A note about peace - Nov. 7, 2024

Dear CCP Families,

We work towards peace everyday at preschool. Our children learn to talk through conflicts and work out solutions. This is one of the most important things we do! "If we are going to have real peace, and win the war against violence, we must start with children. By settling disputes with their peers, children gain an understanding of how to respect the needs of others, while meeting their own needs. They learn that there is often more than one 'right' side to a dispute, that feelings are important, and that there are many possible 'win-win' solutions." (~ Betsy Evans) I have hope for the future because our children are learning these problem-solving skills and can use them to make the world a more peaceful place..

Remember Monday, Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day and CCP is closed.

Monday, Nov. 18 the CCP Advisory Committee will meet at 9:15am in Ascension Hall (right after drop-off). PAC members, please try to be present, as we will vote on next year’s budget. Please make sure you have read over the proposal and have all your questions answered. (If you must be absent, please email your vote to Jennifer Holwell (chair) and Kristin Waitkus (secretary).

Please mark your December calendar…We will have our Preschool Christmas Concert on the last day of preschool before Christmas. It will be on Wednesday , December 18 at 9:30am in the Sanctuary. We will sing a few songs and tell the Christmas story. TTH classes, please do plan to be here, too! (We try to take turns, a Wednesday one year and a Thursday the next.) We will have our program at 9:30 and then everyone will go home with their families after the program. I will provide more details as we get closer, but for now, please mark your calendar for this special day.

Safekeepers - We will have staff meeting on Tuesday, 11/12 at 12:30. We will have a guest speaker & will finalize our Christmas Concert plan.

A CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - “Capture your child’s attention before you speak. Move close to her, wait for her to look at you, and say ‘There you are.’ “ (from Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 96) You may have noticed that CCP teachers try to avoid calling across the classroom to a student. It’s much more effective to move close to the child and get his or her attention before you start to talk or give directions.

I am wishing you well,

Debbie

CCP Welcome November! (Oct. 31, 2024)

Dear CCP Families,

Happy Halloween and Welcome November! Well, most of the kids enjoyed parading around in their Halloween costumes. ;-) It was a bit confusing for the 2’s, because it’s hard to say goodbye to your parent twice in one morning! Thank you for your support with that.

CCP Staff as their favorite book characters.

“BOOK CLUB” - We had a fantastic group of parents gather on Tuesday to discuss some of the issues highlighted in The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt. There was an enthusiastic discussion and lots of support for each other. We were fortunate to have parents from CCP and a few other preschools join us. We hope to gather again in January. I hope you can join us then!

Our first book club!

TUITION - is due on November 1 and considered late after Nov. 5. Thanks for paying your fees on time.

SCHOOL SPIRIT - On Wednesday/Thursday, Nov. 6/7, we will celebrate “SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS” at Christ Church Preschool! You can wear your CCP shirts or wear your class color - YELLOW Ducks, BLUE Whales, RED Ladybugs, GREEN Frogs. WE LOVE CCP!! (A special thanks to Carolyn Ziemer for organizing our shirt sales this year!!) We will have another spirit day in the spring, too. (Of course, you can wear your CCP apparel anytime!)

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIP #1 - COMPOSURE - Let’s remember that, as adults, it is our job to be sure we are calm and composed before we approach our child to discipline (teach) them. The best way to do this is to take 3 deep belly breaths (we tend to hold our breath when we are stressed) and affirm to yourself, “I am breathing. I am safe. I can handle this.” Then think, “What do I want my child TO DO?’ Then calmly tell your child, in a positive and assertive voice, what you want them to do. Stay focused on what TO DO. This method will avoid all the negatives, like “don’t” & “stop,” and you will find your child is often more cooperative.

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE TIP #2 -  Becky Bailey tells us, "Discipline and punishment are two different things.  Discipline, based in love, is consistent and focuses on cooperation.  Discipline sets expectations and helps find solutions to problems.  Punishment is based on fear and focuses on intimidation, threats or bribes."  To learn more, you may visit www.consciousdiscipline.com. Dr. Bailey has a book, written especially for parents, that you can order called, “Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline.”

