Mason Christian Preschool News

February News

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day! We all know how special this month is as we take time to celebrate those we love! Candy? Chocolates? Heart shaped pancakes? Kisses on a note in the lunch box? Take a minute and plan a "one of a kind" reminder of love for your little one! They can never get enough love, so pile it on!!

UPDATES!

Registration for our 2012-2013 school year began Monday, January 23rd for our current preschool families. Forms are being processed daily with classes quickly filling up. Our first set of class rosters will be posted just outside the Preschool Office in the next few weeks. A reminder that, although you may have registered this month, your May 2013 tuition (non-refundable), along with the $35 supply fee (and updated paperwork) will be due no later than August 1, 2012 to secure your child's placement. You will be receiving this statement thru EMAIL sometime early July. Please be looking for this email! Required forms are available on our website.

Mason Kindergarten Registration Orientation Meeting will be held on Wed., February 29th at the Mason Early Childhood Center (MECC) at 4631 Hickory Woods Drive. Packet sign-out will be available from 6:00 - 6:30 followed by the general meeting 6:30 - 7:30. If you are unable to attend, you may sign-out packets beginning March 1 at the Central Registration Department at 211 North East Street between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Packets cannot be mailed or downloaded off the internet). Kindergarten Registration will be in the MECC KIVA (4631 Hickory Woods Drive) on the following dates: Thursday, March 15 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Tuesday, March 20 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Questions? Call the Early Childhood Center @398.3741. Times for the 2012-2013 1/2 day Kindergarten programs are AM session 9:10 - 11:55 a.m. and PM session if 12:55 - 3:40 p.m.

Lakota Kindergarten Registration: Registration details were not available when this Blog when to post. I encourage you to go to http://www.lakotaonline.com/ to get specific dates regarding kindergarten registration if you live in the Lakota School District.

Kings Local Schools Kindergarten Registration: Kindergarten Registration is in April. Check the Kings School District Website for more details or call Tammy Schnetzer at 513.398-8050 ext. 10002.

Little Miami Kindergarten Registration: Pick up a registration packets in February. Registration @ 605 Welch Road is scheduled in February. Questions? Call Nancy Journeay at 513-899-5275.

Loveland Schools Kindergarten: Kindergarten Registration packets will be available on March at Loveland Early Childhood Center. Call 683-4200 for more information.

Weekday Monthly OUTREACH: "non-perishable Food" for the Mason Food Pantry Our kids at Mason Christian Preschool, along with their families, have a wonderful opportunity to help the families that visit the food pantry at the Mason Food Pantry by giving them canned goods and boxed foods (non-perishable). If you can drop off any items to help with this ministry, it is always appreciated!! Thanks so much as we try and support our local neighbors in need.

President's Day: Monday, February 20 the Preschool will be closed due to this National holiday.

WHITE PICKET TRAFFIC FENCE: some parents have asked about the piece of fence that appears just outside our main doors at entrance #2. This is merely a deterant to children running through both doors leaving the preschool....and stopping them before they can run into traffic in the parkinglot. I apologize for the inconvenience for strollers, etc...but we want to keep our children safe!

Parent Teacher Conferences: for our 3's, 4's and Bridges classes, your second evaluation will be going home the week of February 22. Parent Teacher Conferences will be available, by request, the week of March 13 for 3's and Bridges and the week of March 19 for the 4's classes. Ask your teacher about her Conference schedule and availability.

Spring "Little Rascals" Preschool Photos: Every spring we offer an opportunity for you to have your preschooler(s) and younger siblings to have their "spring/Easter" photos taken here at the preschool by Tracy Snyder. This greatly reduced photo shoot has live bunnies 'n chicks for your child to hold while being photographed. I will have more information in our March blog for specific signup dates and "photo" dates in March. Your order will be printed and delivered to you here at the preschool BEFORE Easter.

What's Going on in the Classroom!

Bible words: I John 3:1

"How great is the love that God has given to us..."

Lambs 2 Years - Tuesday or Turtles 2 yrs. Wednedsay a.m or Thur/Friday a.m. Miss Robin, along with her assistants, are planning a wonderful "Valentine's Party" (just the teachers and kids, this time!) beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 8, Friday, Feb. 10, Monday, Feb. 13 and Tuesday, Feb. 14. Remember to send in "signed" Valentines from your child - address to "my friend" from "your child's name". Your child will be celebrating God's love through the telling of the "Parable of the Lost Sheep" Bible story, enjoying a special treat and exchanging Valentines! Miss Robin will be sharing from her letter bag all sorts of "L" things like lettuc, lions, lips, lemons, etc. Some fun books your child will experience in class are: Love and Kisses by Sara Wilson, Pigs in Love by Teddy Slater, Me and My Dad by Alison Richie, I Love My Mama by Peter Kavanagh, and How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You? by Jane Yolen.

Minnows & Guppies 3 Years – a.m. & p.m.
Miss Megan has planned some great activities which will continue to challenge these young writers and artists! Our P.J. party will be Thursday, Feb. 2nd or Friday, Feb. 3rd. Your child is invited to wear their favorite PJs and bring in a pillow, blanket, stuffed friend or anything comfortable to rest/relax with. Along with regular class routine, they will enjoy making a special treat, watching a movie and even playing with "cake mix" in the sensory table.

Valentines parties will be Thursday, Feb. 9th or Friday, Feb. 10th with a party theme of "Love for Family & Friends". We will be making friendship trail mix and so everyone needs to bring to the party a sandwich size zip-lock bag filled with a favorite snack to share. This will be a craft and game party so watch for a sign-up sheet where you can volunteer to help with this fun event!

Remember the week of Feb. 14th to send in a family photo or two (this includes pets) as we celebrate the love of families. Watch for the brief "homework" assignment coming home that will be shared later in class.

The week of Feb. 21st we will be learning all about Fire Prevention. Also you will want to watch for your child's evaluation to come home this week. Please review, sign and return to your child's teacher. Conferences will be scheduled the week of March 13 so watch for signups outside your child's classroom door.

Bears & Raccoons 4 Years – a.m., p.m. & ext. days
Miss Linda & Miss Julie are planning a "Donuts with Dad" on Thursday, Feb. 9th or Friday, Feb. 10th @ 10:00 am. or 12:40 pm. (this p.m. class will start with chapel); 11:30 am. for Extended Day class on Thursday. Donuts will be provided but we're asking each family to sign up to provide extra special snacks (sign-ups for these will be outside the classroom, so keep your eyes open!) for this great event. We would like each family to sign up for one item, please! Please remember to send in a photo of your child with dad no later than February 1st or 2nd. Also remember to bring in enough unaddressed Valentines to share on either Monday, Feb. 13 or Tuesday, Feb. 14. (Just have your child sign their own name to each valentine!) .

Watch for your child's evaluation to come home the week of February 21! Please review, sign and return to your child's teacher. Parent Teacher Conferences are held the week of March 19, so keep your eyes open for signups outside your child's classroom.

