SJA-PreSchool

WELCOME TO PRESCHOOL!

2010-07-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

We hope you are enjoying summer with your little ones! We will have a Preschool Parent Meeting Tuesday, August 24, 2010 in the school gym at 6:30 P.M. This letter has some information for the Preschool year. You received information from the school office including the school calendar. Make note of some special Preschool events that are italicized. The only supplies you will need for your Preschool child are listed on the back of this letter.

The Butterflies (4/5 year olds) teacher is Mrs. Peggy Kline. The Caterpillars (3/4 year olds) teachers are Mrs. Jeanne Conner and Mrs. Peggy Johnson. Mrs. Leslie VandenBussche will be an assistant in Preschool Monday through Friday. We are excited to have Leslie with us this year. She has a kindergartener and a second grader at SJA. Mrs. Johnson has three children attending SJA, a second grader, a fourth grader and a sixth grader. Mrs. Conner has two grandchildren in our preschool program. All of us will interact with all the children daily.

This year you have the option to pay tuition annually, quarterly or monthly. If you chose to pay monthly you will need to sign up with FACTS tuition service by August 15th. You can access this service through the school website www.sjoa.org, click the school link and scroll down to eCashier. If you have any questions please contact Pasty Johantges at 283-1518. She will be happy to help you.

Preschool begins the week of August 30, 2010. Please bring your child to the classroom on the first day. All children must be potty trained before coming to Preschool. After the first day please plan on dropping your child off at the silver doors on the parking lot. We will get your child from the car and gather them inside the building on the steps. We will take them down to the classroom as a group. If you are dropping off K-8 graders, please pull up to the silver doors and release all the children at the same time. The older children will walk along the side of the building to enter at the main door of the school.

We will have a shared snack mid-morning. We ask you to donate snacks to share with the class. If your child has any special dietary needs or allergies please let us know prior to the first day of school. Please pack your child’s lunch, including a drink, in a labeled lunch box or sack. Milk is available to purchase through the school office. Preschool does not participate in the school hot lunch program. We will dismiss the class at 12:30 from the main office doors and 3:00 from the silver doors on the parking lot. All preschoolers must be picked up by 3:00 p.m.

We look forward to an exciting year! The early years in your child’s life are precious. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about your child throughout the school year. While it may be difficult to talk while we are in the classroom with the children, please do not hesitate to email or call us anytime.

Peggy Kline - - pkline@sjoa.org (317) 506-3173

Jeanne Conner – jconner@sjoa.org

Peggy Johnson – pjohnson@sjoa.oorg

Leslie VandenBussche

2010-04-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

This Friday, April 30TH all Preschool Students dismiss at 12:30. It is important to pick your child up at 12:30 P.M. We do not have supervision for them after 12:30 P.M. NO NYO for the after school students.

Thursday, May 6th Preschool will serve a special lunch! Do not pack a lunch for your child that day.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12TH: SPRING PRESCHOOL PROGRAM – 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. BRING YOUR CAMERAS. We will serve ICE CREAM SUNDAES after the performance! Please have your child here by 6:20 to get ready for the opening song.

MONDAY, MAY 17TH: LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL FOR MONDAY, WEDNESDAY FRIDAY STUDENTS. The children will hold a Lemonade and Popcorn Stand for the entire school – little entrepreneurs!

TUESDAY, MAY 18TH: LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL FOR TUESDAY-THURSDAY AND FULL-TIME STUDENTS. The children will hold a Lemonade and Popcorn Stand for the entire school – little entrepreneurs!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19TH: - ST. JOAN OF ARC PRESCHOOL FAMILY PICNIC AT BROAD RIPPLE PARK at 11:00 A.M. FAMILIES WILL MEET THE TEACHERS AT THE PARK. PLEASE BRING A SACK LUNCH FOR YOUR FAMILY. TEACHERS WILL PROVIDE POPSICLES FOR ALL ATTENDING.

The Athletic Commission holds our annual Walk-A-Thon on Friday, May 21st. We invite to walk with us around the neighborhood and collect money for SJA Athletics.

This week we are celebrating SPRING. It started on Monday with rain! We decided that was a good thing because the flowers, trees, and grass need rain to grow. We will be planting marigolds in the Preschool plot of the SJA Community Garden on the corner of 42nd and Park Avenue.

Next week we will learn about Children around the World. We will talk about how they live in different houses, speak in different languages, and celebrate different holidays.
DO NOT PACK A LUNCH FOR YOUR CHILD ON THURSDAY, MAY 6TH. We will provide a special lunch for everyone on that day.

Also on May 6th K-8 will be crowning Mary’s statue in the Church yard. She is the Mother of our Church and we recognize her every May with this special event. Please check the school newsletter for additional information. ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Preschool classes are busy painting, coloring, cutting, pasting, singing, dancing, and laughing getting ready for the Preschool Spring Program on WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th in the GYM. We will celebrate after the performance with ICE CREAM SUNDAES. Bring a camera and Grandma and Grandpa!

All the artwork and projects the children are working on these next few weeks will be displayed during the Spring Program. You will be free to take the work home after the show.

2010-04-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

April and May calendars have been sent home. If you need a copy please let us know. Please remember to check the “Dates to Remember” sheet for upcoming events and end of the school year information.

You should have paid tuition through April at this time. The last tuition payment for the year is due May 1st. Our tuition is based on a school year, not by the hour, day, week or month. We divide the payments into nine equal monthly installments. Preschool does not attend 180 school days as is required by the state in grades 1-8. Preschool begins after the K-8 school year begins and ends before the K-8 ends.

For those of you enrolled in the 2010-2011 Preschool class you will receive information in early June.

2010-04-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Letter of the Week: Xx
We have learned about X-rays and how they take pictures of our bodies through our clothes, skin, muscles and bones. We asked the kids if anyone has had a broken bone. They discussed all their scrapes, bruises and ‘broken hearts’ but we didn’t get any one to talk about a broken bone and an X-RAY. We even had one little one cry because she didn’t have ‘a scrape or broken anything’!

MATH:
We are still counting up to “really high numbers – way past 20!!” If they think 20 is high I hope they don’t want to count our agesJ Both classes are continuing to count jelly beans, Easter eggs, and flowers. We counted to 100 in Butterflies and to 50 in the Caterpillars class!
The Butterflies are learning to write the number names. One, two, three…….

LITERACY/RELIGION:
Our Book of Virtues is our most popular book currently. We read The Selfish Giant about generosity and the Lion and the Mouse about friendship.The children shared their Easter stories and we are so excited and congratulate, Travis Chapman, Jasper’s Dad, for being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil this past Saturday. If you or anyone you know is interested in participating or becoming an RCIA sponsor please contact Melinda Rivelli, coordinator for Adult Faith Formation @ SJOA @ 283-5508.

ARTS AND CRAFTS:
We made a X-Ray Man with the letter X. We also made a Xylophone with many colors of the rainbow.

MUSIC:
Mrs. Hatfield invited us to an instrument petting zoo. We listened and tried out many different PERCUSSION instruments. Mrs. Debra Hatfield is our K-8 music teacher. She is very talented and a gift to all the kids here at SJA.
We have spent a lot of time outdoors the past few weeks. I am sure you have noticed your child swinging, climbing the monkey bars and the climbing wall. All of these activities are important to your child’s growth in the classroom as well as their physical health.

