It’s Monday, November 16, 2009, and it’s gorgeous
outside! I’m always “filled up” by
the warmth and light of the sun and with that the week is enfolding with
renewed energy. Here’s to staying
healthy and focused.
We will be hosting another Prospective Parent Tour on Tuesday this week from 9:30 to 11:00. I always so enjoy walking the
classrooms through a stranger’s lens and I am still enamored with all that goes
on around here. The sounds are
ones of collaboration, curiosity, and contentment and it speaks to how the
children and teachers respect each other as they continue to make connections
not only with each other but with their environment and the materials with
which they use to extend their ideas and stories.
On Wednesday, seven teachers from Gan Israel Preschool in Tarzana are coming in the morning to observe
just this. With the consulting that I’ve been doing with various schools, I’ve
come to understand that it is almost impossible to explain the practice in
relation to the theory of the Reggio Approach. Seeing the flow of the day and how the teachers support the
children’s autonomy and sense of themselves as part of a group project is
something you have to see in action so I’m grateful that the teachers welcome
visitors as a part of learning together.
Financial support goes directly to the teachers’ professional
development fund.
We are getting really excited with the Holiday Bazaar that’s scheduled for Saturday, November 21st
from 10:00 to 4:00. It looks to be
a perfect shopping day with lots of affordable goodies all with a homemade
touch. Sign ups are in the hallway for you to bring baked goods and crock pots
of chili to sell. We need help
setting up and taking down, too, so check out the info and see where you can
lend a hand. I’m bringing Taschen
books (and signed copies of Jim’s newest book on Los Angeles!!!) and if you
place your order before Friday at 10:00 a. m. you can reap the benefits of
taking 10% off your order. On
Saturday, books and calendars will be regular price sans tax. Taschen will give NSW 30% of
sales. I’ll have catalogs
available in the office or you can go online to see what’s new. Spread the word. It’s always just a sweet, fun day.
The children are preparing for their Thanksgiving Feast on Wednesday, November 25th, and voting
on favorite foods to eat. Take
note that this is for the children only though the teachers will need help
serving so check out posted signs.
This is also only for the children who attend on Wednesdays. Afternoon children are invited to join
us for the morning session (Jessica will give you more information about
that). Because we know that this
is something that all the children enjoy, we will be repeating the menu and
celebration on the Thursday (December 17th) before we leave for Winter
break in order to make sure everyone feels included.
The teachers have posted signs on the main door for a Kids’
Day Out (with Maisha and Sam) from 9:00 to
1:00 and a Kids’ Night Out (with
Paola and Flora) from 4:00 to 8:00 on the main door. The price is $40 per child and $10 per sibling and the money
earned goes directly to the teachers on shift. It’s a great opportunity for you to get some shopping done
for the holidays and an even greater opportunity for the teachers to raise some
extra money, as well. Your
cancelled check (made out directly to the teacher) reserves your space. Remember, 24 hour cancellation is
required. That’s something I’m
adding!!! It’s only fair!
Coffee With Roleen
will be hosted at Chantal and Bob’s house (just down the street) on Tuesday,
December 1st. A
sign with information will be posted on the door this week so check that
out. I’m proposing that you bring
3×5 cards with your questions (and I’ll have them available the day of) to add
to the format and to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. . . anonymously if so
desired! There’s always so much to
talk about (and it’s all so important!) that I’m thinking it will be a good way
to keep track of questions and concerns.
I will be posting repeats of my Ask Roleen columns to add to the blog
history but I’m so wanting to keep the questions going. I love this stuff and keeping everyone
connected and talking is so important.
Special hugs and kisses to the Drohan family. Vincent’s a big brother! Dominic Joseph was born on November 11th and weighed
7lbs, 7oz.
Congratulations! Now try to
grab some rest! Xoxoxo
So “It’s Monday” (actually, it’s already Tuesday!) and there
it is. Enjoy your week. Roleen