Bridges Pre-K – Tuesday – Friday a.m.
Miss Patty has planned a very busy month for our oldest preschoolers! Leo Lionni, a wonderful children's author, will be the featured this month. Valentines Day party will be a class ONLY party on Tuesday, February 14th. Your child will have an opportunity to exchange Valentines during that party time, so take time at home to have them "sign" their own name on each Valentine (but no need to address individually!). There will be signups outside the classroom door for Valentine Party donations to help make this party fun.

"Handwriting Without Tears" will concentrate of the letters Ll, Mm, Nn, Oo and Pp this month and the children will continue to write in their journals every week. Many are becoming interested in "telling stories with pictures and words" and love to share their stories during our group time. Math activities will incorporate some new folder games, board games and manipulatives to help teach basic math concepts such as counting, sorting and patterning. Some new math manipulatives include Valentine candy hearts and Unifix cubes.

Watch for your child's evaluation to come home the week of February 21! Please review, sign and return to your child's teacher. Parent Teacher Conferences will be held the week of March 13 with signups outside the classroom for a specific time that week.

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work”

January News

2011-12-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope your Christmas and New Year celebrations were memorable - filled with the blessings of family and friends!

Are you missing a glove or hat or backpack? Our lost and found is located in the Preschool office...you may want to stop by and check it out!

Curb-side "severe weather" drop off: Remember if you see that colorful banner flying outside the east doors (entrance #3), swing around (facing west) and I will unload your child(ren) while you remain in your car! I designate "severe weather" as ice 'n freezing rain that would make it dangerous to walk in the parking lot. Remember that pick-up is always at the classroom, so give yourself plenty of time.

Thank you for supporting our Scholastic Book Fair. With your generous purchases totaling over $1,200.00 our teachers were able to pick out over $590 worth of FREE books for their classrooms. What a priceless resource for our teachers!

Registration for 2012-2013 school year begins Monday, January 23rd for our current families. (If you are a member/regular attender of Christ's Church at Mason, you can drop off your registration Sunday, January 22nd). Registration forms and instructions are located just outside the Preschool office. Questions about what class might best fit the needs of your child? We are hosting an Informational Open House on Monday evening, Jan. 23rd. Please feel free to stop in anytime (adults only)between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. to visit classrooms, meet the teachers and ask questions. You are more than welcome to participate in any of our public tours: every Wednesday in January @ 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome!!

Important Notes!

Paper towel & Tissues: It's that time of year again and we could use your generous donation of 2 rolls of paper towels & 2 boxes of tissue for our program. A donation box is located just outside the preschool office! Thanks!

"Children's Valentines for Hamilton Family Christian Center" We hope to provide fun Valentines 'n candy for the families of this area. Our purple donation box is right across from the preschool office.

Dr. Martin Luther King Day: since this is a national holiday, our preschool will be closed this Monday, January 16th.

What's going on in class this month...

Theme: "I'm BIG in God's eyes!"

Bible Story: David & Goliath (I Samuel 17)

Bible words: "God is my rock. He keeps me safe." II Samuel 22:3

Monday or Tuesday "Lambs" ext. day; Wednesday, Thursday/Friday "Turtles" 2 Years: Miss Robin and her assistants will focus this month on some very fun children's books: If You Give a Pig a Pancake, A Porcupine Named Fluffy, Best Friends in the Snow, Snowman's Garden, Sneezing the Snowman, Hi, Pizza Man. The Bible story this month will share about that little boy named David and even though he was little, he was BIG in God's eyes! Dramatic play will offer a fun pizza parlor. All month your child will be working with their very own "pizza" and learn how to add fun toppings...counting each item...learning to count from 1 to 8. Also, the letter bag will be featuring "P" with items like a pig, pickle, pants, plane, panda, pancake, pizza...you may want to look for fun things with your child that start with this letter! Note that the Thurs/Friday "turtles" will attend weekly chapel starting this January every THURSDAY at 11:10 until 11:30. You can pick up your little one at chapel in the auditorium...or come early and hear what they are learning during this fun time!

"Minnows & Guppies" 3 Years: Miss Megan is planning a month of "Winter Wonderland". The kids will be experiencing some science experiments with ice and snow, the difference between left and right hands, as well as learning about their names and the names of their friends in class. At the end of the month, your child will come home with a "name envelope" filled with games and practice materials to reinforce the writing of his/her name. Enjoy the fun crafts that come home as the kids learn about snow, snowmen and winter animals. The Bible story this month will share about David & Goliath and, even though David was a little boy, he was BIG in God's eyes!

"Bears" & "Raccoons" 4 Years: Miss Linda ("Bears") and Miss Julie ("Raccoons") will be focusing their activities and games around "Snowballs & Snowmen"; "Snow Clothes"; "Winter Friends" and "Teddy Bears & P.J.'s". The Bible story this month will share about little David 'n the giant, Goliath. Even though he was a little boy, he was BIG in God's eyes!

Reminders -
Bag of cotton balls: please bring in one bag for our incredible "indoor snowball fight" either Jan. 5th or 6th.

Pajama Party either Wednesday, Jan. 25 OR Thursday, Jan. 26 - wear your favorite pajamas & bring a sleeping bag or small blanket, pillow 'n stuffed animal! The movie selection will be posted outside the classroom for you to review! If you attend the Thursday extended day class, remember to bring in $4 by Tuesday, Jan. 24th for a pizza party on Pajama Day...no need to pack a lunch that special day!

Bridges Pre-K – 5 years: Miss Patty will be experiencing all sorts of winter activities this month with the kids. "Handwriting without Tears" will focus on "H" for Happy New Year featuring The Hat. The second week will focus on "I" for icicles and snow while featuring books such as The Snowy Day, The World's Biggest Snowman and Frosty the Snowman. The third week will focus on "J" for the The Jacket I Wear in the Snow, and Martin Luther King, Jr. The last week will focus on "K" for Kangaroos featuring Kangaroos Have Mothers, Too, K is for Kissing a Kangaroo and the Ground Hog Story! Our science centers will experiment with ice, study about hibernating animals, and share about kangaroos! The Bible story this month will share about David & Goliath and, even though he was a little boy, he was BIG and brave in God's eyes!

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work”

December News

2011-11-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Director’s News:

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! What an exciting time of year as we experience, through the eyes of young children, the wonder that this season offers! Don't forget to take time to explain to your child the BEST GIFT was given to us by God: His Son, Jesus! Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Thank you for supporting East End Mission with all the toothbrushes & toothpaste. What a wonderful ministry opportunity for our preschool children! The month of December we will be collecting assorted baby clothes, supplies and diapers. These items are in GREAT need at Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati, so your donation will be greatly appreciated.

Christmas list? We have "interviewed" our staff and they have completed a personal questionnaire regarding their favorites....books, snacks, hobbies, etc. Feel free to stop by the preschool office for a copy of this Staff Wish List.

A huge "thanks" to Teddy Bear Portraits for the wonderful photographs they provided of our preschoolers. Our classroom composites should be available sometime after the first of the year. I'll let you know when they are here!