Studies have shown the gross motor skills children acquire at ages 3, 4 and 5 enhance and accelerate reading and math skills later. We also engage in ‘running the bases’ (sequencing), playing matching games (patterning and graphing), and running games (counting forwards and backwards).

2010-03-31T10:19:00.000-07:00

The Preschool classes are doing Easter Activities all week. We have read many stories about the risen Lord! Alleluia!

MATH: Both classes are counting jelly beans, Easter eggs, and flowers. We counted to 100 in Butterflies and to 50 in the Caterpillars class!

The Butterflies are learning to write the number names. One, two, three…….

LITERACY: Peter Rabbit is a fascinating bunny who gets into mischief every day. Mr. McGregor is a mean old farmer. He is frustrated with Peter getting into his garden. What a wonderful tale about growing up and making choices.

ARTS AND CRAFTS: Little chicks are popping out all over the preschool room.

Thank you to Mr. Joe Foster, our SJA neighbor, who brought his baby ducks over to the playground on Friday before Spring Break. Mr. Foster also supervises the SJA Community Garden at the corner of 42nd Street and Park. The preschool will be planting pumpkins at the end of the school year. Next year’s classes will harvest them in October.
Joe is very knowledgeable about many aspects of gardening and being ‘green’. He welcomes newcomers to the SJA Community Garden.

Early Dismissal News

2010-03-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Friday, April 2nd - GOOD FRIDAY all Preschool students dismiss at 12:30. It is important to pick your child up at 12:30 because we do not have supervision for them after 12:30 P.M.

Next Monday, April 5th WE WILL BE IN SCHOOL.

Friday, April 30th all Preschool Students dismiss at 12:30. It is important to pick your child up at 12:30 P.M. We do not have supervision for them after 12:30 P.M.

Fashion Show by Ms. Jeanne's Class

2010-03-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

2010-03-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

SHOW AND TELL ON TUESDAY, MARCH 16TH
SHOW AND TELL ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31ST
BRING A SMALL TOY TO ‘SHOW’ YOUR CLASSMATES AND ‘TELL’ ABOUT IT

Letter: Vv

Theme: Volcanoes and Earthquakes

We discussed how volcanoes start far beneath the earth. The heat and pressure inside the earth make volcanoes and explode and erupt. Hot ash and lava pour out and cover everything for miles around. After many years the ground around the volcano site will slowly show signs of life. New vegetation and other signs of life will begin to POP UP!

As a class we built a volcano with play dough. We added baking soda, red food coloring and vinegar to imitate a volcano erupting. It drew great oohhs and aahhhs!!!! Try it at home!

LITERACY: The classes have been looking at many science books about rocks and minerals. The earth is a fascinating subject to study. We have related the earth and its characteristics and how we are one of many planets that revolve around the sun. They all love the adventures of the Magic School Bus and their fascinating teacher Ms. Frizzle. She takes her class on so many adventures; the Moon and to the Center of the Earth to name a few.

MATH: The Butterflies (4 and 5 year olds) have requested doing math problems! We take turns at the dry erase board and on our clipboards. the Caterpillars (3 and 4 year olds)
Are counting the cars, trains, and vehicles they line up on the road and railroad track.

MUSIC: We are listening to songs that help us listen and follow directions

RELIGION: The children love the Bible stories we read every week and spring is the perfect time to talk about the wonderful gifts God has created. This season reminds us that things are GROWING all around us, just like Gods love and the loving choices we all make help us grow. The parables Jesus told are their favorites.

We are also talking about St. Patrick. St. Patrick was a priest who went to Ireland to serve the people. St. Patrick taught the Irish about The Trinity by using a three leaf clover. God, the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit.

2010-03-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Letter of the week: Uu

Theme: Fairy Tales
Fairy tales have been enriching the lives of both the child and adult for over a hundred years. It allows the child to dream and wonder. It also introduces great literature at a very young age.

Unicorns are a wonderful fairy tale believe animal.

Why are umbrellas important? What season do we use them the most?

LITERACY: Caterpillars: We read many fairy tale stories: The Gingerbread Man, Goldilocks and the Three Bears and Jack and the Bean Stalk.
They also have the opportunity to act out these stories in front of their peers.

MATH: The BUTTERFLIES have been practicing writing numbers 1-20. They are doing a great job.

MUSIC: Our singing and dancing has been wonderful. The children are enjoying Raffi and his silly songs and Greg & Steve who have a great collection of songs for little ones.

RELIGION: Prayer of the Month: Morning “Thank You” prayer. WE will be learning the Irish prayer, “May the Road rise to meet you…” this month too in honor of St. Patrick.

Extras….We are so happy to have the 4th graders come on Fridays to read to all of the students. We are able to pair up kids and off they go with their SJOA “reading giant.”

Tuesday the 2nd graders came to preschool to read stories by Dr. Suess – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. SUESS!!

We celebrated a wonderful day for Joshua Zoellner on Tuesday also. Joshua was adopted from Guatamala City when he was 8 months old. His parents, Gene and Katie, celebrate “Gotcha Day” on March 2nd every year because that was the day they “GOT” Joshua to be part of their family! He brought in cookies to celebrate with his classmates!

Next Week: Letter: V
Theme: Volcanoes and Earthquakes

2010-03-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

Lette Tt:

Trains, and all kinds of Transportation. Last Tuesday and Wednesday many of the kids traveled on a bus, airplane, motor boat and train. We want to thank our friendly flight attendants for all their help keeping the passengers happy. We talked about transportation safety and the things that we all should be practicing and wearing, for example, life jackets, car/booster seats, seat belts and bike helmets.

We talked about our teeth and how we need to take care of them by brushing and flossing. The Caterpillars made a mouth full of teeth and talked about keeping our teeth healthy.

We had our own Winter Olympics in the gym last week. Ask your child about the ice skating competition. We tried ice hockey, ice dancing, and speed skating. We also had an obstacle course, snow ball fight (using socks), and other fun activities including a snowball (marshmallow) race. I bet your child won a gold medal! Congratulations!!!

LITERACY:
How could we forget our friend Franklin? He is the nicest turtle and his books teach great lessons about our daily life.

MATH: Count the (red, etc. ) cars at a stoplight. Count the trucks at the gas station, etc. Count the teeth in your mouth;)

MUSIC: On Tuesday, both groups we able to see and hear the 5th graders perform songs on the guitar. Thank you Ms. Hatfield. They also had the opportunity to strum the guitar alongside the students.

We have been singing “I’ve been working on the railroad” and talking about all the different jobs on the train.

Another all time favorite song about Transportation is “The Wheels on the Bus…” and “She’ll be coming round the Mountain in a camper, car, train, bus, taxi, plane, boat, motorcycle,

RELIGION: Prayer of the Month: Morning “Thank You” PrayerLast week we sent home a copy of the prayer, if you need another copy please let us know. The children are doing a great job with their prayers, and love praying for their friends and families. Extras….We are so happy to have the 4th graders come on Fridays to read to all of the students. We are able to pair up kids and off they go with their SJOA “reading giant.”

BUTTERFLIES FIELD TRIP to the Circus – Friday, March 5th – we still need some permission slips.

