Children’s birthdays will be celebrated on/or near their actual birth date. If your child would like to share something with their friends, I suggest something small - a store bought treat, stickers, pencils, etc. Birthday treat ideas: Oreos, Rice krispie treats, Hostess twinkies or cupcakes, ice cream sandwich bars or popsicles.
There is a fridge in the teacher’s lunch room across the hall from our classroom for things that need refrigeration.
September 4, 2017
Welcome to the St. John the Baptist Prekindergarten program. Here is some information I think will be helpful for you and your family as we start our year.
Preschoolers will be busy in September. Our themes are Apples, Families, and Getting to Know Each Other.
We will begin letters of the week starting with the letter A and will proceed on from there. Children are always welcome to bring in an item that begins with the letter of the week for a Show and Tell prop. This is completely optional.
During the first few weeks of school all the children will get their picture taken and be assessed. They will make an attempt at writing their names, draw and tell about their families, and scribble, scribble, scribble to get those little hands stronger.
We will be introducing the procedures that happen at school. And there are a lot of them, from how to line up in a straight line, how to form a circle, how to be an attentive listener, and how to share. We will teach these skills and help the children be successful. At the same time we will be having a lot of fun. The children will be kept busy and will have many opportunities to move, imagine, share, and discover.
Our daily schedule:
8:40 - 9:00 arrival. During this time, as the children filter in gradually, we will do table top activities. (i.e. play dough, puzzles, manipulatives, legos, etc. for fine motor development.)
9:00 prayer, pledge
9:00-9:30 centers: dramatic play
doll house
puzzles
listening center
math center
trucks and blocks
table games
writing desk
table games
reading corner
art project
computers
train set
science center
9:30 -10:15 circle time. During this time we gather at the carpet for: greeting, calendar, weather, counting, patterns, shapes, colors, name recognition. I will milk this time for all it is worth, but when the kids get antsy it is time to transition. As the year progresses their attention spans get longer and we can stay at the circle longer.
10:15 Clean up, bathroom, snack
10:40 reading with a buddy, read alouds, religion, science, art, music, social studies.
11:00 dress for outside and go out to the playground or use the gym
11:30 Dismissal for half-day students. Recess until lunchtime.
12:05 Lunch for full day students
The afternoon schedule includes rest time, story or movie, free choice time and outdoor play. There is also small group instruction on phonics and school work. All full day students need to bring: Lunch, afternoon snack and drink, blanket, pillow and/or snuggle buddy.
Snacks:
We ask parents to donate snack (we will send home a monthly calendar.) We request that the snack be “nutritious” in nature, and according to the State Health Department, must be commercially prepared. Refer to the list of appropriate snacks.
What to wear:
Play-type clothing is suggested - especially tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes. Our activities are many and sometimes messy. We encourage you to select clothing for your child that they are able to manage themselves. Please send in one set of clothing in case of an accident. Be sure to LABEL all items of clothing.
ILLNESS...AM I WELL ENOUGH FOR SCHOOL?
If your child has a fever of 1oo degrees or more, he/she should stay home for 24 hours AFTER the temperature returns to normal. Please keep in mind that temperatures are usually normal in the morning but are elevated at night. If your child has a fever at bedtime, please keep them home the next day even if their temperature is normal in the morning. If your child has vomited or has had diarrhea, he/she should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode. Please remember that teachers and other children usually become ill from students who return to school BEFORE they are fully recovered.
That's all for now. I am so excited for the start of school and look forward to working with your kiddos. I hope your transitions go smoothly and with as few tears as possible.
Mrs. Allen
Welcome to the St. John the Baptist Prekindergarten program. Here is some information I think will be helpful for you and your family as we start our year.
Preschoolers will be busy in September. Our themes are Apples, Families, and Getting to Know Each Other.
We will begin letters of the week starting with the letter A and will proceed on from there. Children are always welcome to bring in an item that begins with the letter of the week for a Show and Tell prop. This is completely optional.
During the first few weeks of school all the children will get their picture taken and be assessed. They will make an attempt at writing their names, draw and tell about their families, and scribble, scribble, scribble to get those little hands stronger.
We will be introducing the procedures that happen at school. And there are a lot of them, from how to line up in a straight line, how to form a circle, how to be an attentive listener, and how to share. We will teach these skills and help the children be successful. At the same time we will be having a lot of fun. The children will be kept busy and will have many opportunities to move, imagine, share, and discover.
Our daily schedule:
8:40 - 9:00 arrival. During this time, as the children filter in gradually, we will do table top activities. (i.e. play dough, puzzles, manipulatives, legos, etc. for fine motor development.)
9:00 prayer, pledge
9:00-9:30 centers: dramatic play
doll house
puzzles
listening center
math center
trucks and blocks
table games
writing desk
table games
reading corner
art project
computers
train set
science center
9:30 -10:15 circle time. During this time we gather at the carpet for: greeting, calendar, weather, counting, patterns, shapes, colors, name recognition. I will milk this time for all it is worth, but when the kids get antsy it is time to transition. As the year progresses their attention spans get longer and we can stay at the circle longer.
10:15 Clean up, bathroom, snack
10:40 reading with a buddy, read alouds, religion, science, art, music, social studies.
11:00 dress for outside and go out to the playground or use the gym
11:30 Dismissal for half-day students. Recess until lunchtime.
12:05 Lunch for full day students
The afternoon schedule includes rest time, story or movie, free choice time and outdoor play. There is also small group instruction on phonics and school work. All full day students need to bring: Lunch, afternoon snack and drink, blanket, pillow and/or snuggle buddy.
Snacks:
We ask parents to donate snack (we will send home a monthly calendar.) We request that the snack be “nutritious” in nature, and according to the State Health Department, must be commercially prepared. Refer to the list of appropriate snacks.
What to wear:
Play-type clothing is suggested - especially tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes. Our activities are many and sometimes messy. We encourage you to select clothing for your child that they are able to manage themselves. Please send in one set of clothing in case of an accident. Be sure to LABEL all items of clothing.
ILLNESS...AM I WELL ENOUGH FOR SCHOOL?
If your child has a fever of 1oo degrees or more, he/she should stay home for 24 hours AFTER the temperature returns to normal. Please keep in mind that temperatures are usually normal in the morning but are elevated at night. If your child has a fever at bedtime, please keep them home the next day even if their temperature is normal in the morning. If your child has vomited or has had diarrhea, he/she should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode. Please remember that teachers and other children usually become ill from students who return to school BEFORE they are fully recovered.
That's all for now. I am so excited for the start of school and look forward to working with your kiddos. I hope your transitions go smoothly and with as few tears as possible.
Mrs. Allen
everything from here down is from the 2016-17 school year or prior. the entries above this are from the 2017-18 school year. |
|
How can it be....June 1st!!??
so .... hello
I apologize for the long pause in posting any news here. April was a little crazy.
I apologize for the long pause in posting any news here. April was a little crazy.
You will find a bright yellow Reading Log sheet in your child's backpack. This is to encourage reading a book to your child, (which I know you all do anyway). We are making a "reading caterpillar" with the rest of the school.
The yellow list is for you to have at home. I will not need it returned. Use it to record the titles you have read and as a visual reminder to you to read a book everyday with your child.
While you keep the Reading Log, I am asking you to send a note of the book you read. (I need 1 title only) If you read more than one, that is terrific, but only send in ONE TITLE on a note.
Your child will get to make a caterpillar circle. The caterpillar (located on the wall in the front hallway), will grow and grow as the children in the school add their book titles.
The yellow list is for you to have at home. I will not need it returned. Use it to record the titles you have read and as a visual reminder to you to read a book everyday with your child.
While you keep the Reading Log, I am asking you to send a note of the book you read. (I need 1 title only) If you read more than one, that is terrific, but only send in ONE TITLE on a note.
Your child will get to make a caterpillar circle. The caterpillar (located on the wall in the front hallway), will grow and grow as the children in the school add their book titles.
March 25, 2017
Healthy teeth!
That is what we learned about this week. We had a special visitor, Miss Shelia, who came into our classroom and taught us EVERYTHING about keeping our teeth clean and healthy. We learned about good foods and drinks. We talked about how bad sugar can be for us and how much sugar is in a can of pop.
Miss Shelia had puppets and Zeda, who was a alligator with a mouth full of teeth. We learned how to brush and floss, how not to swallow the tooth the toothpaste. Zeda even "spit" water out of his mouth and got the kids a little wet. Silly Zeda!!!!
The props, puppets, and games kept the kids sitting, listening, and engaged for almost an HOUR. (that is AMAZING and really proves what a great job Miss Shelia did.)
Ask your child about flossing: "side by side, scrub, scrub, scrub, and pop it out".
Watch for pictures to be posted soon.
Healthy teeth!
That is what we learned about this week. We had a special visitor, Miss Shelia, who came into our classroom and taught us EVERYTHING about keeping our teeth clean and healthy. We learned about good foods and drinks. We talked about how bad sugar can be for us and how much sugar is in a can of pop.
