January 2009

The first semester went by so fast! WOW! The children are growing up and enjoying everyday at Preschool! Jeanne and I want to thank Brande Mickens and Gabie Young for making each day special for the kids. These two young ladies are a joy to work with at school. They both work in our NYO after school program with Carolyn Holder and Ms. Burnside.

This semester will fly by too. Here we go................!

This month we will talk about the letters Nn, Oo, Pp and Qq. Last week the PreKindergarten and Butterflies wrote their own newspapers. The stories included house fires, stories about cats and dogs, and playmates. They have great imaginations! While our Indianapolis Star newspaper is shrinking and the Internet is taking over, we still believe the children need to develop their small motor skills on paper with a variety of materials. This creative process will carry over into the next generation of communication resources. Just think what they may encounter in year 2058 when they are our age!

Next week we will explore the ocean and all of its creatures. Thank you to the Musgrave family for bringing shells from their vacation in Florida! Although we are land locked in Indiana we bring the seashore and deep blue sea to 42nd Street through books, songs, and arts and crafts.

While learning about the letter Oo we will be be taking a field trip - (no permission slip required!) - to our school office, church office and Mrs. Sharpe's office. We will learn about the equipment they use to do their jobs everyday.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK is January 25th - January 30th. Please join us on Sunday after the 10:30 Mass for brunch and tours of the school. If you only get to the basement for preschool this is a great chance to talk with the K-8 grade teachers and see what great things are happening upstairs. Our ISTEP scores have soared and the school is flourishing. We believe St. Joan of Arc School is the place to send your children for the best education in the North Deanery. You will not find better leadership and teachers for your children anywhere. Registration for Preschool through 8th grade will begin during Catholic Schools Week. More information will be sent home about the activities during Catholic Schools Week. Mark your calendar for Friday, January 30th for the school Carnival!

Thank you again for sharing your children with us! We couldn't wait to get back from Christmas vacation to see the kids. They keep us laughing!

Peggy Kline and Jeanne Conner