DATES TO REMEMBER THROUGH THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR………
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Thursday, March 18thALL SCHOOL PARENT BREAKFAST,details to come. (Sponsored by:Preschool)
SPRING BREAK – MARCH 22-26
1. GOOD FRIDAY all Preschool students dismiss at 12:30 AND EASTER MONDAY NO PRESCHOOL APRIL 5TH. PLEASE NOTE THESE DATES!!
2. APRIL 30TH ALL SCHOOL DISMISSAL AT 1:00 – PRESCHOOL DISMISSAL AT 12:30.
3. WEDNESDAY, MAY 12TH SPRING PRESCHOOL PROGRAM – 6;30 P.M. BRING YOUR CAMERAS!
4. LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL MONDAY, MAY 17TH FOR MONDAY, WEDNESDAY FRIDAY STUDENTS.
5. LAST DAY OF PRESCHOOL FOR TUESDAY-THURSDAY STUDENTS TUESDAY, MAY 18TH.
6. PRESCHOOL FAMILY PICNIC AT BROAD RIPPLE PARK. FAMILIES WILL MEET THE TEACHERS AT THE PARK FOR AN END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION!

REMEMBER:
Label all items. We have mixed up boots and mittens.

No toys from home. We have so many toys, games and equipment to share with the children. The toys have become a distraction and a source for hard feelings. We will have opportunities for show and tell. Please read your newsletter and check your March/April/May calendars for the dates.

Caterpillars: If your child is in the Caterpillars class we are requiring that you send a change of clothing in zip lock bag w/child’s name. We will return these at end of school year.

Your child should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. They should also stay home with diarrhea and excessive coughing. We want to keep all the children healthy especially your child that may have compromised immune systems.***NOTE: If your child has been given medicine that makes him/her sleepy or may alter his/her behavior in any way PLEASE send a note or email.

We will go outside as soon as the weather breaks. We take winter walks too. Please label all the mittens, hats, coats, etc.

2010-02-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

We hope you all enjoyed the day off with your little one; some of the kids mentioned they went sledding, built a snowman, and lots of snow angels. Thank you all for the lovely valentines. The kids really enjoyed sharing their cards and treats with all their friends at school.

We will continue our journey through space. Please ask them about the ROCKET that has landed in Mrs. Peggy’s room, WOW! It will be a week talking about our universe, the planets and our own beautiful planet Earth.

Letter of the week: SsSpace, spiders, snakes, singing, snow, snowflakes, snowmen, snow skiing, sledding, skatin.........oh wait, we have been staying up late watching the Olympics!

We will have our own Winter Olympics next week in our classrooms. We will compete in an obstacle course, snow ball fight (using socks), and other fun activities.

LITERACY: We read stories from all types of media, magazines, newspapers, catalogs, books, the internet and many other sources. We talked about the best book ever written – THE BIBLE. We read from the Bible every week.

We are also learning to write down our own stories with pictures and letters. Ask your child what we call the person who thinks of the idea and writes it down? (the author) Who is the person who draws the pictures for a book? (the illustrator)

MATH: Again we count the legs of the spider and insect. Which has more? How many body parts?

MUSIC: We are learning new songs about the body. ‘Shake the sillies out!!!’

CRAFTS AND MEDIA:
We talked about George Washington, our first president and Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president who helped end slavery. The Butterflies class made Abe’s Log Cabin.
IDEA to do at home - Count pennies with Abe’s picture and quarters with George’s picture!

RELIGION: Prayer of the Month: Morning “Thank You” PrayerLast week we sent home a copy of the prayer, if you need another copy please let us know. The children are doing a great job with their prayers, and love praying for their friends and families.

BUTTERFLIES FIELD TRIP to the Circus – Friday, March 5th – Send in permission slip asap!

REMEMBER:
· Please update all phones numbers, addresses and emails. We have tried to call or email some of you and we have not been able to make contact. The Butterflies will be asked to say their address and phone and we need current info to help them.
· Label all items. We have mixed up boots and mittens.
· No toys from home. We have so many toys, games and equipment to share with the children. The toys have become a distraction and a source for hard feelings. We will have opportunities for show and tell. Please read your newsletter and check your March/April/May calendars for the dates.
· This is a hard one….but….we are very busy with the children during the school day. If you need to talk to one of us please wait until dismissal or send us an email or phone message. We would be happy to talk to you when we can give you our full attention. You are welcome to visit us in the class room, but we cannot take time away from the children to talk to you. Thank you for your cooperation.
· Please help your child tending to their restroom needs. Many of them still need help. Please practice with them so they have confidence they can do it by themselves. If your child is prone to accidents please send a change of clothes in a labeled zip lock bag for us to keep at school.Caterpillars: If your child is in the Caterpillars class we are requiring that you send in a change of clothing in zip lock bag w/child’s name. We will return these at end of school year.
· Your child should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. They should also stay home with diarrhea and excessive coughing. We want to keep all the children healthy especially your child that may have compromised immune systems.***NOTE: If your child has been given medicine that makes him/her sleepy or may alter his/her behavior in any way PLEASE send a note or email.
· We will go outside as soon as the weather breaks. We take winter walks too. Please label all the mittens, hats, coats, etc.

2010-01-29T03:57:00.000-08:00

LETTER OF THE WEEK - P…WOW! Polar Bears, Penguins, Puppets, Polar Ice and Pizza, what a great week. Pizza, Pizza, Pizza! We took a SURVEY and the survey said more kids preferred pepperoni over sausage. Every kid loves to cook and bake. Thank you for letting us ‘fill’ them up with Pizza and pudding. THEY LOVED IT!

LITERACY - We read several stories about penguins, polar bears. We also read the “Just Say Please” story by Gina and Mercer Mayer. Everyday we discuss how important it is to use words like please and thank you. We talk about how it makes others FEEL when we use kind and loving words.

LITERACY/MUSIC - Patterns…..listen to the patterns in the music. We clapped and stomped our feet to the beat. Patterns, patterns, they are everywhere.

CRAFTS AND MEDIA – We made patterns, put puzzles together, made pizzas and created puppets for a play.

Insight to our preschool Day………. Curious as to what happens when you drop off your little darlings? Here is a BRIEF explanation about two parts of our day:

PLAY TIME/FREE PLAY….We cannot emphasize the importance of PLAY TIME. Free Play time in the classroom gives us the opportunity to observe how the kids interact with each other. It gives them time to use their imagination and challenges them to grow as independent thinkers and learners. They learn to share and cooperate with their friends.

MORNING CIRCLE/MORNING MEETING………Morning Circle time is another piece of the puzzle. During our morning meetings we pray, say the Pledge, do the calendar, read, and use this time to let the kids ASK questions about topic of the day. All of the above requires the kids to learn THREE VERY BASIC skills. They are all learning to STOP, LOOK and LISTEN, some of life’s basic skills.

Next week we will take a look at centers, and why it is important to have these as part of our preschool day.

Catholic Schools week will be celebrated at school from Sunday, 1/31 – Friday, 2/1.
The theme for 2010 is: “Catholic Schools: Dividends for Life; Faith, Knowledge, Discipline and Morals.”
Sunday, 1/31/10 after 10:30 Mass Open House & Registration KN-8th grade will be open to public! During CSW (Catholic School Week), money raised through various activities will to 2 different charities; Tatum’s Bags of Fun and an orphanage in Kenya.

Monday, 2/4 Pajama Day. Let your little one wear their favorite pajamas to school for the day.

Tuesday, 2/5 We will treat the kids to a bakery item.