Miss Shelia had puppets and Zeda, who was a alligator with a mouth full of teeth. We learned how to brush and floss, how not to swallow the tooth the toothpaste. Zeda even "spit" water out of his mouth and got the kids a little wet. Silly Zeda!!!!
The props, puppets, and games kept the kids sitting, listening, and engaged for almost an HOUR. (that is AMAZING and really proves what a great job Miss Shelia did.)
Ask your child about flossing: "side by side, scrub, scrub, scrub, and pop it out".
Watch for pictures to be posted soon.
Just playing
When I'm building in the block room
Please don't say I'm "just playing"
for, you see, I'm learning as I play
about balance and shapes.
When I'm getting all dressed up,
setting the table, caring for the babies,
don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play:
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
"Reading" to an imaginary audience,
please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
don't pass it off as "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
or some 'plaything' at my school,
please don't feel the time is wasted in "play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
please don't say I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today,
And I say, "I just played",
please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I'm a child and my work is play.
Please don't say I'm "just playing"
for, you see, I'm learning as I play
about balance and shapes.
When I'm getting all dressed up,
setting the table, caring for the babies,
don't get the idea I'm "Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play:
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
please don't let me hear you say, "He is Just Playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair
"Reading" to an imaginary audience,
please don't laugh and think I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
don't pass it off as "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
or some 'plaything' at my school,
please don't feel the time is wasted in "play".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run, and move my body,
please don't say I'm "just playing".
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I've done at school today,
And I say, "I just played",
please don't misunderstand me.
For, you see, I'm learning as I play.
I'm learning to enjoy and be successful in my work.
I'm preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I'm a child and my work is play.
March 22
Hello preschool families,
I hope everyone had a great spring break! I had fun with my mom and enjoyed the sunshine in Arizona. It went way, way, way too quickly, but what are you gonna do?
The warm hugs from the kids made coming back to work a lot easier. I missed them and they all had lots to say about their week on break.
.......and now it is March 23rd. (What I wouldn't give for a little more time without interruption.)
We have been all about animals this month. Pets, the Vet clinic, Zoo, Farm, and birds. It has been fun to sort, do art projects, make graphs, and learn about some of earth's creatures. If you come across any Beanie Babies that are free or cheap, please consider donating them to our collection. Especially farm animals, since I have a "barn" for them.
Snack calendar: Thank you for remembering to send snack when it is your turn. If you miss it, you can send something for our cupboard of back-up snacks.
Snack ideas: raw veggies, raw fruit, dried fruit, applesauce, pretzels, goldfish, graham crackers, other crackers like Ritz, Town House, Teddy Graham, Scooby snacks. Sweet treats are ok for birthdays and special occasions. Stay away from nuts and peanut butter, please.
There will be some video taping done next week for a promotional video for the school. On Tuesday and Wednesday please send your child in School Spirit wear (if you have it) or Solid Colors. Also, make sure they are wearing CLEAN shirts. We want to look our best for the camera!
We will have a treat on Friday to celebrate the success of the United Financial Raffle sales. The older grades are having pizza. We will have popsicles.
Welcome Wyatt South who is new to our class. He is such a sweet boy. Everybody adores him.
Remember to send tennis shoes if your child is wearing boots to school.
Hello preschool families,
I hope everyone had a great spring break! I had fun with my mom and enjoyed the sunshine in Arizona. It went way, way, way too quickly, but what are you gonna do?
The warm hugs from the kids made coming back to work a lot easier. I missed them and they all had lots to say about their week on break.
.......and now it is March 23rd. (What I wouldn't give for a little more time without interruption.)
We have been all about animals this month. Pets, the Vet clinic, Zoo, Farm, and birds. It has been fun to sort, do art projects, make graphs, and learn about some of earth's creatures. If you come across any Beanie Babies that are free or cheap, please consider donating them to our collection. Especially farm animals, since I have a "barn" for them.
Snack calendar: Thank you for remembering to send snack when it is your turn. If you miss it, you can send something for our cupboard of back-up snacks.
Snack ideas: raw veggies, raw fruit, dried fruit, applesauce, pretzels, goldfish, graham crackers, other crackers like Ritz, Town House, Teddy Graham, Scooby snacks. Sweet treats are ok for birthdays and special occasions. Stay away from nuts and peanut butter, please.
There will be some video taping done next week for a promotional video for the school. On Tuesday and Wednesday please send your child in School Spirit wear (if you have it) or Solid Colors. Also, make sure they are wearing CLEAN shirts. We want to look our best for the camera!
We will have a treat on Friday to celebrate the success of the United Financial Raffle sales. The older grades are having pizza. We will have popsicles.
Welcome Wyatt South who is new to our class. He is such a sweet boy. Everybody adores him.
Remember to send tennis shoes if your child is wearing boots to school.
Today is March 3, 2017
The kindergarten class leads mass on March 8th. We will go to mass and observe the kids doing the readings, etc.
Bingo Fun Day and Carnival will happen in April. Each class puts together a basket for the silent auction. Both 2 day and 3 day classes will make a basket. Room parents can take the lead on this service project and send out a letter to families about what the themes will be and so forth.
There is a food drive happening right now. You are encouraged to send food items with your child. The bins are by the front office.
The kindergarten class leads mass on March 8th. We will go to mass and observe the kids doing the readings, etc.
Bingo Fun Day and Carnival will happen in April. Each class puts together a basket for the silent auction. Both 2 day and 3 day classes will make a basket. Room parents can take the lead on this service project and send out a letter to families about what the themes will be and so forth.
There is a food drive happening right now. You are encouraged to send food items with your child. The bins are by the front office.
Wow! March first. It was an important day for the preschoolers. We went to mass and got ashes on our foreheads. This was a pretty big deal! The kids did a great job of behaving in church and afterwards we watched closely to see how the kindergarten class genuflected as a group and did the sign of the cross. Our class then did the same. The entire experience was an adventure, from crossing the street to being with the big kids at church. After mass we talked about Lent, but the children were eager to PLAY and who can blame them?
We have been talking about Zoo animals and the kids have enjoyed pretending to act out the different animals. We also made zoo books which the kids really got into. Be sure to have your child "read" their book to you.
We will NOT be participating in the Stations of the Cross during Lent.
The raffle ticket sale was a big success and Mr. Strommen has a special cook-out planned for next Wednesday. If your child stays for lunch they will be included in this cook out. If your child leaves at 11:30 they will not be included (unless you request it).
The science fair is another optional event. Last year we had one preschooler who participated and he was included in the viewing and judging. This year, we do not have any preschoolers participating. The children who are here in the afternoon will go to the gym in the afternoon to see the projects.
Then we will have Spring Break. I will be visiting my mom in Mesa, AZ. I hope you have some fun things planned for all those days off.
When we return to school after break we will have Wacky Wednesday and Tacky Thursday. These will be on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. The children can dress a little wacky and tacky. We will make some wacky and tacky changes in the classroom. Suggestions for getting really wacky: wearing mis-matched socks or putting stripes and polka dots on. Go a little crazy with hair styles. (What NOT to wear are shoes that make it difficult to play, make up, accessories that can get broken or lost or become uncomfortable).
I will be sending the snack calendar home tomorrow so watch those back packs!
We have been talking about Zoo animals and the kids have enjoyed pretending to act out the different animals. We also made zoo books which the kids really got into. Be sure to have your child "read" their book to you.
We will NOT be participating in the Stations of the Cross during Lent.
The raffle ticket sale was a big success and Mr. Strommen has a special cook-out planned for next Wednesday. If your child stays for lunch they will be included in this cook out. If your child leaves at 11:30 they will not be included (unless you request it).
The science fair is another optional event. Last year we had one preschooler who participated and he was included in the viewing and judging. This year, we do not have any preschoolers participating. The children who are here in the afternoon will go to the gym in the afternoon to see the projects.
Then we will have Spring Break. I will be visiting my mom in Mesa, AZ. I hope you have some fun things planned for all those days off.
When we return to school after break we will have Wacky Wednesday and Tacky Thursday. These will be on Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23. The children can dress a little wacky and tacky. We will make some wacky and tacky changes in the classroom. Suggestions for getting really wacky: wearing mis-matched socks or putting stripes and polka dots on. Go a little crazy with hair styles. (What NOT to wear are shoes that make it difficult to play, make up, accessories that can get broken or lost or become uncomfortable).
I will be sending the snack calendar home tomorrow so watch those back packs!
hello...
Holy Moly Rocky! Doing this webpage can just eat away the hours. It is putzy and slow as molasses in January. I know it looks like a child did it sometimes. I promise you, I am trying my best. I do get frustrated at times...Such is my relationship with Weebly.
Here are some gems that I came across recently in my archives:
Practices for Guiding Children's Behaviors:
How can I handle an angry, aggressive child?