I wish you well,

Debbie

Oct. 24, 2024 Misbehavior OR Missing Skill?

Hello CCP Families,

We loved seeing the big blue Chapel Hill fire truck on Tuesday! The fire fighters asked me to make sure you have a meeting place for your family in case the unthinkable happens and you would have to leave your house due to fire. It could be a tree, the mailbox, or a neighbor’s porch. Please talk about your plan with the whole family and check the batteries in your smoke detectors. If your house has gas, please also have a carbon monoxide detector. Teach your children to go to the family meeting place to find you if there is a fire, and go TO the fire fighters if they are looking for you - they are kind and they are helpers. Use this language to make the fire fighters more approachable. This is fire fighter Brooklynn showing how she would look if she came to help your family:

Fire Fighter Brooklynn is a helper!  Her oxygen tank makes a little air noise.  It is giving her fresh air to breathe.

Next week has so many great opportunities for you! Hope you can join us for:

• TRUNK OR TREAT - Sunday, Oct. 27 at 4:00 in the church office parking lot. Come in costume for games, candy, and fun!

• PARENT’S BOOK DISCUSSION - Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 in Ascension Hall. Please feel free to invite other parents even if they don’t attend CCP. Pastor Lee will give us a summary of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and then we can discuss together what we face as parents. You can come in your comfy clothes & bring your babies, strollers, etc. We will have some toys available for the kids and some coffee for the adults! I’m very excited about this opportunity!!

• HALLOWEEN PARADES - Read your teachers’ blogs for details. The 2’s and 3’s usually parade in the building and the 4’s parade (with lots of parents) on Market street just to wave at everyone and show our costumes. A note on costumes: nothing too scary and no weapons, please.

• SPIRIT DAYS - Wed/Thurs, Nov. 6 & 7 - Wear your CCP shirt or you class color - green frogs, red ladybugs, blue whales, yellow ducks.

Please remember we currently have room for another 3 year old and another 4 year old at CCP! Please send your friends our way.

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT: “Missing or emerging executive skills are at the root of what we call ‘discipline problems.’ Historically, children have been punished for not having these skills at certain ages. When there is conflict, we can choose to see a misbehaving child OR we can choose to see a child who needs help to learn a skill.”

At CCP, we try to see a child who needs to learn a skill. For example, if a child grabs the red crayon from another child. We use the phrase, “YOU WANTED____” Here’s how it may sound….You wanted the red crayon. You may not grab. Hold out your hand and say, “May I use the red crayon when you’re finished?” Or for a younger child….You wanted the red crayon. You may not grab. Hold out your hand and say, “Red crayon, please.”

This Saturday my neice is getting married outside. Sounds like it will be a beautiful day with lots of family fun!

Hope you have a lovely weekend, too! I wish you well.

Debbie

CCP - Oct. 17, 2024 Noticing vs. Judging

Dear CCP Families,

Oh, how I wish you could peek into the classrooms during the day! The children are engaged in so many forms of play (and learning so many things!) Be sure to click into the website and view the pictures from your class. I am continually grateful for our creative, energetic, and loving teachers who plan all these exciting activities for your little ones.

CARDS FOR A CAUSE - Tomorrow is the last day to order! Thanks for your support!

FIRE TRUCK - The Chapel Hill Fire Dept will bring their truck for a visit on Tuesday, Oct. 22! ( If you are in a MW class, please feel free to join us at 9:30 in Ascension Hall.) Usually the fire fighters show us how they look & sound when wearing all their gear. Then they take us, class by class, to look at the truck!

FAMILY PHOTOS - Please remember you have an opportunity for a family portrait this Saturday, Oct. 19. There is no sitting fee and the pictures will be taken outdoors. I sent you a link by email to view the individual pictures taken on Tues & Wed. You have the opportunity to purchase them if you’d like.