Wednesday, 2/6 “Student Appreciation Day”/Spirit Day. Show your school spirit by wearing red. ****The all school carnival will be from 12:30-2:30. Cost: $5.00 due Monday, February 4th. Please put in envelope in your child’s lunchbox with his/her name.If your child is a 12:30 dismissal you are more than welcome to stay and enjoy the fun w/your little ones.

Thursday, 2/7 “Catholic School Appreciation Day.”You are invited to join the KN-8th graders at the Thursday Mass @ 8:45 in the Church.

Friday, 2/8 Colts Day! Students may show their spirit for the Super bowl bound Colts by wearing blue and or any Colts apparel. GO COLTS!

Again, all monies raised will go to support Tatum’s Bags of Fun and an orphanage in Kenya. We especially ask for your continued prayers and appreciate your support of the mission and role Catholic Schools play in our society. God Bless, and have great week.

2009-12-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

FSF PRETZEL SALE ORDER FORMS DUE Wednesday, December 2nd. Delivery this Friday.

BABIES AND BAGELS: This Thursday in the Preschool Room 10:00 to 12:00.

PARISH CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Sunday, December 6th beginning at 11:30. The School Choir will perform and Santa will be here!

Canned Food Drive until December 16th for the Holy Family Ministries.Mitten Drive for the Refugee Resettlement Program here at SJA. Please be generous.

SANTA’S BOOK SHOP! if you would like your child to purchase books as gifts on Thursday during the Santa’s Book Shop please send money in an envelope with your child’s name and who they will be purchasing a book for this Christmas. (Ex, Grandma, baby sister, Mom)

LETTER OF THE WEEK: Kk, MATH: The number 11. LITERACY/MUSIC….We will be singing Joyful Tunes all month!

RELIGION: The birth of Baby Jesus is the Reason for the Season!! Prayer of the Month: The month of December we celebrate with family and friends. We are learning the Glory Be. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. Choices! We talk about choices everyday. Choices that we make can be loving or unloving. Ask your child, or as many of you have been told by your little ones, what are some examples of “LOVING CHOICES.” This is a great time of the year to share those loving choices stories with your little ones.

For our classroom Christmas Parties we will be having a Birthday Party for Jesus on both Wednesday, Dec. 16th and Thursday, December 17th.

EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDERFriday, December 18th. The School will have a Christmas Program in the Church at 9:00 A.M. All are welcome to attend this annual program. Mrs. Hatfield, our music teacher, does a wonderful job preparing the students for this day. PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE DISMISSED AT 12:30! NYO WILL BE CLOSED!

Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

2009-11-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! TOMORROW - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH ALL PRESCHOOLERS DISMISS AT 12:30 p.m. No NYO and no extended day.

MATH: The number 10. How many fingers and how many toes? One little, two little, three little Indians….10 Little Indians Braves! Parent Challenge: This week 10 things your child can do at home to be a happy helper. This is a great activity that will inspire confidence and help them build self reliance.

RELIGION: God has given us such a great gift. The 10 Commandments. We asked the kids what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving season. We had great responses. Ask your child what they are grateful for in their lives. Choices! We talk about choices everyday. Choices that we make can be loving or unloving. Ask your child, or as many of you have been told by your little ones, what are some examples of “LOVING CHOICES.” This is a great time of the year to share those loving choices stories with your little ones. Prayer of the Month: The month of November we give thanks for everything God has given us. We are learning the Lord’s Prayer, too.

If you are wondering
· BUTTERFLIES CLASS – Ask them if they have received a sticker in their in their Language for Learning Book.Pre-Reading Mastery for Kindergarten.
· CATERPILLARS –REGISGRATION FOR 2010-2011. Registration forms for next year were sent home. Let us know your plans so we can save you a spot! Tell your friends and neighbors to call or email us for information if they are interested. We have received many phone calls for the 2010-2011 school years.

LITERACY/MUSIC….We hope you are enjoying the wonderful tunes they are singing and humming.

Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com
Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

2009-11-16T06:25:00.000-08:00

LETTER of the WEEK......."I"

We voted for our favorite Ice Cream flavor; Strawberry, Vanilla AND chocolate and created our own ice cream cones with 3 scoops and of course sprinkles. Colors and shapes are everywhere and in everything. Check out the shapes they used to make this delicious treat. Ask them which flavor received the most VOTES.

How many legs does an INSECT have? Is a spider an insect? God is so wondrous and fills this earth with so many fascinating creatures.

MATH: The number 9. What is the ninth letter of the Alphabet? Think of NINE things your child can do at home to be a happy helper. This is a great activity that will inspire confidence and help them build self reliance.

RELIGION: The month of November we give thanks for everything God has given us. We are learning the Lord’s Prayer too. Choices! We talk about choices everyday. Choices that we make can be loving or unloving. Ask your child, or as many of you have been told by your little ones, what are some examples of “LOVING CHOICES.” This is a great time of the year to share those loving choices stories with your little ones.

EARLY DISMISSAL REMINDER - Wednesday, NOVEMBER 25TH ALL PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE DISMISSED AT 12:30! NYO WILL BE CLOSED!

If you are wondering:

BUTTERFLIES CLASS – since many of us were sick last week I have sent home “homework”. If you want to do this work with your child let them tell you the instructions!

CATERPILLARS –REGISTRATION FOR 2010-2011. We are sending home information about next year’s Preschool Programs. Let us know your plans so we can save you a spot! Tell your friends and neighbors to call or email us for information if they are interested. We have received many phone calls for the 2010-2011 school years.

LITERACY/MUSIC….Attached you will find a page filled w/many of the Thanksgiving songs we have been practicing.Have you heard any of these tunes from your little ones?

Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com
Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

2009-11-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

LETTER of the WEEK......."H" Houses, Hats, Hippos Hooray!
The real "H" story of the week.................HEALTH..........these poor little ones have been hit hard with the 'BUG'. We hope everyone is healthy this weekend. We have sanitized our classrooms and will be ready for Monday.

MATH: The number 8. Eight is great! “Make an S, but do not wait, go back up and close the gate.”

RELIGION: The month of November we give thanks for everything God has given us. We are learning the Lord’s Prayer too.

Oh when the saints, go marching in, Oh when the saints go marching in….In honor of All Saints Day, the 2nd graders came marching in dressed as Saints they chose. The students shared what made their Saint special.

The Butterflies class created cards for our Veterans that will be sent to the Veterans Hospital here in Indianapolis. November is a wonderful month to show our gratitude; God, Family and this wonderful country that we live in!

REMINDERS:
We start the day with Circle Time. This is a very important part of your child’s day. While we understand that mornings can be hectic and family time is important please know that learning time begins first thing in the morning. Please try to get your child here for our 8:00 a.m. start time.

LITERACY
This week we read two classic stories, The House That Jack Built by Jeanette Winter and Jennie’s Hat by Ezra Jack Keats. The children built their own homes, using different shapes, colors and were able to make connections between family and home. The children then used a mix of media to create their own “spruce up” their “plain” hat.

Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com
Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

Winter Coats and Jackets

2009-11-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

Winter weather is here and we have several coats and jackets that have been left at school. Please label any coat, jacket, sweatshirt or sweater your child wears to school. We send your child home every day - we can't promise to send clothing and lunch boxes successfully without your help. Please label!