Guiding Behavior Points:
-Prevention
-Setting situation up for success
-Communicating expectations
-giving children positive attention before they demand negative attention
-Use action instead of words
-carry through
-Give children as much choice as possible in decision making
-Focus on the positives
-Choose which battle is important to fight
-enjoy and have fun with your child
Well...there you have it. If just one person finds even one thing here helpful it will be worth it. I know how hard parenting is. Sometimes we need some fresh ideas. Let me know if you want more like this, or less.
By the way, your kids are the best!!!!
Holy Moly Rocky! Doing this webpage can just eat away the hours. It is putzy and slow as molasses in January. I know it looks like a child did it sometimes. I promise you, I am trying my best. I do get frustrated at times...Such is my relationship with Weebly.
Here are some gems that I came across recently in my archives:
Practices for Guiding Children's Behaviors:
- Provide structure and routine
- use encouragement
- Use Action without words
- Be consistent
- pick your battles
- Accept the child not the behavior
- Let the child be part of the solution
- Express your expectations clearly
- Have developmentally appropriate expectations
- Provide choices whenever possible
- use natural or logical consequences as needed
How can I handle an angry, aggressive child?
- Catch the children being appropriate
- plan to ignore
- provide physical outlets
- plan the environment
- say you accept the child's anger
- use proximity and touch control
- show interest in the child's activities
- show affection
- ease tension through humor
- appeal to the child
- interpret situation
- encourage
Guiding Behavior Points:
-Prevention
-Setting situation up for success
-Communicating expectations
-giving children positive attention before they demand negative attention
-Use action instead of words
-carry through
-Give children as much choice as possible in decision making
-Focus on the positives
-Choose which battle is important to fight
-enjoy and have fun with your child
Well...there you have it. If just one person finds even one thing here helpful it will be worth it. I know how hard parenting is. Sometimes we need some fresh ideas. Let me know if you want more like this, or less.
By the way, your kids are the best!!!!
I have lost my laminator. I gave it to someone.....who? Good question! I can't remember who I gave it to. If you have it, please return it to me ASAP. Thanks!
Shout out to parents who purchased books for our classroom from the Scholastic Book Fair. Thank you so very much. I also feel pretty special having a cute pointer. I appreciate your support and generosity! |
February 3, 2017
The season of winter, penguins, polar bears, and winter gear have been the focus. You have probably heard the polar bear growls coming from the snow hill. The children really got into pretending to be bears and it was fun to watch them crawl around in the snow and tussle. We read the Mitten Story by Jan Brett and the kids made mittens decorated with snips of colored paper. Our buddy bears have been making their rounds and we have enjoyed the journal that the kids share after the bears visit your homes.
At the end of January we took down the Cocoa Shop and put up a Post Office. I don't have as many props for this dramatic play area theme, but the kids seem to enjoy it. (I have an old pricing apparatus from my days in retail....ok.....it's a pricing GUN......there I said the G word. I didn't tell the kids it was a pricing "gun" but it took only a day or two before it was being used as a gun. the shooting kind. So, I had to remove it. Bummer, since I don't have too many props for post office. "Going postal" was not supposed to be part of the dramatic play. ha.
We are loving our ABC Soup Cans that we received from the Nitti family. Playing the "missing piece" game has been a big favorite! It is important that the children try to learn all the letters of the alphabet to get ready for kindergarten. I can not stress this enough.
We just wrapped up Catholic School's Week. It was a busy week. My dear son, David, came in and talked to the children about his life experiences both as a monk at St. John's and as a layperson. The kids were eager to tell him what they will be doing with the rest of their lives. Ms. Eileen, our school nurse also visited and shared photographs and stories about her time in Honduras and the story of how she became a nurse.
The preschoolers were included in all of the Catholic School Week events. Mr. Strommen came in and had the kids try all kinds of different foods. These included; pomegranate, coconut, fresh and shredded, black beans and brownies made from black beans, pineapple, fresh and canned. Not too many children wanted to taste things, but a few did and that made them all very, very curious.
We will move on to the letter Ss and will be decorating the classroom for the upcoming Valentine parties. Everyone should have received a letter regarding the parties. Let me know if there is any questions.
Conference times should be coming out soon. I hope to see many of you then. love, Mrs. Allen
The season of winter, penguins, polar bears, and winter gear have been the focus. You have probably heard the polar bear growls coming from the snow hill. The children really got into pretending to be bears and it was fun to watch them crawl around in the snow and tussle. We read the Mitten Story by Jan Brett and the kids made mittens decorated with snips of colored paper. Our buddy bears have been making their rounds and we have enjoyed the journal that the kids share after the bears visit your homes.
At the end of January we took down the Cocoa Shop and put up a Post Office. I don't have as many props for this dramatic play area theme, but the kids seem to enjoy it. (I have an old pricing apparatus from my days in retail....ok.....it's a pricing GUN......there I said the G word. I didn't tell the kids it was a pricing "gun" but it took only a day or two before it was being used as a gun. the shooting kind. So, I had to remove it. Bummer, since I don't have too many props for post office. "Going postal" was not supposed to be part of the dramatic play. ha.
We are loving our ABC Soup Cans that we received from the Nitti family. Playing the "missing piece" game has been a big favorite! It is important that the children try to learn all the letters of the alphabet to get ready for kindergarten. I can not stress this enough.
We just wrapped up Catholic School's Week. It was a busy week. My dear son, David, came in and talked to the children about his life experiences both as a monk at St. John's and as a layperson. The kids were eager to tell him what they will be doing with the rest of their lives. Ms. Eileen, our school nurse also visited and shared photographs and stories about her time in Honduras and the story of how she became a nurse.
The preschoolers were included in all of the Catholic School Week events. Mr. Strommen came in and had the kids try all kinds of different foods. These included; pomegranate, coconut, fresh and shredded, black beans and brownies made from black beans, pineapple, fresh and canned. Not too many children wanted to taste things, but a few did and that made them all very, very curious.
We will move on to the letter Ss and will be decorating the classroom for the upcoming Valentine parties. Everyone should have received a letter regarding the parties. Let me know if there is any questions.
Conference times should be coming out soon. I hope to see many of you then. love, Mrs. Allen
January, 16, 2017
hello
hello
hello
It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and I am at school for a workshop and a blood drive. This morning we learned about a tool called SeeSaw , which I hope to put to work in our classroom.
The children had a good week although the cold snap kept us indoors. The kids are busy little beavers and we especially enjoyed playing What's missing/What's different? In one version they look carefully at a group of pictures and have to determine what is missing after I remove one from the group. In the second version, one child goes out of the group and I change something in their appearance, which the kids must figurre out.
We have also seen more interest in the computers in recent weeks, which I attribute to the fact that the kids who stay for the entire day are getting more tech savvy. When they are successful, the other children see it, and want to try. Kids learn so much from one another and in ways that grownups could never duplicate.
I am looking for people to make play dough so that we can have a fresh batch every two weeks. I will include names on the snack calendar and that family will be responsible for contributing a batch of play dough for that week. If you have any questions, let me know.
Please don't hesitate to throw questions or concerns my way. I am always looking for ways to help.
love, Mrs. Allen
hello
hello
hello
It is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and I am at school for a workshop and a blood drive. This morning we learned about a tool called SeeSaw , which I hope to put to work in our classroom.
The children had a good week although the cold snap kept us indoors. The kids are busy little beavers and we especially enjoyed playing What's missing/What's different? In one version they look carefully at a group of pictures and have to determine what is missing after I remove one from the group. In the second version, one child goes out of the group and I change something in their appearance, which the kids must figurre out.
We have also seen more interest in the computers in recent weeks, which I attribute to the fact that the kids who stay for the entire day are getting more tech savvy. When they are successful, the other children see it, and want to try. Kids learn so much from one another and in ways that grownups could never duplicate.
I am looking for people to make play dough so that we can have a fresh batch every two weeks. I will include names on the snack calendar and that family will be responsible for contributing a batch of play dough for that week. If you have any questions, let me know.
Please don't hesitate to throw questions or concerns my way. I am always looking for ways to help.
love, Mrs. Allen
January 9, 2017
I am happy to report that I am back on my feet and doing well after a few days feeling under the weather. The next time one of the kiddos gets pink eye I will be more sympathetic having had the unpleasant experience of it. ugh.
The Christmas parties were a big sucess and I am thankful for those that made things go smoothly. I know the children had a great time. It is such a special time of their lives, and the wonder they see in the world is just a joy to witness. I see it every day as they remark about things they have discovered and experienced. They are just the best little kids in the world.
I came in on Sunday and transformed our dramatic play area into the Cocoa Shop. Of course, today they ALL had to try things out and I was served many, many cups of hot chocolate, lattes, coffees, etc. mmmmmm. The babies are still there, and it was sweet to see Braeden carefully lay one down for nap after we cleaned up.