PAC, we have a meeting in Ascension Hall at 9:15am on Monday, Oct. 21. NOTE: This is a morning meeting. Your presence is important since we will be presenting the proposed budget for 2025-26.

Looking ahead….CHRIST CHURCH will have BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS under the bell tower at 4:00 on Sunday Oct. 20. Then TRUNK OR TREAT will take place at the church office parking lot on Sunday, Oct 27 beginning at 4:00. Bring your little ones by to enjoy a treat!

Please note that I usually include some information about CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE in my weekly Thursday evening blog post. We are working to build positive relationships and assertive voices in a confident, caring community of learners that we call the school family. Please take time to read the Conscious Discipline moment each week. It will give you insight to some of the things we are teaching here at CCP. And they are also skills/techniques you can use at home!

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE MOMENT - Let's look at the difference between noticing and judging.  "Noticing continually activates children's prefrontal lobes and strengthens their executive skills of sustained attention, empathy, and problem-solving.  However, it requires adults to consciously change our habits and rewire our brains to notice instead of judge." (Conscious Discipline, p. 128)

       Judging actions as “satisfactory” creates children who are always looking for approval from the outside.  Noticing creates self-awareness and healthy attention, an important executive skill.  Noticing is descriptive and directs and sustains the child's attention like shining a flashlight on something.  Adults essentially "hold their flashlights" on the desired goals until children can hold and aim them on their own.  The difference is subtle at first.  However words are powerful and "noticing language" is more specific and gives the child more information to help to focus the child's attention on the positive.  Especially today, when the media tends to focus its attention on violence, aggression, sex, and appearances, our noticing supports children's attention by helping them aim their flashlights on the desired positive goals.

       Here are some examples....Instead of saying, "Miley, I like the way you raised your hand," try saying, "Miley you raised your hand like this (demonstrate) so I knew you needed help."  Instead of saying, "Good job Emma!" try "Emma, you worked hard on question 2 until you figured it out. That took persistence!"  Instead of "Tom, you are a good helper," try "Tom you got paper towels and cleaned the water off the floor so everyone would be safe from slipping."  Instead of "Thank you for pushing in your chair," try "Frank, you pushed in your chair so our dining room is safe."  And a final example, instead of "Good job with the napkin," try "You folded the napkin and set it next to your plate.  Now you're ready for snack!" It takes a little more effort, but if you consistently notice, it will create self awareness, which is an important executive skill.

       I wish you well as you try aiming your adult flashlight on the positive by using noticing language with your child! 

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP Reminders, Cards for a Cause, & A NEW Question! (10/10/24 post)

Hello CCP Family!

        October is full of preschool fun! The month is going by so quickly. Thanks for taking time to talk with your child’s teacher at conferences and read her communications. A home-preschool partnership is the best way to support your child’s education.

COATS & CLOTHES - As the weather changes, remember to update your child’s change of clothes for the fall/winter. Also, we DO go outside everyday, so as jacket-weather approaches, please put your child’s name in the jacket and hat. Thank you!

HALLOWEEN - Just for fun, our Duck and Whale classes will parade in costume on the Market St sidewalks on Oct. 31. Parents are invited to walk with us if you’re able. Teachers will give you details.

Our Ladybugs and Frogs will parade in costume indoors around Ascension Hall on Oct. 30 and Oct 31. Parents are invited to stay a few minutes after drop-off to watch if you’re able. Teachers will give you details.

PRESCHOOL CLOSED FRIDAY 10/11 - Teachers will be attending a professional development event with teachers from other Chapel Hill preschools.

CARDS FOR A CAUSE - MONDAY - FRIDAY, OCT 14-18 - Only ONE week to order. Click on the QR code at your child’s classroom door or visit www.greetingcardfundraiser.com/orderform next week only! Thirty greeting cards for $30! It’s a super value!! Thanks for supporting our CCP fundraiser!