2009-10-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

ST. JOAN OF ARC PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Thursday, October 22, 2009
LETTER of the WEEK......."G" Two sounds! Wow. Scary ghosts are flying in the hallway. OOOOOooooohhhhhhh! We went to the grocery this week. It costs a lot of money to buy food. They promise they will eat nutritious food to grow big and strong. They also promise not to waste foodJ

MATH: The number 7. There are seven days in a week! Please talk to your children about the days of the week.

RELIGION: We pray the Hail Mary and the Rosary in October. This is the month we recognize Mary as the mother of Jesus. G is for GOD ! God is Great and God is Good! Some of the kids have been working on cards for friends and family to show how their Gratitude! So many words that begin with the letter G.

REMINDERS
We start the day with Circle Time. This is a very important part of your child’s day. While we understand that mornings can be hectic and family time is important please know that learning time begins first thing in the morning. Please try to get your child here for our 8:00 a.m. start time.

TEST - hey........This blog is new to us and we would like feedback. If you read this blog please comment or email us at pkline@sjoa.org If you would like to have more information or have suggestions we would like to hear from you! MORE PICTURES ARE COMING!

Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

2009-10-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 15, 2009

LETTER of the WEEK......."F" We talked about the importance of farm animals. We also VOTED for our favorite farm animal, Daffy Duck, Charlie Chicken, Polly Pig and Bessy the Cow. The winner was Bessy Cow. (We think it is because we get ice cream from the milk cow’s produce!) Speaking of VOTING, many of them worked on putting together a flag. Ask them how and what we can do to be citizens. We read a story about Rainbow Fish and then created our very own sparkly rainbow fish. Marcus Pfister, the author of The Rainbow Fish, wrote many great stories about being a kind and loving friend.

MATH: The number 6. What a great number. We are very busy counting and sorting.

RELIGION. We continue to talk about Mary the Mother of Jesus. What are things we can do to help each other the way Mary helps us in our daily lives. Sharing, Caring, Loving and always Forgiving.

REMINDERS:
· School Pictures: Monday, 10/26 will be picture day for Monday,Wednesday,Friday ONLY students it will be your opportunity to have your picture taken. Order forms went home. Extra forms are available in the school office.
· We start the day with Circle Time. This is a very important part of your child’s day. While we understand that mornings can be hectic and family time is important please know that learning time begins first thing in the morning. Please try to get your child here for our 8:00 a.m. start time.

· SAVE THE DATE.........."Take a "Peek-A-Boo" Friday, October 23 at the Pachciarz’s home on Park Ave. Please stop by and bring a friend or neighbor that may be interested in learning more about St. Joan of Arc School. This is a great way to get acquainted with other families that have chosen St. Joan of Arc for their children’s education. We have included an invite in your child’s folder. Take a Peek! Thank you to Carlos Sosa, SJA parent who designed the invitation. Check his company out at http://www.thesosagroup.com/ .

Halloween and Early Dismissal Information

2009-10-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS:
Tuesday 10/27, Wednesday 10/28.
All PRESCHOOL STUDENTS will have 12:30 Dismissal. No extended day on both days, Tuesday and Wednesday. All preschoolers need to be picked up by 12:30 both days.

IF YOUR CHILD IS ENROLLED IN THE 3:00 to 6:00 after school program with Ms. Brittney she will be here from 12:30 to 5:00 P.M.

HALLOWEEN
YOUR CHILD MAY WEAR THEIR HALLOWEEN COSTUME ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28TH. If your child comes on Tuesday and Thursday only – please dress up on Tuesday for a special party for these students. We ask that you refrain from any elaborate make-up or extra parts to the outfit. We don’t want anything lost before Halloween night!

On Wednesday, October 28th we will have Halloween Activities in Preschool. Jeanne Conner and Peggy Kline will be gone on this day. Peggy Johnson and Mary Ellen Dickmeyer will be in charge of the classes. We will have students from Bishop Chatard High School and their mentor, Maura Day, in Preschool to help with our activities.

Our Halloween Activities will include a Halloween Parade followed by:
1. Snack station
2. ‘Frank’enstein
3. Chalk Ghosts
4. Lacing Activity
5. What’s Missing?
6. Witch Puppet
7. Spider Web
8. Counting Pumpkins

NO SCHOOL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28th AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29th.
· We will send home a 1st quarter report and we generally do not need to meet with parents until the spring of year.
· If you would like a conference with the Preschool Teachers we will arrange to meet after November 1st.

2009-10-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

ST. JOAN OF ARC PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD YOUR LITTLE ONE SING SONGS and recite prayers. We have listed them on the back of our October Objectives. October CALENDERS were sent home this week. Please check your child’s folder. PLANNERS were sent home. The school issues one per family. If you did not receive one please send us an email. We are beginning to fill our rooms with great and creative Halloween decorations. Pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns and even some "creepy" spider and skeletons….ooohhhh!

We start the day with Circle Time. This is a very important part of your child’s day. While we understand that mornings can be hectic and family time is important please know that learning time begins first thing in the morning. Please try to get your child here for our 8:00 a.m. start time. We are counting up to five with sorting, using patterns, clapping, singing and stomping. Some of us are five years old too!

Letter E Eggs/Elephants/Earth/EEK! (there is a spider on my head) The Butterflies enjoyed some delicious Green Eggs and Ham! **Be sure to ask them about the parts of an EGG. Do You Know? The Third grade came to our classroom to share their lesson on 7 parts of an egg. We looked at what happens to an egg when it is heated and investigated a raw egg. Don't worry it was observation only. You might ask your little one about the "thick strings" attached to the egg. (answer: seatbelts for the yolk)

Religion. We talk about the Month of October as the month that we honor Mary the Mother of Jesus. We ask our mother’s help us and we can pray to Jesus’ mother, Mary, to help us make loving choices too.

Monday, 10/26 will be Picture Day for Monday,Wednesday,Friday students. Order forms will come home next week. Tuesday 10/27, Wednesday 10/28. EARLY DISMISSAL FOR ALL SCHOOL CHILDREN due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. ALL PRESCHOOL SCHILDREN SHOULD BE PICKED UP BY 12:30 OR 12:45. This helps us get your children in your car safely before the older students dismiss.

PARISH, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY NEWS:
Saturday, 10/10. SJA Athletics 2nd Annual "Tail Gate Toss" at The Pawn Shop!!
Friday, 10/16 Preschool pumpkin carving. THIS IS FOR SPECIAL PERSON AND STUDENT ONLY. Please no siblings. Flyers are in your child’s folder.

Friday, 10/16 7 p.m. Adults Only. Mary's Circle (Women's Group) and the Men's Club will host an evening by the fire at the home of Barry and Jamie Pachciarz. St. Joan of Arc Mary’s Circle & Men’s Club is hosting an October Social on Friday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the Pachciarz fire pit at 4353 N. Park Avenue, weather permitting. Enjoy a night out among grown ups, meet new friends, and catch up with old pals. Please bring a lawn chair, and an appetizer & beverage to share. We are sorry that there is a scheduling conflict with the Preschool Pumpkin Carving Night. Pachciarz are preschool parents too! They want you to join them after the Pumpkin Carving Night. Treat yourself and join them!

TAKE TIME TO READ THE SCHOOL NEWSLETTER TO CHECK OUT OTHER SCHOOL WIDE NEWS AND EVENTS.

REMEMBER TO RSVP TO YOUR TEACHER IF YOUR CHILD IS COMING TO PUMPKIN CARVING NIGHT Friday, October 16th 6:30-7:30 P.M.