Today we had a fire drill. It took the school under a minute to clear out, however our class needs to work on being silent during drills. We went over to the Stein Haus and by the time we entered the front door we just turned around and headed back. (Although Abe was able to snag a piece of gum from his grandpa while we were in there.)
The children got to watch part of the Charlie Brown Christmas movie in music class with Mrs. Hail. They will compare and contrast their Christmas pageant with the Peanuts one.
Be sure to send winter gear so that we can go outdoors. The fresh snow is calling to be tramped upon.
In religion we will be talking about Jesus as a young man. We will discuss what carpenters do and the tools they use. We will teach the story of Jesus in the Temple. There will be coloring sheets that the children may do in school or take home for "homework".
Penguins, snow, winter, polar bears and so forth are being focused on, as well as the five senses and opposites.
I will be getting some simple science centers ready for the Family Science Night that happens during Catholic Schools Week. There will be a packet going home about all the events of that special week. Be sure to look for it.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy!
love, Mrs. Allen
I am happy to report that I am back on my feet and doing well after a few days feeling under the weather. The next time one of the kiddos gets pink eye I will be more sympathetic having had the unpleasant experience of it. ugh.
The Christmas parties were a big sucess and I am thankful for those that made things go smoothly. I know the children had a great time. It is such a special time of their lives, and the wonder they see in the world is just a joy to witness. I see it every day as they remark about things they have discovered and experienced. They are just the best little kids in the world.
I came in on Sunday and transformed our dramatic play area into the Cocoa Shop. Of course, today they ALL had to try things out and I was served many, many cups of hot chocolate, lattes, coffees, etc. mmmmmm. The babies are still there, and it was sweet to see Braeden carefully lay one down for nap after we cleaned up.
Today we had a fire drill. It took the school under a minute to clear out, however our class needs to work on being silent during drills. We went over to the Stein Haus and by the time we entered the front door we just turned around and headed back. (Although Abe was able to snag a piece of gum from his grandpa while we were in there.)
The children got to watch part of the Charlie Brown Christmas movie in music class with Mrs. Hail. They will compare and contrast their Christmas pageant with the Peanuts one.
Be sure to send winter gear so that we can go outdoors. The fresh snow is calling to be tramped upon.
In religion we will be talking about Jesus as a young man. We will discuss what carpenters do and the tools they use. We will teach the story of Jesus in the Temple. There will be coloring sheets that the children may do in school or take home for "homework".
Penguins, snow, winter, polar bears and so forth are being focused on, as well as the five senses and opposites.
I will be getting some simple science centers ready for the Family Science Night that happens during Catholic Schools Week. There will be a packet going home about all the events of that special week. Be sure to look for it.
Hope everyone is happy and healthy!
love, Mrs. Allen
January 1, 2017
The month of December was crazy busy and I hope that your children shared their enthusiasm for snow, Christmas, and especially the Nativity Story with you.
I have missed all the kids during our break, but I have been kept very busy with a house full of family. I had fun spending time with my 2 adorable grandchildren who came to visit from Philadelphia. The week went too fast.
I am excited to see all my students and start the New Year. The kids will have a Christmas party at the end of the week. The parents who are planning the parties deserve a special thank you. I am sure the kids will have fun!
The Christmas dramatic play area will be up for just the first week of January and then we will put up the Cocoa/Coffee Shop.
The children are all doing great at getting their winter gear on by themselves and I have seen great progress. Thank you for your patience when we aren't quite ready to leave at the end of the school day. After the kids work so hard to get their stuff on, I want to get them outside for some play. I try to time it so that we are coming in from the playground at 11:30, but there have been times when we are just getting outdoors at pick up time.
Letters of the week:
January 3 Nn
January 9 Oo
January 16 Pp
January 23 Qq
During the month of January we will be learning about penguins, polar bears, and animal tracks and discussing cold, winter, snow and ice. The block area will feature "ice bergs" and we will be doing lots of art projects that pertain to winter.
As we learn about the 5 senses we will do some simple science experiments and discuss opposites, textures, temperatures, and weather. In religion we will be talking about the TWise Men, Jesus going to the temple, and the sacrament of Baptism. We will read about Martin Luther King Jr. and talk about different cultures and friendship. It should be a busy and fun month.
If you have any concerns give me a call anytime!
651 253 3545
love, Mrs. Allen
The month of December was crazy busy and I hope that your children shared their enthusiasm for snow, Christmas, and especially the Nativity Story with you.
I have missed all the kids during our break, but I have been kept very busy with a house full of family. I had fun spending time with my 2 adorable grandchildren who came to visit from Philadelphia. The week went too fast.
I am excited to see all my students and start the New Year. The kids will have a Christmas party at the end of the week. The parents who are planning the parties deserve a special thank you. I am sure the kids will have fun!
The Christmas dramatic play area will be up for just the first week of January and then we will put up the Cocoa/Coffee Shop.
The children are all doing great at getting their winter gear on by themselves and I have seen great progress. Thank you for your patience when we aren't quite ready to leave at the end of the school day. After the kids work so hard to get their stuff on, I want to get them outside for some play. I try to time it so that we are coming in from the playground at 11:30, but there have been times when we are just getting outdoors at pick up time.
Letters of the week:
January 3 Nn
January 9 Oo
January 16 Pp
January 23 Qq
During the month of January we will be learning about penguins, polar bears, and animal tracks and discussing cold, winter, snow and ice. The block area will feature "ice bergs" and we will be doing lots of art projects that pertain to winter.
As we learn about the 5 senses we will do some simple science experiments and discuss opposites, textures, temperatures, and weather. In religion we will be talking about the TWise Men, Jesus going to the temple, and the sacrament of Baptism. We will read about Martin Luther King Jr. and talk about different cultures and friendship. It should be a busy and fun month.
If you have any concerns give me a call anytime!
651 253 3545
love, Mrs. Allen
Dear parents, December 8, 2016
It is such a fun time of year and we are enjoying all of the excitement of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Baby Jesus. Teaching the Nativity story is made even better with the beautiful Nativity set that we had donated to our class by Regan and Rylee’s family. The children are learning the story and have been play acting it with the different Nativity sets we have throughout the room.
For example, we have a Glow-in-the-dark set that Sr. Teresa brought back from her trip to India last winter. We have a Fisher-Price set, and a swinging Nativity set. Lots of opportunities for the kids to think about the coming of Jesus.
At the Christmas program the pre-kindergarten children will sing and then sit with their parents for the rest of the program. We discussed costumes for the kids and it was decided that we would not burden parents with this expense and expectation. Instead, we will make simple halos that each child can wear. If you would like to help with this project let me know.
Mrs. Bauer missed Monday and Tuesday this week, but she is back now and feeling better. The children were very concerned that she was gone. We are lucky that we had helpers who filled in. Thank you Mrs. M, Milinda Lohmann and Stephanie Girgen.
With the cold weather please remember to send winter gear. Snowpants, boots, jacket, hat, mittens. We are working on dressing ourselves. It is very fun to watch how earnestly the kids work to get dressed for outside play. Even if it is a very short outdoor playtime, it is worth the effort. The preschoolers feel such pride in doing for themselves and are motivated by seeing what their peers can do.
Thanks for sending your child to our school. I love each and every one of them and can’t imagine not being a part of their lives.
Love, Mrs. Allen
It is such a fun time of year and we are enjoying all of the excitement of Advent as we prepare for the birth of Baby Jesus. Teaching the Nativity story is made even better with the beautiful Nativity set that we had donated to our class by Regan and Rylee’s family. The children are learning the story and have been play acting it with the different Nativity sets we have throughout the room.
For example, we have a Glow-in-the-dark set that Sr. Teresa brought back from her trip to India last winter. We have a Fisher-Price set, and a swinging Nativity set. Lots of opportunities for the kids to think about the coming of Jesus.
At the Christmas program the pre-kindergarten children will sing and then sit with their parents for the rest of the program. We discussed costumes for the kids and it was decided that we would not burden parents with this expense and expectation. Instead, we will make simple halos that each child can wear. If you would like to help with this project let me know.
Mrs. Bauer missed Monday and Tuesday this week, but she is back now and feeling better. The children were very concerned that she was gone. We are lucky that we had helpers who filled in. Thank you Mrs. M, Milinda Lohmann and Stephanie Girgen.
With the cold weather please remember to send winter gear. Snowpants, boots, jacket, hat, mittens. We are working on dressing ourselves. It is very fun to watch how earnestly the kids work to get dressed for outside play. Even if it is a very short outdoor playtime, it is worth the effort. The preschoolers feel such pride in doing for themselves and are motivated by seeing what their peers can do.
Thanks for sending your child to our school. I love each and every one of them and can’t imagine not being a part of their lives.