Upcoming Events

Scholastic Book Fair is Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 here in the preschool hallway! Get a great jump on Christmas shopping with these quality books! On-line shopping is also available. Our preschool earns many of these Scholastic books for our classrooms through your generous participation! Merry Christmas to you AND to our teachers!

Christ's Church at Mason's 10th Annual Christmas Pageant -contact CCM @ 229-3200 for FREE tickets for this Dec. 8th through the 11th performances (both evening and afternoon). This production shares some wonderful Christmas seasonal songs (Part 1) along with an outstanding interpretation, thru music, of the nativity story (Part 2)!

Family Christmas Eve Service & Musical - Saturday night - December 24th at
5:00 p.m. in the auditorium! This family friendly celebration is a wonderful way to start your Christmas celebration!

Happy New Year! Preschool classes resume on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012!

Reminder that tuition is due the first class meeting of the month! A $15 late fee is "automatically" assessed after the 10th of the month. (even if the 10th is on a Saturday!) Note that the church building is usually open daily (Mon-Fri) from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., with our entrance #2 locking @ 6 p.m. You can slip your payment in anytime or feel free to mail directly to the Preschool at 5165 Western Row Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Registration for MCP: 2012-2013
Preschool Tours for new families (or even our current families who have questions about our preschool classes offered next fall) are held every Wednesday during the month of January at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. (beginning January 4th). Meet just outside the preschool office and invite a friend or neighbor...everyone is welcome!
Informational Open House: Monday, January 23rd 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. This informational open house gives you, and the general public, an opportunity to walk through the classrooms, review curriculum, ask the teachers (and Director) questions about our program to better make a decision about registering for the upcoming school year. This is NOT a CHILD EVENT, but focusing on sharing information with moms and dads about our preschool. Invite a friend!
Registration for the 2012-2013 year begins on Monday, January 23rd. Registration information, instructions and forms will be available when you return in January from Christmas break. Our "Registration Box" will be available on January 22nd for CCM church families and January 23rd for our current preschool families. Reminder: registrations will be processed at the end of each day (6 p.m.) so make sure you turn in your registration on the first possible DAY.

Classroom Updates:

BIBLE Theme: Happy Birthday, Jesus!

BIBLE Words from Isaiah 9:6

"for to us a child is born and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace."

Mon. or Tues. "Lambs", Wed. or Thurs./Fri. "Turtles": 2 Years – Miss Robin
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Christmas Parties (Wednesday, Dec. 14 @ 10:30 a.m.; Friday, Dec. 16 @ 10:30 a.m.; Monday, Dec. 19 @11:45 a.m. ;Tuesday, Dec. 21 @ 11:45 a.m.) We'd love for you to join us for this celebration! Please bring along a WRAPPED children's book ($8.00 or less) for the book exchange during the party. This month your child will enjoy the letter "C" with letter rubbing; dressing up in "stable/shepherd/king" outifts; handprint painted wreaths; "guess the scent" game with candles in socks; colorful bow matching...and tree decorating! Miss Robin will share these wonderful Christmas stories: One Tiny Baby by Mark A. Taylor; Away in a Manger by Martin Luther; It's Time for Christmas by Tad Hills; The Shepherd Boys Story by Gaby Goldsack; Asleep in the Manger by Will Hillenbrand; Jingle Bells by Darcy May.

"Minnows & Guppies" 3 Years - Miss Megan

This is December, the month of EXCITEMENT, so get ready to celebrate each week of preschool with the following activities: The first week (Nov. 29 & 30) the children will be making their YUMMY Gingergread House in class - send in 1 small empty milk carton, 1 bag of unwrapped candy & 1 tub of white icing; THEN (12/1 & 12/2) hear about that famous Gingerbread Man who will make a run through the church building...will the kids catch him? The second week (12/6-12/9) Miss Megan will share about reindeer (what is reindeer food, anyway?) and that third week (12/13 -12/15) will focus on Angels and the special Manger where Jesus was born.

A Big Birthday Bash for Jesus is planned on Friday, Dec. 16 @ 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. or Tuesday, Dec. 20 @ 10:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. There will be a Book Exchange - so please bring in one of your families favorite Christmas books with a brief message/your family members' names & a family photo on the inside cover! Then wrap in BIRTHDAY PAPER and bring to this party to exchange. A reminder that class will be dismissed immediately following the Christmas party!

"Bears" with Miss Linda or "Raccoons" with Miss Julie: 4 years
Hold onto your Santa Hat....lots planned in this classroom during this exciting season! You'll want to make sure to make this Christmas party as your child will be sharing the wonderful story of Jesus' birth...each child will have an important part in this nativity play!

Christmas parties will be:

Tues/Thursday Ext. Day: Thursday, Dec. 15 @ 11:00 a.m. watch for sign ups as the date gets closer.

Mon/Wed/Friday a.m. or p.m.: Friday, Dec. 16 @ 9:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. watch for sign ups as the date gets closer.

Book Exchange will be:

Tues/Thursday Ext. Day: Tuesday, Dec. 20: remember to send in a child's book ($5 value or less), wrapped for either a boy or a girl.
Mon/Wed/Friday a.m. or p.m.: Monday, Dec. 19: remember to send in a child's book ($5 value or less), wrapped for either a boy or a girl.

"Bridges" 5 Years Pre-K - Miss Patty

This month is filled with not only the wonder of this holiday season, but some very fun and challenging activities from "Handwriting Without Tears" curriculum. All month we are collecting new & gently used mittens/gloves to decorate our Mitten Tree to be donated to a local charity! Also, the writing center in class will feature Christmas cards decorated and signed to give to the seniors at Mason Christian Village. If you can donate the FRONTS of used Christmas cards, that would be so appreciated.

The first week of December (Nov. 29 - Dec. 2) : the focus will be on letter "Hh", learning about the story of Christmas Trees. Friday, Dec. 2 will be PAJAMA PARTY day. Bring a stuffed animal 'n enjoy this fun day!

The second week of December (12/6 - 12/9): the focus will review letters "A-H", talking about stars (and that special Christmas star!) and sharing about the signs of winter. This Friday, Dec. 9, we will have a special BOOK EXCHANGE: please send in a wrapped children's book ($5.00 or less value).

The third week of December (12/13 - 12/16): the letter focus will continue to review letters "A-H", making Christmas cards & gifts, listening to the Christmas story. The "Birthday Party for Jesus" will be on Friday, December 16 @ 10:00 am. . Please join us for our unique Christmas play, songs and snacks. Watch for sign-ups outside the classroom for food to bring.

The fourth week (and LAST DAY of preschool) of December (Dec. 22): Our last day will be fun getting all all excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday!!! Still share about the Christmas story, make another fun Christmas craft, dress up in our nativity/manger dramatic play clothes and share holiday cheer!

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work”

5165 Western Row Road, Mason, Ohio 45040 - 513.229.5400

November News

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Director’s News
Well, get ready or not, it's November! I don't have to tell you that this is a busy, busy time of year with holidays and all the parties, travels and holiday preparations that are filling our calendars. Don't let all those long lines at the grocery store or traffic jams or seemingly endless lists of "to do's" zap the joy of this "thankful" season from your heart! There are blessings around each corner...you just have to remember to look! Take time to help your little ones look for those blessings, too!