REMEMBER BUTTERFLIES to return permission slips for the Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Wednesday, October 14th. Please send in $3.50 with the permission slip.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16TH PUMPKIN CARVING NIGHT for your preschooler and a special person/parent. More information will come home next week. We are planning this event as a special night for the student and an adult. Please no siblings or families. We are sorry that there is a scheduling conflict with the Preschool Pumpkin Carving Night and The Adult evening at Pachciarz’s house. (SEE NOTE ON OTHER SIDE) Pachiarz are preschool parents too! They want you to join them after the Pumpkin Carving Night. Treat yourself and join themJ

BUTTERFLIES:
Pumpkin Patch Field Wednesday, October 14th. Permission slips are coming home today. Preschool fee $3.50. Please send in money with permission as soon as possible. If you wish to join us at the pumpkin patch you are welcome to drive separately. There is limited seating on the bus. Thank you.

CATERPILLARS:
We will have our own ‘pumpkin patch’ here at SJA for the little ones to find a pumpkinJ
"Little Felt Buckets" All of preschool children received a bucket. Some took them home and some kept them at school. We are working on filling these up w/Happy Thoughts and/LOVING CHOICES! OUR LOST AND FOUND IS GROWING…………LABEL, PRETTY PLEASE!

Gabie Young has taken a new job at IUPUI. She is getting her Masters in Social Work. Good Luck to Gabie! Brande Mickens will join us on Mondays and Fridays. Brande is in West Lafayette Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays studying at Purdue. Welcome Brande!

Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com
Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

Through our preschool’s everyday activities, your child is being introduced to skills they will use throughout life: listening so they can learn, sharing which sometimes means to compromise, making choices (where to play, what to do), responsibilities (hanging up coat, putting backpacks and papers where they need to go, etc.), being a leader, helping friends and teachers. We offer learning experiences that teach and reinforce shapes, colors, counting, number and letter recognition, sounds of letters, spelling of names, public speaking, and large and fine motor skills.

2009-10-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

2009-10-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

ST. JOAN OF ARC PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Thursday, October 1, 2009

The letter Dd and Number 4 don’t sound exciting but the dogs came barking and the ducks swam by quacking and the DINOSAURS were out in full force! AUGH – watch out for T-Rex.

Mrs. Moreau, Ms. Batt’s volunteer in the school library, came by to read to the Butterflies on Monday. She read our favorite book, NO DAVID!, by David Shannon. Thank you, Mrs. Moreau. Next week she will read to the Caterpillar class.

A few weeks ago I introduced Mary Ellen Dickmeyer as a volunteer on Wednesdays. Last week she brought a friend new to Indianapolis, Mandy Soffera to help at St. Joan of Arc. They love being with the children and the children love them. Their children are in high school at Bishop Chatard.

SAVE THE DATE……………………
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16TH PUMPKIN CARVING NIGHT for your preschooler and a special person/parent. More information will come home next week. We are planning this event as a special night for the student and an adult. Please no siblings or families.

BUTTERFLIES:
Pumpkin Patch Field Wednesday, October 14th. Permission slips are coming home today. Preschool fee $3.50. Please send in money with permission as soon as possible. If you wish to join us at the pumpkin patch you are welcome to drive separately. There is limited seating on the bus. Thank you.

CATERPILLARS:
We will have our own ‘pumpkin patch’ here at SJA for the little ones to find a pumpkinJ
Matthew Kelly will be @ St. Joan of Arc Church on Monday, October 5th. See more information in the Church Bulletin or school newsletter.

SPIRIT DAY! Spirit day is 1st Friday of each month. If you would like to order spirit wear please contact school office for details or check in school hallway for order forms. To show your school spirit kids may wear MONARCH t-shirt/sweatshirt or a red shirt.

"Little Felt Buckets" All of preschool children received a bucket. Some took these home and some kept them at school. We are working on filling these up w/Happy Thoughts and/LOVING CHOICES!

GETTING BETTER BUT PLEASE HELP US!!! LABEL EVERYTHING: We still have items in lunchboxes that are not labeled. Please label jackets that will come on your little one as the weather gets colder.

Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline and Gabie Young (M&F)

2009-09-29T11:14:00.001-07:00

ST. JOAN OF ARC PRESCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Thursday, September 24, 2009

This week a CLOWN came to visit. (Sorry JulesJ) The clown showed us that it was really Ms. Peggy. She put on the shoes, wig, outfit, collar, nose, glasses and hat to prove it was really her. The Butterfly class drew clowns by listening and following directions. They did a great job. They are hanging in the classroom now. We read The Very Hungary Caterpillar and the Caterpillar class made caterpillars.

We went “camping” in the classroom today. Mrs. Jeanne brought in chocolate chip cookies for the campout, I mean camp’in’. We had a fire and camp songs too. The fire was ‘hot’ and we found animals at the campsite. This week we shared cookies with everyone. It is so much better when we share! We need sugar, flour, eggs, an oven and a spoon. YUMJ

The children talked about Church. The told us that we need to be quiet and listen to God in Church. We also learned that some churches have the children go upstairs awhile the adults are downstairs learning what Jesus has to teach us.

LABEL EVERYTHING: We still have items in lunchboxes that are not labeled. Please label jackets that will come on your little one as the weather gets colder.
Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com
Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

Preschool Pictures

2009-09-19T08:48:00.001-07:00

Newsletter September 17, 2009

2009-09-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

It was great to see a lot of you at French Market! This is always a great day for our St. Joan of Arc Parish Community. Thank you to all who helped with a booth, cooking, setting up and cleaning up.

Last week we talked about the letter Aa. We painted apples and ate them. We voted and some of us liked green apples and some liked red. More of us liked red apples. We also talked about ants. We need them because they put air into the ground and help the earth breathe.

This week we talked about the letter Bb. Ask your child why we need Bees. We had fun counting, eating, painting and reading about Bears. We even went on a Bear Hunt!

Anna reminded us to have “Happy Thoughts” all week. They all keep us smiling with their comments, stories and songs.

Next week will talk about the letter Cc. We will be going “camping” in the classroom. The weather is guaranteed to be great inside. Look for a bunch of clowns coming home too.

Mrs. Mary Ellen Dickmeyer is with us as a volunteer on Wednesdays. She brings years of experience to St. Joan of Arc. She taught preschool for many years and retired last May. She found she couldn’t stay away from the kiddos and is here teaching Handwriting without Tears to the Butterflies class. Mary Ellen has a granddaughter who will be attending St. Joan of Arc in a few years. Her youngest daughter is a freshman at Bishop Chatard High School. Thank you Mary Ellen, we love having you with us.

Today we had Babies and Bagels and Coffee with the Principal. The next Babies and Bagels is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th. Mark your calendars!

LABEL EVERYTHING:
Jackets, drink bottles, lunchboxes, etc. are coming in without labels and they may go home with the wrong boy or girl.

Bookmark the blog: http://sja-eclassroom-pres.blogspot.com

Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson, Peggy Kline

The Kirk Family

2009-09-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Preschool Parents,

Most of you know by now we have sad news. George Kirk is in our Butterfly Class on M/W/F. His brother William is in 2nd grade here at St. Joan of Arc. Their father, Charley, passed away late Friday evening after back surgery following a bicycle accident Wednesday evening.