PHOTOS - Just a reminder that we will take individual photos of each child during the school day on Oct. 15 (Whales, TTH Frogs, TTH Ladybugs) and Oct. 16 (Ducks, MW Frogs, MWF Ladybugs) You are also invited to have a family photo taken on Saturday, Oct. 19.

         A NEW IMPORTANT QUESTION - Finally, I want to suggest that we ASK A NEW QUESTION!  Dr. Becky Bailey tells us that when we ask the questions, "How can I get this child to _____?" or "How can I make this child ______?" then our brains begin to come up with every feared, forced, coercive, or manipulative strategy we have ever learned.  If we ask a new question, we will get new answers.  By asking ourselves, "How can I help this child more successfully _______?" then we ask our brains to come up with a different set of answers.  These new answers will be more creative, will ask us to reflect on the child's needs, and will result in developmentally-appropriate discipline strategies. (p. 200, Conscious Discipline) Give this new question a try!

Have a good weekend and I wish you well,

Debbie

Welcome Fall! - Oct 3, 2024 post

Dear CCP Families,

Happy October! We continue to work with our students to form a caring, connected school family. We take deep breaths when we are upset. If a friend gets hurt or becomes upset, we are learning that it really helps for us to breathe slowly and deeply for our friend! When a friend is upset, sometimes he can’t breathe deeply. We breathe for him and wish well, sending our love and positivity to our friend while giving him space. This gesture shows care AND it gives all of us a purpose instead of just worrying about our classmate.

Ducks, & MWF Ladybugs, thank you for understanding our closure this past Friday during the hurricane. I hope everyone got the message, but if you didn’t please let me know, so I can update our email list.

On Tuesday & Wednesday, Oct. 8 & 9, the Ladybug, Whale, and Duck teachers will hold conferences. (Frogs will get written communication now and have conferences later in the year.) On conference days, your children will be cared for in the classroom by the assistant teacher and a substitute. At your conference time, you will find Ms Sue in the Disciple room off of Ascension Hall. (Your key fobs may not work during the day, so just ring the bell to the far right of the front or back door.) You will find Ms Shelly in the Vestry across the hall from the Duck door. You will find Ms Missy in the Music room right by the double doors to the preschool hallway. We will have signs up to help you.

We had a timed fire drill on Tuesday. All children and teachers were safely out of the building in 1 minute and 28 seconds. Everyone was well-prepared (thanks safekeepers) and no one was upset by our practice. We will practice again soon in hopes of reducing our time to 1 minute.

Parents, please join us for a casual discussion of Jonathan Haidt’s New York Times Bestseller, The Anxious Generation on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 in the fellowship hall. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the book… you can still participate and enjoy this gathering.

Most of you have noticed our broken window in the Ladybug room. (We think it was a rock accidently thrown by the lawnmower.) A new window pane is on order and will be put in place in early November.

Individual photo days are coming up on Oct. 15 & 16. Remember that our photographer, David Gellatly, will be here on Saturday, Oct. 19 to take family photos. There is no sitting fee and these family portraits would make great Christmas gifts. The photos will be outside in the church yard. Click here to sign up for a convenient time slot.

It’s the time of year to get your flu and or covid vaccine. I like to get mine in early October, so it will last throughout the season. Let’s help protect ourselves and our school family!

Remember those extra clothes we keep at school? As the weather gets cooler, please change your child’s extra set of clothes to something appropriate to fall/winter. Also, please label coats/hats/gloves with a name. That really helps! (When it’s really cold, Frog class prefers mittens over gloves! Can you imagine putting 100 little 2-yr-old fingers into gloves?? Yikes!) Thanks!

On Friday, Oct. 11, CCP will be closed for Professional Development for our safekeepers. We will have speakers and share time with all the local half-day preschool programs in Chapel Hill. Thanks for your support as we take time to learn and grow together.

