October 2000

Happy Fall!
It's hard to believe that we have completed six weeks of school. As I reflect back on the last six weeks I am amazed at what has taken place on Howard Street. The week of August 19th, the school was painted and the floors were stripped and waxed. The following week the school was put back together. The teachers, veterans and new, were already hard at work putting their rooms back together and preparing for your children with much enthusiasm. Bulletin boards were put up, new toys and equipment organized, lesson plans completed and of course, meetings. A general meeting and a curriculum meeting were held. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes that make Tiny Tot the wonderful place it is. The teachers continue to have curriculum meetings with Miss Angie twice a week and she has proven to be an invaluable resource to all of us. As you remember, we had a cookie fundraiser in August. It was our intent to have a water fountain on the playground. Since there is water access on the playground, we thought it would be a relatively easy project. Not so! We were informed that we would need to connect to the sewers which meant obtaining a permit and digging up the playground. We would then have had the most expensive water fountain in the Northern Hemisphere!!! We raised $600.00 and applied it toward a new computer in the three-year-old room for the teachers; a new computer in the four-year-old room and new printers... and the list goes on! The cookie dough was very good and the feedback received was very good. No pun intended! Many parents have asked if we could do it again before the holidays. The answer, of course, is yes.


The Fall fundraiser is our major fundraiser for the year. The monies you raise are put into wish lists the staff and I share to make Tiny Tot a better place for your children. The four-year-old room has new cabinets that we hope to put in every room. We are always adding to our theme and curriculum boxes. A big thank you to all of our families who participated in our fall fundraiser.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP WINNERS: The top winner for the third year is the Martin Family. Christine is in the five-year-old class and Don is in the three year old class. They sold $737.50. The Martin's will receive $150.00 toward tuition. $100.00 "Lettuce Entertain You" gift certificate goes to Kim Mounsey, mom of Alexis in the five year-old room. $50.00 "Lettuce Entertain You" gift certificate goes to the Robnett Family. Reya is also in the five year-old room The school received $2065.00 from the fundraiser. Thank you for all your support.

School pictures should arrive by the middle of October.

	October Birthday List Bilal S. October 10^th Miss Bonnie October 19^th Meghan L. October 23^rd ^{HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!}

UPCOMING EVENTS...

October 23rd		Goebbert's Farm Fieldtrip-4 & 5 year old classes
November 11th		"IDENT-A-KID"-Picture ID cards for your child
November 18th		Parent-Teacher Conferences

HALLOWEEN IS COMING We will have our Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31^st. Please have you children wear their costumes over their clothes. We will have our parties in the morning and remove the costumes before lunch. If you wish to send a treat, please check with your child's teacher for the classroom count so there is enough for every child.
AGES AND STAGES AT HALLOWEEN

INFANTS		Infants have no idea of what's happening on Halloween. Their regular routine is important. It is not fun for be scared and anxious-make sure you keep your infant secure and comfortable.

TODDLERS		Toddlers know something is going on, but they are not sure what that something is. Too many treats as well as frightening situations should be avoided. Costumes should be comfortable and work for only a little while. With a little creativity, pajama sleepers make very cute costumes.

PRESCHOOLERS		Preschoolers aren't very sure of the different between reality and fantasy. Certain masks and costumes may scare them. You can help them by reading not so scary books, and dressing them in costumes that aren't threatening.

SCHOOL-AGERS		School-age children enjoy dressing up and can handle more of the scary stuff that is associated with Halloween.

Halloween is a time for make-believe, pumpkin carving and all kinds of treats. Please make safety your first priority and enjoy the fun. Whatever the age of your child, we wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!!

A recipe for Pumpkin Ice Cream...

1 cup canned pumpkin of pureed baked pumpkin
4 cups frozen vanilla yogurt, softened
1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
1/2 tsp. Ginger
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Mix pumpkin, softened yogurt, and spices in large bowl and stir until blended. Add chocolate chips, and place in freezer to harden. Serve in an ice cream cone for a tasty treat.

WHAT'S HAPPENING...

Our Teddy Bear Group, our 2's, this month... during "Bug Week" made "handi-pillars" by tracing the children's hands and putting them together.


In our Bunny Bunch, the 3's, this month..... we enjoyed a nature walk while discussing the changing of colors and the falling of leaves. We collected leaves to do our leaf rubbing. The children picked their favorite fall color.


Our 4's, our Junior Kindergarten, this month... enjoyed playing with their homemade farm, with farm animals and the different types of food that they eat.


Our Kindergartener's, this month... Made these frog puppets during frog/toad week. They used brown paper bags and glued green paper to them. Each one turned out to be as unique as the students.