Love, Mrs. Allen
December 6, 2016
Pre-kindergarten Parents,
We have a lovely tradition at St. John the Baptist School of going Christmas caroling during the very last hours before our Christmas break begins. All of the students look forward to the trek down Main Street with about six stops at local businesses for caroling. It is a delightful event, and I am excited to be able to extend an invitation to our pre-kindergarten classes to join in.
This will be the first time the little ones will be included and, since it is an afternoon event, many of you may not find it possible to attend. It is completely optional! We just don’t want to see anyone left out of the fun. So, if you can join us, you are very, very welcome.
December 21, 2016 2:00-3:15pm
Teachers, chaperones, parents, and students walk from school to local businesses in Vermillion to Christmas carol. After the last stop, everyone is invited to the church basement for hot cocoa and cookies. Then it is time for dismissal and the start of Christmas break!
All the children will need to have their field trip consent forms turned in so that they can go. These forms will be sent home in the blue folder.
The children who DO NOT attend afternoon preschool will need to have a parent or guardian come along with them for the field trip. This adult will be fully responsible for their preschooler’s safety. On top of that, we would like a field trip consent form filled out, just to be on the safe side in the event of an emergency. If your child is enrolled in the extended day program, we will have one adult for each of these children if a parent is not with them. Ideally, I would like each preschooler to have the hand of an adult.
We are very excited to be including the littlest students in this special holiday event. It is such a great start to the Christmas season! I hope you can join us!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Pre-kindergarten Parents,
We have a lovely tradition at St. John the Baptist School of going Christmas caroling during the very last hours before our Christmas break begins. All of the students look forward to the trek down Main Street with about six stops at local businesses for caroling. It is a delightful event, and I am excited to be able to extend an invitation to our pre-kindergarten classes to join in.
This will be the first time the little ones will be included and, since it is an afternoon event, many of you may not find it possible to attend. It is completely optional! We just don’t want to see anyone left out of the fun. So, if you can join us, you are very, very welcome.
December 21, 2016 2:00-3:15pm
Teachers, chaperones, parents, and students walk from school to local businesses in Vermillion to Christmas carol. After the last stop, everyone is invited to the church basement for hot cocoa and cookies. Then it is time for dismissal and the start of Christmas break!
All the children will need to have their field trip consent forms turned in so that they can go. These forms will be sent home in the blue folder.
The children who DO NOT attend afternoon preschool will need to have a parent or guardian come along with them for the field trip. This adult will be fully responsible for their preschooler’s safety. On top of that, we would like a field trip consent form filled out, just to be on the safe side in the event of an emergency. If your child is enrolled in the extended day program, we will have one adult for each of these children if a parent is not with them. Ideally, I would like each preschooler to have the hand of an adult.
We are very excited to be including the littlest students in this special holiday event. It is such a great start to the Christmas season! I hope you can join us!
Love, Mrs. Allen
Time flies!
It is November 27th and we go back to school tomorrow. I can feel the Christmas anticipation all around me. The Thanksgiving feast was barely eaten before the Christmas tree appeared from storage. I do not want to complain about a husband who takes such initiative, yet I have to take a deep breath and straighten my back as Christmas comes barreling toward us. I know that there will be a whole lot of hustle and bustle and being in a calm, serene state of mind may only happen with a whole lot of effort to slow things down.
Sorry if I am being a Debbie Downer. Just need to put things in perspective. This is that crazy time of year when some of us look around at our homes and kids and stupidly compare our lives with Hallmark ads and Pinterest posts. STOP! Take a vow with me to keep things realistic. Choose one activity at a time. Don't over extend yourself and make yourself nuts. Do what makes you happy . I know that if I attempted to bake super cute cut out cookies with my kids I would be CRABBY. They always look so adorable on magazine covers but don't ask me how it is done. I DO, however, love crafts. So I can sit down and have the kids create stuff with paints and tissue paper, paper and stickers, glitter and glue. The messier the better!
Stick to your strengths. One thing at a time. I once had a darling little book with all kinds of Christmas traditions to carry out, and all kinds of gifts to make, and beautiful ways to decorate your home, and your mailbox, and the trees and the driveway, etc. I would look at the cute ideas and feel nothing but inadequacy. I spent years being a lunatic, thinking I had to do so much to make Christmas special. Ugh. Please learn from my wasted energy. Don't bother. It doesn't pay off.
Just do the things that make YOU happy. You don't have to do it all. In fact you can't possibly, so why try? We tell our grown kids to tell us one thing that they feel is important. It is much more doable and easier to carry out. You can give the little kids multiple choices. To ask a 4 year old if they would rather go sledding, watch a Christmas video, or play a board game with the family is reasonable. Then, set up the date for their choice.
Do the same for yourself and spouse. If you LOVE sending out Christmas cards (that's my most important tradition) than you get to make it happen. Call a photographer. You will not regret it.
This is starting to sound preachy.
School starts in again tomorrow. We will be closing the Pizza Shop and turning the dramatic play area into Home for the Holidays. The toys all get rotated and I will be bringing in some tools and such for Santa's workshop. There is so much fun ahead with lots of cute art projects that you are sure to appreciate. (Another tradition of ours that has been easy to do is to save Art Projects that the kids made in school. Now that they are older they get a kick out of seeing how they wrote and remember working hard on certain projects. i.e., Macaroni Christmas Tree. Keep Christ in Christmas posters.)
I will be doing the snack calendar tomorrow when I get back into the classroom.
If you have ANY questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call.
Peace,
Mrs. Allen
It is November 27th and we go back to school tomorrow. I can feel the Christmas anticipation all around me. The Thanksgiving feast was barely eaten before the Christmas tree appeared from storage. I do not want to complain about a husband who takes such initiative, yet I have to take a deep breath and straighten my back as Christmas comes barreling toward us. I know that there will be a whole lot of hustle and bustle and being in a calm, serene state of mind may only happen with a whole lot of effort to slow things down.
Sorry if I am being a Debbie Downer. Just need to put things in perspective. This is that crazy time of year when some of us look around at our homes and kids and stupidly compare our lives with Hallmark ads and Pinterest posts. STOP! Take a vow with me to keep things realistic. Choose one activity at a time. Don't over extend yourself and make yourself nuts. Do what makes you happy . I know that if I attempted to bake super cute cut out cookies with my kids I would be CRABBY. They always look so adorable on magazine covers but don't ask me how it is done. I DO, however, love crafts. So I can sit down and have the kids create stuff with paints and tissue paper, paper and stickers, glitter and glue. The messier the better!
Stick to your strengths. One thing at a time. I once had a darling little book with all kinds of Christmas traditions to carry out, and all kinds of gifts to make, and beautiful ways to decorate your home, and your mailbox, and the trees and the driveway, etc. I would look at the cute ideas and feel nothing but inadequacy. I spent years being a lunatic, thinking I had to do so much to make Christmas special. Ugh. Please learn from my wasted energy. Don't bother. It doesn't pay off.
Just do the things that make YOU happy. You don't have to do it all. In fact you can't possibly, so why try? We tell our grown kids to tell us one thing that they feel is important. It is much more doable and easier to carry out. You can give the little kids multiple choices. To ask a 4 year old if they would rather go sledding, watch a Christmas video, or play a board game with the family is reasonable. Then, set up the date for their choice.
Do the same for yourself and spouse. If you LOVE sending out Christmas cards (that's my most important tradition) than you get to make it happen. Call a photographer. You will not regret it.
This is starting to sound preachy.
School starts in again tomorrow. We will be closing the Pizza Shop and turning the dramatic play area into Home for the Holidays. The toys all get rotated and I will be bringing in some tools and such for Santa's workshop. There is so much fun ahead with lots of cute art projects that you are sure to appreciate. (Another tradition of ours that has been easy to do is to save Art Projects that the kids made in school. Now that they are older they get a kick out of seeing how they wrote and remember working hard on certain projects. i.e., Macaroni Christmas Tree. Keep Christ in Christmas posters.)
I will be doing the snack calendar tomorrow when I get back into the classroom.
If you have ANY questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call.
Peace,
Mrs. Allen
SNACKS
Henry: Nov. 14, 16, 18
Makenzie: Nov. 15, 17
John: Nov 28, 30, Dec 2
Michael: Nov. 29, Dec. 1
Themes: Pizza Shop, the letter Ii, Indian corn, I know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly, turkeys, feathers, & shapes.
We will add foam letters to the writing center and encourage the children to construct their names or the Alphabet. New puzzles and manipulatives will be out, including fresh playdough and thanksgiving themed cutters.
The children worked so hard this week on the Mosaic art projects. This was fun to watch and I want you to appreciate their work, even though the product may not look like much. First they had to master water color painting. This took many tries. To go from water, to napkin, to paint was difficult at first. They had to learn, through trial and error, that if they skipped the napkin step, their paintbrushes would be dripping with water, their paper would get too soaked, and the colors would be pale and running all together. As they practiced and observed they mastered some skills at water color painting.