Our school counselor, Susan Tsangaris, talked to the 2nd grade class today. George was at school today and was his usual happy self. Although he did not mention his Dad today, I am sure he will be talking about this in our classroom. If you or your children need to talk to someone, Mrs. Tsangaris is available as well as Fr. Guy Roberts, our pastor.

I am asking anyone who has a child who dismisses at 3:00 P.M. Thursday afternoon to please pick up your child by 2:30 this Thursday. We will be attending services at 3:00 P.M. If your child is enrolled in after-care with Brittney, she will be here.

Please keep the family in your prayers. Liz Bradshaw, parent of Toby (1st), Sally and Jack (preschool) is coordinating meals for the family. lbradshaw37@yahoo.com.

Charley Kirk's funeral service will be held at North United Methodist Church this Thursday the 17th at 3 p.m. (38th and Meridian Streets).

Please forward this message to anyone who may want to pay tribute to Charley and the happy, faithful and loving husband, father, friend and neighbor he was.
Thank you,
Peggy Kline
Jeanne Conner
Peggy Johnson

2009-09-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

We have had a great first week of school! Here are a few reminders.

LABEL EVERYTHING:
Jackets, drink bottles, lunchboxes, etc. are coming in without labels and they may go home with the wrong boy or girlJ

PEANUT ALLERGIES:
We have many peanut allergies so we ask you to refrain from sending peanut butter, nuts, m&m’s, etc. We want a peanut free environment for the children. Thank you for your cooperation.

SCHOOL PICTURES:
School pictures are scheduled for Thursday, September 10th. School picture retakes are scheduled for Monday, October 26th. If your child comes only M/W/F we will have the class take pictures on retake day.

SPIRITWEAR DAY:
The school celebrates our school spirit on the first Friday of every month and several others days throughout the year. Next week you may order a school T-shirt or your child may wear RED. This is optional of course but we always like to show our school SPIRIT!

Preschool H1N1 Precautions

2009-09-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

The CDC has sent us Early Childhood Program Recommendations for the 2009-2010 Influenza Season. There is a lengthy explanation on their website if you wish to view it, however we will use common sense in implementing procedures here at SJA.

Get vaccinated against the flu
Stay home when sick
Conduct daily health checks
Separate ill children and staff
Encourage hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Provide routine environmental cleaning
Consider selective early childhood program closures

We are off to a great start in Preschool this year! We hope to keep everyone healthy and happy. Please contact us if you suspect your child or a family member is ill. Please keep your child home until all symptoms are gone and your child is fever free and off fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours.
Thank you.
Peggy Kline, Jeanne Conner and Peggy Johnson

First Day

2009-08-31T09:54:00.001-07:00

We had a great first day of Preschool. I think we only had one (parent) who cried! After she went home and had coffee Mom was happy. Of course the kids were wonderful. We will see some new Caterpillars tomorrow.

A folder will come home on Thursday or Friday with all newsletters, school artwork and papers. Please return the folder the next school day. Thank you for sharing your children with us!

Mrs. Kline, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Conner

Ready, Set, Go!

2009-08-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

You should receive a letter from Preschool this week. If you have a student in grades K-8 the letter came home today with a sibling. This letter has important drop-off and dismissal procedures and tuition contract information. See you next week!

Preschool Calendar

2009-08-26T06:14:00.001-07:00

Bagels and Babies

2009-08-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 27, 2009 St. Joan of Arc Parish will be hosting Babies and Bagels and Tea with Tots in the Preschool Room in the lower level of the school from 10:00 am until noon. All are welcome! Bring your little ones for juice, doughnuts and playtime while you enjoy coffee and fellowship with other parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Melinda Rivelli is the host. Email Melinda if you have questions. mailto:marivelli@aol.com)

All 2009-2010 SJA Preschoolers, Butterflies and Caterpillars, are welcome to come meet the teachers and get aquainted with preschool friends during Babies and Bagels. If you think you might be able to join us please let us know. (pkline@sjoa.org )

Preschool begins Monday, August 31st for Butterfly and Caterpillar preschoolers who attend M/W/F and M-F. Our Tuesday/Thursday Caterpillars will begin on Tuesday, September 1st. Don't forget to label your child's lunchbox, backpack, blanket (if they are staying for an extended day) and any other items they may bring from home.

Jeanne Conner, Peggy Johnson and I are anxious for the little ones to come to school. We have exciting plans for our group of 44 (yes 44!) part-time preschoolers!

Peggy Kline

Information about the First Day of Preschool

2009-08-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

I hope I have contacted all parents to confirm a current and active email. If we have not confirmed an email please email me at pkline@sjoa.org.

Butterflies Preschool class will meet Monday, August 31st for their first day.
Caterpillars meeting on Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Monday through Friday have their first day on Monday, August 31st also. This may have been confusing in the June 25th posting and letter.
Caterpillars coming only Tuesday/Thursday will begin on Tuesday, September 1st. PLEASE BRING YOUR CHILD TO THE CLASSROOM ON THE FIRST DAY.

After your child's first day you will drop your child off at the silver doors on the parking lot. One of us will be at the door to greet you.

Dismissal at 12:30 will be at this same door.

Dismissal at 3:00 P.M. will also be at the silver doors on the parking lot. ALL PRESCHOOL CHILDREN MUST BE secured in their carseats by 3:10. Once your child is secured in his/her seat you are free to leave the parking lot, HOWEVER, if you are picking up other students (PreKindergarten - 8th grade) you will remain in the lot with your car turned off. The upper grades will be dismissed at 3:15. You will leave the parking lot when motioned to leave by the teacher on duty. THESE NEW DISMISSAL PROCEDURES ARE IN PLACE FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN. PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE PROCEDURES.

If your child is staying for one or more afternoons from 12:30-3:00 please send a small blanket (LABELED) for his/her rest time.

PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS - lunchboxes, backpacks, blankets, etc. If you send items in the lunchbox you wish to be returned PLEASE LABEL! All thermos, containers, etc. We do our best to return item to the correct owner but it gets difficult with similar items that are in the lunchboxes!

You may also pack a change of clothes (LABELED) for your child if you think it may be necessary. If your child is still mastering potty training please let us know.

Please let us know any questions you may have about the first day of school or ANYTHING about the school year! Jeanne, Peggy J. and I have been working hard getting ready for the students. This year we are excited to have Gabie Young returning to help us on Monday and Friday mornings. She is attending graduate school at IUPUI in addition to working at SJA. Brigette Schutzman will be with us on Wednesday mornings.

Mark this page as a BOOKMARK on your computer!!!! Many more postings will come with pictures of the little ones during the preschool day!

Peggy Kline

2009-2010 School Year Information

2009-06-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

June 25, 2009
Dear Preschool Families,

We know summer has just begun but we want to share important information about the Fall Semester at St. Joan of Arc Preschool! There will be several preschool classes. The Butterflies (4 year olds) will meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Some children will be attending all five mornings. Mrs. Peggy Kline will be the main teacher for the Butterflies. The Caterpillars (3 year olds) will meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Mrs. Peggy Johnson as the main teacher for this group. Another Caterpillars (3 year olds) class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Some children will be attending all five mornings and Mrs. Jeanne Conner will be the main teacher for this group. All three teachers will interact with all the children daily. All children must be potty trained before coming to preschool.