This month our Weekday Monthly Outreach will be collecting new toothbrushes & toothpaste for the families (children & adults) of the East End Mission. We will be collecting through the end of the month and make sure all the donations make it to this wonderful ministry before the holiday season arrives!

Dear Parents,
By this time of year, your children are arriving with excitement and smiles as they know their teachers have planned special activities just for them! Remember to send a LABELED coat and backpack each day. Even if it's breezy 'n cool, we'll try and go outside to run off that endless source of energy! Runny nose? Review our "Preschool Sickness Policy" checklist outside the preschool classes. The most effective way to maintain a classroom that is relatively free of illness is to keep those germs OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM!

Child assessments are being conducted by your child's teacher this month. You will be receiving your assessment the week we return from Thanksgiving. After reviewing this, please SIGN and RETURN to class by Friday, December 16th, before we leave for Christmas break.

Classroom Calendars: please remember to go to our website http://www.weekdayministries.org/ and follow the links to view your child's classroom calendar for the month. Many "events" have additional information available if you just double click on the event while viewing the calendar.

Need some resources regarding challenges going on at home? I have a good selection of Christian books (both child and adult) that might help answer some tough questions regarding divorce, loss of a loved one, diagnosis of alzeimers, explanations of heaven, etc. Feel free to stop by and take a look. I'd love to share with you.

Upcoming Events

Thanksgiving's almost here!: The preschool's annual Thanksgiving Celebrations will be held just prior to Thanksgiving Break. Parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles are all invited to share in this "simple" celebration. Watch for details and sign-up sheets at your child's class.

"Scholastic Book Fair" Monday, Nov. 28,through Friday, Dec. 2 in the Preschool hallway. Stock up on some wonderful children's books for the Christmas season! What a great gift idea!! Our preschool is blessed by earning FREE books for our classrooms through this sale so EVERYONE enjoys new books to read.

"Christ's Church 10th Annual Christmas Pageant" December 8th through 11th in CCM Sanctuary. This is a great family experience! For times, free tickets & more information, call 229-3200 or go to http://www.ccmason.org/.

Preschool IS OPEN on Thursday, Nov. 17th: Mason City School will be closed this day due to a scheduled teacher work day but all of our preschool classes will meet as scheduled.

Class Updates

Bible Theme: "Thanks, God!"

Bible Words:

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

Give thanks to Him and praise His name."

Psalm 100:4

Mon. or Tues. "Lambs"; Wed. or Thur. & Fri. "Turtles" 2 Years
Miss Robin along with Miss Diane, Miss Becky and Miss Adele will focus this month on the wonderful blessings God gives us this Thanksgiving season! The Bible story will focus on "Being Thankful". Your child will also be learning about manners (excuse me, please & thank you), counting to 6 w/zoo animals, toothbrush painting and lots of straw or corn with animals in the sensory table. We'll also be playing with the trains in the train table!

Special note for the Thursday/Friday class: Mason City Schools are closed on Thursday, Nov. 17th for Teacher work day but PRESCHOOL WILL BE OPEN THIS DAY!

Mark your calendar for your Thanksgiving Feasts on Wed. Nov. 16 or Fri. Nov. 18 @ 10:30 a.m. or Monday, Nov. 21 or Tuesday, Nov. 22 @ 11:45 a.m. This preschool tradition encourages parents, siblings, relatives and even friends to come and join in this simple "feast". Sign-ups will be located outside the classroom so make sure you note what time your feast will be starting and what you can bring to share in the "feast". Remember to bring your items in a "servable" fashion...finger foods are the easiest for this feast! (Note that class will be dismissed immediately after the feast).

"Minnows" & "Guppies" 3 Years
Miss Megan, with her assistants, are ready to help your child experience a month of activities that will be memorable and meaningful! The Bible story this month will focus on "telling God Thank-you". Weekly themes this month focus on "Leaves", "Scarecrows", "Turkeys" and "Thanksgiving". Your child will also be blending different colors...how did God make that color orange, anyway?

Mason City Schools are closed on Thursday , Nov. 17th for Teacher work day but PRESCHOOL WILL BE OPEN THIS DAY!

The month will end with a delightful Family Thanksgiving Feast which will be held during the last class meeting before our Thanksgiving Break, so check your calendar. Friday, Nov. 18th "Minnows" feast will begin at 10:15 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 22nd "Guppies" feast will begin at 10:30 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. (All classes will be dismissed immediately after the feast.) Each family will be responsible for bringing in a finger food item in a ready-to-serve container. Watch for sign ups available just outside the classroom. This is a great time to get to know each other so feel free to bring extended family (siblings, grandparents, etc.) to the Feast!

"Gingerbread Houses" are scheduled to be built the week we return from Thanksgiving (week of Nov. 29th) so be watching for parent sign-ups. Miss Megan would like TWO parent helpers to help in class on this day. Each child needs to bring an empty 1 or 2 pint paper milk or cream container, a tub of whipped white icing and a plastic shopping bag. Watch for signups for CANDY (unwrapped) that you will send in for decorating! This is quite an exciting day so be watching at the classroom door for signups and more information.

"Bears" and "Raccoons" 4 Years
Miss Linda ("Bears") with Assistants Miss Nancy, Miss Stacy & Miss Brenda, and Miss Julie ("Raccoons") with Assistants Miss Dana and Miss Katie are ready for a memorable month of "Thanks-filled activities". You'll want to jot down these important dates for this wonderful month!! A quick "congratulations" to Miss Jaime on the arrival of her new baby girl, Violet! Thanks to Miss Katie for stepping in as assistant while Miss Jaime rests and recovers. See you when you return after Thanksgiving, Miss Jaime. AND a big congratulations to Miss Julie who will be married on Saturday, Nov. 5th to Brandon Meissner. This certainly is a time to celebrate!

Mon/Wed/Friday a.m. & p.m.:

Thanksgiving T-shirts - Bring a white, labeled, long sleeved OR short sleeved t-shirt to class on Monday, Nov. 7th (t-shirts will be decorated on Wed. Nov. 9th) to wear at the Feast on Friday, Nov. 18th.

Turkey Project - Cut out & label construction paper (will be provided) "Family" handprints; bring with you to class on class on Mon., Nov. 21st.

Thanksgiving Celebration will be Friday, Nov. 18th (don't forget the t-shirt!) at 10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. (AM class will be dismissed at the end of chapel...PM class will dismiss after the celebration!) Signup outside the classroom for those yummy finger foods and remember to bring your food item in a simple "ready to serve" container! Siblings & extended family are welcome to come and share in this wonderful time of thankfulness!

Tuesday/Thursday Ext. Day:

Thanksgiving T-shirts - Bring a white, labeled, long sleeved OR short sleeved t-shirt to class on Tuesday, Nov. 8th (t-shirts will be decorated on Thurs., Nov. 10 to wear at the Feast on Thursday, Nov. 17th.)