“If a child signals sadness, anger or embarrassment, an attuned adult can pick up on this communication and coach the child through her discomfort to an integrated state. The child will learn emotions are a bridge between problem and solution, reducing the likelihood of a reactive or impulsive response.” (Managing Emotional Mayhem p.41) You may want to try, “You seem sad. Would you like to tell me about it?”

Please continue to pray for all those affected by the hurricane. I sent an email earlier this week with ways that you can help should you choose to.

We wish you well!

Debbie

Here Comes October! (9/26/24 post) Two positive choices

Hello CCP Family,

      We are settling into our preschool routines!  The children are becoming comfortable and confident with their friends and teachers.  Everyone appears to know they are safe and loved here at CCP.  We are surely on the way to becoming a school family, a process that can take about 4 to 6 weeks.

Thanks for joining Melissa and me for coffee & cider yesterday and today. It’s fun to see you all visiting and getting to know each other.

Please remember to link your Harris Teeter VIC card to our school number 3558. You can do this on the website or at the store. It only takes a brief minute and it supports the preschool without affecting your wallet!

We welcome parents to substitute when a teacher is absent. You can earn a small check or you can “donate” your time to CCP. This helps us in the classroom and on our budget for the year! Just contact Debbie with your phone number to be added to the sub list. We will not leave you alone in a class - You will always work with another teacher.

Please remember your October tuition is due on Oct. 1. Please send or bring your payment early next week.

We practiced our mini fire drill with the MW classes, but the whole school fire drill ws scheduled for Tuesday (during the deluge) so we postponed it until next week.

Safekeepers (teachers) - We have a staff meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 12:30.

Fall photos are scheduled with photographer David Gellatly outside under the bell tower. Please mark your calendar now. Here’s the schedule:

• Tues, Oct. 15 - Whales, TTH Ladybugs, TTH Frogs

• Wed, Oct. 16 - Ducks, MWF Ladybugs, MW Frogs

• Sat, Oct. 19 - Optional Family Photos. Click here to sign up.

A Conscious Discipline moment - TWO POSITIVE CHOICES - “Giving two positive choice allows your child to comply with your wishes while also giving him the “last word.” (Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 101) Think what you want your child TO DO and then give 2 choices that can get that result. For example, you want your child to eat a green vegetable at dinner. You could say, “You may choose broccoli or green beans. Which sounds better to you?” Your child gets a vegetable AND feels empowered at the same time!

I hope you have a fabulous, safe weekend and I wish you well,

Debbie

Building preschool relationships - Sept 19 post

 Hello CCP Families,

"Discipline is like the 'slow-slow, quick-quick' of a country western two-step.  The 'slow-slow' is building the relationship.  It does not happen overnight but slowly over time.  The 'quick-quick' is the specific skill set we need to handle the upset and conflicts that arise within the relationship."  ~from Dr. Becky Bailey’s Baby Doll Circle Time, p. 32

We have been in preschool almost 3 weeks now building our relationships (the slow-slow part of the two-step.) Each class is continuing to become a school family that truly cares for one another. (For more info on school families, you can see my orientation slides or go to www.consciousdiscipline.com ) It is a joy to observe your children at play with their preschool friends! And when a friend is absent, the children so earnestly “put the friend in the heart” and send them love and well wishes. It’s a beautiful, caring gesture of connection. We are thankful that you have chosen CCP to be your preschool home. So glad you’re part of the family!

YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO GRAB YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE NEXT ITEMS…..

One more chance to order SPIRIT WEAR! The deadline has been extended until Sunday, Sept 22 You may also make a tax-deductible donation on the website using your credit/debit card. This donation IS our fundraiser for this year. We generally recommend $75 per family if you are able. Thank you kindly for your generosity. Also this fall, after everyone’s shirts have arrived, we will have a Spirit Day at preschool!

You are invited to a Preschool Family Coffee on Wed or Thurs, Sept 25 & 26 right after drop-off. Parents, grandparents, nannies….Just come to Ascension Hall and have a cup of coffee or cider and chat with other families and me. You can ask questions and get to know some new friends!