The second step was to cut their paintings after they'd dried. There were a few children who thought that was NOT ACCEPTABLE. (which I get. They had painted so diligently and now I was asking them to CUT IT UP?!) I was able to sit with children individually and provide support for their cutting. They loved the idea of the scissors being an alligator, chomping at the paper. I held the paper for them. (keeping it sort of taunt for easier cutting). They were so dang cute. They were in awe of their amazing cutting skills!
The third step involved pasting the pieces onto a large red piece of construction paper. These are hanging in our room and look stunning! It is wonderful how each is uniquely theirs.
Our room is a busy place, with so many things to look at. The part of me that likes surfaces clean and clutter free has to back down because these kids need lots of enrichment and interesting things to explore. I try very, very hard to keep things from getting mundane. I like to rotate toys and games, puzzles and manipulatives. It is a goal of mine to create so many fun things for the kids to use that we will always have something new and exciting.
The kids learned an itty bitty bit about government this week. We read a cute book about the little presidents. A primer from Scholastic. Perfect for their level of interest. It names the presidents for things like being the first to wear a beard (Lincoln) and who had teddy bears named after him (Theodore Roosevelt), who was the youngest (Kennedy) and who was the oldest (Reagan). It was so simple and pure. I loved the message, which was how different and remarkable the presidents have been. A nice message after a long campaign season. (whew!)
On a personal note, I am super excited to be heading up to The College of St. Benedict tomorrow to spend the day with my daughter, Megan. I am just jumping for joy to be able to see her. She has joined an Irish Dance group and they will be dancing at the Festival of Cultures on Saturday evening, so I will stay to see that and then head home.
someone out there has my laminating gadget, but for the life of me I don't know who. I have a few things I need to use it for.
Please ask lots of questions when I am not making things clear for you. I know there are things I forget to mention...which I usually remember at about midnight....so don't be shy. I love the feedback!
Again, could your kids be any more wonderful? I love them all! Enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Allen
Henry: Nov. 14, 16, 18
Makenzie: Nov. 15, 17
John: Nov 28, 30, Dec 2
Michael: Nov. 29, Dec. 1
Themes: Pizza Shop, the letter Ii, Indian corn, I know an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly, turkeys, feathers, & shapes.
We will add foam letters to the writing center and encourage the children to construct their names or the Alphabet. New puzzles and manipulatives will be out, including fresh playdough and thanksgiving themed cutters.
The children worked so hard this week on the Mosaic art projects. This was fun to watch and I want you to appreciate their work, even though the product may not look like much. First they had to master water color painting. This took many tries. To go from water, to napkin, to paint was difficult at first. They had to learn, through trial and error, that if they skipped the napkin step, their paintbrushes would be dripping with water, their paper would get too soaked, and the colors would be pale and running all together. As they practiced and observed they mastered some skills at water color painting.
The second step was to cut their paintings after they'd dried. There were a few children who thought that was NOT ACCEPTABLE. (which I get. They had painted so diligently and now I was asking them to CUT IT UP?!) I was able to sit with children individually and provide support for their cutting. They loved the idea of the scissors being an alligator, chomping at the paper. I held the paper for them. (keeping it sort of taunt for easier cutting). They were so dang cute. They were in awe of their amazing cutting skills!
The third step involved pasting the pieces onto a large red piece of construction paper. These are hanging in our room and look stunning! It is wonderful how each is uniquely theirs.
Our room is a busy place, with so many things to look at. The part of me that likes surfaces clean and clutter free has to back down because these kids need lots of enrichment and interesting things to explore. I try very, very hard to keep things from getting mundane. I like to rotate toys and games, puzzles and manipulatives. It is a goal of mine to create so many fun things for the kids to use that we will always have something new and exciting.
The kids learned an itty bitty bit about government this week. We read a cute book about the little presidents. A primer from Scholastic. Perfect for their level of interest. It names the presidents for things like being the first to wear a beard (Lincoln) and who had teddy bears named after him (Theodore Roosevelt), who was the youngest (Kennedy) and who was the oldest (Reagan). It was so simple and pure. I loved the message, which was how different and remarkable the presidents have been. A nice message after a long campaign season. (whew!)
On a personal note, I am super excited to be heading up to The College of St. Benedict tomorrow to spend the day with my daughter, Megan. I am just jumping for joy to be able to see her. She has joined an Irish Dance group and they will be dancing at the Festival of Cultures on Saturday evening, so I will stay to see that and then head home.
someone out there has my laminating gadget, but for the life of me I don't know who. I have a few things I need to use it for.
Please ask lots of questions when I am not making things clear for you. I know there are things I forget to mention...which I usually remember at about midnight....so don't be shy. I love the feedback!
Again, could your kids be any more wonderful? I love them all! Enjoy the weekend!
Mrs. Allen
November 6, 2016
Themes: Pizza Shop Hh, the color pink, rhombus/diamond, Autumn, and the change of seasons. snack calendar: Abe: Nov. 7, 9, 11 Kylie: Nov. 8, 10 Henry: Nov. 14, 16, 18 Makenzie: Nov. 15, 17 John: Nov 28, 30, Dec 2 Michael: Nov. 29, Dec. 1 It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks celebrating Halloween and Grandparents's Day and learning even more about firefighters. Your kids are busy little learners and dive into everything with great enthusiasm and energy. It is so much fun to be their teacher. The Halloween events were a really big deal for the kids and I think they had the most fun dressing up here at school and just seeing themselves and their friends in costumes. The parties were a big success. I was gone on Tuesday, attending a workshop in Minneapolis: Dr. Jean's Active Learning Adventure: Let's Make it Purposeful, Planful, and Playful, by Dr. Jean Feldman. It was a day well spent and Mrs. Huneke and I came away with a treasury of ideas and techniques. I am excited to put into action all of the many things I learned. For example: Dr. Jean gives children (and adults) "brain breaks". "You learn on your feet and not on your seat!" and encourages teachers to start the day with exercise to get blood going to the brain, release wiggles, and helps the children focus. So, when I see fidgeting, it means it is time to get the children up and moving. Dr. Jean has hundreds of songs and finger plays and tricks to help create the "magic". We worked on the letter Gg and made giraffes this past week. The children used watercolor paints to uncover their names and other secret things written in INVISIBLE INK, and we began working on watercolor mosaics. These are a 2 or 3 step process, so they won't be done and ready to go immediately. Our new music teacher, Mrs. Hail, has been getting to know the kids and I think they all enjoy her class. She attended the Halloween parties and sang the 5 little pumpkins song and a few others. We have a nice small group of children who stay for the entire day and these children got to enjoy Tricia and the Toonies on Friday afternoon. It was a great little program about recycling that involved puppets, student participation, a game show, and music. The children of all ages were totally engrossed. The Preschool Pizza Shop is open for business and the children are ready to take your orders. We have a phone and a map on the wall and offer delivery across the twin cities and the entire state of Minnesota. (The magic of childhood!) We will be learning more about pizza making and all the details of running a restaurant. (Especially how the state health department will come and shut you down if there are pieces of pizza all over the floor.) We will be using pasta to make art and will paint Indian corn. We will decorate some stars for the Veteran's Day celebration and if you have a military member you would like honored, email their name to Miss Deb in the office. We want to honor those who serve our country. I will hold off on starting to talk about Thanksgiving until the following week. (November 14) and then we will create all kinds of cute turkeys for you to have on hand to decorate your fridge. |
You are all amazing parents! Thanks for coming in for our conferences. 100% turnout. I hope that what you learned about our preschooler is helpful to you and that we can continue to work together to teach all the skills and knowledge appropriate for them.
As you are probably well aware, parents are the number one teachers in any child's life. Sometimes that can mean just being a good role model. Think about how you problem solve, negotiate with your partner, and set an example for your child. Please read to your child, and let them see you read for your own pleasure. Include them in conversations and activities and look for teachable moments during your time together. |
October 8, 2016
What a beautiful fall week! It was great getting outdoors everyday. With the chilly weather approaching send mittens and hats.
The new centers in the classroom have been a big hit.
Looking ahead:
send:
Week of October 10
PK 2day: Abby Wagner, Katie Roff,
PK 3day Milinda Lohmann, Danielle Rother, Danette Parisan, Katie Roff
Yea for awesome parents!! Thank you for volunteering. Please talk among yourselves to determine the game plan. Ask parents to donate money to offset the cost of things. Let me know if there is anything you need from me. Thanks for stepping up!
What a beautiful fall week! It was great getting outdoors everyday. With the chilly weather approaching send mittens and hats.
The new centers in the classroom have been a big hit.
- Fire station
- Market
- Farm
- Quiet corner
Looking ahead:
send:
- warm jackets
- mittens
- hats
- Marathon: will do a mini version on Monday. send warm clothes.