Turkey Project - Cut out & label construction paper (will be provided) "Family" handprints; bring with you to class on Tuesday, November 22nd.

Thanksgiving Celebration is Thursday, November 17th at 11:30 a.m. and class will be dismissed after chapel (12:40 'til 1:00 pm.) Signup outside the classroom for those yummy finger foods and remember to bring your food item in a simple "ready to serve" container! Siblings & extended family are welcome to come and share in this wonderful time of thankfulness!

Remember Mason City Schools will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 17 th due to teacher work day, but the PRESCHOOL will be OPEN for our Thanksgiving Celebration.

"Bridges" Pre-K
Miss Patty with the help of Miss Julie are looking forward to a very busy month of challenging, fun "Thanksfilled" activities! Handwriting Without Tears will be focusing on the letters "G" and "H"; Math lessons will explore shape attributes such as cubes & spheres; graphing gingerbread kids; Literature will share the Thanksgiving Story, Giving Thanks and the Story of the Gingerbread Man.

The "Thanksgiving Feast" will be on Tuesday, November 22nd at 10:00 a.m. Sign up outside the class for those yummy "finger foods" that make our Feast so memorable and fun. Bring your food item in a ready to serve container and remember to invite extended family (siblings, grandparents, etc.) to this Feast! Reminder that class will be dismissed immediately after the feast.

Mason City Schools are closed on Thursday, Nov. 17th for Teacher work day but PRESCHOOL WILL BE OPEN THIS DAY!

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work”

October News

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Director’s News

Thank you for taking a moment to enjoy our monthly e-newsletter! It is my hope that by using this blog as an additional source of information, you will feel more updated and informed about all the exciting activities and events going on at our preschool as well as upcoming events at Christ’s Church at Mason.

How wonderful it is to see your children arrive for class with energy and excitement for what the day has to bring! They know by now that their teachers have planned special activities just for them. Please continue to arrive “on time” with your child’s backpack and jackets hung up at their classroom. Missing a jacket or backpack? LOST & FOUND items are kept in the preschool office, so check there first.

Also, we have noticed that some of you do not answer your phones when your caller i.d. notes "unknown caller". That very well could be US...Mason Christian Preschool...trying to get hold of you. PLEASE remember that we only contact you if we truly NEED your assistance and this is for your child's safety!

Tuition is due the first class meeting of every month! Checks are to be made payable to "Weekday MInistries" and placed in the payment box at the preschool office. A $15.00 late fee are assessed after 3:00 p.m. on the 10th of every month. Forget? The building is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Going to be out of town? You can always slip your check in the mail addressed to Mason Christian Preschool, 5165 Western Row Road, Mason, Ohio.

Reminder: “SEVERE Weather Drop Off” on stormy, snowy, BAD weather days: Watch for the banner flying outside the covered doorway #3 (EAST) of our preschool entrance! Swing around the back of the parking lot and drive up to the building facing WEST in front of the doorway. Your child will be removed from your vehicle so you do not have to get out! Pick up at the end of class will always be at the classrooms!

Upcoming Events

(most of these events can be found on our on-line calendars

by going to www.weekdayministries.org)

Preschool Photos: week of October 10-13 "Teddy Bear Portraits" will be at our preschool to take individual photos of all our children. Information & permission forms will be coming home through your child's cubbie, so watch for details! Affordable packages will be available to purchase on October 25, 26 & 27 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. There will be class "composite" prints available sometime after the first of the year. Please tell your child's teacher if you do not intend to purchase any photos BUT want your child included in the class composite!

SCHOOL CLOSED due to Mason City School Autumn Break: Friday, October 14th (there will be NO CHAPEL on Thursday, Oct. 13th due to this closure).

Scholastic Monthly Bookclub: every month we will have ordering flyers available through your child's cubbie. These Scholastic books are very affordable PLUS it gives our preschool an opportunity to not only receive FREE BOOKS every month, but also accrue points to purchase additional books in the future! This year you can even order on-line by going to www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and entering our Class Activation Code for Mason Christian Preschool: GZNBN.

Field Trip Chaperones: Please note as sign ups are appearing outside some classrooms for upcoming class field trips - if you sign up to drive children OTHER THAN YOUR OWN CHILD, you will need to stop by the preschool to have us photo copy your current driver's license along with your proof of insurance card. Our program policy also asks that all chaperones find care for younger siblings on the day of the field trip so your full attention can be given to the children in your care.

Christ’s Church at Mason offers a variety of worship experiences on the weekends. Contemporary worship is offered on Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Blended worship is offered on Sundays @ 9:30 and a "classic" traditional worship is offered on Sundays @ 11:00. Wonderful and exciting children's programs are offered during all worship times along with Bible studies & childrens choirs. For more information, go to http://www.ccmason.org/ or stop by the church office.

Preschool Chapel: Every Thursday & Friday @ 11:10 a.m. or 12:40 p.m. in CCM Sanctuary. Come join us as we sing praises and hear a special lesson from Miss Marsha’s “chapel bag”. Who is this "Scrappy" and what does he hide in his heart? Please note that a little "Chapel Chat" has been given to you so you can followup on what we talked about in chapel!

Family Fall Festival & Trunk 'n Treat: Sunday, October 30 @ 3:00-4:30 p.m. come enjoy inflatables, carnival games, "corn" maze, hay rides, hot apple cider, hot dogs & more! 4:30 - 5:00 Halloween Costume Contest in the auditorium. Then from 5:00 - 5:45 you are all invited to park your car in the parking lot of Christ's Church of Mason at entrances #2 or #3, open your "trunk" and share sweet treats as little ones, all dressed up, travel safely from "trunk to trunk" with their parents. This is an alternative to "Trick or Treat" and is specifically designed to provide a safe, family-oriented fall experience for our children. Invite your neighbors and friends!

Weekday Monthly Outreach: The month of October we are collecting 'Socks 'n Mittens 'n Hats 'n Scarves 'n Coats' (new or gently used; all sizes 'n styles) for the Remember the Children in Romania. Please take a moment to share with your child about how important it is to help those who need our help. The donation bin is located just outside the preschool office. Thanks for your generosity!

Speech Screenings for your preschooler: The Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center of Cincinnati will be offering FREE speech and hearing screenings here at our preschool on Tuesdays, Nov. 1 or Nov. 8 from 8:15 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. This 15 minute screening will be held here at our preschool and results will be available to share with you at it's conclusion. Cost: FREE and made available through a local grant. Sign ups at the preschool office.

Class Updates

Bible Theme: God's Yummy Garden/Harvest

Bible Words: II Peter 3:18 says

"You must GROW in knowing about Jesus, our Lord."

"Lambs" Ext Day and A.M. Wednesday & Thursday/Friday "Turtles" (2 yr. olds): What a great start we've had this year! The kids have certainly enjoyed playing outside so hopefully this month we'll be able to continue playing out in the preschool courtyard, experiencing things in nature such as wind and leaves.

