School of Early Learning

We can’t wait for our students to be in the preschool!  This week, students and families have the opportunity to come in and  meet our staff.  Listed below are the dates and times.  We hope to see you there!

Tues., Aug. 31 from 5-7 p.m.:  students of Ms. Darla, Ms. Stephanie, Ms. B and Ms. Harmony

Thurs., Sept. 2 from 5-7 p.m.: students of Ms. Andrea, Ms. Leslie and Ms. Mary

Also, don’t forget about the Daisy 5K Walk/Run.  Are you available to participate or volunteer your time?  We’d love to see you!  Attached is a registration form.  Send it today!

Call or email Kelly Oswalt with any questions:  preschool@auburnfirstunited.com.

With preschool beginning in a little over 4 weeks, the staff is busy!
Parent Orientation is on Aug. 24. Please drop off paperwork from 5:30-6:30 p.m., then stay for a short presentation.

A Meet the Staff session is on Aug. 31 for students in the classes of: Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Darla, Ms. B, and Ms. Harmony. Please come anytime between 5:00-7:00 p.m.

A Sept. 2 session is for students in classes of: Ms. Leslie, Ms. Mary, and Ms. Andrea. Please come anytime between 5:00-7:00 p.m.
We can’t wait to see you!

Click Here for a Map to Rieke Park!

Join us on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 to celebrate kids!  The School of Early Learning is hosting the Daisy Walk/Run in memory of Daisy Morris, daughter of Matt and Addie Morris.  Daisy passed away on Jan. 12, 2010 at just 20 days old.  Participants will be able to walk in honor or memory of a child or children.  Funds raised will go toward the preschool’s scholarship fund, as well as the expansion of classes, teacher/student resources and student equipment. 

If you are unable to participate, but would like to be involved, email or call Director Kelly Oswalt at preschool@auburnfirstunited.com or 925-2570.  We’d love to see you! 

To register, follow this link.

Well, it’s near! 

Our Summer Fun Camp for June 15-17 is getting full.  If you have any interest in your child attending (kids that are 4 on or near July 1 through going into first grade), please call or email Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.  We are going to have a great time!

Other camp dates are: July 13-15 and August 3-5.

You can find the registration by following this link Summer Fun Camp 2010

The School of Early Learning has supported the DeKalb County Relay for Life in the past years.  Last year, Ms. Mary had the most money thrown in her canister for our “Kiss the Pig” contest.  This year, ( to avoid kissing an animal again!), Ms. Mary made arrangements with the Pizza Forum in downtown Auburn (215 S. Main St.; 920-1111).  On Tuesday, May 11 and Wednesday, May 12 from 4-9 p.m., Pizza Forum is donating 15% of each order to Relay for Life!  This applies to Dine-In or Carry-Out orders.   Tickets are located outside the Preschool office on the bulletin board.  Please grab one for family and friends!

If you are unable to participate and would like to make a donation, cash or checks (made payable to American Cancer Society) may be deposited in the Preschool’s tuition box by Friday, May 14. 

Please consider helping support the fight against cancer.  With everyone helping, we can find a cure!

We are nearing the end of the year already!  Time has flown! 

Our last field trips are this week.  If your child is in the class of Ms. Andrea, Ms. Mary, or Ms. Leslie, please let her know if you have any questions.  Because we have many students attending, our teachers will be making two trips.  Our students will be on a modified class schedule this week.  Signs are posted by each teacher’s door and notes were sent home this week reminding parents of our “wacky week.”  Listed below is our schedule.

Ms. Andrea:  Wed., May 5 Morning class goes to the zoo; No afternoon class- afternoon class needs to find alternate childcare

Ms. Andrea: Thurs., May 6 Afternoon class goes to the zoo; No morning class- morning class needs to find alternate childcare

Ms. Mary: Wed., May 5 M/W class and afternoon class goes to the zoo

Ms. Mary: Thurs., May 6 T/Th Pre-K goes to the zoo; no afternoon class (please find alternate childcare)

Ms. Leslie: Wed., May 5 Morning class goes to the zoo

Ms. Leslie: Thurs., May 6 Afternoon class goes to the zoo; no morning class (alternate childcare needed)

As we wind up the year, our staff would like to thank you for sharing your child with us.  We have a great time at school!

Happy Spring!  With the weather beginning to warm, our staff and students are ready to go outdoors and play!  Our playground has a new rock climbing wall that was purchased from a catalog fundraiser sale last fall.   Our students are going to appreciate it very much!  Please be sure to dress your child for outdoor play. 

Registration for the 2010-2011 school year is underway!  If you have a specific class that would best fit your schedule, please be sure to sign up soon.  Many classes are more than half full or already completely full. 

Thanks so much to the parents that have made our pancake day possible.   We are excited to learn about the production of maple syrup and to be able to taste it!