Looking ahead…. We will have individual photos taken on October 15 & 16 . The photos will be outdoors under the bell tower. We handle it all at school - you don’t have to be present. You will be sent a link to view the photos and to purchase them (optional.) The photographer, David Gellately, will also offer family photos on Saturday, Oct 19. I sent an email with more details & a link for you to sign up for family photos, but you can also see the sign up here.

Pastor Lee led Chapel this week (Wed & Thurs) for the Ladybugs, Duck and Whales. (Frogs will join Chapel in Januray.) Pastor Lee talked about prayer going up to God like a balloon. We prayed together and sang and had fun.

Ms. Vicki led us in our first Music and Movement classes this week (also Wed & Thurs.) She began with talking about friendship and then they did a partner dance with a friend! The children danced and sang and played musical instruments. There were lots of smiles!

Duck and Whale friends will enjoy their first lunch bunch next week on Monday and Wednesday, 9/23 & 9/25. We will use the same guidelines for lunch that we do for snack. (Please remember we are a NUT-FREE & SESAME-FREE school.) We will either eat outside, in the classroom, or in the fellowship hall. Ms Shelly and Ms Missy will send you details. Lunch day pick-up is 1:00 Be aware that your child may be super tired on the longer lunch days!

We will practice a fire drill next week. It’s a very lowkey event and usually the children handle it very well. Here’s a story from a few years ago that will illustrate……After our fire drill, one little 4 year old said, “You know that fire thing wasn’t so bad. I was just a little scared.” His friend looked at him and said, “But now you know how to stay safe if there was a real fire!” :-) I couldn’t have said it better myself! You know you’ve done your job when the children can teach each other! Don’t worry parents, your kids have got this!

All my post won’t be this long! It’s just the start of the year and there’s so much info to share with you. If you read this far, thank you!

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - Spirit wear and news 9/12/24

Hello CCP Families,

I am so proud of the children and how they have adapted to preschool! A few have tears at drop off, but usually they disappear quickly. Be sure to read the pink handout from Orientation night called Successful Separations. (If you need one, let me know.) This will give you some ideas to help with separating at drop-off. Remember, the first 4-6 weeks of preschool is our time to build a safe learning community that we call our “school family.”

Please remember to order your spiritwear using the information you were given at Orientation. There are also some half sheets on top of the cubbies with the QR code. As soon as the shirts are delivered, we will have some Spirit Days where everyone can wear their new school shirts! You may not realize, but all schools have to fund-raise. Our method is a tax-deductible donation. You may make a donation on the shirt website using your credit/debit card. This donation IS our fundraiser for this year. Many families say they prefer this to selling or collecting. Thank you kindly for your generosity.

Thank you for your patience with the key fob system this year. There is a new administrator on that system and we had to work out a few kinks together. Everything appears to be working smoothly now.

Please mark your calendar for our Fall Getting to Know You Parent Coffee. Pop by the fellowship hall on Wed or Thurs, Sept 25/26 right after drop-off. We will have some coffee, hot cider, and and a little treat for you. You can visit with other parents, grandparents, nannies that bring CCP students to school. You may stay the whole hour or grab some treats and go! We just want to honor our families.

Today I sent a list of developmental milestones for each age group by email. This list will help you know what the teachers are working on in the classroom through intentionally-planned play experiences.

Near the end of the month we will practice our first fire drill. It will be very low key and non-threatening. First the teachers will read a little book that we wrote about fire drills at CCP. Then, I ring a little bell in the hallway for our first practice. Typically, it’s not a big deal. We clap and praise the children’s efforts at knowing how to be safe.

Next week the Ladybugs, Whales, and Ducks will have their first Chapel times with Pastor Lee. He will keep this experience short, positive, and age-appropriate. Usually in Chapel we hear a Bible story, say a prayer, and sing some songs.