October 10 - 13 (no school on Friday, Oct. 14th!) will be your child's photo day so don't forget to dress up! Our youngest (that's your children) are scheduled first thing in the morning, so if you'd like to stay and take your child, personally, to have their photo taken, that is fine. Otherwise, the teachers will take the children after you leave. Photos will be done in rm. 116 which is the south end of our muscle room.

"Minnows" & "Guppies" (3 yr. olds) What is Miss Megan saying? “Criss Cross Applesauce” & “Magic Finger”? Ask your child what these mean and they will gladly show you a few of the many classroom “rituals” that make their day not only fun but safe and predictable! This month will focus on “Autumn” with activities centered around farm animals, pumpkins, apples and spiders 'n bats! Lesson plans posted outside the classroom keep you well informed of specific art projects, color experiences and books shared during class. Some books that will be read are: Inside the Barn in the Country, I Heard Said the Bird, It's Pumpkin Time, The Runaway Pumpkin, An Apple A Day, The Apple Pie Tree, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Stellaluna.

Mark your calendar for the following important events: Oct. 20 & 21 @ 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. will be Harvest Parties in the classroom. Miss Megan could use a couple volunteers to bring in & supervise a game or craft for the party. Sign-ups will be outside the classroom. Tuesday, Oct. 11th OR Wednesday, Oct. 12th will be Picture Day at the preschool so watch you'll want to make sure you've dressed your child for that memorable "photo" that day.

"Raccoons" & "Bears" (4 yr. olds) What fun Miss Linda's "Bears" and Miss Julie's "Raccoons" are having as they become accustomed to new friends and new challenges! As we continue to focus on this beautiful fall season and the harvest God has blessed us with, activities will be centered around Apples, Scarecrows, Leaves, Pumpkins and Farms! We want to wish Miss Jaime (assistant Tues/Thursday Raccoons) the best on her upcoming new baby due mid-October! We want to welcome Miss Katie who will be taking her place for a these few weeks - Miss Katie will be coming in to meet the kids before Miss Jaime leaves!

Look carefully for your child's specific class and the following important dates:

Tues/Thursday Ext. Day: Thursday, Oct. 20: Harvest Party (this is a class party for kids only!) Watch for party signups - important that each child bring in something to share! Tuesday, Oct. 11th is Picture Day for "Bears" and Thursday, Oct. 13th for "Raccoons" (brush your teeth!). Tuesday, Oct. 24th is field trip to Schappacher's Farm @ 9:15 a.m. ($6.00 per child; $3.00 per adult; $4.00 McDonalds for lunch which is due on Oct. 18 - adults will order when we get there). Remember to wear your purple t-shirt on field trip days!

Mon/Wed/Friday a.m. or p.m. : Friday, October 21st: Harvest Party (this is a class party for kids only!) Watch for party signups - it's important that each child bring in something to share! Monday, Oct. 10 is Picture Day for "Bears" & Wednesday, Oct. 12 is Picture Day for "Raccoons" (dress up nice!); Wednesday, Oct. 26th is our field trip to Schappacher's Farm. We will leave @ 9:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. ($6.00 per child/ $3.00 per adult due by Oct. 19th). Remember to wear your purple t-shirt on field trip days!

"Bridges" (5 yr. olds) Miss Patty along with Miss Julie (assistant) have lots of fun fall activities planned for our Bridges kids! Make sure to check the calendar on line (http://www.weekdayministries.org/) and the lesson plans located on the parent board for reminders. By now your child has made many new friends in class and watched as the "mystery pet" has made his entrance! Friday, Oct. 21 will host a "class only" Harvest Party, but donations & treat bags are appreciated.

Picture Day is scheduled for Thursday, October 13th so don't forget to brush those beautiful pearly whites before class! (no chapel this week...since we don't have chapel with school closed, Friday, Oct. 14th).

The first field trip will be to Schappacher’s Farm on Friday, Oct. 28th. Drivers/chaperones will be needed for this fun trip (but remember, no siblings, please). Payment ($6 each child and $3 each adult) is made at the preschool office. Driver sign-ups along with specific information and permission forms will be located outside the classroom. Remember to wear your purple t-shirt on field trip days and on Fridays for "Spirit Day", as well!

______________________________________

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work"

September News

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to

a brand new year at

Mason Christian Preschool!

My goal for this site is to keep you updated on activities, events and programs that are happening not only in your child's classroom but also at Christ's Church at Mason and the community of Mason. This blog is "informational" only. If you have comments or suggestions, please email me at marsha.collins@ccmason.org.

"Classroom Calendar of Events": Looking for a paper calendar and newsletter? In a cost saving effort, we will NOT be printing paper copies of class calendars & newsletters. We are having each teacher post class specific events on our website. You will soon be able to go to http://www.weekdayministries.org/ and after going to the preschool page, a graphic will direct you to the events of our preschool. (I will notify you via email when this is available for you to view) We plan on having a hard copy of each classroom monthly calendar (as it appears on our website) available at the preschool office. Our "on-line" Classroom Calendar of Events will hopefully be available by mid-September.

REMINDER: our morning hours start promptly at 9:00 a.m. ending at either 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. (for extended day classes). Please be on time for our teachers have many wonderful activities scheduled and I know they plan on starting ON TIME!!!

"Speech and Hearing Screenings: We will be offering FREE speech and hearing screenings on Tuesdays, November 1st or 8th (8:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.) here at the preschool through the "Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center of Greater Cincinnati". Gwen Haid, Pathologist, will screen children ages 3 years through 6 year 11 month. Parents will be required to remain with their child for this screening. Sign ups are at the preschool office starting in October.(http://www.hearingspeechdeaf.com/)

"Mommy and Me Bible Time": Come bring your child (19 month through 3 years) to our Mommy and Me Bible Time beginning every Monday, starting October 3rd! This FREE story and activity time gives parents a chance to engage with their child in fun Bible based songs and stories in a wonderful preschool setting. Miss Megan, our preschool 3's teacher, will facilitate the morning in room 112/113. Bring a friend and enjoy learning songs and stories. Please complete a registration form (look for them throughout the preschool wing) and drop it off at the perschool office.

Weekday Ministries Monthly Outreach: Each month we offer an opportunity for you and your child to help a ministry through specific donations. For the month of September we be collecting SCHOOL SUPPLIES for the children of Romania. Our Remember the Children ministry (http://www.remember-the-children.org/) will ship these items next spring when a container is available. Watch as each month we offer a new ministry to support with different donation themes! The purple collection bin is located by the preschool office.

Preschool Chapel: Remember that you (and your whole family) are always invited to attend chapel (3's, 4's and 5's) with your child each week. Mark your calendar beginning Thursday, September 15 & Friday, September 16 at 11:10 am or 12:40 pm in the Sanctuary. You, too, can meet our favorite puppy, "Scrappy", and learn how to "sign" our Bible words for this month! Reminder: we still have a few "End of Year Chapel" DVD's here at the preschool office that some of you had ordered last May!

Children's Choirs @ CCM: "Praise Company Children's Choirs" are graded for 4's & 5's, 1st thru 6th graders. More information and registration- http://www.ccmason.org/ .

