January 2025

Peek Inside our Children’s House Community

Dear Bobcat Families, 

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday break and are beginning the new year well-rested. I would like to thank everyone for the kindness and generosity shared with us with your cards, present, crafts, bake goods, etc. We truly appreciate all your thoughtfulness.

We would like to welcome Susannah to the Bobcat Children's House!

Grace and Courtesy Lessons

This month, we've been reinforcing lessons on how to properly cough, as well as how to blow our nose when needed. Please help your child practice these lessons at home as well.

Song

At circle time, we presented a Spanish song called "La Mariposa" ("the butterfly"). It is a lively Bolivian folksong that is traditionally performed during the annual Carnival celebrations. The lyrics refer to La Morenada, a folk dance from the Bolivian Andes.

Link to YouTube video: [www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FZWzj6Xk [invalid URL removed]]  

Lyrics

Vengan a cantar la morenada que empieza a sonar

Como el vuelo de una mariposa vamos todos a bailar

Con las manos, con los pies, la morenada, la morenada  

Translation:

Come sing the morenada that begins to sound

Like the flight of the butterfly, let's all dance

With hands, with feet, the morenada, the morenada  

Reminders

Please keep your child at home if he/she is not feeling well. We have had children with continuous coughs these past weeks

We ask that lunches be nutritious and to keep in mind portion sizes. Their lunch plates are about 8 inches in diameter, and their whole lunch should be able to fit on the plate. Read the family handbook thoroughly to understand what appropriate lunch items consist of

We ask you to please not send toys or stuffed animals for Friday Show and Share

Thank you,

Ms. Hany and Ms. Evelyn

Dear Cactus Wren Families,

Happy new year to everyone! It has been an amazing first month back in the classroom. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new families joining us this semester! It has been a joy getting to know your children and to have your families as part of our Cactus Wren community.

This past month, the children learned about Antartica and other cold places in the world. We have also talked about the seasons of the year and what makes them different from one another. We enjoyed playing a game called “We are going on a trip” in which the teacher gives a destination with specific details and the children take turns thinking of objects that could be helpful to bring on this trip. This activity improves vocabulary, self-expression, and shares their ideas out loud practicing confidence.

Last but not least, remember our social is coming soon! Don't miss this opportunity to let your children share this moment with all the cactus wren families.

Thank you families for a great start to the new year. We are excited to see all the new things and experiences your children will have in the Spring semester!

Warmly,

Joselyne and Roxanne

Dear Gray Fox Families,

Hello Gray Fox Families,

Happy New Year! I hope everyone is doing well. January has been a super exciting month for us in the Gray Fox classroom and I can't wait to share the highlights with you!

Firstly, let's extend a warm welcome to our newest additions to the Gray Fox family, Ellora, Logan, Lila and Addison! Let's make sure to greet them with open arms and show them the love and support that makes our community so special. We started the year with lots of energy and enthusiasm. This month, we had a blast learning about animals. From cute pets to wild creatures, our classroom was buzzing with animal excitement! Parts of a blue whale at the museum table is a special addition this month.

Our cheddar cheese biscuits have been the biggest hit this month in baking! The children enjoy the process of mixing, shaping, and baking, and we all loved tasting the delicious results.

We also embraced the cooler weather while learning how to maintain better hygiene by washing our hands frequently. This is especially important during the season when it’s easier to get sick.

Birthdays are always a big deal here and January was full of Sun celebrations, smiles and good times. Happy birthday to all our amazing friends!

Thank you for being part of our Gray Fox family. We can't wait for more fun and learning in the coming months!

Warm Regards,

Ms. Rama and Ms. Rocio

Hello Jackrabbit Families,

We hope everyone had a happy and restful winter break. The children came back eager to work, practice and receive new lessons. It is so beautiful to witness an explosion of works in the environment. The children were excited to write about their winter break using the moveable alphabets. The “leaders” of the classroom take the younger children under their wings. We often see a 5 or 6 year old preparing snack or giving a lesson to a 3 or 4 year old. The way they guide them is truly a pleasure to observe.

In our daily routine, as we gather to eat lunch as a group, we recite a poem all together. First we do it in Spanish and then in English. I would like to share the poem with you. I think it would be delightful for your children to recite this poem with you at home as you gather at the dinner table with your family.

“Gracias por los árboles,

gracias por el sol,

gracias por mi comida,

gracias por mi”

Buen provecho pueden comer.

∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

“Thank you for the trees,

thank you for the sun,

thank you for my food,

thank you for me”

We wish you all a very happy new year. Thank you for your constant support.

With love and gratitude,