GIVING TREE NEWS
April 2010

IMPORTANT DATES

April 19-23 Spring Vacation
April 28-30 REMINDER Giving Tree is open
[error on original school calendar]
May 8 Arbor Day Celebration
July 12-30 Summer Session

Understanding our  new team at Giving Tree:  On April 5, Merrilee became part of the new team at Giving Tree. We are very excited, and so are the children. We know that we have a very strong, diversely talented team now, and think you will sense that in the coming weeks. As we go forward we want to explain how the team of Deborah, Fay, Merrilee, Christina, Betsy, and the Board will care for Giving Tree children and families: Deborah, Fay, and Merrilee are responsible for the children, the classroom, the curriculum, and all its various activities. They will work equally as a team to fulfill those responsibilities. If you have any questions about your child and/or the day-to-day activities and curriculum, talk to one of the teachers. Christina is our Program Administrator and will be supporting teachers and parents, and responding to paperwork: enrollment, tuition, licensing, filing, and other administrative tasks. She will work closely with Betsy in what EEC (our licensing agency) calls a Shared Administrative Plan. Any questions or concerns should be directed to either a teacher or Christina. Christina and Betsy will work closely with the Board (both are members) to ensure that Giving Tree continues its outstanding history. Betsy and Jeff Coulson (Board member) will be fiscally responsible for the day-to-day budget and check-signing, with the Board setting and approving of the budget. This is truly a team approach – we will not have someone who has the sole title of Director. When Betsy or Christina is not on site, we will have a sign that reads Designated Administrator and a teacher’s name.

MANY, MANY THANKS!

We at Giving Tree would like to acknowledge the continued support from the parents provide on a daily basis.  From bringing Community Snack, to prompt tuition payments, updating your child’s medical records and taking time to fill out a survey- we appreciate it.  As a parent, we recognize your very busy lives with your child, and do applaud your responsiveness.  Thanks again.  Also, special thanks to the following folks:

Mike Bukowick, Simon’s dad, for sharing his musical side with the children, playing guitar and singing.
Wendy LaPoint, Jacob’s mom, for always heading our call, and helping with the computer. 

IN THE CLASSROOM

Spring has sprung at Giving Tree!  The beginning of March started with bundled children in snow pants and mittens, and now they are donning rain boats and rain coats.  Our young explorers have been investigating the Signs of Spring, starting with the           observation of the crocus popping through.  The children have been great farmers this month, as the class has been tending to the seedlings they have planted.  We have starter plants of peas,    beans, lettuce, spinach and morning   glories which the children water daily.  We plan to move the raised bed to the backyard to allow the peas can climb up the fence near the gate to the playground. We would love to swap seeds with families who might have extra pumpkin, cucumber, tomato, or flower seeds. We have extra daisy, sunflower and spinach seeds if anyone needs them.  Please speak with Deborah about seed swapping. Be sure to ask your child about feeding the worms in our worm farm.

There are also plenty of young mathematicians in our classroom.  A learning tool from the High/Scope curriculum is called Numbers Plus Preschool Mathematics Curriculum.  This is a comprehensive set of detailed plans for small and large group activities, with ideas extending mathematics learning throughout the program day.  Observing their play shows how interested they are in this subject.  Here are some comments from young mathematicians:

• Make this end of the ramp higher so the cars will go down faster

• You be the daddy kitten because you are the tallest.  She is the baby because she is the littlest.  And, I’ll be the mama so I can sit in the middle.

• Add more water to the other cup so it will be even

By actively engaging the children with materials and ideas, Numbers Plus builds on the latest knowledge from research and practice about early mathematics learning and how teachers can support it.

CALLING ALL PARENTS

On May 8th, Giving Tree will hold an Arbor Day Celebration.  The children are so enthusiastic about planting this season; we want to support and encourage this by planting a tree or bush.  We are asking each family for a monetary donation [$5-20] towards this purchase, which can be dropped in the tuition box.  Included in the Arbor Day Celebration, will be our annual Spring Clean-up/Potluck luncheon.  For scheduling flexibility, families can choose to either participate in the morning from 9am-12, and/or in the afternoon from 1-4.  The Potluck will be at noon, when all families can gather together to share a meal.  Look for tasks and food sign up sheets at the school.

Enrollment for the 2010-11 school year is quickly filling up.  If you know   folks in the community who are considering Giving Tree for the fall, please encourage them to submit the requests as soon as possible.

The children’s appetites have come out of hibernation!  The warmer weather and increased outdoor activity makes these little bodies have big appetites.  We have been amazed by the increased amount of food the children are consuming these days.  Please be sure to pack an ample lunch for your child, as some children are wanting more even after their lunch is completely consumed.   Thanks! 

WISH LIST

• Spoons [not plastic]

• Someone handy to fix the recently broken swings on the playground

• A small adult sized desk

• Every family in attendance at the Arbor Day celebration

• cloth tablecloths for upcoming picnics

"If we had no winter,
the spring would not be so pleasant;
if we did not sometimes taste of adversity,
prosperity would not be so welcome."
Anne Bradstreet