Next week we will also have our first music & movement classes with Ms. Vicki. All ages can participate in music from the very beginning. Ms. Vicki will invite children to sing, dance, and play musical instruments.

The Preschool Advisory Committee “PAC” will meet on Sept. 23 at 9:15am in Ascension Hall.

Finally, I’ll share a Conscious Discipline moment - “Empathy asks us to be willing to give up our thoughts and feelings temporarily in order to more accurately understand those of others. It asks us to quiet our own minds so we can listen from our hearts instead of our heads.” ~ Dr. Becky Baily in Creating the School Family p. 305

I wish you well,

Debbie

CCP - And we're off! Sept. 5 post

Hi CCP Family,

      We did it!  All classes have now experienced their first days of preschool for 2024-25!  There were a few tears, but I anticipate these won’t last long.  Adults, you handled the "good-byes" very well - positive, short, and sweet!  Thank you for the trust you place in us! You have precious children and we feel very fortunate to have you as part of our school family.  Each day will get easier!

The teachers know their students already, which is wonderful! Please give me a little grace to learn everyone’s names! I have 6 classes of students to learn and it may take me a while. Thanks!

      We are missing a few forms.  (We are required to collect new forms each year.) We will be in touch if you’re missing one of the following: health form, emergency contact form, or a photo permission form.  Also, please make sure you have a weather-appropriate change of clothes at preschool.  And thanks for bringing a water bottle and nut-free and sesame-free snack each day! Just be sure your child’s name is on everything you send to preschool

We had a little issue with the key fobs today. We have a meeting tomorrow to try to get that issue resolved. Hopefully by next week, the doors will all work smoothly. Remember if you ever forget your fob, just ring the bell to the right of the door and one of us will let you in. Here’s the fob schedule:

Classes begin at 9:00 you may arrive between 8:50-9:10

Dismissal is at noon (key fobs will work from 11:50 - 12:10)

Lunch days dismissal is at 1:00 (key fobs will work from 12:50-1:10)

       If you have a grandparent or nanny that you would like to receive preschool communications, please provide the password & direct them to the website (www.christchurchpreschoolnc.com) the parent portal, and then the class pages - they can subscribe to the email notifications at the bottom right of each blog page.  This will ensure that they receive the emailed blogs.  Please note that they need to do this for EACH email notification they want to receive. So if they want to receive notifications from the director and a teacher, they would need to sign up on Debbie's blog page AND the class blog page.

Remember, if you pull a photo from the website, please do NOT post it on any social media or any public space. These are only for families, so you can enjoy seeing your child at preschool.

      I leave you with this quote from Amy Speidel (Loving Guidance Associate), "Our job is to be the mirror for children, reflecting their worth; what we reflect becomes what they believe about themselves."

Happy Grandparents' Day this Sunday!

I WISH YOU WELL!

Debbie

Welcome to Christ Church Preschool - Aug. 29 post

Hello CCP Families,

Welcome to Christ Church Preschool! We are so glad you have chosen to join our little family. I am Debbie Arena, the preschool director. I will send you information about preschool events and reminders in my blog post. Every Thursday at 7:00pm you will receive an email notice that I’ve posted new info for you. Please take a few minutes to read it and mark your calendars.

From the emailed notification, you can click into the website using the password you received at parent orientation. Be sure to take this extra step because you will be able to see photos of classroom activities.

Thanks for attending our Parent Orientation meeting. I’m happy you could meet the teachers (safekeepers) and see the classrooms. We look forward to getting to know your children on the visitation days, Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept. 3 & 4. (Your scheduled time to attend was in your mailed summer packet.)

In my blog, I will also share tidbits from Dr. Becky Bailey’s Conscious Discipline. We use Conscious Discipline strategies and techniques to help our students learn self-regulation. I shared some of this at Orientation and will continue to share more each week.

We look forward to forming an educational partnership with you. Please contact me if you have any questions.

I wish you well,

Debbie