Hi CCP Family,
I know you are happy to be in a routine again after the holidays! When families are out of our routines for an extended time, sometimes our “buttons” get pushed. Remember, Dr. Bailey reminds us in Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline (p. 22) that “Children learn self-discipline in 3 stages: 1) They find the limits by experimenting. 2) They retest their findings by repeatedly doing what they were told not to (including teasing/provoking & pushing your buttons) to see if the limit is firm. 3) If the limit proves firm, they internalize it.” So, know that your children are just doing their jobs when they test your limits. I know it’s hard, but keep the limits firm, so you can reach step 3 and the children can internalize the limits.
Please remember that 2025-26 preschool applications for currently-enrolled families are due by tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 17. We would love to have sibling applications by then, also. Thanks! Please remember that we try to honor your first choice, but we may have to hold a drawing in early February if there are more applicants for a particular class than there are spaces.
Soon Jennifer Holwell, current chair of our Preschool Advisory Committee “the PAC” will begin to look for parents who may be interested in serving on the committee for 25-26. Next year’s chair will be Ashton Blue. There will be a few other vacancies on the committee that we need to fill. It’s not a large committment and it gives you a chance to understand how the preschool decisions are madel! Please contact Jennifer, Ashton, or me to express your interest! We will get you connected!
Blog post reminder: To respond to your teacher on the emailed blog, you must click the link at the top where it says "To reply to Ms. ____, click here." Unfortunately, the way it is set up, if you just click "reply," your message actually comes to me. Of course, I will try to forward your message, but it may not be as timely. Thanks!
Please remember that preschool is closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. day on Monday, January 20.
We have planned our annual school-wide Pancakes and PJ’s on Wed & Thurs, Jan 29 & 30. Your class representative will send more details. You are invited to sign up to help. You may either provide items or cook/serve/clean-up pancakes. (Ducks & MW classes will eat on Wed 1/29. Whales and TTH classes will eat on Thurs, 1/30.) Watch for more information from your class parent rep.
Looking ahead - Our annual Valentine Dance will be on Friday, Feb. 7 from 6:00-7:30 pm. Put on your dancing clothes and shoes! The fellowship hall will be transformed into a party! This event is for your whole family. It’s always a favorite!
As you know, we do a lot of "intentional breathing" at preschool. Often we call it being a S.T.A.R. (Smile, Take a deep breath And Relax.) Conscious Discipline tells us "Consciously breathing releases toxins from the body, improves the immune system, balances the nervous system, turns off the stress response, facilitates weight loss, helps release unhealthy memories and stifled emotions, and integrates our brain to engage the higher centers for optimal functioning." (Feeling Buddies Curriculum, p. 70) So anytime you feel stressed, remember to be a S.T.A.R! Three slow, deep "belly breaths" can really help calm you and reset your system. If your child is too upset in the moment to breathe, then you breathe for them. Even just holding them close to you and breathing deeply can "download" your calm to them and help them move to the higher centers of the brain. (Just make sure that you are calm and conscious first!) ;-)
I wish you well,
Debbie