With summer vacation comes kids that get stir-crazy!  Sign up your child today for our Summer Fun Camp!  Session dates are: June 15-17; July 13-15 and August 3-5.  Don’t send your kids in their best clothes- we are going to do all the fun, messy things that Moms don’t want to do!  Cost is $30 per camper and includes lot of fun events and a snack.

For students attending Kindergarten in fall 2010, the School of Early Learning is already planning a graduation ceremony for Sunday, May 16.  Due to having a large graduating class, we will have 2 ceremonies.  The times are 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  The School of Early Learning provides each child with gown to wear and return on graduation day.  A cap and tassel will be purchased by each family for the graduating student and is for the child to keep.  The cost is $7.00 per child.  Please send a check or money order (payable to FUMC) by April 9th.  If your family has financial difficulties, please call Director Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 for assistance.

Upcoming Events:

March 31 and April 1: Maple syrup demonstration and pancakes

April 1: Tuition for April and May due;  any payments made after April 6 must include a $10 late fee

April 2:  No school due to Good Friday

April 3: Easter Egg hunt at 10:00 a.m. in the Activity Room; includes story time, games and cookie decorating

April 5:  Kindergarten Round-Up meeting for parents of children attending Kindergarten in fall 2010.  Starts at 6:30 p.m. at each elementary.  Even if your child is registered, this meeting is very important to attend.

April 8:  Ms. B’s classes(optional for Monday/Wednesday)  visit Dr. Caroline Derrow’s office (pediatric dentist)

April 14/15: Parent/Teacher conferences for students of Ms. B, Ms. Leslie, Ms. Andrea, and Ms. Mary.  Please find alternate childcare.

April 16: Normal class schedule

April 25:  Open House; come anytime between 2:00-4:00 p.m.  We are having a carnival theme, so come ready to play games and win prizes!

April 29: Parent workshop held by DeKalb Central schools at each elementary at 6:30 p.m.  For parents of students attending Kindergarten this fall, this workshop gives ideas on things to do in the last few months to prepare. 

April 28/29:  Spring program in Ms. B’s classes at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

May 14th:  Last day of preschool

May 16:  Preschool graduation ceremony for students in the following classes:  Ms. Andrea’s morning and afternoon, Ms. Leslie’s morning and afternoon, and Ms. Mary’s T/Th class.  Ceremonies will be at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.  More information will be coming home soon.

If your child is attending Kindergarten this fall in the DeKalb Central School district, please mark these important dates on your calendar. 

Kindergarten Round-Up:  April 5th at 6:30 p.m. at each elementary.  Even if your child is registered, parents should still plan on attending.

Parent Workshop:  April 29th at 6:30 p.m.   This workshop is to give parents ideas on things to do to help their child be prepared for Kindergarten.  This meeting will be held at each elementary.

If your child is attending DeKalb Central Schools and you have not yet turned in your yellow registration form, please find one on the bulletin board in the preschool hallway and mail in to any DeKalb Central elementary or the Central Office.  Plans are being made for incoming Kindergartners.  Be sure your child is on the list!

With the arrival of spring this month, the staff and students at the School of Early Learning are waiting impatiently!  We can’t wait to get outside and use our play equipment!  New to the playground this year will be a rock climbing apparatus.  Thanks goes out to our families that helped during our fall fundraiser.  The kids are very excited to have something new to play on.

March 13 is the final “Craft Day” for this preschool year.  If you are a crafter of any kind, join us for a day away!  The cost is $30 and includes a lunch, snack, dinner and drinks.  Registration forms may be found on the bulletin board outside the preschool office or may be emailed to you.  Contact Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.

Registration for the 2010-2011 preschool year is going very well!  With nearly 80 kids already, our classes have been filling quickly!  If you have a specific class that would best fit your schedule, please sign up soon. 

School will be out soon and your kids will be looking for something to do.  Check out the Summer Fun Camps at the School of Early Learning.  Camp dates and themes are:

June 15-17 (Spectacular Science)

July 13-15 (Awesome Art- don’t wear your best clothes because we do fun and messy art!)

August 3-5 (Around the World in 3 Days)

Sign-up sheets are available on the bulletin board outside the preschool office or you may contact Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.

Thanks for sharing your child(ren) with us.  We really enjoy working with each of our students!

Spring is arriving soon… right?  I ask this as I sit in my house on a snow day!

At preschool, we have been busy!  Students have had a great time learning about different aspects of the winter season.  Teachers have had many fun themes that the kids have enjoyed- penguins, arctic animals, and Groundhog Day, though I think I can safely say we were all wishing that theme would have lead to warmer weather!

Just a couple of quick notes/reminders/new info:

Please use checks or Money Orders when paying for tuition.

If you have a child attending Kindergarten in the DeKalb Central school district this fall, be sure to turn in the Kindergarten enrollment form to any of the DeKalb Central Schools or Central office.