The Butterflies first day of school is Monday, August 31, 2009. The Caterpillars first day of school is Tuesday, September 1, 2009. Please bring your child to the classroom on the first day. The first few days may be challenging for some of the kids. DON’T WORRY! We will contact you if there is a major problem. Please know that anytime a child is in a new environment with a new adult, separation may be difficult. You are always welcome in the classroom, but give us a chance to get acquainted with each other on our own the first few days. If you are worried about your child after you leave, please call the school office (283-1518) and they will check on your child for you.

After the first day please plan on dropping your child off at the silver doors on the playground. This is new this year. We will get your child from the car and gather them inside the building on the steps. We will take them down to the classroom as a group. The upper grades will be meeting in the gym daily for Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and morning announcements promptly at 8:00 a.m. If you are dropping off PreK-8 graders, please pull up to the silver doors and release all the children at the same time. The older children will walk along the side of the building to enter at the main door of the school.

We will have a shared snack mid-morning. We ask you to donate snacks to share with the class. If your child has any special dietary needs or allergies please let us know prior to the first day of school. Please pack your child’s lunch, including a drink, in a labeled lunch box or sack. Milk is available to purchase through Mrs. Burnside in the school office. If you wish to purchase hot lunch for your child it must be done through the school office by the first of the month. We will dismiss the class at 12:30 or 3:00 from the silver doors on the playground. Please let us know who has permission to pick up your child.

Tuition is due the first of the month. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed after the 15th of the month. Please be prepared to pay the first month’s tuition on August 31st or September 1st, 2009. If your child will be attending an extended preschool day (12:30 to 3:00 for an additional $10.00 per day) please include this charge in the monthly tuition.

We look forward to an exciting year! The early years in your child’s life are precious. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about your child throughout the school year. While it may be difficult to talk while we are in the classroom with the children, please do not hesitate to email or call us anytime.

Sincerely,
Peggy Kline - 506-3173 (cell) - pkline@sjoa.org

ON THE FIRST DAY, PLEASE BRING:
 Family picture to hang in our classroom
 2 rolls of paper towels
 2 boxes of tissues
 2 boxes of wet wipes
 2 boxes of snacks (crackers, animal crackers, pretzels, goldfish, etc.)
EVERYDAY PLEASE BRING:
1. Backpack or Bag (large enough to hold a lunch box and all school papers and materials)
2. Lunch Box
3. A BIG HAPPY SMILE!

Arrival from 7:45 to 8:00 A.M. please use the silver doors on the parking lot.

Arrival after 8:05 A.M. please park your car and enter through the main doors.

Please bring your child to the classroom.

Dismissal @ 12:30 please use the silver doors on the parking lot.

Dismissal @ 3:00 please use the silver doors on the parking lot.

If you are picking up K-8 students also,

please pick up your preschooler first and have them secure in your car

before K-8 dismissal at 3:15.

January 2009

2009-01-11T06:28:00.000-08:00

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

April 2008

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The kids have had a great week! They came back from Spring Break ready to play, paint, sing, swing, dance, and draw. We have planted marigolds to watch them grow. Mrs. Burnside is keeping them in her windowsill so they will get enough sun! We will check on them everyday.

Save the date for our Preschool and PreK Program, Wednesday, May 21st. The entire will preform at the Cultural Arts Celebration. Our program will be at 5:00 P.M. before the FSF meeting at 5:30 followed by the school program at 6:00. More information will follow! I am sure you will hear the children singing some of the songs at home!

Have a great weekend!
Peggy

2008-02-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

Hello to all!

We have had a busy time these last few weeks. We built a rocket and took a couple of trips to the moon. We collected "moon" rocks and ate "moon" food. The kids all thought the "moon" food tasted similar to our marshmellows! They all talked about what they would need to take a trip. The all insisted on helmets and seatbelts! We had suggestions for oxygen masks and spacesuits too. I promised I would have them back to St. Joan of Arc before lunch time. Even though we ran into trouble in flight and almost hit a meteor we made it back to school. I wish you could see their imaginations at work. What a gift!

St. Valentine's Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 13th with the Butterflies Class and on Thursday, February 14th with the Caterpillars. We will decorate bags to collect our valentines.

We are receiving registration forms for next year's Preschool Classes! I am sorry if it has been confusing for some of you. PreKindergarten is an option for children who will be 4 by August 1, 2008. Registration for PreK is done through the school office. School hours are 8:00 to 3:15. NYO (Neighborhood Youth Outreach) provides after school care at an additional fee. registration for this program must be done through Carolyn Holder 283-6710.

Tell your friends and family and spread the word what a great time we have here at SJA! http://www.sjoa.org/ School Pages has a link information about our Preschool Programs.

Keep dry and warm - I don't know what the Ground Hog said this year, but I feel spring is coming soon!

Ms. Peggy (aka Mrs. Piggy)

Mrs. Kline (aka Mrs. Clown)

"hey teacher"

I don't know how I have any self-esteem!

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January 16, 2008

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Hello from 42nd & Central!

Today we finger painted 'pink pigs' with 'pink pudding'. We licked our fingers too! Yum!

Remember: don't get dressed FRIDAY, JANUARY 18th - come in your 'pajamas' and eat 'pancakes'. We won't go back to sleep - we will learn about where animals sleep. Do they brush their teeth before they go to bed???

Remember NO SCHOOL MONDAY! Go see the Harlem Globetrotters at Conseco! Last week a Harlem Globetrotter, Moo Moo, came to our school and spoke about how important it is to stay in school, work hard and be the best you can be at whatever you do!

Peggy

2008-01-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

We take our jobs very seriously!

Mrs. Jeanne Conner, Mrs. Peggy Kline, Mrs. Patty Vanlanot and Miss Cathy Byrne

2008-01-14T16:55:00.001-08:00

The Caterpillars and PreK made a spider web by working together and each person taking responsibility for holding the web in place. WOW! Coach Dungy would love this teamwork!

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The Butterflies and PreK are creating beautiful Hats after reading about Jennie's Hat by Ezra Jack Keats.

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The Caterpillars and shaving cream! They practice shapes, letters, numbers, and designs while smelling, giggling, and making a mess!

Preschool

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Welcome to the St. Joan of Arc Preschool blog! We are off to a great start in 2008. The kids came back from the holiday break ready rested and ready to learn. Oh yes, they were excited to see their friends too! The interaction between them is remarkable. They learn more from each other than any teacher could hope to inspire. We strive to give them the tools and let them take off and GO!

Last week we built an "O"CEAN painting crabs, starfish and our own"Rainbow Fish" complete with sparkling scales. We added "o"ctopus, seahorse and seaweed and explores shells, shark teeth and sand. This week we will learn about "P"olar Bears and their habitat. Brrrr! I get cold thinking about them. We will snuggle up in our "P"ajamas on Friday and make "P"ancakes. Yummm!

I want to thank Miss Cathy Byrne for helping in our classroom. Cathy is a volunteer at St. Joan of Arc. Cathy has been an asset to the Second Grade and Mrs. Breen for several years now. I have lured her down to our room and we love her!

Please contact me with questions or concerns about your child pkline@sjoa.org . Have a great week - stay warm!
Peggy

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Photos!

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Photos!

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Here are pictures of our day in school!

Butterflies and Caterpillars!

2007-08-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome to St. Joan of Arc Preschool! My name is Peggy Kline. This is my fourth year at St. Joan of Arc and I think this is the BEST SCHOOL IN THE CITY!