Ladies Fall Bible Studies: CCM offers a variety of wonderful Bible Studies on Monday evenings along with Tuesday & Wednesday mornings. Childcare is available for some studies. For details, look on the Preschool parent board in the hallway or go directly to http://www.ccmason.org/ and go to Women's Ministries/Bible Studies.

Donation Request! We are asking each preschool family to donate two (2) rolls of papertowels and two (2) boxes of kleenex the beginning of this school year! This really helps us off-set the cost in this area!! You can drop these off at the preschool office or give them directly to your child's teacher. Appreciate it!!

Reminder @ "Unknown Callers": In the event that the preschool tries to contact you through your home phone or cell phone, note that our number might come up "unknown caller". Please know that we will only contact you for very important reasons, so we need you to be available and ready to pick up your phone while your child is in our care!!! This is for your child's security and safety!

Bible Theme & Words

God's Kids - All About Me!

Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful..."

"what's going on in class..."

Lambs (Monday & Tuesday Ext. Day) & Turtles (Wednesday am. and Thursday/Friday a.m.) "2 Year olds": Miss Robin, with Miss Adele, Miss Becky and Miss Diane , will focus this month on some fun activities. Miss Robin will share her monthly "letter bag" with the letter Bb specifically. As Robin focuses her Bible story of Creation and how God created each child special, her books will be Wake Up Me!; Sleepy Me; God Knows You; I Can Help and Mortimer Mooner Takes a Bath. The sensory table is filled with smooth sand and crafts will include dressing a paper doll (like me); face stamps, hand prints (counting 1 & 2) and bubble art. Along with puzzles, happy/sad music with shaker maracas, your child will enjoy large muscle time in the muscle room and preschool playground.

Minnows & Guppies "3 Years" AM & PM: Miss Megan, with her wonderful assistants Miss Beth, Miss Colleen and Miss Debbie, are planning a month of "gettin' to know ya" activities. The Bible lesson will focus on God's Creation-especially fish (since your child is a "minnow" on Wednesday & Friday or "guppie" on Tuesday & Thursday!) You will soon realize that Miss Megan has LOTS going on her class, so be aware of announcements & sign-ups during drop off and pick up as well as notes in your child's backpack! Some books your child will hear in class are: Mouse's First Day of School, If You Take a Mouse to School, My Very Own Octopus, It's Okay to be Different, I Like Me, When I Was Little, The Feel Good Book, From Head to Toe, Rainbow Fish, Fish Wish, Figgetty Fish, Ten Little Fish, Commotion in the Ocean, Swimmy. How fun will class be as the sensory table is filled with sand, sand and more sand; dramatic play is some exercise equipment (a treadmill, stationary bike & stepper); and lots of crafts about "fish"!! The "All About Me Books" will be going home on September 20 & 21...so be looking for those!

Bears "4 Years" monday/wednesday/friday AM & PM & tues/thurs. Ext. Days: Miss Linda, along with assistants Miss Brenda, Miss Stacy and Miss Nancy, will be focusing their activities and games on "All About Me": how unique and special your child is along with family and friends. Remember your child's TWO family photos (that will be used for a craft) on September 6th or 7th. Also, your child needs to bring in their favorite item to share in the making of "trail mix" on Sept. 28th or 29th. Miss Linda will be checking her emails every WEDNESDAY, so don't hesitate to email at LsBallard@roadrunner.com. If you have questions or concerns at any other time, please email Miss Marsha (Director @ marsha.collins@ccmason.org) or call the preschool office at 229-5400.

Raccoons "4 Years" monday/wednesday/friday AM & PM and tues/thurs. Ext. Days : Miss Julie, along with assistants Miss Dana and Miss Jaime, will be focusing their activities and games on "All About Me": how unique and special your child is along with family and friends. Remember your child's TWO family photos (that will be used for a craft) on September 6th or 7th. Also, your child needs to bring in their favorite item to share in the making of "trail mix" on Sept. 28th or 29th. Miss Julie will be checking her emails every WEDNESDAY, so don't hesitate to email at Jaballard@roadrunner.com. If you have questions or concerns at any other time, please email Miss Marsha (Director @ marsha.collins@ccmason.org) or call the preschool office at 229-5400.

Bridges "Pre-K" Tuesday-Friday AM: Miss Patty, with Assistant Miss Julie, are preparing all sorts of challenging & fun activities for this month. The Bible lesson will be "Designed by God: So I Must Be Special!” Your child will be spending time getting to know their new friends as well as experiencing new books, fun games, creative art activities, and creating a habitat for their "mystery class pets". Weekly lesson plans are posted outside the classroom each day. Your child will experience activities focused on the monthly theme (God's Kids-All About Me!) in literature, art, science, math, language arts , handwriting, dramatic play, building/blocks and Bible. Please check your child's backpack DAILY for important notices and updates. You are welcome to contact Miss Patty if you have any questions at 229-5400 or email at waidpa@aol.com.

"We believe that play is truly a child’s work"

May News

2011-04-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's May and that means warm weather and the winding down of another wonderful year of preschool. Thank you again, on behalf of all our preschool staff, for allowing us to teach your child how unique and special they are in God's eyes! Your child is one-of-a-kind...and we can only smile as we watch them grow and mature into such a wonderful young person.

Dear Parents, Our End of Year Picnics will be here before you know it. Your child will have their class picnic on their last class meeting of the school year (the week of May 23). Watch for details from your child's teacher regarding specifics such as exact time & location. Some will be picnicing in the preschool playground and some will be picnicing in the multipurpose room/gym...or in their room! Regardless, it will be a celebration to remember!

Our End of Year Chapel (for our 3's, 4's & Bridges classes) will be held in the Sanctuary at 12:00 noon the day of your child's picnic (either Thursday, May 26 or Friday, May 27). If you are an afternoon class, please remember to come EARLY that day...we don't want you to miss out! The children will be sharing through song and "sign" as they share their praise songs and monthly Bible words. No need to lug along your video camera: a wonderful DVD will be available for you to purchase (pre-paid $10.00 each) at the preschool office. This video is provided by Dan Shallenberger of "Poetic Cinema Productions" (http://www.poeticcinema.com/). Watch your child's cubbie for order forms or stop by the preschool office to place your order. They should be ready to pick up at the Landing office (229-5405), located just upstairs from the preschool office, after Monday, June 20th!

Your 2010-2011 Parent Questionnaire will be coming home through your child's classroom cubbie sometime in the next few days. Please take a minute and share your thoughts, suggestions, concerns about our preschool and drop in the white box just outside the preschool office. This information is important to us as we continue to try to provide an exceptional preschool program for the families in this area!

This month we are continuing our donations for the Weekday Ministries Outreach by collecting "5 lb. bags of flour or 5 lb. bags of sugar" for Woodland Lakes Christian Camp! So many people have been blessed by your generosity.

Our Bible words for the month of May are Matthew 6:26: "See the birds in the air, they do not worry about tomorrow for God cares for them."