- Snacks and beverages for 14 each day you are assigned
Week of October 10
- Picture Day: October 10 and 11
- Autumn leaves
- Acorns
- The letter Ee
- Green
- Oval
- Numbers 1-5
- Elephants, Eggs, Elmo
PK 2day: Abby Wagner, Katie Roff,
PK 3day Milinda Lohmann, Danielle Rother, Danette Parisan, Katie Roff
Yea for awesome parents!! Thank you for volunteering. Please talk among yourselves to determine the game plan. Ask parents to donate money to offset the cost of things. Let me know if there is anything you need from me. Thanks for stepping up!
September 29, 2016
October themes: Farmers Market - Grocery Store - Farms - Fire Station - Safety - Police
Week of October 3rd: letter Dd, Orange, Rectangles, Numbers 1-5, Fire safety, Noah's Ark
Friday October 7: School marathon 1:15. All children are welcome to participate with parent supervision, however, we will not be taking preschooler off school grounds.
Week of October 10 Letter of the week: Ee, green, oval, 1-5, acorns, squirrels, leaves
October 10 and 11: picture day
Week of October 17: Letter of the week: review ABCDE, shapes and colors
Monday, October 17: Fire Safety Program by Hastings Fire Department
PK 2 day are invited to join us
9:30 in the Multipurpose room
A Fire Truck will be here!
October 17 and 18: conferences 4:00-8:00 Children do NOT attend the conferences. (15 minute sessions) Review letters A-E.
October 19, 20, 21: No school. Have fun!
Week of October 24: Letter of the week: Ff, Octagon, 1-6, pumpkins, Halloween, ghosts
October 27 Halloween Party for PK 2 day. Need volunteers.
Friday, October 28 Grandparents Day
all PK 2 day children are absolutely more than welcome to come to school on that Friday and take part in the Grandparent Day events.
9:00 Grandparents arrive and meet Mr. Strommen in the Multipurpose Room
9:45 Grandparents visit the classrooms
11:00 Mass
12:00 Lunch in the church basement
1:00 meet with Mr. Strommen
Preschoolers do not attend the mass as a class. If a grandparent wishes to take their preschooler to mass, please send a note for us to allow that preschooler to be "picked up" by the grandparent.
Monday October 31: Halloween party PK 3 day
bring (or wear) costumes and tennis shoes
Also: Always take water bottles and naptime blankets home on Friday for washing.
Send a spare set of clothes in a ziploc bag. These can stay in the lockers.
Over the past two weeks the children have learned to recognize their own name in print. They are getting very good at walking in a line and following the leader. Their skills at listening without interrupting are improving and there have been no behavioral problems at all. The children have gotten to know one another and it's fun to see friendships forming. Everyday there are opportunities to teach the children to use their words, not to whine, to take turns, and work as a team. We do not hit, yell, run inside, or be unkind at school. Ever.
As I teach the letters of the week I use the terms: "Tall line down. Short line down. Easy Across. Rainbow curve to the right. Rainbow curve to the left. Make a circle. Run back in. Up the mountain. Down the slide.) For example: teaching the letter E I would say as I demonstrate the stroke; " Tall line down. Pick your pencil up. Easy across, easy across, easy across." For the letter C "Rainbow curve to the left, keep on going. then stop." Please encourage ALL attempts at writing! Exclaim how beautiful their scribbles are. Encourage any writing and coloring. Start with circles, circles, circles. One on top of the other.
We played BUS DRIVER and took care of BABIES and played with BEANS in the sensory table. We painted BUBBLES and used scissors to snip, snip, snip. Then we used our little snips of paper to create a weather wheel. We listened to the story of Creation from the bible.
Our baskets for the Fall Festival turned out great and I think we made over $150 for the school. The Fall Festival was a lot of fun. (But I blame it for not getting a letter written last week.)
This past week was busy. I hope you have displayed the beautiful works of art that our children have produced. Corn on the cob, Blue easel paintings, Cat Art, Caterpillar Art, Seed Mosaics, Adam and Eve coloring sheets, and the letter C items. We had a fire drill in the AFTERNOON on Thursday. Almost everyone enjoyed finger painting with shaving cream. (clouds) and eating Crackers, Carrots, Cheese, and drinking Chocolate milk for snack. Thanks Addy and Brooke.
The snack calendar went out in the kids' backpacks on Friday.
Let me know if you have any questions about what is happening at school. 651-253-3545
Mrs. Allen
September 18, 2016
It is hard to believe we have only been in school for 8 days! When you consider that, it is amazing how well the children have adapted to these big changes in their lives. They are wonderful little people and I feel incredibly blessed to have them with me in school.
What we did this past week in a nutshell
- Nursery rhymes
- the letter Aa
- the color red
- circles
- counting
- bathing the baby dolls
- Easel painting
- The Giving Tree
- Apple tree art
- Apple taste test
- the Sign of the Cross
- It you Take a Mouse to School
- the letter Bb
- the color yellow
- squares
- counting 1-5, with emphasis on 1 and 2
- Chicka, chicka, boom, boom-make a book
- Babies, bubbles, buses
- Weather
- The Owl Babies
- Adam and Eve
- body parts
The weather was lovely and we were able to get outdoors almost every day. As the days become cooler, you will want to be ready with fall jackets, mittens, and caps. (It should be nice for awhile longer, but be prepared for that first chilly morning.)
The playground
is covered with tiny pebbles. Tennis shoes are best. Flip flops, sandals, etc. are not a good option for outside playtime. You can leave shoes in the lockers if that is easier for you.
Some of the children have worn St. John the Baptist spirit wear, which is fantastic. This is not a requirement for preschoolers, but they often enjoy dressing as the older kids do.
We will be putting together the baskets for the Fall Festival this weekend. Please be sure to send in your
contributions.
s
September 10, 2016 Saturday
bullet points:
Looking back:
Learning how to walk in a line WThF
Toured the school WTh
Met Mr. Strommen and Miss Deb. WTh
Talked a lot about feeling safe at school WThF
Getting to know each other WThF
Sign of the Cross introduced WThF
Duck Duck Gray Duck F
Firestations game in the gym F
Opposites (Inside Outside Apple art project) F
Music class Th
and lots more.
Looking ahead to the coming week: (Sept 12)
Letter: A
Shape: circle
Color: red
Number: 1
Nursery Rhymes
Babies and Family
RED art projects
Apples
ABCs
Apple taste test
introduce Angel of God
If you Give a Mouse a Cookie
If you Take a Mouse to School
The Giving Tree
The Kissing Hand
Also: Marathon folders. Questions/Dottie Werner 612-251-6821
The RED TAKE HOME FOLDERs are more trouble than they're worth. I vote that we eliminate these.
I also 2nd it and proclaim it a done deal.
Snacks: Week of 12th Regan MWF healthy snack and drink for 14 students
Rylee T TH healthy snack and drink for 13 students
Reminders:
Kids who stay for the afternoon should bring a blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, quiet toy for rest time.
All children should bring sneakers for outdoor and gym play.
Children can bring items in that begin with the letter of the week to show and tell about at circle time.
Girls wearing skirts or dresses should wear shorts underneath for modesty. (hanging upside down on climber, sitting on the floor, and such)
Volunteer opportunities:
Help with assessments. Be in the Resource room, across the hall, during preschool hours. Assess the children, one at a time, on their knowledge of ABCs, counting, etc. It is EASY PEASY.
Our classes each need to put together a basket for the Fall Festival.
MWF 3 day class theme: Asian. (tea, rice, giftcards, chopsticks, whatever).
T TH 2 day class theme: Fiesta. (anything for a Hispanic party.)
I would like a volunteer to coordinate the items after they have been collected (assemble the basket, make it cute)
Now the long winded version. First of all, I see that I forgot to actually use the bullet points for my "bullet points".
This week we worked on basic things. The biggest challenge was making a line and walking in a line. We do a lot of lines in school, so I told the kids they will get tons of practice. Making a circle is also a basic skill that we will teach them. Using the bathroom at school is a big deal, and washing hands is important. Calendar and songs at circle time were delightful. The kids participated and seemed to enjoy it. We "row row rowed our boats up the mountain stream" and got some smiles when that ended with "if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream!" ahhhhh! We sang the usual favorites: Wheels on the Bus, and Tiny Tim, (I have a little turtle, his name is Tiny Tim, I put him in the bathtub, to see if he could swim. He drank up all the water, glug glug glug, He ate up all the soap. num, num, num. He woke up in the morning with a bubble in his throat!) make motions of bubble in throat getting bigger and bigger as you sing: Bubble, bubble, bubble, ...bubble, bubble, bubble....bubble, bubble, bubble, ....bubble, bubble, POP! and clap). We also sang, Baby Bumble Bee, The Grand old Duke of York, Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, and some Nursery Rhymes.
The children were very proud to show me how well they know their colors and I had them "kiss their brains" for being so smart. (kiss your finger and put the kiss on top of your head)
When we toured the building we stopped to visit a bit with Mr. Strommen and Miss Deb and learned that they are there to help keep everyone safe and will always help if we need anything. When we toured the gym the children enjoyed RUNNING!! When the playground is too wet, we will always try to get some gym time.
