We are kicking our fundraising year off with a fav! Davison Orchard Apples! It is one of our biggest and most popular fundraisers!
May News
Themes for May
Environment Mother’s Day Spring Farm
Environment
During this theme, we will be discussing the importance of recycling. We will be discussing the environment on Wednesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 2nd. After discussion we will be taking the children to the Carstairs bottle depot during our allotted walk time. To help the children understand the process of recycling bottles please send one recyclable item (i.e. juice box, water bottle, etc.) on these days so that your child will be able to receive money for their recyclable item.
Please ensure you bring proper clothing on these days. The wind has been quite chilly. This adventure is weather permitting!
May 1 - Monday/Wednesday classes visit the bottle depot
May 2 - Tuesday/Thursday classes visit the bottle depot
May 6 - Fire drills for the Monday/Wednesday classes (weather permitting)
May 7 - Fire drills for the Tuesday/Thursday classes (weather permitting)
May 9 - Playschool Open House - 5-7
May 10 - Growing Smiles delivery date - Time to be announced
May 14 - Miss Marg comes to read to the Tuesday/Thursday classes
May 14 - Carstairs Playschool Board Meeting at 7pm - anyone welcome
May 20 - No school because of the Victoria Day holiday
May 21 - No school because Victoria Day was yesterday
May 22 - Crazy hair day for the Monday/Wednesday classes
May 23 - Crazy hair day for the Tuesday/Thursday classes
Open House - Spread The Word!
Families new to the Carstairs Playschool Society are welcome to stop by between five and seven on May 9th. This is great way for families interested in the playschool to see the space and ask questions about our programming. Staff and board members will be on hand to answer those questions!
Table Time
The three year old’s will be working on the numbers 0 – 8, using the Handwriting Without Tears Program. These activities help the children follow one step directions, and work on their fine motor skills which involve using small muscle movements in their fingers. The children will also be continuing to work on their scissor skills while at the same time being reminded to use the correct hand position while holding the scissors.
The four year old’s will be working on the letters M, N, V, W, as well as practicing writing their names. The children will also be continuing to work on their scissor skills and will also be reminded to use the correct hand position while holding the scissors.
Black foam sheets Red foam sheets Small paper plates
CES Communication Permission Required
It is that time of year again! Mrs. Gerle will be meeting with Ms. Upshaw, principal at Carstairs Elementary School, to start the process of playschool students transitioning into kindergarten.
In order to help our 4 year old students transition to Kindergarten with ease, Mrs. Gerle will discuss information such as personality (shy, outgoing, social, anxious, etc.), peer relationships (student 1& 2 work very well together, etc.), or supports (speech, fine motor, etc.). This information is used to help create classes and provide insight into student needs for the upcoming Kindergarten year.
These conversations can only take place if parents provide permission. Please complete the attached google form by May 8th.
April News
April Themes
Mat Man
Transportation
People in the Community
Earth Day
April 1 – No school – Easter holiday
April 2 – No school – Easter holiday
April 3 – Wear purple day for the Monday/Wednesday classes to honor Autism Day
April 4 – Wear purple day for the Tuesday/Thursday classes to honor Autism Day
April 9 - Carstairs Playschool Board Meeting - 7pm
April 15 – April 18 – Spring Break
April 23 – Miss Marg from the library comes to read to both classes
April 25 - Growing Smiles Fundraiser Deadline
Table Work
This month the three year old’s will be continuing to work on the vocabulary for the Handwriting Without Tears Program. We will be discussing the language used to begin our pre-printing activities, such as big lines, little lines, curves and circles. We will also be starting to work on proper pencil grasp and we will be referring to this as “puppy fingers.”
The four year old’s will be working on letters R, K, and M. Practicing these letters will help the children learn to use correct top-to-bottom, left-to-right directionality for letters, while holding a crayon with proper pencil grip and using their helper hand to help stabilize objects and paper. I work closely with the children at this center so I am able to help them with their pencil grip as well as help them with the letters in their name. I am very impressed with all of the four year olds!! They have come so far with their name writing and their understanding of the lingo used in the Handwriting Without Tears Program.
Ms. Johnson’s center almost always involves some kind of scissor practice which may have to do with the theme or the letter that we are working on. The children love this center and all of them have improved significantly with their scissor skills!! We are both so proud of all the kids, and how well they are doing this year!!!!
Fundraiser
Just in time for Mother’s Day! The growing smiles fundraiser will run until April 25th. Orders will be delivered to the playschool on May 10th. Thank you for your support
Board of Directors
The Board is seeking help for the upcoming school year! With the Carstairs Playschool Society being a non profit organization it is very important to have a full and functional board of directors. The commitment is minimal being only one hour per month, and you do not need to hold a seat on the board. More information about the various positions, please check our website or reach out to Gail at 403 999 8275
Open House
Spots are filling for the upcoming school year! Staff and board representatives will be available to answer any questions you may at our open house on May 9th from 5-7pm. Bring your children, see the space and meet the staff!