Most of the morning classes are half full or are completely full.  If you have a specific class you’d like, please be sure to enroll as soon as possible.  Call or email Kelly at 925-2570 or koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.

April’s tuition payment must include the payment for May.  You may break up the May payment into smaller payments if you’d like.  When making the payments, please include a note for me so that I am aware of your intentions.

Our Pre-K students may have the opportunity to visit a Kindergarten classroom in Auburn.  More info will be coming soon! 

The last scrapbook date of the 2009-2010 school year is on March 13, 2010 from 9 a.m-9 p.m.  If you are interested, sign-up sheets are available on the bulletin board outside the preschool office.

If you are interested in signing up for baseball or softball, the Auburn Little League and Auburn Girls Softball will hold registration on the following dates at Rieke Park Lodge:  Feb. 13- Noon to 3 p.m.; Feb. 15- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Feb. 18- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Feb. 21- Noon to 3 p.m.  The league is open to boys and girls ages 4 and older. 

No plans for Valentine’s Day?  Come have dinner at First United Methodist Church.  To raise funds for a mission trip to New Mexico, the McCurdy mission team will be hosting a delicious dinner.  Tickets may be purchased in the church office or you may contact Kelly Oswalt for more information.

Thanks to all our families that have been so generous with donations this school year.  We appreciate your help very much! 

Plans for graduation are already being made.  In the next month, parents of Pre-K students will receive information on ordering caps and tassels.  The School of Early Learning provides a gown for students to borrow during graduation, but the cap and tassel are for students to keep.  The cost is usually $7.  More info will come at a later date.  Graduation is on May 16, 2010.

•• Pretzel money ($1 cash or coins) is due by January 12

• Sign up for the scrapbook day on January 23. We are looking for at least 10 people to participate! Sign up forms can be found on the bulletin board outside the preschool office.

• Please be sure to check your snacks for peanuts or peanut products, even in treat bags given at parties.

• Officer Tim Baker will be visiting our preschool on January 18th and 19th. He will be talking with students about how police officers are a friend, the importance of wearing a seatbelt, and “stranger danger.”

• The April tuition payment must also include the payment for May. The final tuition payment for this school year is due on April 6, but if you would like to prepay the final payment in small installments please include a note with your upcoming tuition check(s). If you would like to ask questions about setting up a payment plan, call or email Director Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com.

Enrollment for the 2010-2011 preschool year is coming soon!  Look for an enrollment form in your child’s folder closer to the end of January.  If there is a particular class that fits your schedule, be sure to sign up before enrollment is open to the community!

The School of Early Learning is looking for crafters for the school’s annual Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Sat., Dec. 5, 2009 from 9 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  Proceeds will go toward the school’s scholarship fund.  For a registration form or if you have questions, please contact Kelly Oswalt at 925-2570 or email koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com. 

If you are interested in donating items for our Snack Shoppe at the craft show, we are looking for the following donations:  Pop in cans (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, and Mountain Dew); 12 0z. bottled water, cookies, Walmart gift cards, and cash donations.  Your help is appreciated!

Christmas Program

Early Pre-K and Pre-K students will be performing for friends and family on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:00 p.m. and

4:00 p.m.   

At 2:00 p.m., the following classes will be performing:  Ms. Mary’s T/Th class, Ms. Leslie’s morning class, Ms. Andrea’s morning class

At 4:00 p.m., the following classes will be performing:  Ms. Mary’s M/W class, Ms. Mary’s afternoon class, Ms. Leslie’s afternoon class, and Ms. Andrea’s afternoon class. 

Parents of Ms. Bea’s, Ms. Darla’s, and Ms. Stephanie’s class are welcome to come and watch to see what your child will do in the future. 

Dismissal numbers

Thank you very much for consistently using your dismissal numbers.  Because we have had a few subs lately, the staff has really appreciated those who have brought their numbers at dismissal time.  If you need extras, please let your child’s teacher know.

Fundraiser

Our fundraiser has begun and the School of Early Learning appreciates all you are doing!  Sales will end on Friday, November 6th.  This year the money raised will go toward the purchase of play equipment, 2 kitchen sets, and 2 table/chair sets.   The top 5 selling families will chose a Vera Bradley bag.  Thanks for all you do!

Scrapbooking

Are you a scrapbooker?  Come to the scrapbook day on Saturday, November 7th from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.  Enjoy an entire day of cropping your favorite photos and memorabilia.  To save your spot, email koswalt@auburnfirstunited.com or call 925-2570.  Snacks/drinks and a meal are included in the $30 cost.

Parent Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences November 11/12!  Teachers will soon be sending home sign-up sheets.  Please find alternate childcare for both dates.  We are looking forward to meeting with you!

We are migrating towards an online information center.  On this blog you can get up to date information about what your child is doing, and what they will be doing!!!