Upcoming Events !

Woodland Lakes Christian Camp & Retreat Center: Woodland Lakes has been providing summer camps since 1945. Currently, 48 area churchs partner in the vision to provide a safe and nurturing environment where campers can grow spiritually, emotionally and physically while enjoying God's creation. More information and registration: http://www.woodlandlakes.com/.

Christ's Church at Mason Mad Camp" (Music/Art/Drama) June 13-17; 9:00 - 12:00 noon for children entering grades 1 - 6 for the 2011-2012 school year. Registration has already begun. Cost is $15 per child. For more information or to register on-line to go to http://www.ccmason.org/

2011 Vacation Bible School "Inside Out, Upside Down on Main Street" July 18-22 from 9:00 - 12:00 for children aged 5 (by Sept. 30, 2011) through 6th grade (entering in the fall). Register on line at http://www.ccmason.org/ There will be programs for nursery through 4 year olds of Parent Volunteers who remain on site to help with VBS!

Preschool Deposit Deadline: August 1, 2011: Reminder that if your child is registered for the 2011-2012 school year, your May 2012 tuition will be due no later than August 1 for your registration to be guaranteed. You will be receiving an invoice in the mail sometime in June. We do have wait lists and will immediately fill any vacancies made available after the August 1st deadline. Mark your calendar: our 2011-2012 school year begins the week of Tuesday, September 6th! Parent Orientation will be held the evening of either Wednesday, August 31 or Thursday, Sept. 1. Details for this meeting along with other "back to school" information will arrive mid-August.

What's going on in class!

Lambs (Tuesday Ext. day) & Turtles (Wed., Thur/Friday) 2 Years Miss Robin, along with all her assistants, will be sharing all kinds of fun activities this month as the children learn all about the letter "D"...dirt, dogs, donuts, daisies, dancing and dolphins! Dramatic play will include some good old fashioned dirt with worms and bugs to play in! Your child will hear some wonderful children's literature this month along with the story of Jonah 'n the Whale from the Bible!

The End of Year Picnic will be on the last class meeting the week of May 23. Picnics will begin at 12:00 noon for the Tuesday class or 10:45 a.m. for the Wednesday or Thursdsay/Friday classes. Bring a blanket or chairs along with a packed lunch for you and your child. At least one parent per child is needed for the picnic but all friends & family are invited to join in this year end party.

Rising Stars 3 ½ & 4 Years - Monday ext. day Miss Stacy & Miss Megan are planning plenty of activities for your child's final month of preschool. Some of the fun activities will include sorting seeds in dirt, sidewalk chalk and bubbles, tissue paper flowers, fun with WATER! What a fun place to be!

May 2 will be your final field trip for this year: The Cincinnati Zoo! Please make sure you arrive at the preschool well before departure time of 9:00 a.m.! Since this is the special "end of year" field trip, the children will not be returning until 2:30 p.m. Details will be available at the classroom! Please make sure you pick up your Mother's Day gifts before you leave that day!

May 23rd will be the End of Year Picnic @ 12:00. Bring a picnic lunch for you and your child! You may want to bring a blanket and chair since tables are limited. Everyone's invited including parents, grandparents, siblings, friends!!! Also note that we hope to have a Mason School bus parked in our preschool parking lot that same Monday as we review with the children the importance of bus safety - especially for those moving on to kindergarten next fall!

Minnows & Guppies 3 Years – a.m. & p.m. Miss Megan, with Assistants Miss Beth (W&F a.m.) Miss Melissa (W&F p.m.) and Miss Colleen (T&TH a.m. & p.m.) are planning a month of "Garden Growth" as we talk about Plants & Gardens. Watch for your child's lima bean to be coming home - just water and hang it in the window 'til it sprouts then place it in some dirt!

End of Year Picnics will be on the final day of class which is either Thursday, May 26 or Friday, May 27 @ 10:30 a.m. OR 12:30 p.m. End of Year Chapel will be in the Sanctuary @ 12:00 noon, so don't be late! Want to relax & enjoy this fun chapel? This chapel will be recorded on DVD and available for purchase for $10 at the preschool office!

Bears 4 Years – a.m., p.m. & ext. days Miss Linda, along with Assistants Miss Debbie (M, W & F a.m.) and Miss Brenda (M, W & F p.m. and T&Th Extended Day) will be focusing their activities and games around Ocean Adventures, Mother's Day, decorated t-shirts, Ice Cream & Sunshine! Summer must be around the corner!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 5 @ 11:45 a.m. or Friday, May 6 @ 10:00 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. for our Mother's Day Tea. Also, ON THIS DAY, remember to bring in a white pre-washed t-shirt (put your child's name on the label). The class will have a blast decorating these t-shirts to wear on the last day for End of Year Chapel & Picnic.

End of Year Picnics will be held the last class meeting of the school year at 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. with End of Year Chapel at 12:00 noon! (We picnic INSIDE in our climate-controlled and precipitation-resistant gym!)This chapel will be recorded on DVD and available for purchase for $10 at the preschool office!

Also note that we hope to have a Mason School bus parked in our preschool parkinglot Monday, May 23 and Tuesday, May 24 as we review with the children the importance of bus safety - especially for those going on to kindergarten next fall!

Raccoons 4 Years – a.m. & p.m. Miss Julie, along with Assistants Miss Dana (m/w/f a.m.) and Miss Jaime (t/w/th p.m.) will be focusing their activities and games around Ocean Adventures, Mother's Day, decorated t-shirts, Ice Cream & Sunshine! Summer must be around the corner!

Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 5 @ 12:30 p.m. or Friday, May 6 @ 9:45 a.m. for our Mother's Day Tea. Also, ON THIS DAY, remember to bring in a white pre-washed t-shirt (put your child's name on the label). The class will have a blast decorating these t-shirts to wear on the last day for End of Year Chapel & Picnic.

End of Year Picnics will be held on the last class meeting of the year at 10:15 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. with End of Year Chapel at 12:00 noon! (We picnic INSIDE in our climate-controlled and precipitation-resistant gym!) This chapel will be recorded on DVD and available for purchase for $6 at the preschool office!

Bridges Pre-K – Tuesday – Friday a.m. Miss Patty, with assistants Miss Nancy (a.m.) & Miss Julie (p.m.), are preparing all sorts of activities to celebrate the important people in our lives: our mothers & fathers as well as all of our wonderful friends in class.

End of Year picnic will be on Friday, May 27 @ 10:30 a.m. (for the morning class) and followed by End of Year Chapel @ noon. The afternoon picnic (for the afternoon class) will start immediately after Chapel and end around 2:30 p.m. You will be providing a "picnic" lunch for you and your family along with a dessert to share with the whole class!!! More information will be coming home through your child's cubbie and keep an eye out at the classroom for updates!! (We picnic INSIDE in our climate-controlled and precipitation-resistant gym!)

Also note that we hope to have a Mason School bus parked in our preschool parking lot Tuesday, May 24 as we review with the children the importance of bus safety!

“We believe that play is truly a child’s work”