Other favorite things were the sand table, the trucks and blocks, and the play dough. We have a lot more boys this year than last and I believe I may make our construction/truck area larger to accommodate more little bodies. Lots of parallel play, but not too much interaction yet.
On Friday we talked about Apples, which will be our theme for the next week. We painted apple prints to show the inside and outside of an apple. (opposites were introduced)
Next week we will focus on the letter Aa. The children can bring in items that begin with the letter of the week to share during circle time. We will also focus on the color red, the circle shape, and the number 1.
There is always WAY more planned than we can possibly get to, and sometimes flexibility is paramount. My lesson plans are subject to change with the needs and moods of the children. It is often difficult to predict how much the kids will sit for before they get the wiggles. Movement in learning is a KEY ingredient, so I like to get them active while I teach. It is a delicate dance and I need to "read" the children as I go.
With that said, there are plans to read about apples, and astronauts, do apple tasting, and do some art projects. I won't spoil the surprises. You will just have to see what great masterpieces come home in their backpacks.
Gosh, I love my job! It is so much FUN! And your children are what makes it all worthwhile! Thanks for bringing them to St. John the Baptist. I am very, very excited to be their teacher.
Mrs. Allen
p.s. I will be sending home information about the "Question of the Day". Please take time to read all the benefits from this check-in activity.
September 10, 2016 Saturday
bullet points:
Looking back:
Learning how to walk in a line WThF
Toured the school WTh
Met Mr. Strommen and Miss Deb. WTh
Talked a lot about feeling safe at school WThF
Getting to know each other WThF
Sign of the Cross introduced WThF
Duck Duck Gray Duck F
Firestations game in the gym F
Opposites (Inside Outside Apple art project) F
Music class Th
and lots more.
Looking ahead to the coming week: (Sept 12)
Letter: A
Shape: circle
Color: red
Number: 1
Nursery Rhymes
Babies and Family
RED art projects
Apples
ABCs
Apple taste test
introduce Angel of God
If you Give a Mouse a Cookie
If you Take a Mouse to School
The Giving Tree
The Kissing Hand
Also: Marathon folders. Questions/Dottie Werner 612-251-6821
The RED TAKE HOME FOLDERs are more trouble than they're worth. I vote that we eliminate these.
I also 2nd it and proclaim it a done deal.
Snacks: Week of 12th Regan MWF healthy snack and drink for 14 students
Rylee T TH healthy snack and drink for 13 students
Reminders:
Kids who stay for the afternoon should bring a blanket, pillow, stuffed animal, quiet toy for rest time.
All children should bring sneakers for outdoor and gym play.
Children can bring items in that begin with the letter of the week to show and tell about at circle time.
Girls wearing skirts or dresses should wear shorts underneath for modesty. (hanging upside down on climber, sitting on the floor, and such)
Volunteer opportunities:
Help with assessments. Be in the Resource room, across the hall, during preschool hours. Assess the children, one at a time, on their knowledge of ABCs, counting, etc. It is EASY PEASY.
Our classes each need to put together a basket for the Fall Festival.
MWF 3 day class theme: Asian. (tea, rice, giftcards, chopsticks, whatever).
T TH 2 day class theme: Fiesta. (anything for a Hispanic party.)
I would like a volunteer to coordinate the items after they have been collected (assemble the basket, make it cute)
Now the long winded version. First of all, I see that I forgot to actually use the bullet points for my "bullet points".
- Brilliant!
This week we worked on basic things. The biggest challenge was making a line and walking in a line. We do a lot of lines in school, so I told the kids they will get tons of practice. Making a circle is also a basic skill that we will teach them. Using the bathroom at school is a big deal, and washing hands is important. Calendar and songs at circle time were delightful. The kids participated and seemed to enjoy it. We "row row rowed our boats up the mountain stream" and got some smiles when that ended with "if you see a crocodile, don't forget to scream!" ahhhhh! We sang the usual favorites: Wheels on the Bus, and Tiny Tim, (I have a little turtle, his name is Tiny Tim, I put him in the bathtub, to see if he could swim. He drank up all the water, glug glug glug, He ate up all the soap. num, num, num. He woke up in the morning with a bubble in his throat!) make motions of bubble in throat getting bigger and bigger as you sing: Bubble, bubble, bubble, ...bubble, bubble, bubble....bubble, bubble, bubble, ....bubble, bubble, POP! and clap). We also sang, Baby Bumble Bee, The Grand old Duke of York, Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes, and some Nursery Rhymes.
The children were very proud to show me how well they know their colors and I had them "kiss their brains" for being so smart. (kiss your finger and put the kiss on top of your head)
When we toured the building we stopped to visit a bit with Mr. Strommen and Miss Deb and learned that they are there to help keep everyone safe and will always help if we need anything. When we toured the gym the children enjoyed RUNNING!! When the playground is too wet, we will always try to get some gym time.
Other favorite things were the sand table, the trucks and blocks, and the play dough. We have a lot more boys this year than last and I believe I may make our construction/truck area larger to accommodate more little bodies. Lots of parallel play, but not too much interaction yet.
On Friday we talked about Apples, which will be our theme for the next week. We painted apple prints to show the inside and outside of an apple. (opposites were introduced)
Next week we will focus on the letter Aa. The children can bring in items that begin with the letter of the week to share during circle time. We will also focus on the color red, the circle shape, and the number 1.
There is always WAY more planned than we can possibly get to, and sometimes flexibility is paramount. My lesson plans are subject to change with the needs and moods of the children. It is often difficult to predict how much the kids will sit for before they get the wiggles. Movement in learning is a KEY ingredient, so I like to get them active while I teach. It is a delicate dance and I need to "read" the children as I go.
With that said, there are plans to read about apples, and astronauts, do apple tasting, and do some art projects. I won't spoil the surprises. You will just have to see what great masterpieces come home in their backpacks.
Gosh, I love my job! It is so much FUN! And your children are what makes it all worthwhile! Thanks for bringing them to St. John the Baptist. I am very, very excited to be their teacher.
Mrs. Allen
p.s. I will be sending home information about the "Question of the Day". Please take time to read all the benefits from this check-in activity.
Tips that work:
1. Use First...Then statements. (example: "First finish your drawing and then trace the letters."
2. Give choices....no matter if both are something that he has to do. Ex: "Do you want to use a yellow pencil or a blue pencil? Do you want to draw or trace first?"
You are getting out of the tub. Do you want to use the red towel or the blue towel? You are coming to the table to eat. Do you want to drink milk or water?
3. Tell him what to do (not what not to do) Ex: "walk" not, "don't run" or "gentle touch" not, "no hitting". Say: "Please, use and inside voice." instead of, "Stop Yelling!"
4. Use few words, not long sentences or repeating yourself. Ex: "Color the boy." vs. "What color should you make the boy that is playing with his cat in the picture?" If it is a longer direction, repeat only the main words. (example: "sit on chair") "Come inside", instead of "Come inside for dinner, and be sure to wash your hands, and don't forget to put your bike in the garage."
5. Keep your voice and demeanor calm. Limit talking and repeating yourself when he is stressed.
6. If using a timer stick to it. don't let him change it or want to add more time.
7. Don't ask him if he wants to do something or say "OK?" at the end of a request if it is something that you want him to do. (example: don't say "are you coming?" if he is supposed to be coming or don't say "sit down at the table, ok?") TELL him what to do using few words.
8. Don't try to talk through a problem if he is upset or irrational. Wait until he is calm to process. Using calming strategies.
9. Warn him when activities are coming to a close, when a new activity will begin or you are going somewhere or when there is a change in plans. (example: "2 minutes until playtime is over." or "We are going to read a book before lunch today.")
10. Use pictures and symbols to direct and redirect as needed.
source: Colette Ryan OTR Inver Grove Heights Community Schools
The Back to Top
More tips that work:
Don't get into power struggles...there is no winner.
Be consistent....don't let your child get away with something one time and the next time say no.
Pick your battles...not everything is worth "arguing" about.
Limit talking and repeating yourself, especially if your child is stressed.
Don't get into power struggles...there is no winner.
Be consistent....don't let your child get away with something one time and the next time say no.
Pick your battles...not everything is worth "arguing" about.
Limit talking and repeating yourself, especially if your child is stressed.
Ways to support early learning:
- Children learn a lot by imitating you. Be a great role model, and make sure your child sees you reading and writing every day.
- Read books together every day, both storybooks and books that give information about topics (like trucks or animals).
- Help your child find ways to describe how two objects are the same or different. Encourage your child to use words like small, medium, and large to describe the size of objects. "Is the basketball larger or smaller than the football?"
- Help your child learn to count. Play games that involve counting, using familiar objects that you come across every day. "How many plates do you need to set the table? How many stairs are there in the house?"
How cute is this?